A Message from The Rev. Tina Rathbone | |
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What do you long for most deeply? And also: How are you planning to make at least a little room for that longing to be felt this Advent season? We shy away, often, from places and times that allow such feelings to surface, but in all her ancient wisdom, the church sets aside a full month for it, so it may be worth considering doing something different for the next four weeks.
For my part, I am hoping to set aside 20 minutes each morning in order to…..do nothing at all, not even consciously pray. Instead I will silently pose the question to myself: ‘what do you long for most deeply; what is your true heart’s desire?’ and then wait to see what arises. I’ll let you know how it goes – and perhaps you will let me know how your time goes too, if you choose to do something similar.
May God bless us all as we struggle on towards the one who holds all desires in his heart – Jesus, the little one - and may the Spirit show us the way to him, each in our own way. Tina xox
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Advent Bible Study
Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. on Zoom
November 29, December 6, 13, 20
Isaiah 2:1-5, Isaiah 11:1-10,
Isaiah 35:1, Isaiah 7:10-16
The Rev. Libby Wade, St. Paul's Interim Priest, will lead folks from the three South County Episcopal/Lutheran churches in a study of the wonderfully evocative Isaiah passages from our Advent Sunday Lectionary. Invite friends to join us.
For Zoom link:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
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This week I went out during on a sunny 20 minute break from wreath making and harvested some cabbage and broccoli. It was just over freezing, about 35 degrees but walking the beds at this time is still a reminder of the resilience of plants. These cruciferous plants can take temperatures down to 28 degrees, have some of their cells burst and thaw out to keep growing again.
The winter rye and vetch continue to hold their place and grow millimeter by millimeter and the field field have just started to die down. God willing there will be a small greens harvest for this week of Thanksgiving.
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The People's Pantry
If anyone wants to volunteer at the People’s Pantry, there are shifts on Mondays from 3:30PM to 5:30PM, Thursdays from 8:30AM to 10:30AM and Thursdays 10:30AM to 12:30PM. Here’s the link:
https://www.thepeoplespantrygb.org/volunteer
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Announcement from the Communications Office | |
Donate to Episcopal Relief & Development
MAKE AN URGENT GIFT-DONATE NOW Your immediate support will help Episcopal Relief & Development and other Anglican partners provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine. By contributing today you will join our online...
support.episcopalrelief.org
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Welcome Mats Made by Refugees | Thistle Farms Global
Handwoven and handmade by refugees in Greece, these welcome mats serve as a symbol of welcome and acceptance for refugees. Perfect to use in your home as a wall hanging or floor mat. Feel good about the products you buy at Thistle Farms and support refugees. Order yours today!
Love Welcomes.
thistlefarms.org
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Babies are placed in the Home when their mother has died and they cannot be cared for at home. | |
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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.
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Becoming Beloved Community | |
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Where Are You in the Labyrinth?
"Telling the Truth" is a good place to begin, especially at Thanksgiving in Massachusetts.
Below are two short video clips from PBS about the Pilgrims and their encounter with the Wampanoag People.
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Swords to Plowshares speaker, Chelsea,
shared her experience
at the Guthrie Center on
November 12, 2022.
Watch and listen to her speak here:
https://vimeo.com/770834293
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Here is our readout for last Tuesday:
This image came from one of our participants who was read the Letters of John this past week. Our discussion of the image led us to the phrase "keep your lamps trimmed and burning."
Dear God, eternal source of light
You illumine our path and banish fear
We thank you for your steadfast companionship
We pray that we can keep our lamps trimmed and burning
So that we may make ready for Your coming
AMEN
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Announcement from the Communications Office | |
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. | |
“Comfort ye, my people”:
An Advent online retreat
To: All the Faithful
From: Canon for Communications
Re: Online Advent Retreat
Date: November 10, 2022
“Comfort ye, my people”: An Advent online retreat
Saturday, December 3
9:30 a.m. – 12 Noon • Online (free)
We live in a time of radical challenge and change. Advent offers us rich material for prayer, conveying images of disruption, struggle, and endings, and images of reconciliation, birth, and beginnings. In this morning retreat, we will seek to create a space of prayer big enough to encompass both what disturbs and shakes us, and what brings comfort and hope. How do the images of Advent enlarge our capacity to midwife Christ’s birth within us and among us? Our time together will include presentations, silence, singing, solitude, and small group conversation. If possible, please bring a candle and a Bible, and wear something comfortable for an optional walk outdoors.
This free retreat is open to the public and is sponsored by both Episcopal dioceses in MA and by Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ.
DOWNLOAD POSTER
REGISTE
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas
An Episcopal priest, author, retreat leader, and climate activist, Margaret Bullitt-Jonas serves as Missioner for Creation Care for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ, and as Creation Care Advisor for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. (To contact Margaret, email [email protected]).
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation and fellowship on December 18,
6:00 PM at a
location to be decided
Separate checks
For more information contact
George Raymond.
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BOOKS AND BREAD
resumes in 2023
Details to follow
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!
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MOVIE NITE
Watch the film at home then,
Join us for a discussion
on December 1, at 7:00 PM
on Zoom.
A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver for an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.
Green Book is about the relationship between two real-life people: Donald Shirley and Tony “Lip” Vallelonga.
The film can be viewed on Prime Video, VUDU and Apple TV. When searching for this movie look for GREEN BOOK not The Green Book.
To join this Zoom meeting
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Password: 917937
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Step into Grace
Where strangers become friends
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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The Second Sunday
of Advent
Holy Eucharist
December 4, 10:00 AM
In person & live-streamed
on ZOOM
Please visit our website:
https://graceberkshires.org/visitor/
for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.
Celebrant and Officiant:
The Rev.Tina Rathbone
Click here for WEB site ROTA
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
The Second Sunday
of Advent
Holy Eucharist
December 4, at 10:00 AM
For Zoom
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Contemplative Eucharist
Wednesday at 10:00 AM
In person at Grace Chapel
and on Zoom:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Lectionary Bible Study
Tuesday at 7:00 PM
For Zoom:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Centering Prayer
Thursday at 5:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Movie Nite
Thursday, December 1
at 7:00 PM on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Books and Bread,
resumes in 2023
In person and on Zoom
To join Zoom meetings:
Click Here
Meeting ID: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
Third Sunday Supper
(Every Third Sunday)
December 18, at 6:00 PM
Location TBD
In person
More information in the
article found above.
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The Second Sunday
of Advent
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Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.’”
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
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For the most up to date information
please visit the
Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website,
https://www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org/.
They will post notice of appointment openings 6-12 hours in advance. You can find answers to your vaccination questions including information about the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine on their FAQ page.
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Praying for each other and for the needs of the world is a vital mission of Grace Church. To add a prayer request to this list, please contact the Church Office
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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 reach out as you can.
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
BOWENS, Marina
BREASTED, John
BROOKS, Jane
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FRYE, Vonnie
GORE, Barbara
HAIDER, Meredith
McCURDY, Deborah
TURNER, Barbara
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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)
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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
Cathy Haywood, Margaret O’Clair, Mark Anderson, Dindy Anderson, Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, , Meredith Haider, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, Charles Folger, Barbara Gore, and Barbara Turner.
Others we love: All those grieving the death of Jack Stedman; Linda White; Stacey Thomas and her children, Claire, Mark and Johnny; All those grieving the death of Ed Hunt; all those grieving the death of Nelda Curry; Karen LaRocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy; Joy Milani, dear friend of Dindy Anderson; the Hardenberg family, friends of Lynn Walker; Conrad Harper, friend of John Ericson; Michael Pine, Pennie’s beloved Godson; Sophia, who is grieving the sudden death of her son; Linda Tornicelli.
Those who have died: Michael Rywkin, Monique Kirchoff's father; Wendy Reeve, Cathy Haywood’s sister; Jack Stedman; Queen Elizabeth II; Rino Aldrighetti, beloved friend of Steve White; Ed Hunt, brother-in-law of Anne Andrews; Faustino Gonzalez Nasario; Ruth Thornton, a dear friend Steve and Andrea White; Richard Edelstein, husband of Pat and beloved friend of our congregation; Hugh Pecon; Nelda Curry; Sam Raymond; Sara Keene; Vanessa Neves, daughter of Patti Poulos, friend of many in the congregation; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; Jim Santolin, a dear friend of Rick & Sue; Larry Cheek, John’s brother; Patricia O’Hara.
Our world: For all places of violence and war around the world, that Peace may prevail, and human fear and suffering diminish. For all victims of gun violence in this country, and for those who inflict gun violence on others. For people who are suffering from COVID, Those who have died and those who mourn. For all who are alone, or afraid, or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.
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The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts: For our partners at St. Paul's and the Revs. Libby Wade, Jane Tillman; the Rev. Sam Smith as he begins his ministry at All Saints, Worcester; Christ Trinity and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Doug Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; St. Mark’s, Worcester;
Non-parochial priests & deacons;
Church Video & Film; Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Church's wider mission:
The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem
& The Middle East
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Annalise Clausen, Anne Grammer, Linda White,
12/2.
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Join us for
Centering Prayer
now in person and on ZOOM
Every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00 PM
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: 177 160 858
Passcode: 917937
Or call:646 558 8656,
(New York)
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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.
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SHINE YOUR LIGHT
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace. You may continue to mail your contributions to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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WELCOME
TO CHURCH SCHOOL!
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A Note from Grace Church Sunday School:
Advent 1
During our Sunday school lesson, we made began an Advent Calendar and made paper Advent wreaths for sharing with our family. A child said, "We can put each candle on the wreath every Sunday during Advent before we come to church! Then we will remember."
We learned about the Advent wreath as a way of marking time throughout the season leading up to Jesus' birth on Christmas. Each week with more candles lit, the light in the darkness grows brighter and brighter until the Light of the World arrives.
We learned about symbols. A child said, "A symbol is like the cross for Grace church." The circle of the wreath represents God's infinite and unending love. The candles represent Jesus as the Light of the World. Purple, the color of the three candles, symbolizes royalty and the coming of a King. The first week of Advent focuses on hope, the second week on peace, the third on joy - the pink candle - and the fourth on love. A fifth white candle - the Christ candle - is lit on Christmas Day and through Christmastide.
Our prayer this week: Hope
God of hope, we light this candle as we prepare for the coming of your Son. Awaken our hearts to you this Advent season so that when Jesus arrives, we are ready to receive him with all our hearts. Amen.
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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.
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An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
67 State Road/P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230
GRACE Parish Administrator: Ms. Jean Chapin
You can reach the church office by email: [email protected]
and by phone 413-644-0022.
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The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
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Mx. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden atgraceberkshires.org
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Mr. Joel Jorgensen
Director of Programs for Gideon’s Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden at graceberkshires.org
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OFFICERS
Senior Warden ........Kathy Clausen
Junior Warden ........Pennie Curry
Treasurer ..................Sue Gore
Clerk ...........................Mary Anne Grammer
VESTRY - AT LARGE
Class of 2023..........Dindy Anderson, Holly Murray, John Cheek
Class of 2024..........Anne Andrews, Dutch Pinkston
Class of 2025..........Cathy Haywood, Andrea White, Laura Jordahl
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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