WORSHIP SECTION
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.
Christmas Eve
Pageant and Eucharist
Thursday, December 24
4:00 PM

The Rev. Libby Wade
Officiant and Preacher

Pageant Director.....Andrea White
Intercessor..............John Cheek
Responder...............Dindy Anderson
Counter................... Sarah Sieber

First Sunday After Christmas;
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 27,
10:00 AM

Lector................Meredith Haider
Intercessor........John Cheek
Responder........ Tom Doyle
Counter............. Sarah Sieber

New Year's Eve Vigil
and Centering Prayer
Thursday, December 31
5:00 PM

Annual Parish Meeting
Sunday, January 24
following 10:00 AM
Morning Prayer



ZOOM INVITATIONS 
FOR GRACE CHURCH


Christmas Pageant
and Eucharist
Thursday,
December 24, 2020
4:00 PM
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937


First Sunday After Christmas
December 27, 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


New Year's Eve Vigil
and Centering Prayer
Thursday, December 31
5:00 PM
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937


Tuesday Bible Study
7:00 to 8:30 PM
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)


Books and Bread,
January 13, 2021
at 7:00 PM
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
First Sunday After Christmas
John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.

O come, O come, Emmanuel -
(Piano/Cello) -
The Piano Guys
The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher tells us that we must "choose Christmas" this year and reflects on The Letter to Titus.

Download from Vimeo:
Advent 3 Reflections: Craig Hammond, Kathy Clausen and Bishop Doug Fisher
Enter the contemplative space of Advent with Bishop Doug Fisher and hear the voices of lay and ordained colleagues. This video series includes seasonal music and images that will deepen prayer and stir the heart.
A Message from Libby

As we turn from the long wait and gathering darkness of Advent, Christmas appears on the horizon – full of hope and light and grace.  As we make that turn toward Christmas, I offer you a poem that is helping me through an unsettling time.  We’re all living with more than our normal share of uncertainties this Christmas season, as the days of pandemic stress follow one after another.  Going to God with an open heart and mind, leaving our uncertainties behind, allows us to see more fully the grace that is always at play in our relationship with the God-head.   The poem, written by L. William Countryman, is called “Going to God with the Shepherds”.

            If you want to go to God, go without
            your certainties.  Take your graces.  Leave
            your certainties behind.  If you go looking
            for a Triangle inside a Trefoil inside
            a Conundrum, you’ll miss the greatest sight
            of all, the Holy Trinity playing 
            children’s games on the lawns of heaven…..
            Take the goodness of your life.  And take
some moment of uncertain and life-giving
            hope, like an angel whispering or—sometimes—
            trumpeting in your ear.  These are our guides…..
                                                                        And so
            go with the shepherds on their angelic quest….
            See what you never expected to see, the doors
            to God opening in that manger against
            all certainty.
                                                And then return to find
            anew the tracks of grace: the beauty of men,
the beauty of women, the delight of children,
            the running of a swift dog, the flight of birds,
            the sweetness of a pear, hands held in quiet.
            If you want to go to God, leave your certainties
            behind.  But be sure to take your graces.

Blessings, Libby+

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, delightful music, powerful scripture readings, and faithful prayers will characterize a traditional (though virtual) service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. Thanks to our music team for the extra time and effort it takes to produce such lovely music.
Thursday, December 31, 5 p.m. – Centering Prayer and New Year’s Eve Vigil

Grace Clergy Transition: Preparing Our Profile
By now you should have received a letter with some "good news" about Grace Church from the analysis with Canon Simpson of the results of surveys submitted by 47 Grace parishioners during September and October. Click here to read the letter.

A rough draft of The Profile will be presented at the Annual Meeting January 24, 2021. Finalizing and uploading to the (newly renovated) Grace website will take place in February in time for Canon Simpson to present to potential applicants at the March Transition Officers conference.

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? What about Grace has brought you closer to God?

Have you heard from us yet? Give one of us a call. Our phone numbers are in the letter.
Thank you to all parishioners who submitted surveys!

Pray with Us Daily:

God of abundance and wisdom, you have blessed Grace Church with love and respect for one another and with joy in our community. Help us to discern your will and to be open to your guidance as we seek a new rector for our parish. Grant us the ability to hear your voice as we listen to one another. Give us wisdom and patience, mutual respect,and clarity of vision, that we may choose and receive a priest who serves with warmth and humor, inspiration and faithfulness, and who will lead us where you are calling Grace Church to serve the mission of Jesus in this time and place. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
PRAYERS AND CARES
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    
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

CRAWFORD, Ruth   
125 Woodland Road
Lee MA 01238
413-243-2575

FLETCHER, Virginia
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Room 303
Great Barrington, MA 01230

 
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
Lees Landing Nursing Center
9807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
413-507-2832

TURNER, Barbara     
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230 


With sadness, we announce the death of John Grammer
late last week. A faithful member of the Grace Church Choir, John's voice is now part of the heavenly chorus. May angels surround John and saints welcome him into the peace of perfect rest. May God's love and the compassionate care of this Grace Church family surround Mary Anne and all their family in this time of grief and mourning. 

There will be a memorial service after Covid but no date has been set yet.
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


GRACE CHURCH 
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
 
Members of the Parish Family:
The Rev. Libby Wade, 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:
John Grammer, husband of Mary Anne; Rollie Tillman, father of the Rev. Jane Tillman; 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:
Pray for Christians in other denominations and the work of the ecumenical movement His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome His All Holiness Archbishop Bartholomew of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches Bishop Ivan M Abrahams, General Secretary World Methodist Council The Reverend Chris Ferguson, General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches .

And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
Monique Kirchoff, 12/22; Olivia Perkins, Gabriel Perkins, 12/26.

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)
 
To find your local number: Click here  
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.

*******
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.

Register with Karen Warren via email by the registration deadline listed, specifying your chosen workshop date.

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.


Diocesan Compline
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday @ 8:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 5008 6637
Passcode501604
Dial by phone
+1 929 205 6099 

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.
I WANT TO HELP
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
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. 

CHANGE THE BABIES
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.

LEARNING AND DISCOVERY
Becoming Beloved Community
I Will Light Candles
 
Candles of joy, despite all sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all the year long.
  Howard Thurman,
The Mood of Christmas
& Other Celebrations
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 
*********************************
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: 
   
Children and Teens Please Join Us!
GRACE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays, at 11:00 AM.


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
(Meeting ID): 859 9461 5863 (Passcode): 508436
Bible Study
Tuesday Bible Study 
in Collaboration with St. Paul’s 
and Christ Trinity
 
Advent Bible Study Series 
"Songs in Waiting--Reflections on Christ's Birth"
Last Session is Tuesday, December 22 

New Epiphany Bible Study Series begins Tuesday, January 12
 “Into the Light: Finding Hope Through Lament”
                                                        
or call in: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 826 0996 0553               
Passcode: 446609
Questions? E-mail Libby at [email protected].

I WANT SOME FRIENDS
THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER

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. 
BOOKS and BREAD
JOIN the NEXT DISCUSSION 
   Wednesday, on Zoom
January 13, 2021
at 7PM  
Dindy Anderson will lead our discussion  
Meeting will end at about 9:00 PM  
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Rev. Libby Wade,
Interim Rector
270-519-6934 [email protected] 
GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
Mailing:
P.O. Box 114  
Great Barrington, MA 01230
 
Gretchen Fairfield
Office Assistant 
 
The Rev. Jen Bloesch 
Gideon's Garden
Program Director  
413-644-6572
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: 
[email protected] and by phone 413-644-0022.
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 413-274-6566
Cathy Haywood 413-464-6664
Holly Murray 860-977-9198

The Rev. Libby Wade is available for pastoral emergencies. 270-519-6934.

Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff 
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
Please send comments by emailing [email protected]