A MESSAGE FROM The Rev. Tina Rathbone |
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Of all the images I’ve seen from the Ukraine this past week, this is the one I printed so I could pray with, for and through it each morning and evening. The image reminds me of the full humanity of every single person whose life is being threatened by the war, and also of the truth that even in the midst of death, new life can be born.
Would you spend a little time right now looking at this mother and child as they look at each other, so full of love and light and peace? We cannot see the war that surrounds them, but we know it is there. What can we do to stand with them on the side of life in the face of this unjust, brutal and unequal war? Here are two things that can help:
1.There are numerous organizations offering direct assistance on the ground, including Doctors Without Borders, which provides excellent medical care even in the heart of a war like this, and the smaller, even more direct GoFundMe page established by journalists for the Kyiv Independent newspaper, who have continued to work so we can know what is going on, even as they fear for themselves, their families and their homes. A donation, no matter how small, will help.
2. Prayer is real, tangible - and urgently needed. Are you willing to take a moment now to sit down and settle in with an image from the Ukraine and then offer whatever words come to God? If so, please do. Then repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
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Community in Faith
Wednesday evening Lenten series
are offered in collaboration with Hevreh,
St. Paul’s Church, Christ Trinity Church,
and Grace Church.
The Rev. Erik Karas and Rabbi Neil Hirsch will lead the book exploration of The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine
Join us on Zoom, Wednesdays,
March 9th through April 6th at 7:00pm
We will examine why Jews and Christians read many of the same Biblical texts – including passages from the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and the Psalms – differently. Exploring and explaining these diverse perspectives reveals more clearly Scripture’s beauty and power. It is not necessary to purchase the book.
Community in Faith
Wednesday, March 9 through April 6
7:00 to 8:00 PM
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I attended a meeting with Showing Up for Racial Justice (WMSURJ), who are discussing rematriation efforts in Central Mass. A grounding guideline during the conversation was that these efforts, facilitated by a group of non-Indigenous folks, is moving at the "speed of trust" with the Nipmuc community leaders.
There is no rushing the process. As in community building and relationship care, giving space and time for development is essential and loving.
Never-ending patience in the process, is a theme I work with a lot as a grower as well. We work with, alongside and sometimes against our natural environment, listening to what our Creation asks of us. What steps do we take to Care for Creation? And on the timescale of the natural world, who will follow in our footsteps to take up this essential mantel of Creation Care as we see it? I am reminded of the respect at the heart of Gideon's Garden which we aim to share with all who visit. I pray we are guided by love to listen and learn respect for our Creation.
(A. Clausen)
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Food Pantries and Meal Sites in Berkshire County |
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Below is the January 31, 2022
“List of Food Pantries & Meal Sites in Berkshire County”.
Since program hours and days can change without notice, please call the location to be sure of times and requirements
Please note that the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry has changed its delivery call-in hours to 10:00am – 2:00pm.
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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Sachem Konkapot's wampum pouch and moccasins returned to Stockbridge-Munsee Community
A pair of moccasins and a wampum pouch that have been in the Berkshire Museum’s collection for nearly 65 years are on their way home to the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians in Wisconsin. Read about the reparation in the Berkshire Eagle HERE.
Stay tuned for progress on Massachusetts proposed Act (.2239/H.3377 & S.2240/H.3385), which forbids Native American funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony currently held in governmental, municipal or non-profit collections from being sold for profit.
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Watch this short video about the establishment of an African-American cultural heritage center in Great Barrington at the old Clinton A.M.E. Church.
Visit the Clinton Church Restoration website here.
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Two Opportunities to Support Local Black History & the Black Community |
Read about the plans for a statue of W.E.B. DuBois at the Mason Library here
( Lee Cheek)
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The EFM Readout
Our EfM seminar this week was focused on the nitty gritty of Theological Reflection. We learned about the process and undertook an instructed reflection. Our starting point was an Ash Wednesday reading from Isaiah 58. We discerned that the key message was “Wake Up, Hypocrites!” and at the end of our discussion wrote the following collect.
COLLECT
God, source of truth and righteousness,
We pray that you waken us to our own hypocrisies
So that our beliefs and behaviors may become one.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
( K. Byers)
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EfM, OWLES and FRIENDS are invited for a
TRIP TO THE MUSEUM OF RUSSIAN ICONS
GUIDED TOUR WITH A DOCENT SCHEDULED FOR
24 March 2022 at 11:00 am
203 Union Street, Clinton, MA 01510
Organizer: Karen Byers (kdbyers at comcast.net)
- As a group we can receive discounted admissions rates. Seniors $9 and Adults $11.
- Please register here to be part of the group for the tour and receive the discount. You will pay your entrance fee at the museum.
- We can carpool or drive individually.
- If you are in Western Massachusetts, carpools from Sheffield/Great Barrington can meet at Christ Trinity church in Sheffield. Please reach out to Karen if you want to be in a carpool.
- Parking is on the streets around the museum.
- We may be joined by some people in other EfM groups.
- Meet at 8:30 am. The trip takes about 2 hours to drive to Clinton, MA.
- After the tour, there is more time for the museum, shopping at the museum shop, or going out to a local restaurant for lunch.
- There is a nearby park, if you would like to bring your own lunch.
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Here is the museum’s website: https://www.museumofrussianico...
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Lich Gate Concerts adds a third, mid-winter concert to its season 2022 series, on Sunday, March 20 at 2pm. We are pleased to announce this addition to our concert series, which will feature music written for Piano Trio (violin, cello and piano), and will be held in the beautiful sanctuary of Old Parish Church
Artistic Director and violinist Jorge Ávila has invited our beloved cellist, Sarah Hewitt-Roth, and the brilliant pianist, Adrienne Kim, to play works of Beethoven, Saint-Saëns, Turina, and one of Felix Mendelssohn's greatest chamber music pieces, the Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49.
For everyone's safety, attendees must be masked and seating is limited to 100 people.
Tickets are $40 and may be purchased on our website
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Announcement from the Communications Office |
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Resources for Holy Lent
Diocesan Events, Programs, Opportunities for Prayer
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The Bishop established a Compline community in 2020 that continues in faithfulness. Lent is the perfect time to expand to five nights a week and create a new recurring Zoom link. In addition to The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith and the Very Rev. Jim Munroe, Licensed Lay Worship Leaders will be added for Thursday and Friday evenings. The NEW Zoom info will be available on Ash Wednesday HERE.
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Online Lenten Retreat with The Diocese of Massachusetts
Sat, 03/19/2022 - 9:30am 12:00pm
A Lenten Quiet Day on March 19, 9:30 a.m.-noon via Zoom, sponsored by both Massachusetts Episcopal dioceses, open to all and led by Margaret Bullitt-Jonas. Through brief presentations and conversation, as well as silent prayer and guided meditation, this retreat time will give space for participants to explore and pray about the places in their lives where God may be inviting them to let go burdens of resentment, guilt or shame.
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship on April 17
Location TBD
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
Same Kind of Different as Me
Dindy Anderson is the discussion leader
on Thursday, April 7,
at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
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BOOKS AND BREAD
on Wednesday, March 9, at 7:00 PM
in person and on Zoom
Our host will be Tina.
Please bring a dessert or an appetizer.
Questions? Please contact Peter Kirchoff.
educated
by Tara Westover
(Discussion leader, Monique Kirchoff)
If there is a ZOOM option:
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
All are welcome!
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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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Second Sunday in Lent
Holy Eucharist
March 13, 10:00 AM
In person at Crissey Farms and
live-streamed on ZOOM
Please visit our website:
for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.
Celebrant and Officiant:
The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Welcome Team..... Sue and Rick Gore
Acolyte...................Robert Forman
Lector.....................Sue Gore
Intercessor.............John Cheek
Healing Team........T. Cobden/K. Clausen
Tech....................... Abe Streeter
Flowers..................
Altar Guild............. D. Holmes/ C. Haywood
Coffee Hour...........
Counters.................R. Gore/S. Sieber
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Second Sunday in Lent
Holy Eucharist
March 13, at 10:00 AM
In person and on Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Contemplative Eucharist
Wednesdays, March 9 to April 6, at 10:00 AM
In person at Grace Chapel and on Zoom:
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Community in Faith
Lenten Series
Wednesdays,March 9
to April 6 at 7:00 PM
Centering Prayer
Thursdays, at 5:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
Grace Church Men's Group
Tuesday,
at 6:00 PM
Future dates to be announced
Movie Nite
Thursday, April 7,
at 7:00 PM
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
Books and Bread,
Wednesday, March 9
7:00 PM
In person and on Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
Third Sunday Supper
(Every Third Sunday)
April 17 ,at 5:45 PM
In person
Location to be decided.
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Luke 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
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God Is Working His Purpose Out
J Michael Thompson · The Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's
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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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Contemplative Eucharist
During Lent, a Contemplative Eucharist
will be offered on Wednesday, 10:00 am at the Grace Chapel
starting March 9 through April 6.
In person and on Zoom (same link as Sunday worship)
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
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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
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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Our New Prayer Basket
We welcome you to use our new prayer basket.
On Sundays you will find a basket near the welcome table, with slips of paper available for you to write down prayer requests. You can ask for prayers for those who are ill, or in need of healing or encouragement of any kind, prayers for intentions, journeys, or projects, the birth or adoption of children, and prayers of thanksgiving for anything that needs celebrating. In other words, please ask for any prayers that are important to you and those you love. You may identify yourself and those for whom prayers are needed, but names are not necessary or required. These requests will be prayed for by our healing ministers both during the service and during the week for a period of one month. Keep an eye out for the basket!!
(K. Clausen)
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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, Dindy and Mark Anderson, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Meredith Haider, Linda White, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, John Breasted, Jane Brooks, Vonnie Frye, Barbara Gore, Barbara Turner.
Others we love: All those grieving the death of Nelda Curry, especially Cooper; Rino Aldrighetti, dear friend of Steve White; Wyatt Hicks; 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:
Larry Cheek, John's brother; Hugh Pecon; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Nelda Curry; Sam Raymond, brother of George;Vanessa Neves, daughter of Patti Poulos, friend of many in the congregation; Sara Bowers; Sara Keene; Jim Santolin dear friend of Rick and Sue Gore; Robert Bruce Martin, and Alexandra Pratt, 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 all those whose lives have been affected by extreme weather. For the people of Ukraine. and 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; St. Mark’s, East Longmeadow; Walking Together; Lawrence House Service Corps; Church Periodical Club; The Episcopal Church and Visual Arts
The Church's wider mission:
The Anglican Church of Melanesia
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Susan Gray, 3/9.
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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. We will meet during the first part of the service and then
re-join the service at the Peace.
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The children are "burying the alleluias” for Lent.
They made colorful pictures of the word Alleluia and then took turns covering them over.
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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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OFFICERS
Senior Warden ........Kathy Clausen
Junior Warden ........Pennie Curry
Treasurer ..................Sue Gore
Clerk ...........................Mary Anne Grammer
VESTRY - AT LARGE
Class of 2023..........Dindy Anderson, Holly Murray, John Cheek
Class of 2024..........Anne Andrews, Dutch Pinkston
Class of 2025..........Cathy Haywood, Andrea White, Laura Jordahl
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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