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.
|
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
September 26
10:00 AM
All Sunday services in August
will be at Crissey Farm, both
in-person and live-streamed.
Please visit our website:
for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.
Celebrant and Officiant:
The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Welcome Team......Sieber/Brooke
Lector.................. ..Robert Forman
Intercessor.............Sarah Sieber
Altar Guild.............Kirchoff/Layton
Coffee Hour...........Dindy Anderson
Counters................M. Layton/I. Booton
|
ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Eighteenth Sunday
After Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
September 26, at 10:00 AM
in person and on ZOOM
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Centering Prayer
Thursdays, at 5:00 PM
Now in person and on ZOOM
To join the Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Grace Church Men's Group
Future dates to be announced here
Movie Nite
Thursday
October 7, at 6:30 PM
(More information in the
article below)
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
Books and Bread,
Wednesday , October 13
in person at 6:30 PM
On Zoom at 7:15 PM
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
Third Sunday Supper
(Every Third Sunday)
October 17
Location to be announced
|
|
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost |
Mark 9:38-50
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
|
For the most up to date information:
please visit the
Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website,
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.
|
Covid-19 vaccination
booster shots
are now available for those with certain big-risk medical conditions at Walgreens and Fairview Hospital on a walk-in basis. If you think you might have a qualifying condition, we urge you to go to one of these locations for a booster shot.
|
|
|
“Pay attention to how you listen!” I must have read these words from the Gospel of Luke hundreds of times, but when I came across them in the reading allotted for yesterday it felt as if I was seeing them for the first time. The words come just after Jesus’ famous instruction to set a lamp on a lampstand instead of hiding it under a basket, which is perhaps this is why I’ve missed it. But it’s a wonderful injunction. Enough for a lifetime, really.
With a lot of (very patient) help from others, I’ve come to learn that it is through listening that we learn; through listening that we grow; through listening we connect with people of all kinds – those we love, of course, but also those we are wary of because they have different ideas, or political views, or life experiences from our own. It is not easy to listen deeply or well. It takes time, and space, and the kind of generosity that can sometimes feel hard to summon. But even the desire to listen places us in right relation with others, because being willing to listen means we are willing to receive – and being willing to receive means we know we don’t yet have all that we need.
How do you listen? And to whom? Is there someone you can think of who you don’t listen to, or at least don’t listen to well? What would happen if – just for this week – you join me in trying to listen to change this and seeing what happens?
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, October 3, 10:00am
Holy Eucharist at Gideon's Garden
with Blessing of the Animals
and Harvest Celebration
Officiant/Preacher:
The Rev. Tina Rathbone / Annalise Clausen
We will celebrate together in a tent at Gideon's Garden, across the street from Taft Farms, with a Blessing of the Animals. The theme of the day is the glory of God’s creation and just a touch of St Francis through the gospel which reminds us to: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Join in the celebration after the service with apple cider and cider donuts!
An excerpt from Meister Eckhart:
Apprehend God in all things,
For God is in all things
Every single creature is full of God,
And is a book about God
Every creature is a word of God.
If I spent enough time with the tiniest creature –
Even a caterpillar –
I would never have to prepare a sermon,
So full of God
Is every creature.
|
|
About Jean Chapin,
Grace Church Administrator
Growing up in the middle of her parents’ Christmas tree farm along the Housatonic River deeply rooted Jean to Sheffield, where her family settled in 1727. After graduating from Mt. Everett, her adventurous nature lured her away to do her student teaching in England, learn to SCUBA dive in the Red Sea, take up sky diving, spend decades teaching in elementary classrooms from as far away as the Hejaz Mountains of Saudi Arabia, the Mississippi Delta in Arkansas, and the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio.
After raising two wonderful daughters, Jean returned home and now lives in the center of Sheffield. She spends as much time a she can with her amazing five-year-old grandson, Arthur.
During the past nineteen months she has been deeply committed to a Christ Trinity Church initiative that provides meals to vulnerable elders. Originally called Feeding Sheffield, the service project has expanded in several directions and has joined with other local organizations to create a program called Feeding Friends South Berkshire.
Jean is very excited to be called to this shared parish administrator position and looks forward to meeting you and to serving all three churches.
|
|
About Ryan LaBoy,
Grace Church Music Director
Ryan LaBoy is a collaborative and creative singer and conductor, and is excited to begin work as Music Director at Grace Church this fall. Having only recently moved tothe Berkshires from Minneapolis with his husband, Pastor Joel Bergeland of Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield, Ryan has quickly found himself in demand as a conductor and educator, additionally serving as Artistic Director of the Berkshire Children's Chorus and Choir Director at Bard College at Simon's Rock.
|
|
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.
ANDREWS, Anne
659 South Egremont Road
P.O. Box 714
Great Barrington, MA 01230
(413) 528-2766
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
413-243-0485
BOWENS, Marina
c/o Maryella Satinover
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
310-398-2484
(310) 749-9424 (cell)
BREASTED, John
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
413-429-8123
Cell (413) 854-3977
BROOKS, Jane
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
413-243-3367
|
|
FRYE, Vonnie
PineHill Assisted Living
at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St. Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240
413-637-7432
GORE, Barbara
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-4261
HAIDER, Meredith
5 Fox Hollow Road
#409
Lenox, MA 01240
413-551-7319
(814)308-4865
KEENE, Sara
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
413-528-4152
McCURDY, Deborah
Skilled Nursing Center
Loomis Lakeside at Reed's Landing
807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
413-507-2832
TURNER, Barbara
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
|
|
|
Announcement from the Communications Office
Pastoral word from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on...
Remembering 9/11:
Resources for Prayer and Reflection
As followers of Jesus, and with our siblings in other faith traditions, we place great value on the act of remembrance. As we reflect on the solemn anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we remember many loved ones lost and first responders who put their ...
www.episcopalchurch.org
|
|
Help needed for a fun and exciting ministry
Another great year of Church School is starting this fall and we are looking for a fourth person to assist with this wonderful ministry! No experience needed except for an enjoyment of children. It would involve participating in Church School during the first part of the service (rejoining the service at the peace) for two Sundays a month. If you want to try it once we would love to have you join us. Please let Dindy ([email protected]), Andrea ([email protected]), or Margaret ([email protected]) know if you might be interested. Thank you.
|
|
|
WE ARE RESUMING FLOWER DEDICATIONS !
There will be a sign up form
at Sunday service.
|
|
If you would like to receive healing prayers please contact:
The Rev. Ted Cobden 413-528-2247
Pennie Curry 413-429-7093
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
|
|
PRAYERS REQUESTED
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
|
|
GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
Sue Gore, Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, Pennie Curry, Mark Anderson, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Meredith Haider, Linda White, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, John Breasted, Jane Brooks, Vonnie Frye, Barbara Gore, Sara Keene, Barbara Turner.
Others we love: Larry Cheek, John's brother; Karen La Rocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy.
Those who have died:
Thomas J. Fisher, father of The
Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; Emily Trespas, friend of Jainee McCarroll and John Ericson; John Grammer, husband of Mary Anne; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber.
Our world: For the people of Afghanistan, and of Haiti, who have struggled for so long under burdens seemingly too great to bear.
For all victims of violence, and for those who inflict violence on others. For people who suffer from the COVID-19 virus, those who have died and those who mourn; caregivers and those who have been affected through loss of work, income, and housing.
For all who are alone or afraid or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.
|
|
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 and the Rev. Jane Tillman; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; Holy Spirit, Sutton; Global Missions Team; Greater Springfield Council of Churches; For the mission of the Church.
The Church's wider mission:
The Episcopal Church
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Doug Happ, 9/24; Bill and Pam Drumn, 9/25.
|
Join us for
Centering Prayer
now in person and on ZOOM
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.
To join the 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:
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
CELEBRATION OF ST. FRANCIS & GIDEON'S GARDEN
Sunday, October 3
In honor of St. Francis and the bounty of harvest, our 10:00am Sunday service will be held under a tent at Gideon's Garden across the street from Taft Farms. You may bring your well behaved pet for a blessing. After the service join Tina and the children as they bless all the Taft Farms rescue animals.
|
|
SEEKING NEW DIRECTOR OF GIDEON'S GARDEN
We have begun our search for a new Director of Gideon’s Garden. If you know someone who has a passion for working with youth, and a desire to meet and impact young people where they are, who understands that this farm is a mission of ministry, encourage them to review our listing on the website
|
Additional Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteers are greatly needed in the Berkshire Bounty effort to collect and deliver food around the southern Berkshires, if you or anyone you know is interested, please do sign up on their website! They are flexible with tasks if you cannot lift or carry.
|
|
|
Mission Matters
News from the
Episcopal Diocese
of Western Massachusetts
|
Help New Orleans through the Episcopal
Relief and Development's Hurricane Fund
Hurricane Ida made landfall on Sunday, August 29 — on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina — as a dangerous Category 4 hurricane with winds of 150 mph.
Episcopal Relief & Development’s US Disaster Program team was in touch with partners over the weekend and began holding daily coordination calls with impacted dioceses on Monday morning. Disaster response teams are beginning to assess needs created by the hurricane and to determine how best to respond.
US Disaster Program staff and partners are also using the Episcopal Asset Map as a tool for connecting churches and resources for those in need. The map now has an overlay option that shows the path of Hurricane Ida, which enables users to easily find and connect with the help they need.
|
Support the Resettlement of Refugees
Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement and migration ministry of The Episcopal Church, is currently working in partnership with the U.S. government to assist Afghan SIVs and other arrivals with resettlement and direct services through a network of 12 affiliates across the U.S.
As we continue to welcome and resettle Afghans to the U.S. through our affiliate network and engagement programs, the greatest need continues to be assistance with housing. Those who want to financially support these efforts can make a donation online here or donate by mail and send checks to:
DFMS-Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
(Include Episcopal Migration Ministries and Afghan SIV’s in the memo line.)
|
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. As we begin to gather in person, you may bring your contribution to our services on Sunday, once again.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Kids of all ages: Please join us for Sunday school on September 12, 2021. We will meet during the first part of the service and then re-join the service at the Peace. |
|
|
Becoming Beloved Community
|
|
Help make Lift Every Voice and Sing our National Hymn |
|
September 30, 11:30am – 12:30pm EDT
The Office of Government Relations and the Office of Black Ministries invite you to join us for a live virtual event to celebrate the history and legacy of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and urge the passage of H.R. 301 to make this uplifting, unifying anthem our new national hymn. Over the course of the hour, you’ll hear from faith and government leaders including:
- Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry
- Congressman James E. Clyburn
- Rev. Canon C.K. Robertson
- Byron Rushing, Vice President, House of Deputies
- And more!
James Weldon Johnson, author, lived and wrote in his Alford, MA, home during the late 1920's and 1930's
|
|
Grace Church worships and gardens on the traditional land of the Mohican people. |
|
There is no charge for this retreat which is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.
|
|
Those in EfM studying the Old Testament read Jeremiah and Ezekiel this week which led to a spirited discussion about prophesy. Those studying the New Testament read Ephesians, of which, the commentary from our textbook said, it is probably not a letter, probably not by Paul and probably not written to the believers in Ephesus. And yet, included in the canon, Ephesians has important messages for Christians. The image on the left of a soccer player helping up a member of an opposing team led us to undertake a theological reflection on Ephesians 4:25 “… for we are members of one another.”
Collect
Reconciling God, you call us all to you
We confess that we don't always listen
We deny that we are one with one another
We place our hope in the power of the example of Christ's love
Forgive us when we do not love others as ourselves
Through your love, we are transformed
In your spirit, let us walk in love, open our hearts, and become better versions of ourselves
AMEN.
|
|
Attend our Men's Group
Next meeting date to be announced here.
For more information
contact George Raymond at
|
|
|
MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of
CODA
CODA, an acronym for children of Deaf adults, tells the story of the Rossi family, who live in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ruby is the only hearing person in her family and at the age of 17, she wakes up at three in the morning to help her father, and older brother
as a deckhand on the family fishing boat.
But she wants to be a singer....
on October 7, at 6:30 PM
Watch at your leisure then join us on Zoom
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823 (Password): 385337
|
|
BOOKS AND BREAD
Join us on Wednesday, October 13,
in person at 6:30 PM for appetizers
on Zoom at 7:15 PM
for fellowship,and a lively discussion.
All are welcome!
The book is
The Stranger in the Woods
by Michael Finkel
George Raymond will lead our discussion
To join this Zoom meeting at 7:15 PM
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
- Participants should contact the Hosts (the Kirchoff's) if they plan to attend but have not signed up at Grace Church (Crissey Farm Welcome Desk)
- If you are a "regular" and are not planning to attend, please let the Host know.
- Discussion begins at 7:00 pm regardless of whether it's a Dinner gathering or an A&D gathering.
- Dinner-Appetizers, wine, soft drinks, main dish, side dishes, dessert, decaf and tea. One main dish serves 8 people.
- The Host is responsible for planning the meal. Participants are encouraged to make offerings in consultation with the Host.
- Please sign up to bring appetizers or dessert items.
Meeting is over promptly at 8:30 PM. For more information email Peter at [email protected]
|
|
THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship on
Sunday, October 17
when we will meet at 6 PM
Location to be announced here.
Separate checks/All are welcome
|
|
|
GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
Mailing: P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230
and by phone 413-644-0022.
|
|
|
|
Ms. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-6572
|
|
Mr. Ryan LaBoy,
Grace Church Music Director
|
|
VESTRY CONTACT INFORMATION |
|
Kathy Clausen 413-329-1724
Rick Gore, Jr. 413-441-7036
Sue Gore 413-243-2273
Mary Anne Grammer 413-258-4212
John Cheek 413-446-8863
Dindy Anderson 413-274-3854
Anne Andrews 413-528-2766
Dutch Pinkston 413-274-6565
Cathy Haywood 413-464-6664
Holly Murray 860-977-9198
|
|
|
Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
