Sunday, November 28, 2021 |
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9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Holy Eucharist and Sermon in-person worship
and live-stream
on
6 pm Holy Eucharist
in person worship
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
You’ll find videos of past services and events on Vimeo and YouTube.
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Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual. |
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Dear Friends,
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all, and congratulations to our Associate Rector, Julia Offinger, who gave birth to August Edward Offinger last Saturday, shortly after noon. “Gus” weighed in at 7.2 pounds. Mother and child are doing well, as are Julia’s wife, Caitlin, and their firstborn son, Harry, who is now 2. Check out the photos, below!
Gus’ birth means that Julia will now commence family leave and not return to the office until late February. How will we keep the plates spinning that are part of Julia’s programmatic portfolio? Well, I have chosen to steal a page from the New York Jets’ playbook. Normally, no one would want to emulate the hapless Jets, but hear me out. Back in October the Jets’ star rookie quarterback, Zach Wilson, went down with an injury that would sideline him for up to four weeks. Suddenly, the Jets had a huge gap to fill on the roster. What did they do? They searched the NFL for available, seasoned quarterbacks and signed Joe Flacco, who had been part of the Jets’ organization as recently as last year. Upon learning that Flacco was back, the New York Daily News, always at the ready with a pithy headline, announced, FLACCO IS BACKO!
Likewise, I have scanned the Episcopal Church for a wise and seasoned priest who would be available to join our staff on an interim basis. Behold, I didn’t need to look any further than the pews of Grace Church, because among our parishioners is the Very Rev’d. Canon Harry Krauss. Harry is a retired priest who has had a distinguished ministry in the church. He has served as a rector, cathedral dean, and most recently as Vicar of St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue. Prior to his ordination as a priest Harry was Captain Krauss in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and among his many posts was a tour of duty through the Pentagon. Harry has done it all – except quarterback the New York Jets (but you never know whom the Jets might suit up next). If the Daily News were to make a headline out of Harry’s joining the staff, it might be, KRAUSS IS IN THE HOUSE!
Tonight we will celebrate Thanksgiving with Holy Eucharist and homily in the Chantry at 6 pm. Then on Sunday we begin the season of Advent, the short span of time that teaches us to prepare for the birth of Jesus and count the days until Christmas. Immediately following the 9 and 11 am services everyone will have the opportunity to make an Advent wreath. Read below for more details, and if you’d help as volunteer, please contact Thomas Szczerba.
Fun times ahead! See you in church.
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Nov 24 – Thanksgiving Eve Service. 6:00 in the Chantry
Join us for Holy Communion, sermon, and favorite Thanksgiving hymns. The preacher will be the Assistant Rector, the Rev. Thomas Szczerba. Today at 6 pm in the Chantry. Note: there is no Thanksgiving Day service this year.
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Vaccines to be Required – Vaccines against Covid-19 are free and available to anyone 12 years of age and older who wants to be inoculated. Receiving the vaccine protects not only you, but those you love and everyone around you, especially the children among us who are not yet eligible. Beginning next Sunday, September 12, we ask of our adult worshippers that only those who have been fully vaccinated attend in-person services. Please have your vaccine card or Excelsior Pass handy. If you haven’t been vaccinated, speak with your doctor or go to the NYC Vaccine Finder to make an appointment.
Masks On – Unfortunately we are back to a place in the pandemic where masks are strongly recommended for large, indoor gatherings. Please wear your mask beginning today. Until further notice, masks will be required for everyone in attendance, regardless of vaccination status. The mask must cover your nose and mouth at all times. Masks are available for those who don’t bring their own. If you need a mask, please see an usher.
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9:00 am Holy Eucharist, Sermon, and Hymns
Church is open
for in-person worship!
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Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr., preaching
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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10:00 am The Sunday Forum is on break - The forum will resume next week in the reception room and on zoom
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11:00 am Holy Eucharist and Sermon
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr., preaching
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
Music:
The Adult Choir
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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Service will continue to be video streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels. If you experience buffering, you can simply switch to another channel.
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6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, preaching
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
Followed by Canterbury Downtown dinner and fellowship. All college students welcome!
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Coffee Hour: Coffee and fellowship will be available today in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am service and the 11 am service.
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Nursery Care - For children ages 1-4 is available from 9 am – 12 pm in the NEW Nursery next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall. Follow the signs! Parents are required to stay with their children for the duration of their time in the nursery. Babysitters will no longer be present.
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Nov 28 - Advent begins – Come and Make a Wreath! Celebrating with an Advent wreath during the weeks prior to Christmas is a great way to keep our thoughts focused on the coming of Christ, and to start a faithful at-home tradition with children during the hustle and bustle of the season. On the first Sunday of Advent, after the 9 am and 11 am services we’ll have all the materials ready for you in Tuttle Hall. All are welcome! Experienced wreath-makers are encouraged to help others! Sign up as a volunteer by contacting The Rev. Thomas Szczerba. (Sugg. donation per wreath: $20.)
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Activity Corner for Children In the north aisle of the church you will find coloring supplies, and books for children to use during the service. Please return all materials before you leave. We want to keep the area clean for all future families.
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Advent Drive 2021
Every Advent, we take up collections for organizations in need of supplies for the winter. Please purchase new items from the store of your choosing and drop them off in the baskets at the back of the church at all services.
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Sunday, November 28 – Advent I
Travel size toiletries for the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Christmas At Sea Project
Sunday, December 5 – Advent II
Hats and gloves for the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry
Sunday, December 12 – Advent III
Men’s underwear (L, XL, XXL) and socks for The Bowery Mission
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2022 Annual Campaign:
Let the Doors be Open! – On October 24th, we launched the 2022 Annual Pledge Campaign at all three services. All parishioners and friends of Grace Church are asked to support the work of Grace Church by making an annual pledge, or promise of financial support for God’s work in the coming year. Some will turn in the pledge cards we’ve received by mail or find in the pews. Others will begin a time of prayerful reflection to consider what God is calling them to do.
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Remember, the annual campaign not only supports the church, but gives thanks to God for all the blessings of life. To make your pledge, please fill out the pledge envelope, place it in the offering plate today, or return it to the parish office as soon as you can. You may also make your pledge online. (You have all of 2022 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Contact Matthew Kopp at mkopp@gracechurchnyc.org or 212-254-2005.
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CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24
4:00 pm Christmas Pageant
Featuring our cast of friendly beasts, angels, shepherds, and villagers.
7:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
Patrick Allen, organ.
8:00 pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
10:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
Patrick Allen, organ.
11:00 pm Candlelight Choral Eucharist
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25
11:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, December 26
9:00 am Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm Holy Eucharist in the Chantry
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19th Annual Choir Virtual Pie Sale |
Yes, we can only sell virtual pies again this year. The good news is these pies are both 100% tax-deductible and calorie-free.
Your donation funds the Choirs’ international tour, recordings, and other special opportunities for our choristers. We are excited to announce we are actively planning for a summer 2022 Tour to Germany and Poland!
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Yes, we are still singing – safely! Dr. Allen leads six rehearsals a week, after-school vocal coaching, and Sunday services are back, with distance. More than ever, Choir has been a source of joy and light for our community.
Thank you for your support. We always appreciate it.
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Please Get Fully Vaccinated |
Vaccines against Covid-19 are now available for anyone 12 years of age and older who wants to be inoculated. Receiving the vaccine protects not only you, but those you love and everyone around you. It is the best way to help speed along the reopening of society. Please speak with your doctor or go to the NYC Vaccine Finder to make an appointment.
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The Church is Open
Everyday, noon to 5 pm
with Worship Service at 9 am, 11 am, and 6 pm on Sundays
as well as 6 pm on Wednesdays
All are required to observe posted guidelines during in-person worship and events to adhere to CDC Covid-19 safety protocols. We ask visitors to wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart, and sanitize your hands when inside Grace Church.
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Monday - Centering Prayer (over Zoom)
12:15-12:45 pm Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. Led by Currie Estreich, MA, Spiritual Direction, the General Theological Seminary.
Meeting ID: 337 800 858
Password: 058288
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)
Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN)
Grace Church is open to the public daily from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. All are required to wear a covering over their nose and mouth, and to observe posted safety guidelines.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – Bach at Noon (Held in the church during open hours and on Facebook Live) 12:20 pm - 30 minutes of music by J.S. Bach, played on the Bicentennial Organ.
Wednesday - Women’s Bible Study (over Zoom) – 10:30 am-noon – Long-running program of guided Bible study and discussion for women. For Zoom access info, please see the link below or email the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger well before the event.
Meeting ID: 839 2240 7333
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,83922407333# US (New York)
Wednesday Evening Eucharist at 6 pm in the Chantry.
Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation (on Facebook Live) 4pm - 45-minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ
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Dec 3, 4 - Choral Society's Annual Christmas Concerts at Grace Church –Come and kick off the season with Haydn's festive Te Deum in C, majestic movements from Bach's Mass in B minor, selections by Mendelssohn and other German composers, and 20th century anthems from the Anglo-American tradition. Choral gems spanning six centuries in one of Manhattan's loveliest settings! Dec 3 at 8pm and Dec 4 at 3pm. Tickets ($30 general admission, $150 prime reserved) at www.thechoralsociety.org or through Choral Society members.
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Youth Group – Service Day with St. Luke in the Fields – December 12th, from 2 – 4 pm, all 6th - 12th-grade students are invited to join Father Thomas at St. Luke in the Fields to help pack holiday bags for their Art and Acceptance guests. Bags will contain items and gifts for their guests and will be handed out to guests on the Saturday before Christmas. Pizza will follow! This will be our first youth collaboration with them. Youth Group will happen on the first and third Sunday of every month. Email Father Thomas if you plan on attending
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Wednesday Evening Eucharist & Bible Study at 6 pm in the Chantry we have restarted our Wednesday evening service in the chantry. After the service, (approximately 6:45 pm) all are invited to the reception room for a lectionary-based bible study that will conclude at 7:30 pm. If you are interested in helping with the service, please contact the Rev. Thomas Szczerba by email.
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20s and 30s at Grace Church – We have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties here at Grace Church who meet twice a month for programs such as Pub Theology and Christ in Pop Culture. If you are interested in participating, please email the Rev. Thomas Szczerba and he will add you to our mailing list.
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Grace Cares - Would you like a visit at home or at the hospital? Do you need assistance in getting to church or an appointment? Are you struggling and in need of a friendly phone call? Would you like the Sunday lessons read to you or the service bulletin brought to you? Would you like to receive communion in your home? Grace has a pastoral care team that provides these services and more. Contact The Rev. J. Donald Waring.
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Food Donations for The Red Door Place Our food ministry partner, now called The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, is one of the few pantry/soup kitchens remaining open to serve those in need during the Covid-19 crisis. Donations are desperately needed. Non-perishable food item(s) may be dropped off in the collection baskets in the narthex when you visit Grace Church during open hours.
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In our immediate prayers:
Barney Thompson
The Rt. Rev. Andrew St. John
Maggie Cave
In our Continuing Prayers:
Mary Ann Owens
William Dobi
Claudia Paoloni
Tom Hall
Josephine Ferraiuolo
Adelaide
For those who have died:
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Send your photos of milestone events for possible publication in the Weekly Epistle to Matthew Kopp, Membership and Development Manager.
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Your engagement on our social media helps Grace Church!
Please Subscribe, Follow, Like and Share
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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