Sunday, December 18, 2022 |
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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,
“The perfect is the enemy of the good.” Thus I began my homily two days ago at the Wednesday, 6 pm Eucharist in the chantry. At the risk of patting myself on the back, it seemed to me that when I finally uttered “Amen,” I’d had something meaningful to say. Correction: the Spirit had given me something meaningful to say. With a grand total of seven people in attendance, perhaps the message deserves a wider audience, so here goes.
“The perfect is the enemy of the good.” It is a phrase unique neither to me nor to Christianity, but I was thinking of it in reference to the reading from Isaiah 35:1-10. Biblical scholars pinpoint the passage to the Babylonian exile, sometime in the 6th century BC. Decades earlier the Babylonians had sacked Jerusalem and carried off a large percentage of the Jewish people to live in exile. They longed to be released and allowed to return home. Isaiah prophesied that a redeemer, an “anointed” one was coming to save them. Surely the redeemer would be one of their own who would lead a mighty parade on a highway that would stretch across the desert. The highway would be called “the Holy Way,” and no non-Jew would be allowed on it. The ransomed of the Lord would return to Zion with singing. Everlasting joy would be upon their heads. Sorrow and sighing would flee away. Such was their perfect vision.
How did the perfect vision play out in reality? Well, the redeemer turned out to be a pagan Gentile named Cyrus, of Persia. Yes, Cyrus came, conquered the Babylonians, and freed the captives. But he had no intention of leading a parade to Jerusalem. The Jews would have to get there on their own. The highway across the desert was more like a footpath than a paved road. The parade of people was a trickle not a flood. Jerusalem was a city in ruins and full of squatters, not the glorious place they remembered. Isaiah assured the people that all of this was the Lord’s doing, but instead of being marvelous in their eyes many Jews chose to stay put. The people who yearned to be free and go home missed what was happening right before their eyes. Long before anyone coined the phrase, it was an example of the perfect being the enemy of the good.
What is the point for us? Here comes Christmas with all the hopes we project onto it. We envision perfection, however you define it: perfect family relationships with parents, children, the love of your life, and close friends. We imagine giving and receiving perfect gifts. We envision the perfect experience around the tree, at the dinner table, in church. Perhaps you’d like a little snow outside – just enough to add atmosphere. Some years a few of the pieces fall into place, other years not so much. The truth is, neither perfect people, nor perfect families, nor perfect experiences exist – at least not all at the same time. If we are waiting for perfection from imperfect people, we may miss or even reject the good things God is trying to do in and through their lives. So what if our families aren’t perfect? Neither are we. Enjoy them anyway. They are gifts from God.
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 Liturgical Season of Advent – The word Advent derives from the Latin adventus, meaning arrival, or approach. In our worship, the hymns and Scripture readings take on a mysterious, urgent tone as we anticipate the coming of Christ. One-by-one we light the four candles of the Advent wreath. The Gospel readings shift to Luke, the liturgical color is blue and we begin a new Church Year.
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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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A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten with Nancy Allen, harp, will be offered by The Girls’ Choir with Alumni of the Choir and members of The Adult Choir at 4:00 pm in the Church.
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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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Christmas Flowers & Greens – Every year at Christmas time it is the generous donations from our parishioners and friends that enhance the beauty of Grace Church. You may use the enclosed Christmas flower envelope to offer your cash or check (made payable to Grace Church), and place it in the collection plate, the wooden box in the Parish House hallway, or the mail to Grace Church. You may also donate online (put your dedications in the comments box). We recommend donation amounts beginning at $50, but are grateful for any amount. Thank you! For your donation “in honor of” or “in memory of” to be listed in the Christmas bulletins, it must be received by Friday, December 16.
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Sunday 6 pm Eucharist – The weekly 6 pm Sunday Eucharist in the Chantry is a great option for those who may have other morning commitments (such as sleeping late) or are returning to the city after being away for the weekend. 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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Dec 24, 25 - 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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CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24
4:00 pm Christmas Pageant
Featuring our cast of friendly beasts, angels, shepherds, and villagers.
Doors open at 3:30 pm. The service will be livestreamed.
7:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
Patrick Allen, 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.
The service will be livestreamed.
10:30 pm Festive Music for Organ, Baroque Trumpet, Violin & Cello
John Thiessen, Cynthia Roberts & Patrick Allen
11:00 pm Candlelight Choral Eucharist
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
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CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25
11:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector. The service will be livestreamed.
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EPIPHANY, January 8
4:00 pm Amahl & the Night Visitors
Choral Evensong. The Adult Choir.
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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:
Jim Pendorf
Sally Metcalfe
King Phojanakong
Marcello Saunders
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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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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