Sunday, December 12, 2021 |
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9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer and Sermon in-person worship
and live-stream
on
4 pm A Ceremony of Carols
in person worship
6 pm Holy Eucharist
in person worship
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
You’ll find videos of past services and events on Vimeo and YouTube.
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Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual. |
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Dear Friends,
It is no secret that the streets and subways of New York City have become more dangerous places than they used to be before the pandemic. The problems are myriad. It is a spiraling cycle of homelessness, hunger, poverty, mental illness, and addiction. What can be done?
When Jesus had a point to make about the nature of God or the life of the disciple, he would often tell a memorable story. We call these stories parables, and to this day they have the power to singe the soul. For example, read the Parable of the Good Samaritan if you dare (Luke 10:25-37). Why did the priest and the Levite ignore the beaten man by the side of the road? Perhaps they had other important commitments ahead of them, or didn’t want to risk stopping in a dangerous place. Or read the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). How could the rich man go on feasting sumptuously every day while Lazarus lay at his gate, desperately poor and hungry? Perhaps in years past he’d tried to help, only to find Lazarus back at his gate day after day. The reasoning is sound, but something tells me that our excuses would not pass muster with Jesus.
Jesus would have us look at the poor not as problems to be solved, but as neighbors to be helped. They are neighbors in need. So what can be done? Enter the Red Door Place, a hunger relief and economic empowerment program based at the Church of the Village on 7th Ave and 13th St. The Red Door Place feeds hundreds of hungry people every week, and also works to connect them with the means to escape the cycle of poverty. In recent years Grace Church has become an increasingly important partner of the Red Door Place through our Vestry Fund for Outreach, food collections, and volunteer hours. I am deeply grateful for this ministry on the front lines of hunger, and eager to continue working with them.
At the Sunday Forum this week we will have as our presenter the Executive Director of the Red Door Place, Teresa Concepcion. Teresa will give us an inside view of the ministry and explain how they carried on through the pandemic. She will also field questions and offer opportunities for us to volunteer and support the work. The Sunday Forum meets at 10 am in the reception room, where coffee and breakfast treats are served. We are also on Zoom (see below for the link).
Check out these two quick videos that highlight the work of the Red Door Place. It is our work too. Jesus ended the Parable of the Good Samaritan with the challenge: “Go and do likewise.” Go and be a neighbor to those in need. The Red Door Place helps us to do just that.
See you in church.
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Vaccines to be Required – Vaccines against Covid-19 are free and available to anyone 12 years of age and older who wants to be inoculated. Receiving the vaccine protects not only you, but those you love and everyone around you, especially the children among us who are not yet eligible. Beginning next Sunday, September 12, we ask of our adult worshippers that only those who have been fully vaccinated attend in-person services. Please have your vaccine card or Excelsior Pass handy. If you haven’t been vaccinated, speak with your doctor or go to the NYC Vaccine Finder to make an appointment.
Masks On – Unfortunately we are back to a place in the pandemic where masks are strongly recommended for large, indoor gatherings. Please wear your mask beginning today. Until further notice, masks will be required for everyone in attendance, regardless of vaccination status. The mask must cover your nose and mouth at all times. Masks are available for those who don’t bring their own. If you need a mask, please see an usher.
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Christmas Flowers & Greens – Donate "in Honor of" or "in Memory of" a Loved One.
Every year at Christmas time it is the generous donations from our parishioners and friends that enhance the beauty of Grace Church. We recommend donation amounts beginning at $50, but are grateful for any amount. You may use a flower envelope to offer your cash or check (made payable to Grace Church), and place it in the collection plate or the wooden box in the Parish House hallway. You may also donate online. Mark your dedication in the comments box when placing your online order. Your dedication “in honor of” or “in memory of” will be listed in the Christmas service bulletins if received by Monday, Dec 20th.
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9:00 am Holy Eucharist, Sermon, and Hymns
Church is open
for in-person worship!
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Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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10:00 am The Sunday Forum - The Red Door Place - Teresa Concepcion
During the pandemic one of our most important outreach partners has become The Red Door Place, located at the Church of the Village on 7th Ave. The Executive Director of The Red Door Place, Teresa Concepcion, will be with us at the Forum this Sunday to describe the important work they do. Coffee is served!
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11:00 am Morning Prayer and Sermon
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
The Rev. Thomas John Szczerba Jr.
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
Music:
The Choir of Men and Boys
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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Service will continue to be video streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels. If you experience buffering, you can simply switch to another channel.
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4:00 pm A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten
Church is open
for in-person worship!
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Offered by The Girls’ Choir joined with Alumnae and Women from the Adult and Parish Choirs. Abigail Kent joins the choir with her harp. This moving choral masterpiece is a special annual holiday tradition.
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music:
The Adult Choir
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
Abagail Kent, Harp
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6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
The Rev. J. Donald Waring, preaching
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
Followed by Canterbury Downtown dinner and fellowship. All college students welcome!
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Coffee Hour: Coffee and fellowship will be available today in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am service and the 11 am service.
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Nursery Care - For children ages 1-4 is available from 9 am – 12 pm in the NEW Nursery next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall. Follow the signs! Parents are required to stay with their children for the duration of their time in the nursery. Babysitters will no longer be present.
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Youth Group – Service Day with St. Luke in the Fields – Today, from 2 – 4 pm, all 6th - 12th-grade students are invited to join Father Thomas at St. Luke in the Fields to help pack holiday bags for their Art and Acceptance guests. Bags will contain items and gifts for their guests and will be handed out to guests on the Saturday before Christmas. Pizza will follow! This will be our first youth collaboration with them. Email Father Thomas if you plan on attending.
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Activity Corner for Children In the north aisle of the church you will find coloring supplies, and books for children to use during the service. Please return all materials before you leave. We want to keep the area clean for all future families.
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Advent Drive 2021
Every Advent, we take up collections for organizations in need of supplies for the winter. Please purchase new items from the store of your choosing and drop them off in the baskets at the back of the church at all services.
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Sunday, November 28 – Advent I
Travel size toiletries for the Seamen’s Church Institute’s Christmas At Sea Project
Sunday, December 5 – Advent II
Hats and gloves for the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry
Sunday, December 12 – Advent III
Men’s underwear (L, XL, XXL) and socks for The Bowery Mission
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2022 Annual Campaign:
Let the Doors be Open! – On October 24th, we launched the 2022 Annual Pledge Campaign at all three services. All parishioners and friends of Grace Church are asked to support the work of Grace Church by making an annual pledge, or promise of financial support for God’s work in the coming year. Some will turn in the pledge cards we’ve received by mail or find in the pews. Others will begin a time of prayerful reflection to consider what God is calling them to do.
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Remember, the annual campaign not only supports the church, but gives thanks to God for all the blessings of life. To make your pledge, please fill out the pledge envelope, place it in the offering plate today, or return it to the parish office as soon as you can. You may also make your pledge online. (You have all of 2022 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Contact Matthew Kopp at mkopp@gracechurchnyc.org or 212-254-2005.
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Vestry Nominations – Normally, every year on the Second Sunday of Advent we put out the call for Vestry Nominations, building towards the Annual Meeting of the Parish on the first Sunday in February. The Vestry consists of 12 elected lay leaders (plus two Wardens) who serve three-year terms with the possibility of being nominated for a second term. This year all four members in their third year of service (Douglas Armer, Mary Cannon, Shingmin Lai, and Cathy Minuse) are eligible to serve a second term, and they have agreed to do so. Thus, the work of the Nominating Committee was brief. With no Vestry vacancies to fill we do not need to call for names this year.
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CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24
4:00 pm Christmas Pageant
Featuring our cast of friendly beasts, angels, shepherds, and villagers.
7:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
Patrick Allen, organ.
8:00 pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
10:30 pm Festive Music for the Organ
Patrick Allen, organ.
11:00 pm Candlelight Choral Eucharist
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25
11:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols
The Adult Choir. Sermon by the Rector.
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, December 26
9:00 am Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm Holy Eucharist in the Chantry
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Please Get Fully Vaccinated |
Vaccines against Covid-19 are now available for anyone 12 years of age and older who wants to be inoculated. Receiving the vaccine protects not only you, but those you love and everyone around you. It is the best way to help speed along the reopening of society. Please speak with your doctor or go to the NYC Vaccine Finder to make an appointment.
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The Church is Open
Everyday, noon to 5 pm
with Worship Service at 9 am, 11 am, and 6 pm on Sundays
as well as 6 pm on Wednesdays
All are required to observe posted guidelines during in-person worship and events to adhere to CDC Covid-19 safety protocols. We ask visitors to wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart, and sanitize your hands when inside Grace Church.
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Wednesday Evening Eucharist & Bible Study at 6 pm in the Chantry we have restarted our Wednesday evening service in the chantry. After the service, (approximately 6:45 pm) all are invited to the reception room for a lectionary-based bible study that will conclude at 7:30 pm. If you are interested in helping with the service, please contact the Rev. Thomas Szczerba by email.
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Monday - Centering Prayer (over Zoom)
12:15-12:45 pm Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. Led by Currie Estreich, MA, Spiritual Direction, the General Theological Seminary.
Meeting ID: 337 800 858
Password: 058288
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)
Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN)
Grace Church is open to the public daily from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. All are required to wear a covering over their nose and mouth, and to observe posted safety guidelines.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – Bach at Noon (Held in the church during open hours and on Facebook Live) 12:20 pm - 30 minutes of music by J.S. Bach, played on the Bicentennial Organ.
Wednesday - Women’s Bible Study (over Zoom) – 10:30 am-noon – Long-running program of guided Bible study and discussion for women. For Zoom access info, please see the link below or email the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger well before the event.
Meeting ID: 839 2240 7333
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,83922407333# US (New York)
Wednesday Evening Eucharist at 6 pm in the Chantry.
Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation (on Facebook Live) 4pm - 45-minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ
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Dec 23 – Greening of the Church – A few good souls are needed to help dress the church on Monday, Dec 23, for the joyous celebration of Christmas. If you would like to sign up, kindly contact Ellen McElduff at ellenmcelduff@aol.com.
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20s and 30s at Grace Church – We have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties here at Grace Church who meet twice a month for programs such as Pub Theology and Christ in Pop Culture. If you are interested in participating, please email the Rev. Thomas Szczerba and he will add you to our mailing list.
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Grace Cares - Would you like a visit at home or at the hospital? Do you need assistance in getting to church or an appointment? Are you struggling and in need of a friendly phone call? Would you like the Sunday lessons read to you or the service bulletin brought to you? Would you like to receive communion in your home? Grace has a pastoral care team that provides these services and more. Contact The Rev. J. Donald Waring.
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Food Donations for The Red Door Place Our food ministry partner, now called The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, is one of the few pantry/soup kitchens remaining open to serve those in need during the Covid-19 crisis. Donations are desperately needed. Non-perishable food item(s) may be dropped off in the collection baskets in the narthex when you visit Grace Church during open hours.
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In our immediate prayers:
William Yates
Rachel Kuhns
Suzanne Frances
Veronica Miller
Barney Thompson
In our Continuing Prayers:
Mary Ann Owens
William Dobi
Claudia Paoloni
Tom Hall
Josephine Ferraiuolo
Adelaide
The Rt. Rev. Andrew St. John
For those who have died:
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Send your photos of milestone events for possible publication in the Weekly Epistle to Matthew Kopp, Membership and Development Manager.
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Please Subscribe, Follow, Like and Share
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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