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 and Farewell
to Jen Bloesch
December 20, 2020
10:00 AM
The Rev. Jen Bloesch
Officiant and Preacher
Lector ...........Tom Doyle
Intercessor....Sarah Sieber
Responder.... Pennie Curry
Counter....... Sue Gore
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
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
The Fourth Sunday
of Advent
(Morning Prayer and Farewell to the
Rev. Jen Bloesch)
December 20, 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
Longest Night
Service of Remembrance
at 5:30 PM
Monday, December 20, 2020
The Rev. Libby Wade
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
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
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
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)
Be safe. Be well. Hope to see you soon.
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Fourth Sunday
of Advent
Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her
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Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus
by Red Mountain Music
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Second Advent Video Features:
Allison Bird Treacy and The Very Rev. Jim Munroe
Bishop Fisher is collaborating with Global Visions and Assoc. Inc. to produce weekly Advent meditations that may be shared with our congregations. These videos include music and footage that invite meditation and run 8-10 minutes in length. Expect delivery each Tuesday at 8:00 AM via email, Facebook and YouTube.
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A Message from Libby
This is the irrational season when love blooms bright and wild. Had Mary been filled with reason, there’d have been no room for the child. I’ve long relished these words from poet Madeline L’Engle. This Advent they ring true in new ways as we wait in the midst of a pandemic surge. It seems irrational to speak of love and joy in the midst of such enormous suffering and death. Yet, we see love around us in the faithful work of caregivers and medical workers, in the increased offering of gift cards and food for those in need, and in the comforting healing prayers and tokens of concern of church family for each other. Love was born as a child in Bethlehem, but love was already there from the very beginning. Most importantly, the loving presence of God in Christ surrounds and holds us through all the twists and turns of life’s journey. It may seem irrational and impossible, but it is real and possible. For that, we can be joyful!
On Monday, December 21, at 5:30 p.m., please join me on Zoom for a Longest Night Liturgy of Remembrance. As we grieve the many COVID deaths of this year and losses or deaths in our circle of family and friends, we will acknowledge the Holy One who loves us in sorrow and joy and remember that we are never fully alone. The service of prayers, readings, music, and candle lighting will be brief and offer comfort and peace.
On Thursday, December 24, at 4:00 p.m., we’ll gather via Zoom for a joyful Christmas Eve Celebration. You won’t want to miss the amazing intergenerational cast who have produced a Virtual Christmas Pageant to tell the story of Jesus’ birth! Our worship, wrapped in traditional music, will also include Holy Eucharist. Blessed wafers will be mailed later this week to the Grace Church Community with instructions for sharing them during the Christmas Eve service.
On Sunday, December 27, at 10:00 a.m., 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.
Finally, on a personal note, I ask your prayers as I meet with an oncologist and surgeon over the next week to determine a plan of treatment for early-stage breast cancer detected last week through a biopsy. It’s an anxious time for me and my family, but we are hopeful. When I know more details about how the future will unfold, you (who have quickly become my church family) will be informed. Whatever is to come, please be assured that Grace will have the clergy leadership it needs. No matter what is going on in our personal lives this Advent Season, I pray that we all make room for the coming of Jesus, who gives his love so freely and completely to all
creation.
Blessings, Libby+
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
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Grace Clergy Transition: Preparing Our Profile |
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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!
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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.
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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
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
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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
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
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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. 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: 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 mission agencies and their ministry throughout the Anglican Communion, including the Mothers’ Union around the world.
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week:
Doone Marshall, 12/17; Jenny Farmam, 12/20; Dan Gray; Ted Cobden; Bill Drumm, 12/21.
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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, 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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Congratulations to St. Stephen's in Pittsfield
and to the Rev. Dr. Nina Ranadive Pooley,
who has accepted the call to be their new Rector beginning in February 2021.
Congratulations to Peter Feltman-Mahan,
who is now a Candidate for Holy Orders in the Diocese of Western MA.
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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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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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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
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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. They 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
(Meeting ID): 859 9461 5863 (Passcode): 508436
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Grace Church Sunday
Pageant School
The Virtual Christmas Pageant casting call has been completed. Contact Andrea White if you are a cast member and need to know when and how the recording will be done on Friday and Saturday of this week. This wonderful gift from our Sunday School Team and lots of child and adult actors will be the Liturgy of the Word for our Christmas Eve service at 4:00 p.m. on December 24. What a treat to look forward to!
Contact Andrea White
or 413-884-4836.
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Tuesday Bible Study
in Collaboration with St. Paul’s
Advent Bible Study Series began Dec. 1
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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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
December 20 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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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)
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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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