Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Epiphany |
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Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24
4:00 pm The Christmas Pageant
in-person and
live-streamed
7:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
8:00 pm A Festival of Nine
Lessons and Carols
in-person and
live-streamed
10:30 pm Festive Music for the
Organ, Trumpet & Violin
11:00 pm Candlelight Choral Eucharist
in-person only
Christmas Day
Sunday, December 25
11 am Holy Eucharist with Carols
in-person and
live-streamed
Epiphany
Sunday, January 8
4:00 pm Amahl & the Night Visitors
in-person only
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,
Here we go! Christmas is just about here, and preparations at Grace Church are in high gear.
On Saturday – Christmas Eve – we plan to tell the story of Jesus’ birth in three distinct and beautiful ways. At 4:00 pm we will present a magnificent pageant that includes a cast of more costumed angels, shepherds, wise men, friendly beasts, and villagers than you can count, all in addition to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, of course. Then by 8:00 pm the choir pews will be back in place in the chancel for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a service in which we “read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God, from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this holy Child.” Finally at 11:00 pm we will celebrate the midnight Eucharist, by which we remember and make present God's giving of Jesus. When we receive him in bread and wine at the altar, the Word becomes flesh in us. If three services in one evening leaves you hungry for more, we do indeed have one more: the Christmas Day 11 am Eucharist: a bright, happy liturgy with carols, choir, and sermon. Take your pick, and come prepared to sing praises to the newborn King. If you are out of town, feeling ill, or otherwise unable to attend any of the services, you can watch the livestream on Christmas Eve at 4 and 8 pm, and then on Christmas Day at 11 am by clicking here.
Finally, a few notes of parish business:
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At all four Christmas services the entire offering we collect goes to the Vestry Fund for Outreach (VFO). It is from this fund that we make grants to agencies of mercy in the city working to combat homelessness and hunger. As you know from simply walking down any street, the need is great, so please be as generous as you possibly can be when the offering plate comes by in your pew. Also, if you are watching on the livestream you can contribute to the VFO by clicking here.
- When Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, as it does this year, Christmas takes precedence and we do what we normally do on Christmas Day, not on Sundays. In other words, we will have one service at 11 am. There will be no 9 am or 6 pm services on December 25.
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Covid Safety – What a difference between this year and last year, to say nothing of two years ago. Thanks to the miracle of the vaccines we have made great strides in emerging from the pandemic. Yet the experts tell us that variants of the virus are always seeking a host, and that if you are especially at risk you should wear a mask when indoors amidst a large crowd. While we have no mask mandate, we encourage everyone to exercise caution: stay home if you are feeling ill, mask up if you are at risk, and be current with the vaccines.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
See you in church,
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Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 24
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4:00 pm The Christmas Pageant |
The Christmas Pageant features our cast of friendly beasts, angels, shepherds, and villagers.
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7:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ |
8:00 pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols |
The Choir of Men and Boys with the Girls’ and Adult Choirs.
Sermon by the Rector.
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
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10:30 pm Festive Music for Organ, Trumpet and Violin |
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Patrick Allen, organ; John Thiessen, trumpet; and Cynthia Roberts, violin.
In-Person only
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11:00 pm Candlelight Choral Eucharist |
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
In-Person only
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Christmas Day
Sunday, December 25
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11:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
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Epiphany
Sunday, January 8
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4:00 pm Amahl & the Night Visitors
Choral Evensong. The Adult Choir.
In-Person only
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The Offerings at all Christmas Services will go to support the Vestry Fund for Outreach, which makes grants to address hunger, homelessness, and poverty in our city. In 2022, grants from the Fund supported the Episcopal Charities of New York (which supports 100 parish-based mission programs in our diocese), The Red Door Place (our food ministry partner here in the neighborhood which we volunteer at monthly), Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison (which boasts an amazing success rate in keeping released graduates from going back to prison or to the streets), and the Seamen’s Church Institute (which provides hospitality, education, legal support, and pastoral care to mariners, who are often economically vulnerable and isolated). Please give generously this Christmas!
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Coffee and Fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to 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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The Sunday Forum is on Recess until January 8
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2023 Annual Pledge Campaign: A Mighty Fortress is our God – On October 30th, we launched the 2023 Annual Pledge Campaign. 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. 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 here. (You have all of 2023 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Contact Travis Kennedy by email or call him at 212-254-2005.
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Vestry Nominations – Many thanks to those who have agreed to serve on the Nominating Committee this year. According to our parish by-laws the Committee must consist of the Warden not up for reelection (Doug Evans), two Vestry members (Lethe Black and John Berringer), two parishioners named by the Rector (Erik Sorensen and Jason Slibeck), and the Rector, who serves as an ex-officio member. If you would like to nominate a Grace Church parishioner to serve on the Vestry, please fill out the form you will find on the table outside the Reception Room and place it in the “Vestry Nominations” box by Sunday, January 1, 2023.
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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 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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Advent Collections – Thanks To All Who Gave – “Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11.) Our community at Grace Church has contributed 202 hats, pairs of gloves, and scarves, 224 undergarments and socks, and 806 toiletries, to help provide basic comfort to some of our neediest neighbors in New York City. With special thanks to the Stevenson-Minuse family and Jason Slibeck for coordinating, sorting, counting and delivering the donations to our recipient organizations.
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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. Clothing donations are not needed for this ministry. 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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20s and 30s at Grace Church – We have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties here at Grace who meet regularly for Pub Theology and other seasonal events. If you are interested in connecting with us, please email the Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our email list.
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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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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: Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 am. Upcoming baptism dates: 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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Restrooms are available on the 1st floor of the parish house, through the north aisle door near the baptismal font.
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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:
Roger Omlid
Gordon Matheson
Jim Pendorf
Sally Metcalfe
King Phojanakong
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
Tom Hall
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
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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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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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