A Message from The Rev. Tina Rathbone | |
This incredible cake, made by Laura Jordahl to honor, celebrate and give thanks for Annalise as she prepares to leave Gideon’s Garden at the end of the year, reminded me – deliciously – of some gentle instructions from our Bishop, Doug, for Advent this year.
Here they are – as he spoke them, offered to you all, in the name of love, and in the hope of peace, justice and – yes – joy, this advent season.
God bless you, Annalise. And thank you, thank you, thank you!
Tina xox
Dear People of God, you are invited to the observance of a Holy Advent.
In this busy time of year, take time to breathe.
May you prepare the way of the Lord coming to us in the baby Jesus by turning away from cynicism and embracing hope.
May your generosity in this season extend to those in need throughout the whole year.
May you know God is present in your busy life, and in the lives of those experiencing loneliness. Listen to the prophets around us who call for swords to be turned into plowshares and invite us to honor the earth and all who live upon it.
May you dream of God’s kingdom on earth, and know that your soul magnifies the Lord. And - as you move from event to event, treasure these memories in your heart - and hear the words of St. Paul every day:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that
you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Advent Bible Study
Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. on Zoom
December 6, 13, 20
Isaiah 2:1-5, Isaiah 11:1-10,
Isaiah 35:1, Isaiah 7:10-16
The Rev. Libby Wade, St. Paul's Interim Priest, will lead folks from the three South County Episcopal/Lutheran churches in a study of the wonderfully evocative Isaiah passages from our Advent Sunday Lectionary. Invite friends to join us.
For Zoom link:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
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On Sunday, December 4, Grace Church honored Annalise Clausen for her two years of service in the mission of Gideon’s Garden. Annalise is the out going Gideon’s Garden Director (co-director since June of this year when Joel Jorgensen joined the team). Words of appreciation were spoken by members of the congregation, an extraordinary vegan cake was shared and a (stuffed) chicken was given as well. Annalise received the prayers of the congregation. We’ll still see her at church as she continues to discern her next position. Thank you, Annalise. | |
This week I went out during on a sunny 20 minute break from wreath making and harvested some cabbage and broccoli. It was just over freezing, about 35 degrees but walking the beds at this time is still a reminder of the resilience of plants. These cruciferous plants can take temperatures down to 28 degrees, have some of their cells burst and thaw out to keep growing again.
The winter rye and vetch continue to hold their place and grow millimeter by millimeter and the field field have just started to die down. God willing there will be a small greens harvest for this week of Thanksgiving.
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The People's Pantry
If anyone wants to volunteer at the People’s Pantry, there are shifts on Mondays from 3:30PM to 5:30PM, Thursdays from 8:30AM to 10:30AM and Thursdays 10:30AM to 12:30PM. Here’s the link:
https://www.thepeoplespantrygb.org/volunteer
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Announcement from the Communications Office | |
Donate to Episcopal Relief & Development
MAKE AN URGENT GIFT-DONATE NOW Your immediate support will help Episcopal Relief & Development and other Anglican partners provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine. By contributing today you will join our online...
support.episcopalrelief.org
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Welcome Mats Made by Refugees | Thistle Farms Global
Handwoven and handmade by refugees in Greece, these welcome mats serve as a symbol of welcome and acceptance for refugees. Perfect to use in your home as a wall hanging or floor mat. Feel good about the products you buy at Thistle Farms and support refugees. Order yours today!
Love Welcomes.
thistlefarms.org
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Babies are placed in the Home when their mother has died and they cannot be cared for at home. | |
It costs about $1,500 to support a baby over the time needed for the child to grow old enough to return to their home. Many years ago we at Grace decided to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana
at the rate of $1,500 per year. Your donations help us reach that goal each year. You can bring money or checks to church on Sundays and place in the jar near the Welcome Table or send a check to:
Grace Church,
PO Box 114,
Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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Becoming Beloved Community | |
Becoming Beloved Community
starts with ...
The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.
by Howard Thurman (1899-1981) American author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, and one of the principal architects of the modern, nonviolent civil rights movement, and a key mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Swords to Plowshares speaker, Chelsea,
shared her experience
at the Guthrie Center on
November 12, 2022.
Watch and listen to her speak here:
https://vimeo.com/770834293
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Here is our readout for last Tuesday:
False Prophets
The letter of Jude alerts Christians to beware of false prophets. We took this idea and ran with it and wrote the following collect after our discussion.
God, we affirm that you are Truth.
We know that we must guard against false prophets.
We wonder if our studies have given us the discernment to identify true prophesy.
We pray for wisdom,
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord
AMEN
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Announcement from the Communications Office | |
Bishop Doug Fisher established a Compline community in 2020 that continues in faithfulness five nights a week. In addition to the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith and the Very Rev. Jim Munroe, Licensed Lay Worship Leaders will be added for Thursday and Friday evenings. Zoom info is available HERE. | |
To: All the Faithful
From: Canon for Communications
Re:Advent 2022
Date: December 2, 2022
The Bishop's Advent Message
Shareable link: https://youtu.be/bxgVE98Rz0A
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation and fellowship on December 18,
6:00 PM at the
Morgan House
33 Main St, Lee, MA
Join us for a Yankee Swap.
Separate checks
For more information contact
George Raymond.
RULES for YANKEE SWAP:
Each person brings a small gift that costs no more than $10.00. The wrapped gifts are placed in a pile so they're visible to everyone. After the first person opens a gift, the next person has the option to either a) open a new gift from the remaining pile of choices or b) take the already opened gift from the first player. If he or she decides to steal the gift from the first person, that person then gets to unwrap a new gift.
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This continues with each consecutive player. For example, the third person then has the choice to either a) also unwrap a new gift or b) steal from any of the already opened gifts. Keep in mind that the person whose gift is taken can only unwrap a new gift—he or she cannot swap at that point. This goes on until every gift has been unwrapped and each person has gotten a chance to pick a gift. | |
BOOKS AND BREAD
Will meet on January 11, at 7:00 PM
to decide what books
we will read in 2023.
Questions? Please contact Peter Kirchoff.
For Zoom:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
All are welcome!
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MOVIE NITE
Watch at home at home then,
Join us for a discussion of LOCKE
A man's (Tom Hardy) life unravels after he leaves a construction site at a critical time and drives to London to be present for the birth of a child conceived during a one-night stand.
on January 5, at 7:00 PM
on Zoom.
To join this Zoom meeting
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
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Sunday,
December 11,
at 3:00PM
St. James Place
in Great Barrington
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Saturday,
December 17, 3:00PM
St. James Place
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Join us for more music on Friday,
December 9 at 7:00 PM in Pittsfield
at the Saint Marks Catholic Church
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Step into Grace
Where strangers become friends
We are an Open and Affirming church. Every one of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental ability, or economic status is invited to join us as together we live
out the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, service, and justice.
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey- you are welcome here.
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The Third Sunday
of Advent
Holy Eucharist
December 11, 10:00 AM
In person & live-streamed
on ZOOM
Please visit our website:
https://graceberkshires.org/visitor/
for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.
Celebrant and Officiant:
The Rev.Tina Rathbone
Click here for WEB site ROTA
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
The Third Sunday
of Advent
Holy Eucharist
December 11, at 10:00 AM
For Zoom
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
The Grace Christmas Eve
Holy Eucharist Service
will be at
Taft’s Farm Greenhouse
at 4:00pm, 119 Park St,
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Contemplative Eucharist
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
In person at Grace Chapel
and on Zoom:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Lectionary Bible Study
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM
For Zoom:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Centering Prayer
Thursday at 5:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Movie Nite
Thursday, January 5
at 7:00 PM on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Books and Bread,
January 11, 2023
In person and on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Third Sunday Supper
(Every Third Sunday)
December 18, at 6:00 PM
Location TBD
In person
More information in the
article found above.
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The Third Sunday
of Advent
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Matthew 11:2-11
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
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For the most up to date information
please visit the
Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website,
https://www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org/.
For those who may still be looking to get their Covid booster and/or flu shot the
Southern Berkshire
Public Health Collaborative
will be hosting a clinic at the
W.E.B. DuBois School
(313 Monument Valley Road)
in Great Barrington on Tuesday December 13th from 4 – 7 pm.
Regular dose flu and Pfizer Bivalent Booster will be available.
For more information, and to register, go to this website:
https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/tritown
The best way to avoid serious illness from Covid and the flu is to be fully vaccinated. Here is a link to find a vaccination location in the area:
https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/
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Praying for each other and for the needs of the world is a vital mission of Grace Church. To add a prayer request to this list, please contact the Church Office
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We supply this list so you may contact members of our congregation who are at home or in a nursing facility. Please hold in your prayers and reach out as you can.
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
BOWENS, Marina
BREASTED, John
BROOKS, Jane
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FRYE, Vonnie
GORE, Barbara
HAIDER, Meredith
McCURDY, Deborah
TURNER, Barbara
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Our Prayer Basket
We welcome you to use our prayer basket.
On Sundays you will find a basket near the Welcome Table with slips of paper available for you to write down prayer requests. Please ask for any prayers that are important to you and those you love. You may identify yourself and those for whom prayers are needed, but names are not necessary or required. These prayers will be offered by our healing ministers both during the service and during the week for a period of one month. Keep an eye out for the basket!!
To listen to Sarah Sieber explaining the operation of the Prayer Basket CLICK HERE
(K. Clausen)
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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
Cathy Haywood, Margaret O’Clair, Mark Anderson, Dindy Anderson, Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, , Meredith Haider, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, Charles Folger, Barbara Gore, and Barbara Turner.
Others we love: James Driscoll and Livia Driscoll; All those grieving the death of Jack Stedman; Linda White; Stacey Thomas and her children, Claire, Mark and Johnny; All those grieving the death of Ed Hunt; all those grieving the death of Nelda Curry; Karen LaRocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy; Joy Milani, dear friend of Dindy Anderson; the Hardenberg family, friends of Lynn Walker; Conrad Harper, friend of John Ericson; Michael Pine, Pennie’s beloved Godson; Sophia, who is grieving the sudden death of her son; Linda Tornicelli.
Those who have died: Jim Driscoll, father of Gideon's Garden intern, James Driscoll; Michael Rywkin, Monique Kirchoff's father; Wendy Reeve, Cathy Haywood’s sister; Jack Stedman; Queen Elizabeth II; Rino Aldrighetti, beloved friend of Steve White; Ed Hunt, brother-in-law of Anne Andrews; Faustino Gonzalez Nasario; Ruth Thornton, a dear friend Steve and Andrea White; Richard Edelstein, husband of Pat and beloved friend of our congregation; Hugh Pecon; Nelda Curry; Sam Raymond; Sara Keene; Vanessa Neves, daughter of Patti Poulos, friend of many in the congregation; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; Jim Santolin, a dear friend of Rick & Sue; Larry Cheek, John’s brother; Patricia O’Hara.
Our world: For all places of violence and war around the world, that Peace may prevail, and human fear and suffering diminish. For all victims of gun violence in this country, and for those who inflict gun violence on others. For people who are suffering from COVID, Those who have died and those who mourn. For all who are alone, or afraid, or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.
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The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts: For our partners at St. Paul's and the Revs. Libby Wade, Jane Tillman; the Rev. Sam Smith as he begins his ministry at All Saints, Worcester; Christ Trinity and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Doug Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; Ministerio Hispano en
Worcester; Ministry Development Grant Committee Episcopal Service Corps (ESC); Episcopal City Mission, Boston
The Church's wider mission:
The Anglican Church of Kenya
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
Richard Alford, Aidan Perkins,12/7.
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Join us for
Centering Prayer
now in person and on ZOOM
Every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Encouraging a practice of silence and stillness we focus on practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina using scripture, art and music. All are welcome.
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
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WHAT ARE YOU
GRATEFUL FOR?
In this time of fear and anxiety, it can be easy to miss the daily blessings that are right in front of us. Being grateful is not just for good times. Being grateful is even more important when fear sets a place at your table and heartbreak seems to be in your every breath. Because by being grateful we become aware of all the ways God is working in us. Being grateful is a part of our healing and our deliverance. Being grateful is where our best selves reside.
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SHINE YOUR LIGHT
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace. You may continue to mail your contributions to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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WELCOME
TO CHURCH SCHOOL!
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A Note from Grace Church Sunday School:
Advent 2
During our Sunday school lesson, we continued with our Advent Calendars. We also began making a Nativity scene.
The pictures say it all for the words of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
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FLOWER DEDICATIONS!
Please place your dedications in an envelope and include the name of the person you wish to honor.
Please note that your $35.00 contribution toward the flower purchase can be sent to the Grace Office or placed in the Offertory Collection.
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An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
67 State Road/P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230
GRACE Parish Administrator: Ms. Jean Chapin
You can reach the church office by email: [email protected]
and by phone 413-644-0022.
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The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
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Mx. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden atgraceberkshires.org
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Mr. Joel Jorgensen
Director of Programs for Gideon’s Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden at graceberkshires.org
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OFFICERS
Senior Warden ........Kathy Clausen
Junior Warden ........Pennie Curry
Treasurer ..................Sue Gore
Clerk ...........................Mary Anne Grammer
VESTRY - AT LARGE
Class of 2023..........Dindy Anderson, Holly Murray, John Cheek
Class of 2024..........Anne Andrews, Dutch Pinkston
Class of 2025..........Cathy Haywood, Andrea White, Laura Jordahl
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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