A Message from The Rev. Tina Rathbone

I try to keep this space as wide open as possible, which means not focusing too much or all the time on the regular worship of our congregation. But, today, I simply can’t stop myself! Church on Sunday was so full of freedom and love that I can’t resist sharing it here.

For those who weren’t able to be there, the service started with two sisters, six and five years old, singing the Our Father which they had learned simply by listening to others over the past weeks and months. It continued with Meredith reading over zoom, Ted proclaiming the gospel, and Mary Anne preaching with rare power and clarity. Three members of the congregation – George, Pennie and Doone - then shared with us a little about the truth of God’s presence and hope in their own lives and, finally, we blessed, broke and shared bread together accompanied by extraordinary music from the choir, to which three people couldn’t help but dance in front of the flickering fire.

All of this took work, of course: planning, preparation and practice are part of it. But more even than that, it took generosity and freedom: a willingness on the part of so many to offer themselves, and also a willingness to receive that offering with gratitude– which, combined, allowed something more to enter in. This ‘something more’ is what all worship is designed to lead to, and -- in Christian language, at least -- it is called Emmanuel. God with us.

So today I give thanks for each one of you individually, and for you all gathered together as well. In person, over zoom, and in spirit, may we continue to be transformed together by, with and through the One whose love birthed us all.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2,

THE BLESSING

OF THE ANIMALS

during worship at Gideon's Garden and after worship at Taft Farms

ALL are WELCOME

This past summer stands out to me as a real triumph in community making here in the garden. With our sister internships running alongside one another, the Taft Farms Fellowship and the Gideon’s Garden Interns made a big impact.

I was listening back to a brief recording I made during our wrap-up party for the Taft’s Fellowship and noticed the language. These young people are using the words “we” and “us” to describe their activity this summer in a way that is a greater “we” than I had heard from them before.

Here is one of our most dedicated volunteers, Jim Wade. He is posing in front of some pumpkins we most certainly did not pick, but admired. In case you haven't been down to Taft's recently their pumpkin display is incredible! Best gourds in the county!

Monday 9-12 PM

Wednesdays 9-12 PM and 3-5 PM 

Come on over and volunteer or visit! (A. Clausen)

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.

Imprinted: Illustrating Race     Through October 30

Norman Rockwell Museum       Stockbridge,MA

This powerful exhibit examines the role of published images in shaping attitudes toward race and culture. Over 300 artworks and objects on view of widely circulated illustrated imagery will be on view, produced from the late eighteenth century to today, which have an impact on public perception about race in the United States. The exhibition will explore stereotypical racial representations that have been imprinted upon us through the mass publication of images. It culminates with the creative accomplishments of contemporary artists and publishers who have shifted the cultural narrative through the creation of positive, inclusive imagery emphasizing full agency and equity for all.

Click here for more information

It seemed fitting this week, the day after her funeral, that we would undertake a reflection on Queen Elizabeth II. Dame Maureen Lipman referred to the Queen as the “mother yeast” of Britons’ daily bread, meaning that she nourished a sense of identity and supported growth and creativity, while also helping to maintain a predictability and stability that allowed people the freedom to explore and thrive, or at least to hang on. The Archbishop of Canterbury, and other faith leaders talked about her habit of daily prayer and regular worship and a sense she had that God had appointed her to her position, and that she was answerable to God for her work as monarch.

God, you are the mother yeast of our lives

We are rising to realize our own potential and personhood

We come together in awe and wonder at the life of Queen Elizabeth II

We pray that we may also live a life nurturing others in Your service. 

AMEN

To: All the faithful

From: Canon for Communications

Re: Online retreat with Margaret Bullitt-Jonas

Date: September 15, 2022

Strong winds are blowing against us: the winds of white Christian nationalism, the winds of war, the winds of climate change. Like the disciples in their small boat, we may feel “battered by the waves” (Matthew 14:24). Let’s gather to pray for the courage to meet Christ in rough seas, the serenity to trust in Christ’s presence, and the boldness to bear public witness to Christ’s love. Our time together will include silence and guided meditation, presentations and small group conversation, and free time for solitary prayer and a contemplative walk outdoors.

This online retreat will be held the day before Faiths for Climate Justice launches 5 weeks of faith-based climate events (Oct. 2- Nov. 6). Please consider planning or joining an event, so that we can pray for you during our retreat.

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas

An Episcopal priest, author, retreat leader, and climate activist, . (To contact Margaret, email [email protected]).

Register to get Zoom link

STAY CONNECTED @EpiscopalWMA | 413-737-4786 | diocesewma.org

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.

BOOKS AND BREAD

Wednesday, October 12

at 6:00 PM

in person and on Zoom

GREEN

by Dan Tawczynski

Our host for dinner will be Carol Way.

Pennie Curry will lead our discussion.

Our gathering ends at promptly at 9:00PM.

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!

Summary of Vestry meeting on

Sunday, September 25

We were fortunate to have Doreen Hutchinson, co-chair of the Wisdom Group, speak to us about the history of that Group. With the creation of the Community Engagement Team, she suggested how the two can function cooperatively keeping in mind the mission of our church and the importance of stewardship of both financial and people resources. Thank you, Doreen. Also, Annalise Clausen (see her comments in the GG section) and Joel Jorgensen of Gideon’s Garden reflected on the impact the garden had on the young people and community members who participated this year and some thoughts that are bubbling up as they look to the future. The Vestry will be going to Wisdom House, Litchfield, Ct on retreat in a couple of weeks. You see these meetings are really quite interesting-never boring. Perhaps you would like to learn more about serving on vestry. We would love to talk with you if you’re curious. The vestry, alongside our rector, Tina, oversees Grace, helps to shape and continue our mission, and offers a way to deepen the faith of its members. Just ask anyone listed at the end of this newsletter.



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)

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.