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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Morning Prayer
December 6, 2020
10:00 AM
The Rev. Libby Wade
Officiant and Preacher
Lector ........... Sue Gore
Intercessor.... Robert Forman
Responder.... Dindy Anderson
Counters....... Anne Andrews
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Morning Prayer
December 6, 2020
at 10:00 AM
This is a recurring meeting
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Grace Sunday School 11:00am - 11:45 AM
This a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 859 9461 5863
(Password): 508436
Tuesday Bible Study
7:00 to 8:30 PM
Bible Study resumes on December 1
This is a recurring meeting
or call 646-558-8656
(Meeting ID):
826 0996 0553
(Password): 446609
See article in this edition of Tuesday's Child for more info.
Centering Prayer
Thursdays 5:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Third Sunday Supper
Every third Sunday
at 6:00 PM
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
(Meeting ID): 778 608 743
(Password): 729107
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Be safe. Be well. Hope to see you soon.
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Second Sunday of Advent
Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
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Prepare the Way, O Zion arr. by Mack Wilberg
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The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher addresses the 119th Diocesan Convention as part of Morning Prayer. |
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A Message from Libby
This past Sunday we lit the first Advent Wreath Candle with these words: “In the face of hunger, injustice, and despair, we light a candle of hope. Let the light from this candle say to all that God’s hope is coming on earth as it already is in heaven.” On the remaining weeks of Advent, we’ll light candles of peace, healing, and love. As the candles burn, we mark this time of waiting, preparation, and longing. Each time we light the Advent Wreath, we’ll end with some variation on the words, “Be not afraid.” These words, often spoken by angelic messengers in scripture, are healing balm for this anxiety-filled time in our history. Let them sink into your body and fill your heart with courage. Please join your Grace Church family for worship via Zoom whenever possible.
Sunday, December 6, 10 a.m. – The 2nd Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer on St. Nicholas Day
Sunday, December 13, 10 a.m. – The 3rd Sunday of Advent
A Service of Prayer and Healing
Sunday, December 20, 10 a.m. – The 4th Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer and Farewell to the Rev. Jen Bloesch
Monday, December 21, 5:30 p.m. – Longest Night Service of Remembrance
Thursday, December 24, 4 p.m. – Christmas Eve Service with Holy Eucharist
and Virtual Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 27 – 10 a.m. -- Service of Lessons and Carols
Thursday, December 31, 5 p.m. – Centering Prayer and New Year’s Eve Vigil
Peace, Libby+
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Announcement from the Communications Office
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This online retreat is co-sponsored by The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. Open to all at no cost.
In these tumultuous times, what better way to welcome Jesus than to set aside a quiet morning to make room for his birth in our hearts and minds? During this Advent Quiet Day, we will step away from our daily tasks and concerns so that we can listen with full attention to the Spirit’s movement within us. Our intention will be to awaken to the divine Presence being given to us, moment by moment, breath by breath. Our time together will include presentations and guided meditations, with options for solitary reflection (indoors or out) or small group conversation.
Please bring a candle and matches, if you can. For the periods of free time, you may wish to have a journal or art supplies nearby, or a good warm coat so that you can head outside. Together, let’s create a space for Jesus to be born again in our lives. This online retreat is open to all, free of charge.
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas serves as Missioner for Creation Care in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ. To find out more about Rev. Margaret go to her website: RevivingCreation.org.
Registration URL:
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The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts | 413-737-4786 |diocesewma.org
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Clergy Transition: Preparing Our Profile |
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Look for a letter after Thanksgiving with some "good news" about Grace Church that the Profile and Search Committees and Vestry learned from the analysis with Canon Simpson of the results of surveys submitted by 47 Grace parishioners during September and October.
Throughout the search process, we believe you will want to "hold on to" this letter because it is a happy reminder of who we are and whose we are.
The letter also describes the Profile Committee's next step--gathering photos, videos, and stories from you! What have been some of your meaningful memories of the past 5 years with Grace? What are your hopes for Grace for the next 5 years?
You'll be hearing from us!
The Profile Committee
Thank you to all parishioners who submitted surveys!
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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
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
413-243-0485
BOWENS, Marina
c/o Maryella Satinover
(310) 749-9424 (cell)
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
310-398-2484
BREASTED, John
Fairview Commons
Cell (413) 854-3977
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
413-429-8123
BROOKS, Jane
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
413-243-3367
CRAWFORD, Ruth
125 Woodland Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-2575
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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
GRAMMER, John
86 South Beech Plain Road
Sandisfield, MA 01255
413-258-4212
HAIDER, Meredith
5 Fox Hollow Road #409
(814)308-4865
Lenox, MA 01240
413-551-7319
KEENE, Sara
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
413-528-4152
TURNER, Barbara
(413) 243-8904
130 High Street
Lee MA 01238
413-243-8904
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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; 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, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Maureen Terry, Gino Furio, Meredith Haider, Debbie Holmes, Mary Booton, and Vonnie Frye.
Others we Love:
Emily Trespas, friend of Jainee McCarroll; Tanner, friend of Sue and Rick Gore; Ed and Fran, brother-in-law and sister of Anne Andrews; Kristen Mary, cousin of Jainee McCarroll; 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, sister of Cathy Haywood; 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: Bob Magee, former member of St. James; 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; Locke Larkin, brother-in-law of Maureen Terry; Charles Olegar; Marianne Felch, friend of Janet Zimmerman; Pat Edelstein; Anthony Aiuvalasit, friend of Janet Zimmerman.
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 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
The Church's wider mission:
The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain (Extra-Provincial to the Archbishop of Canterbury) The Rt Revd Carlos López-Lozano - Bishop of Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
Annalise Clausen, Anne Grammer, Linda White, 12/2;Richard Allford, Aiden Perkins 12/7.
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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.
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)
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Announcement from the Safe Church Officer |
REMINDER:
Safe Church Workshops for Volunteers
via ZOOM
*Note: Before you register please consider your commitment
to participation, as registration for each workshop is limited to 20.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2020,
9 a.m. to Noon
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 2nd
Tuesday, January 5, 2021, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 30th
The Rev. Tanya Wallace, Safe Church Officer for our diocese, will be presenting three-hour workshops for volunteers via ZOOM on the above dates. Materials will be provided electronically.
These workshops are open to all volunteers who work with children and youth. They are also open to Eucharistic Visitors. It is recommended that you update your training every three years.
Registration must include your name, home mailing address, preferred email, parish name/location, and date of workshop. You will be sent a ZOOM link to confirm your registration!
COST: The cost of a volunteer workshop is $15.00 per person and will be billed to your parish.
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Diocesan Compline
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 5008 6637
Passcode: 501604
Dial by phone
+1 929 205 6099
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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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Stewardship: Giving through a Retirement Account Distribution
If you are planning to make your 2021 pledge for the mission of Grace Church or want to pay your 2020 pledge from the required minimum distribution (RMD) from your retirement account, this information from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) may be helpful. Read more HERE.
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Church Growing Hope:
A Conversation
with Jen Bloesch
The Food & Faith Podcast is hosted by two pastors and writers Anna Woofenden and Derrick Weston. They interview pastors, academics, and religious leaders whose work sits at the intersection of food and faith. In October, they interviewed Jen Bloesch about her work at Gideon's Garden.
To listen to Jen's interview about the work that Grace Church does through Gideon's Garden
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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. 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.
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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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Becoming Beloved Community |
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At some time during this Thanksgiving week, you may want to find time to view a brief excerpt from the first episode—“After the Mayflower”—from the powerful PBS five-part series, We Shall Remain. This 7 minute excerpt depicts the first encounter of the Wampanoag with the Pilgrims. If you wish to view the entire episode and more, it is available on Kanopy, a free streaming service which you can join with a Berkshire Atheneum library card or a Stockbridge Library card.
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Pennie Curry, and Lee Cheek are Grace Church members who are a part of Sacred Ground, a 10-week film-based dialogue series on race and faith.
The current Sacred Ground series led by the Rev. Libby Wade will conclude in December. If you are interested, another group could be formed in 2021. To learn more
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Please contact Lee Cheek, co-chair
of the Bishop's Commission for
Beloved Community at
*********************************For up-to-date resources and events, visit and follow the Beloved Community facebook page:
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Children and Teens Please Join Us! |
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GRACE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays, at 11:00 AM.
Families and Advent:
Grace Church Sunday School is providing:
An Illustrated Advent for Families: Do Not Be Afraid, a resource for engaging families in faith formation at home during Advent, published by Illustrated Ministries.
"The inspiration for our theme comes from the angels’ message in the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke: “Do not be afraid!” This phrase is an instruction God gave to God’s people throughout their history, and it’s a message God continues to give to us today. This Advent, we invite you to explore what it looks like to hold hope when life feels uncertain, to bring peace in the face of fear, to practice joy when everything seems burdensome, and to choose love, when sometimes, it’s just really hard. You’ll be invited to wonder more deeply about this classic story, to imagine some of the details that aren’t filled in for us, and to make connections to your context this season.”
The packet contains weekly intergenerational devotion activities and an Advent calendar.
The packets are available for pick up any weekday afternoon from Pennie Curry at Taft Farms. Packets are available in English or Spanish. We are also glad to mail them to families who live far away. Please contact Andrea White at [email protected] or 413-884-4836 for assistance.
Grace Sunday School
This is a recurring meeting
To join this Zoom meeting
Click Here (Meeting ID): 859 9461 5863 (Passcode): 508436
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Please join us:
Grace Church Sunday School
is in the beginning stages of planning for a Virtual Christmas Pageant
and anyone (intergenerational!)
interested in participating,
please contact Andrea White
or 413-884-4836. And remember,
because it is virtual, we welcome any children or adults connected to Grace
that live anywhere with internet access.
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Tuesday Bible Study
in Collaboration with St. Paul’s
Advent Bible Study Series
begins December 1 on Zoom
Our topic for December 1 is the Song of Mary (Magnificat) found in Luke 1:39-56
Four Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
"Songs in Waiting--Reflections on Christ's Birth"
This four-week series led by the Rev. Libby Wade will draw on meditations by the Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler to explore the wonder, mystery, and hope surrounding Christ's coming. We'll focus on four ancient Middle Eastern songs from Luke's narrative of the birth of Jesus set alongside paintings from the contemporary artist Daniel Bonnell. Chandler says that in Advent "God surprises us when we least expect it, usually when we are in the midst of a difficult time and need God the most," and "provides surprises that are so much more wonderful than we could ever have imagined." Join folks from Grace Church, Christ Trinity, and St. Paul's for Bible Study on Tuesdays in Advent to look for surprises as we wait in hope. No book to purchase. Questions? Contact Libby.
or call in: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 826 0996 0553
Passcode: 446609
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Seminar forming for 2021
Education for Ministry (EfM)
EFM at Christ Trinity Church will form a new seminar group for 2021. We invite members of the Grace community to consider participating; you can speak with John Cheek (who is currently participating), or with Karen Byers, if you have questions.
EFM is a course in practical theology for seekers wanting to deepen the connection between faith and engagement with the world, We meet in a weekly seminar over 36 weeks (we break for the summer) as participants engage through study, prayer and reflection with the bible, Christian history and theology. If you want to read the Bible and discuss theological issues with fellow seekers, EFM may be for you. We would love to have you join us!
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we meet by Zoom. When it is safe to regather, we will meet in person at Christ Trinity Church.
Time (When in Person): Tuesday mornings 10:00am – 12:30 pm
Time (When meeting by Zoom): Tuesday mornings 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Time span: 36 weeks with a break in the summer
Dates in 2021: Jan 12 – June 1 and Sept 7 – Dec 14.
Fee: $375
Mentor: Karen Byers
If interested contact the Christ Trinity Church office, at [email protected] and Karen Byers will get back to you.
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
at 6:00 PM
Join us online for an evening of laughter and conversation every third Sunday. The ZOOM invite is at the top of the newsletter. For more information contact George Raymond
413.854.1222 cell
You can prepare your own supper,
but Take Out from our local restaurants is suggested.
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Rev. Libby Wade,
Interim Rector
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GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
Mailing:
P.O. Box 114
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Gretchen Fairfield
Office Assistant
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The Rev. Jen Bloesch
Gideon's Garden
Program Director
413-644-6572
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In an effort to care for each other, our church office will be closed until further notice. You can reach the church office by email:
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VESTRY CONTACT INFORMATION |
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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 413-274-6566
Cathy Haywood 413-464-6664
Holly Murray 860-977-9198
The Rev. Libby Wade is available for pastoral emergencies. 270-519-6934.
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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