A MESSAGE FROM REVEREND TINA |
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Having just turned the clocks back, the evenings are suddenly much longer and much darker than they were even a few short days ago. The sun was setting as I walked on Baldwin Hill at about 5:00 on Sunday afternoon and I couldn’t help thinking to myself, …. “Lord have mercy! It is already getting dark -- and we still have about 40 days of lengthening nights before we reach December 21st….” I kept walking, cheering myself a bit with the beauty of the fields, and the hills, and the gorgeous red barn, and then I sank again, thinking, “….and after December 21st there will have to be another 40 or so days of shortening nights, just to bring us back to this point where the sun starts to set at 5 O’Clock in the afternoon!”
Darkness is real. And right now – in the natural world around us – it is growing. But so is the light. Last Sunday we celebrated the great Feast of All Saints which is one of my favorite holidays of the church. And as we gathered together with images of those we have known and loved and see no more, the communion of saints became real and tangible among us. Time melted into itself as we listened to each other tell of a beloved mother, or grandfather, or brother, or friend. And as Cathy and Gino lit candles before each photograph, it felt as if our prayer drew each one of them as close as it is possible to be, right into the heart of our community, and of the community of the church itself. So many wise ones and loving ones and brave ones and justice making ones have come before us. Without them, we would be in a dark place indeed, and with them – well, with them there is at least the hope of light. The photo above shows just one such moment of brightness, when the congregation gathered in prayer for our children. There they are – young and old, with us in person and with us only in spirit, lit each one by the light of the Spirit that never dims and never dies.
Thanks be to God for All the Saints then – those officially recognized by the Church, and those recognized only in the depths of our own hearts. May God delight with them all now, and may we be strengthened - and enkindled - by their love. Amen
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Sue Hayden, from Taft Farms, found this poster in a back storage area over at Taft farms and brought it to me at the garden last week. This poster is a lovely collection of pictures from the last ten years of Gideon's Garden, maybe even dating back to 2010. Some of the children pictured in this poster are now fully grown adults, some people in this poster have since moved away from this area. I will bring this poster to church soon and please help me pick out who all is in this picture! |
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Fall at Gideon's
This year has been so full of challenges and gifts. Thank you all for your abundance of support this year so the garden could reach another milestone of service, and of course begin a new course of leadership in our community.
The harvest total is not quite complete because I'm waiting on some crates of butternut squash to be delivered this week to food pantries to tally the total number. However, I think in all the total will be close to 8,000 pounds. This is a pretty healthy number considering the crop loss the garden experienced because of the excessive rain. Stay tuned for more details!
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Berkshire South Regional Community Center is once again hosting suppers on Mondays from 5-6pm. All suppers will be a “to go” option. Welcome back! |
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Attached is the October 11, 2021 “List of Food Pantries & Meal Sites in Berkshire County”. Please note the following additions to my October 4th list:
We welcome the Berkshire Humane Society Pet Food Pantry in Pittsfield! They are open
Mondays – Sundays from 10am – 4pm to provide food for pets.
For list of Food Pantries and Meal Sites Click Here
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Mission Matters
News from the
Episcopal Diocese
of Western Massachusetts
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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.
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.)
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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.
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Becoming Beloved Community
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"This tribe helped the Pilgrims survive for their first Thanksgiving. They still regret it 400 years later. Long marginalized and misrepresented in U.S. history, the Wampanoags are bracing for the 400th anniversary of the first Pilgrim Thanksgiving in 1621." Read, listen, and watch this important story of human and Massachusetts history in the Washington Post here.
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'It's Been Erased: Stockbridge Mohicans Retell, Reclaim Their Story In Berkshires.
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"Pauli Murray Should Be a Household Name. A New Film Shows Why. "The lawyer, activist and minister made prescient arguments on gender, race and equality that influenced Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg." from NYTimes article, read here.
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Grace Church worships and gardens on the traditional land of the Mohican people.
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Community in Faith
Tuesday Bible Study -- New Series
An Invitation to Small Acts of Courage
The Book of Ruth
November 9, & 16 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Grace, St. Paul's & Christ Trinity
Three congregations coming together for study and support each week under a new name -- "Community in Faith" -- makes for lively discussion on a variety of topics in 3-6 week sessions. Our November series led by the Rev. Libby Wade will be a study of the Book of Ruth. Since our primary source is the scripture, there's no need to purchase a study book, but please have a Bible (any translation) handy each week.
This intriguing and beautifully written short story from the Hebrew scriptures makes a rare appearance in our Sunday lectionary readings twice this fall. The Book of Ruth is about scarcity and abundance, chaos and loss, loyalty and love, human action and redeeming grace. Tragedy, romance, and even a bit of comedy -- it's all there in four chapters. Ruth, a destitute widowed Moabite refugee in Israel, becomes the great-grandmother of David and thus one of the foremothers of Jesus named in Matthew's genealogy. How does she make that move? In our Tuesday evening sessions, perhaps our exploration of Ruth's small acts of courage in her ancient context will invite us to our own present-day small acts of courage.
Tuesday with the Word
7:00 to 8:30 PM
To join the Zoom meeting
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This week, participants in EfM read an essay “Discerning Vocation: Living into the Divine-Human Communion.” Life after death is an article of faith for Christians, but our beliefs about what that life looks like and the shape and form it takes yields to many different interpretations.
A common interpretation of the word ‘vocation’ is that of an occupation, perhaps one that is particularly worthy or requires singular dedication. In the Christian context, ‘vocation’ often means a call to a religious order or to ordination. This article asserts that, for all of us, our vocation as Christians is that we are called into dwelling with God. How this happens and what it means, might be different for each of us, as our discussion revealed. Our conversation morphed into our theological reflection and was enriched by the attached image of hard to read directions on an old signpost.
COLLECT:
Reconciling God, our guide and destination
We confess we cannot always read the signs
We deny that we don’t know where we are going
We place our hope in Your divine communion, and in Your intentions for us on our journey
Forgive us when we are distracted and turn away
Through your love bring us ever closer to eternal life
In your Holy Spirit, let us dwell.
AMEN
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship on
Sunday, November 21, at 6 PM
when we meet at
Agaves Mexican Grill
389 Stockbridge Road
Great Barrington
Separate checks/All are welcome
For more information contact
George Raymond. His contact information is in the Grace directory.
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MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of
ABOUT SCHMIDT
A 66-year-old (Jack Nicholson) retires, deals with his wife's sudden death and tries to stop his daughter (Hope Davis) from marrying a salesman (Dermot Mulroney).
on Thursday, December 2, at 6:30 PM
Watch at your leisure then join us on Zoom
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823 (Password): 385337
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BOOKS AND BREAD
RESUMES IN JANUARY
for fellowship,
and a lively book discussion.
All are welcome!
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 (Mark and Dindy Anderson'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 Kirchoff.
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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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Twenty Fifth Sunday
after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
November 14, 10:00 AM
Sunday services
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.
Officiant/Preacher
The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Welcome Team......S. Sieber/S. Brooke
Lector.................. ..Penny Curry
Intercessor.............John Cheek
Tech.......................Abe Streeter
Acolyte...................P. Kirchoff
Altar Guild.............M. Kirchoff/Layton
Coffee Hour...........Kirchoff/ Haywood
Counters................R. Gore/M. Layton
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Twenty Fifth Sunday
after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
November 14, at 10:00 AM
Now in person and on Zoom.
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Tuesday with the Word
November 9,
7:00 to 8:30 PM
To join the Zoom meeting
For more information please see the article below.
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, December 2
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, November 10
Now in person at 6:30 PM
and 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)
November 21, 6 PM
Agaves Mexican Grill
389 Stockbridge Rd., Great Barrington
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Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost |
Mark 13:1-8
As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not
be alarmed; this must take place,
but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.”
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O Day of Radiant Gladness |
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.
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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.
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Above and below,
images from the Feast of All Saints at Crissey Farm
on Sunday, November 7.
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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.
ANDREWS, Anne
659 South Egremont Road
P.O. Box 714
Great Barrington, MA 01230
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
BOWENS, Marina
c/o Maryella Satinover
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
BREASTED, John
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
BROOKS, Jane
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
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FRYE, Vonnie
PineHill Assisted Living
at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St. Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240
GORE, Barbara
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238
HAIDER, Meredith
5 Fox Hollow Road
#409
Lenox, MA 01240
KEENE, Sara
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
McCURDY, Deborah
Skilled Nursing Center
Loomis Lakeside at Reed's Landing
807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
TURNER, Barbara
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
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Former St. James member Patti Poulos’s daughter died this past week. Vanessa Neves had two children, Zia, age 13 and Stone, age 10. Vanessa'a sister Tori is also with her mom. Here is Patti’s address so you can write to her:
Patti Poulos
12800 Turtle Rock Rd. Apt. 13103
Austin, TX 78729
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Healing Prayers
If you would like to receive healing prayers from
The Rev. Ted Cobden, Pennie Curry, or Sue Gore,
please refer to your directory for their contact
information, or contact the Grace office.
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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
Sue Gore, George Raymond; 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 and Annalise Clausen.
Others we love: Rino Aldrighetti, dear friend of Steve White; Wyatt Hicks; Larry Cheek, John's brother; Karen La Rocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy; Joy Milani, dear friend of Dindy Anderson.
Those who have died:
Sara Keene; Jim Santolin dear friend of Rick and Sue Gore; Robert Bruce Martin, and Alexandra Pratt, family friends of Monique; Bernadette McCarroll, beloved family member of Jainee, John & Ellis; Thomas J. Fisher, father of The Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; 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.
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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; Christ the King-Epiphany, Wilbraham; Inquirers, Postulants, and Seminarians; Tough Love, Amherst;Bishops' Executive Secretaries Together.
The Church's wider mission:
The Anglican Church of Australia.
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
Viola Bagnaschi, 11/9; Lee Cheek, 11/14.
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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:
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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. As we begin to gather in person, you may bring your contribution to our services on Sunday, once again.
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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. |
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Thank you all
for signing up for this year’s
Flower Dedications.
It is a beautiful way to honor our family and friends both living and deceased, and is shared by all.
Please note that $35.00 contributions toward the flower purchases 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
and by phone 413-644-0022.
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The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
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Ms. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden at graceberkshires.org
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Mr. Ryan LaBoy,
Grace Church Music Director
413-644-0022
RLaboy at graceberkshires.org
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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