Time sensitive, please read.
The Rev. Jenny Gregg asks members of Grace to help secure a new homeless shelter in Pittsfield
Tuesday is the last day for phone calls.
She is inviting us to work with members of many congregations and members of First Methodist (FUMC) to make sure the homeless shelter at First Methodist on Fenn Street becomes a reality.
Jenny says,"As some of you already know, this work is already well underway and Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI) and the downtown business owners are working to bring it to a halt. As one member said during the Development Review Board hearing last week (and I paraphrase), "it's not about wanting it in my backyard, I don't even want it in my front yard."
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Step into Grace |  | Where strangers become friends |
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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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NEW!! ZOOM INVITATIONS FOR GRACE CHURCH
Please note that these Zoom invitations
are new due to tightened Zoom security measures.
Morning Prayer, August 23, 2020
(Sundays at 10:00 AM)
To join this Zoom meeting,
or call +1 646 558 8656 US (New York),
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Tuesday Bible Study at 7:00 PM
Please Note: Bible Study
resumes on Tuesday, September 1.
This is a recurring meeting
To join Zoom meeting, (Meeting ID): 753 016 518 (Password): 746804 Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Books and Bread at 7:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting, (Meeting ID): 370 191 823 (Password): 385337
Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Centering Prayer Thursdays 5:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
Dial by your location +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) To find your local number: Click here
Third Sunday Supper
3rd Sundays
at 6:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 778 608 743
(Password): 729107
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
To find your local number,
Be safe. Be well. Hope to see you soon.
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Healing Prayers
In this time of quarantine and physical separation you are still being prayed for.
If you would like to receive
specific healing prayers please contact:
The Rev. Ted Cobden 413-528-2247
Pennie Curry 413-429-7093
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
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GRACE CHURCH 
Please Include In Your Daily Prayers This Week
Members of the Parish Family: The Rev. Ted Cobden, Linda White, John Breasted,
Edna Leavenworth, George Raymond, Ed Hutchinson, Pam & Bill Drumm, The family of Richard Gore, Sr., Mimi and Dick Alford, Doreen Hutchinson, Barbara Turner, Pennie Curry, Frank Vogel - Polizzi, Mark Anderson, Elizabeth Holland, Janet Zimmerman, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Richard Edelstein, Connie Garber, Ruth Crawford, Marcia Doelman, Dindy Anderson, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Aidan, Andrea, the Rev. Steve White, Maureen Terry, Gino Furio, Elinor Hamill, Meredith Haider, Debbie Holmes, Mary Booton, Jainee McCarroll and Vonnie Frye.
Others we love: Kristen Mary, cousin of Jainee McCarroll, Sally and Don, sister and brother-in-law of Cynthia Pease; Evie De Melker, daughter of Rev. Ted Cobden; Karen La Rocque, friend of Sue Gore; Donovan Buck, nephew of Pennie Curry; Susan and Dan Gray, Beth Grady, niece of Deborah Holmes; Alice Fitch, Rose Blakely's sister; Fred Bunce, father of Mary Booton;Khali Zabian; Matt Alford, son of Mimi and Dick Alford; Wendy Reeve,
Keiron Lee, daughter of Doone Marshall; Anne Peters, Debbie Losaw, daughter of Rosemarie Blakely, Ashley Gangell, Zeke Hills, brother of The Rev. Francie Hills, Jane Williams, John Belizzi, Carole Chapple, Christy Yeo, Cooper O'Brien, Rosalind Haywood, Colonel John Tryon, nephew of Anne Andrews and all who serve our country. Those who have died: Bill Alford, brother of Dick Alford; Elinor Hamill; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber; Andrew S. Artz, brother-in-law of the Rev. Janet Zimmerman; Kathy Happ, sister of Doug and Gary Happ; Fred Bunce, father of Mary Booton; Marion Chapin Andrews; Chuck De Melker, husband of Evie Cobden De Melker; Rev. Stephen Chinlund, friend of Jainee McCarroll and John and Ellis Ericson; Joy Saville, mother of Andrea White; Richard Gore, Sr.; Locke Larkin, brother-in-law of Maureen Terry; Charles Olegar; Marianne Felch, friend of Janet Zimmerman; Pat Edelstein; Anthony Aiuvalasit, friend of
Janet Zimmerman; Patrick Barney, nephew of Mark Anderson.
Our world: For those who suffer from the COVID-19 virus; for those who have died from this virus and those who mourn; for those who provide care and comfort in this pandemic;for all who suffer from the loss of jobs and income in this time; for all who are anxious about their future and our world; for all who offer time and treasure to support those who need to know love; for all who are alone and all who reach out to care.
The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts: especially for our partners at St. Paul's, Stockbridge and the Rev. Sam Smith; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; and our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas J. Fisher; the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; St. Mark's, Leominster; Commission on Ministry The Church's wider mission: Faith Alive; The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Hugh and Pat Pecon, 8/22; Doug and Sue Happ, 8/24.
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The new Forward Day by Day booklets for May - July are now available in regular or large print.
If you would like a copy mailed to you please email Gretchen at office@graceberkshires.org.
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Questions about Zoom ?
Robert Forman's telephone number for those who would like help using Zoom:
914 478 7802.
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Bible Study resumes on September 1, 2020
BIBLE STUDY WITH THE WORD
Tuesdays, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Each session will be
followed by a Compline
service. All are welcome to join us!
New Zoom Connection:
or call in +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 753 016 518,
Password: 746804)
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WATCH
WEBINARS ON RACIAL JUSTICE
and
WATCH
Presiding Bishop Curry
speak about need to tell the truth. 
The Rev. Libby Wade, Cynthia Pease, and Lee Cheek joined thousands of Episcopalians last week for a three-part series of webinars on racial justice in our church and society: Truth, Justice, Healing. Watch Presiding Bishop Curry speak powerfully about the need to tell the Truth as he shares his own during the first 15 minutes of this video. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2597714720482006
Read about the webinar here.
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Third Sunday Supper is online on every 3rd Sunday Join our next gathering
You can prepare your own supper,
but Take Out from our local restaurants is suggested.
See the new Zoom invite for
Third Sunday Supper
at the top of the newsletter.
Join us for an evening of
laughter and conversation.
For more information
contact George Raymond
413.854.1222 cell
graymond747@gmail.com
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Click here for the 
Grace Church calendar
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Support Ascentria Care Alliance
Donate or call to learn about volunteering
Ascentria Care Alliance provides resettlement resources for refugees who have received extreme vetting by the U.S., are sponsored by the United Nations, and have been invited to live in our country.
Ascentria partners with the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and a host of other volunteer organizations to do God's work in caring for the most vulnerable in our world.
Donate on-line at
http://www.ascentria.org/donate-today
or call them at (413)-787-0725 to learn about volunteering.
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It costs about $1500 a year to support a baby. The Diocese's goal is for one congregation
to support one child for a year.
To donate to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana please send a check to Grace Church, PO Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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The Welcome Project Mat by
Thistle Farms
Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN. has come together with women refugees in Ritsonia, Greece to provide an economic platform for women and their families to escape the refugee camps. Lee and John Cheek have brought us a mat woven from materials the women took on their journey to Greece.
The mat that was on our altar is a symbol that love is the greatest force for change in the world.
Every Purchase Helps a Woman Survivor Heal. Shop Now!
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A LETTER FROM BERKSHIRE SOUTH COMMUNITY CENTER
Dear Community Friends,
The Community Center has been working on a project with the United Way/Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Fund to execute a meal pick-up program.
If you've got questions, my new "office" phone is 413-717-2674 and my hours are usually Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm Please feel free to call, text or email!
WHAT: Nourishing Neighbors south county meal program,
providing 500 meals from local restaurants weekly!
WHO: Meals are available for all community members in the southern Berkshires needing support at this time.
WHEN: Wednesdays, 1pm-3pm (For any updates or changes, follow Berkshire South's facebook page) - Please, no early birds!
WHERE: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, drive thru*. 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington.
**If you're not able to drive, please contact meals@berkshiresouth.org and we'll deliver to you! The deadline to request delivery every week is Tuesday at 10am so that we are able to plan ahead.
DETAILS: This is a contactless system, please stay in your car. We'll be happy to take your order curbside. Questions: please email meals@berkshiresouth.org.
HOW: We are so grateful for Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and the COVID 19 Emergency Response Fund. We're also thankful for Price Chopper, Taft Farms, SoCo Creamery, Domaney's Liquors and Fine Wines, Big Y, and M Designs for their donations.
You can donate online here.
Kate Tucci
Director of Educational and Community Programs
BERKSHIRE SOUTH REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER
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Schedule of Upcoming Clergy
We will welcome back the Rev. Betsy Fisher as our guest preacher on August 23.
The Rev. Libby Wade will serve as Interim Rector. She will begin on August 15 and her first Sunday will be September 6.
 Libby's full message to Grace Church can be read by clicking here.
In her conclusion, she says:
"I am blessed to be following Janet, knowing how much she loves each of you and how much time and energy she has invested in growing and deepening Grace Church's ministry and fellowship. I've also gotten to know many of the outstanding lay leaders of Grace through deanery and diocesan activities. Now I look forward to working with the Rev. Jen Bloesch and all the staff, vestry, and congregation of Grace Church. Our God, who both cries and laughs with us, has gifted you in so many ways and now calls you into a challenging, yet hopeful future. Thank you for asking me to join you for this transition time. I pray for Grace Church each day and ask that you do the same for both myself and your retiring rector, as we take on our new roles."
WELCOME, LIBBY AND JIM
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Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 16:13-20
When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
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| Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven ::
Choir of Westminster Abbey |
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Morning Prayer
August 23, 2020
Our guest clergy will be
The Rev. Betsy Fisher
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Lector
Intercessor
Responder
Counters
| Sue Gore
Doreen Hutchinson
Robert Forman
Ian Booton
Sarah Sieber
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We ask your prayers as we begin the search find a new rector for Grace Church...
This is a follow up to The Rev. Dr. Rich Simpson's presentation of yesterday following our Morning Prayer service. Rich will be shepherding us through the search process and provided us with a wealth of information. Here are a few important points:
- The Rev. Libby Wade will be our Interim Rector through out the process. She is very experienced in how to support us during this time.
- There will be two main committees formed to conduct the search. The first to begin working is the Profile Committee, and its chair is Lee Cheek. The second committee is the Search Committee with Pennie Curry as its chair.
- In short the process is as follows: the Profile Committee has the task of speaking to each and every member of our parish to gather the necessary information about who we are, what we want to accomplish in the future, where we see the challenges and growth opportunities, and what strengths and interests we might look for in our next rector. A survey is used called the Congregation Assessment Tool. Once they have that profile of who we are and what we see ahead the Search Committee begins its work.
- The Search Committee is tasked with receiving résumés, making the follow-up phones call, and interviews until a few promising candidates emerge. Once the field is narrowed to two or three, that slate is presented to the Vestry. The final interviews and the final decision is made there.
You can help and be a very important part of this. First of all we know we are a strong parish and we can be deeply grateful for that. When you thank God for each day, you can add another daily prayer for the people who will work to identify candidates, for the candidates we will meet, for Libby's presence, for the continued presence of God in our community. Additionally, if you feel called to join one of these committees, please contact me. kclausen at graceberkshires.org. Yes, it's a lot of work and will take a lot of time, but this is part of the work God has given us to do. We're in this together. Here's the link to the Transition Manual provided by the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.
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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
BLAKELY, Rosemarie (413) 243-0485
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
BOWENS, Marina (310) 398-2484
c/o Maryella Satinover (310) 749-9424 (cell)
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
BREASTED, John (413) 429-8123
Fairview Commons Cell (413) 854-3977
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
BROOKS, Jane (413) 243-3367
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
CRAWFORD, Ruth (413) 243-2575
125 Woodland Road
Lee MA 01238
EDELSTEIN, Richard
LEP, Kimball Farms,
235 Walker Street,
Lenox, MA 01240.
FRYE, Vonnie (413) 637-7432
PineHill Assisted Living at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St. Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240
GORE, Barbara (413) 243-4261
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238
GRAMMER, John (413) 258-4212
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Rd,
Great Barrington, MA 01230
HAIDER, Meredith (413) 551-7319
5 Fox Hollow Road #409
(814)308-4865
Lenox, MA 01240
KEENE, Sara (413) 528-4152
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
TURNER, Barbara (413) 243-8904
130 High Street
Lee MA 01238
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Join us for Centering Prayer ONLINE
every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00
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: 203 314 800
Password: 578877
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
To find your local number: Click here
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Announcement from the Communications Office
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Summer Compline: NEW Days & NEW Link
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Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
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Compline Leaders for Summer 2020
MONDAY: The Very Rev. James G. Munroe
TUESDAY: The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
WEDNESDAY: The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith
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Summer Compline Please do not post this info on Facebook or Twitter; e-news is fine.
Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 824 5008 6637 Passcode: 501604
Dial by phone +1 929 205 6099
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Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has completed a series of podcasts in which he discusses the Way of Love. They are available to listen to on The Episcopal church website.
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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.
You are invited to take time each day to breathe and be aware of all the ways God is present with us. Write them down or simply include them in your daily prayers. A heart that turns toward being grateful comes to see the goodness and grace of God everywhere, even in a time of hardship.
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The Beloved Community Team of the Diocese of Western MA invites all people and all parishes to join in the Episcopal Church's
long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation and justice.
Join us online!
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Did you ever wonder about how theology shapes American history?
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Pennie Curry, Meredith Haider,
and Lee Cheek are Grace Church
members who are beginning
Sacred Ground, a 10-week film-
based dialogue series on race and faith.
It is being led by Grace Church's
new interim, The Rev. Libby Wade.
This group is fully enrolled, but if you
are interested other groups could be
formed in the future. To learn more
Please contact Lee Cheek, co-chair
of the Bishop's Commission for
Beloved Community at
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For up-to-date resources and events, visit and follow the
Beloved Community facebook page:
For a curated list of educational and theological books on racism
as well as links to web resources please visit
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JOIN OUR NEXT DISCUSSION
Wednesday, September 9, at 7PM
Monique Kirchoff will lead our discussion
Meeting will end at about 9:00 PM
We look forward to seeing you. Details to follow
For more information email Peter at PetetheK@yahoo.com
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Gideon's Garden has lots of fun toys this year!
We've had a variety of new amendments to the garden, which have improved our daily work.
One of the first ones was the greenhouse. In the spring we used it for our sprouts. Now it's too hot for small plants, but it works great as a storage area for our boxes and buckets. The organized space makes harvesting much easier and less stressful.
Our second toy was the movable chicken pen!
These three chickens have enjoyed their time in the grass, and we have enjoyed having a functioning,
light-weight pen to move them around in!
 This year we have relied on shade cloth to protect our plants, especially in the heat and sun. The shade cloth helped us harvest about 750 heads of lettuce. It's also helped get a summer crop of radishes!
Now, it's protecting our sprouts for fall production.
And best of all, it's our newest, biggest toy yet! 
The new Gideon's Garden van arrived last week, thanks to Sue and Rick Gore! Two of our interns, Timmy and Alex enjoyed a tour around the farm in our new wheels!
For the link to Gideon's Garden
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So many thanks for all you do!
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HIO Sponsorship Transforms Lives
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The HIO family is a tightly knit group and totally committed to caring for one another. Loyal sponsors are our backbone. Your yearly support covers school tuition, books, uniforms, healthcare and emergency family relief for our girls.
The new school year in Nepal would normally have begun the third week of April. Our partner schools' openings will be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but we'll begin paying 2020 tuition bills for sponsored girls soon. Such a blessing to have received so many of your sponsorship donations and contributions to HIO's family relief efforts during these unsettling times. Your kind generosity is truly appreciated.
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You can now donate to Grace Church through PayPal.
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SHINE YOUR LIGHT
In this unpredictable time, your church continues to give thanks for and need your support. If you are
capable of sending in your pledge, thank you. If you are unable to give at this time, we understand. If you are capable of giving a bit more so we can respond to the needs of our community, we are very grateful. If you are in need, please contact a member of the Vestry listed at the top of the newsletter. Since we are not gathering in person in community, we ask that you send your gifts via mail to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230 or give online by phone or computer to
Tithe.ly Using your phone you may text the word "GIVE" to 774-252-9246.
We are truly all in this life together We pray, trusting that God will see us through this season and beyond.
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace Church.
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Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures
For a summary on the Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures that went into effect Monday, April 20 please click here. Remember:
No tenant should be moving out of his/her home at the insistence of a landlord.
Please read here : From
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
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Worship Schedule
Morning Prayer and Sunday Service
at 10:00 am
In this time of COVID-19 our public gatherings
have been suspended for the good of all.
Please join us online
for worship, study, and fellowship.
We pray for all who are affected by this virus
and we give thanks for the many people who are giving themselves in service to others.
May God hold you close in these anxious times.
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GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
 The Rev. Libby Wade, Interim Rector
The Rev. Jen Bloesch
Gideon's Garden Program Director
Mailing:
P.O. Box 114
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Gretchen Fairfield
Office Assistant
or by phone at 413-644-6572.
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Robert P. Jones, religious scholar and commentator, explores how white churches allowed chattel slavery and institutional racism to co-exist with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here is a 37 min. interview with Dr. Jones on Fresh Air. 
