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This Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer
in-person worship
and live-stream
6 pm Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
(in the Chantry)
on
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
You’ll find videos of past organ meditations on YouTube.
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Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual. |
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Dear Friends,
Way back in high school I was a fledgling student in Spanish class. Going in I was about as clueless as one could be. The first order of business for the teacher was to assign us our Spanish names. Mine turned out to be Diego. I reasoned simply that Diego was Spanish for Donald. After all, both begin with the letter D. Only much later (much, much later) did I learn that Diego is actually Spanish for James. Why did the teacher give me the Spanish name for James? Because my first name is, in fact, James, and that’s what she saw on the class list. Before I was even born my parents had decided that I would go by my middle name. I’m here to tell you that no middle names ever appear on class lists. Note to prospective parents: Do your children a favor and call them by their first names! You will save them a lifetime of confusion and delay.
While I don’t remember much about high school Spanish, my one big learning was this: by studying a foreign language I came to a better understanding of my own language. English is my first and essentially only language that I began hearing and then speaking from the days my parents decided I would go by my middle name. I was immersed in English and used it without needing to understand its peculiar rules and structures. But in encountering Spanish, suddenly I had a basis of comparison that shed new light on the words and sentences I spoke every day.
I write this in advance of a book discussion that will take place on three Wednesdays, October 19, 26, and November 9, 6:45 pm in the reception room. The title is The Sabbath, by Abraham Joshua Heschel. First published in 1951, the book has become a classic in Jewish spirituality. Why are we delving into a book of Jewish and not Christian spirituality? Well, I can think of many reasons, not the least of which is that Jesus, our Lord and Savior, was Jewish. Also, by studying another tradition perhaps we will come to a better understanding of our own tradition.
The leaders of the discussion will be parishioner Jennifer San Cartier, the Rev. Harry Krauss, and yours truly. Everyone is invited. The only requirement is that you obtain and read the book, which won’t be difficult since it’s highly accessible and only 101 pages long. Yesterday I bought the last copy at Barnes & Noble at Union Square, but it is readily available online. Order your copy today and make plans to join us.
See you in church,
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9:00 am Holy Eucharist
Church is open
for in-person worship!
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Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger, preaching
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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11:00 am Morning Prayer
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger, preaching
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
The Adult Choir
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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Service is video-streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels.
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6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, preaching
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
vice Bulletin
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The Sunday Forum is on Break – Today the forum will be on break for the holiday weekend but will resume next week with the first of two forum sessions discussing the candidates for the next bishop of New York following the retirement of the Rt. Rev. Andrew Dietsche.
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Refreshments and Fellowship – After 9 and 11 am services in Tuttle Hall and the lovely outdoor courtyard called Seymour Close. Join us for coffee or something cool to drink, as well as homemade goodies compliments of the Guild of Bakers.
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Wear your nametags! Nametags can be found on the boards in Tuttle Hall. Newcomers are encouraged to visit our new welcome table during coffee hour to create their own nametags. If you are a pledging member and do not see your nametag on the boards in Tuttle Hall, please send Travis Kennedy an email so, he can make you one.
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Sunday 6 pm Eucharist – The weekly 6 pm Sunday Eucharist in the Chantry has returned. Join us for hymns with instrumentalists and sermon. An important component of the Sunday 6 pm service is Canterbury Downtown, the college fellowship that meets for dinner and discussion after the service. All college students welcome.
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The Guild of Bakers – The summer has depleted our stockpile of coffee hour goodies! If you enjoy baking (or buying) cookies, brownies, muffins, or other freezable bite-sized treats, please consider joining a revitalized ministry called the Guild of Bakers. You can participate on your own timetable, whenever the Spirit moves you. The next time you are baking (or buying) goodies that would be popular at coffee hour, all you have to do is make an extra batch. Just wrap it well and drop it off at the parish office any time during business hours, or on Sundays after church. We have plenty of freezer space to store your culinary creations for a future coffee hour. Please sign up for the “Guild of Bakers” by sending an email to Mickey Hawley, Parish Office Coordinator.
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Restrooms are available on the 1st floor of the parish house, through the north aisle door near the baptismal font.
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Oct 16 – Rejoice in the Lamb by Benjamin Britten will be offered as part of Choral Evensong by The Choir of Men and Boys with the Adult Choir on Sunday Oct 16 at 4 pm in the Church. This beloved annual offering returns this season after the interruptions of the COVID lockdowns
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Oct 13 & 21 – 20s and 30s at Grace Church – We have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties here at Grace Church. On Oct. 13 from 6:30 – 8 pm we’ll gather for Pub Theology at The Penny Farthing and on Oct. 21 at 6 pm we’ll have a combined young adult meet up at St. Luke-in-the-Fields. If you’re interested in participating in either event, email the Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our mailing list.
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Oct 16 & 23 – The Sunday Forum – Meet the Candidates for Bishop of New York – Last November the Rt. Rev. Andrew Dietsche, Bishop of New York announced his plans to retire. Since then, a search committee has been at work to nominate a slate of candidates who will stand for election at the Cathedral on Saturday, December 3. How will the electing convention work? Who are the candidates and what gifts and abilities would they bring to the ministry of bishop? Join us for two Sunday Forum sessions on the upcoming election, 10 am in the Reception Room.
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Oct 19, 26, & Nov 9 – New Book Discussion - Join us for a discussion of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s book “The Sabbath,” a brief yet profound exploration of the meaning of the Seventh Day. We will meet on three Wednesdays - October 19 and 26, and November 9 - at 6:45pm in the Reception Room, covering the Introduction, Prologue and Part One on October 19; Part Two on October 26, and Part Three on November 9. The book is available at local bookstores, including Barnes and Noble, and on Amazon. Led by parishioner Jennifer San Cartier and the Revs. Harry Krauss and Don Waring.
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Oct 22 – Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place – Help us prepare a meal for our neighbors at The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, our food ministry partner. Email The Rev. James Morton if you plan on attending.
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Oct 30 – The Sunday Forum – The Episcopal Church and Abortion – With the Supreme Court’s recent overturning of Roe v. Wade the topic of abortion has been much in the news. What has the Episcopal Church said officially about abortion and the many issues surrounding it? The Rev. Julia Offinger will review the relevant resolutions from General Conventions, and lead us in theological reflection. 10 am in the Reception Room.
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Nov 6 – Fauré’s Requiem will be offered by the Adult Choir as part of Choral Evensong on Sunday Nov 6 at 4 pm in the Church.
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Nov 8 – Christmas Pageant Sign-ups and Interviews! All children and youth aged 5 and older are invited to participate in the annual pageant, held on Christmas Eve at 4 pm. All participants must submit an online cast information sheet by Monday, Nov 7. Those interested in singing a solo, duet, or trio must also sign up for an interview (Tues, Nov 8 from 1-5 pm in the Music Room). Visit this webpage for links to the full pageant schedule, the cast info sheet and the interview sign-ups.
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Nov 12 & 13 - Grace Christmas Fair – Saturday, Nov 12 from 11 am - 7pm. Sunday, Nov 13 from 10 am - 4 pm. Art / Crafts / Silent Auction / Refreshments at Catharine's Cafe! Wine & Cheese Reception - Saturday from 5 - 7 pm. Bring your Christmas gift list! Contact Elana for more information, and Lethe if you would like to volunteer!
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9 am Worship Service – The Church is open for in-person worship.
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The Sunday Forum – Our weekly discussion forum for adults that examines theological, political, and social topics of Christian concern meets most Sundays in the Reception Room from 10:00-10:45 am.
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11 am Worship Service - The Church is open for in-person worship. Services continue to be video-streamed every week.
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Children’s Chapel - During the 11 am service. Children ages 4-12 are invited to start church with their parents in the pews and then join Father James or Mother Julia in the chantry for a time of learning and prayer.
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Nursery Care – The nursery is open from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the room next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall. Adult supervision is required.
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Coffee Hour - Coffee and fellowship will be available today in Tuttle Hall following the 9am service. Join us for a festive fellowship hour in Huntington Close (weather permitting) after the 11 am service.
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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, and help us keep the area clean for future families.
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6 pm Worship Service and Holy Eucharist in the Chantry |
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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. For Zoom access, please see The Weekly Epistle or email The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger.
Meeting ID: 337 800 858
Password: 058288
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)
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Tuesday-Friday – Bach at Noon (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 12:20 pm - 30 minutes of music by J.S. Bach, played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Wednesday – Women’s Bible Study – 10:30 am on Zoom with The Rev. Julia Offinger. Contact Julia for Zoom instructions.
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Wednesday – 6 pm Holy Eucharist in the Chantry |
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Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation – (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 4:00 pm - 45 minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Sunday – Hymns from Grace (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 4:00 pm - 45-minutes of favorite hymns, anthems, and voluntaries played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN) Monday - Saturday from noon – 5 pm.
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October is Tuna Month! – Canned tuna is a staple that food pantries always need. Help us make a special push to ensure The Red Door Place is well stocked this October. More information about this ministry can be found below.
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Food Donations for The Red Door Place – Our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, is a vital pantry/soup kitchen serving those in need supporting the social safety net in our neighborhood. 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. We also have two volunteer days at The Red Door Place planned for this fall on Oct 22 and Nov 19. Email The Rev. James Morton if you plan on attending.
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Fresh Direct (or Other Reusable Bags) Needed – The Red Door Place is also seeking donations of Fresh Direct or other reusable bags to support its ministries. If you’d like to donate bags, you can place these in the collection baskets in the narthex with the food items.
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Help Ukrainian Families – Episcopal Relief & Development is working to provide humanitarian assistance to the more than 2 million people who have had to leave Ukraine. Specifically, their partner ACT Alliance is helping families on the Hungarian border, and their Anglican partners are mobilizing both an immediate and long-term response in Poland, Romania and Hungary. Your emergency gift will provide cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needs as this crisis unfolds. To make your donation today, click here.
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Baptism at Grace Church – There sacrament of baptism takes place during a weekly, public worship service about once a month. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or a child, please first be in touch with The Rev. Julia Offinger to discuss next steps. Attendance at one class prior to your chosen baptism date is required. Upcoming classes: Sunday, October 16 at 4 pm; Friday, November 4 at 5 pm; Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 am. Upcoming baptism dates: Sunday, October 23 at 9:00 am; Sunday, November 6 at 11:00 am, Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 11:00 am.
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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. Julia Offinger.
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Safe Church – Grace Church is committed to providing its members, staff, and visitors with a place that is free of abuse and harassment. If you have observed, or personally experienced sexual, or other forms of harassment while attending activities, classes, or events held at Grace Church, or on our shared campus with Grace Church School, we encourage you to notify us. Please visit this page where you will find a direct means of providing feedback.
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Mask and Vaccine Optional – In order to bring Grace Church more in line with comparable NYC establishments, vaccines, though still strongly encouraged, are no longer required for you to be in the building. Likewise, masks are optional. For those feeling unwell, please join us via the livestream.
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The Church is Open
Every day, noon to 5 pm
Vaccinations are required to enter Grace Church. If you are vaccinated, masks are optional. All visitors are required to observe posted guidelines during in-person worship and events, and to adhere to CDC Covid-19 safety protocols.
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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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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Paul La Farge
Gardner Rankin
Karen Scramlin
Geoff Hawley
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Ronnye Brickous
Claudia Paoloni
William Dobi
Tom Hall
For Those Who Have Died:
Rebecca Godfrey
Josephine Ferraiuolo
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Send your photos of milestone events for possible publication in the Weekly Epistle to Travis B. Kennedy, 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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