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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Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
August 15
10:00 AM
All Sunday services in August
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.
Celebrant and Officiant:
The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Welcome Team... R. Gore/Raymond
Lector............... Dindy Anderson
Intercessor...... Robert Forman
Altar Guild...... Kirchoff/Haywood
Coffee Hour..... Kirchoff/Haywood
Counters......... R.Gore/Layton
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
Holy Eucharist
August 15
10:00 AM
in person and on ZOOM
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
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)
On break until September 19.
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,
Wednesday, at 6 pm
On break until September 8 at 6pm when we meet in person.
Movie Nite
On break until September 2.
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
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Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost |
John 6:51-58
Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
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I'm Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing -
BJU University Singers
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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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WELCOME TO OUR NEW RECTOR |
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On Sunday, August 1 we welcomed the Rev. Tina Rathbone, Grace’s third rector. As she said in her sermon it has seemed like a long wait and well worth all the anticipation. It was also a Sunday where we saw even more members returning to Crissey Farm after this strange Covid time. Each week it seems we see more returning, familiar faces. Even Tom and Paula Doyle popped in as they are visiting the Berkshires briefly this summer.
The celebratory fellowship time included an ice cream cake, which you see Tina cutting in this photo. Tina got to meet her new family and we all got to begin the next chapter of Grace’s work being church in this time and place.
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A Message From Tina
It was more than a tiny bit depressing to learn that the safest and most inclusive decision we could make was to wear masks again as we gathered for worship last Sunday. After a brief but glorious few weeks of increased life in togetherness, it felt as if time had started to move backwards to a renewed wariness, ever-increasing infection rates, prohibition of physical contact, all in addition to the once-again wearing of masks. Taping the sign which reads “Masks Required” to the front door of Chrissy Farm felt like the opposite of throwing open the door wide and welcoming everyone in. But in fact, of course, both the sign and the mask wearing itself were expressions of deep generosity and welcome to the most vulnerable members of our community whom the vaccines do not sufficiently protect, to children, and to all those who have not yet been able to access a vaccine for reasons as varied as the people themselves.
Mask wearing is a minor discomfort, a negligible annoyance. If it allows others in, it feels like a small price to pay. And it was beautiful (but not surprising), to notice how the gathered community donned their masks of many colors with such universal generosity, and the kind of care for the other that speaks of Christ-who-is-love in our midst.
…And in the end, the masks got in the way of nothing at all. Through them the community prayed and sang and worshipped, and through them they bid a warm and grateful goodbye to Chris Clark who has served as Music Director to Grace for the past 8 years. Chris is heading to Ohio where he will take up his new work as Director of Choral Activities at Case Western Reserve University. His future looks bright and ever expanding for which we all give thanks. May it be the same for the rest of us too!
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In this photo Chris conducts the Grace choir for the last time.
At the end of the August 8th service, Chris joined the congregation for a special coffee hour in his honor.
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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
(413) 528-2766
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
johnbreasted@gmail.com
413-429-8123
Cell (413) 854-3977
BROOKS, Jane
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
413-243-3367
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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
HAIDER, Meredith
5 Fox Hollow Road
#409
Lenox, MA 01240
merbraver@aol.com
413-551-7319
(814)308-4865
KEENE, Sara
The Egremont Village Inn
17 Main Street
P. O. Box 275
South Egremont, MA 01258
sararkeene@gmail.com
413-528-4152
McCURDY, Deborah
Skilled Nursing Center
Loomis Lakeside at Reed's Landing
807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
413-507-2832
TURNER, Barbara
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
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WE ARE RESUMING FLOWER DEDICATIONS !
There will be a sign up form at Sunday service.
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Goodbye to Gretchen Fairfield, Office Administrator
This week we say goodbye to our amazing Office Administrator, Gretchen Fairfield. Gretchen has taken a job with The United Way. Gretchen began at Grace just a couple of months before the onset of the pandemic in the winter of 2020. Immediately we recognized her talent and creativity. As we had to quickly adjust to the reality of how Covid was changing our worship and communications, Gretchen adapted and innovated. She produced all those wonderful slide shows which provided our Morning Worship service scripts including music. No matter what we asked of Gretchen she was able to figure out how to do and then get it done. She has been a kind and friendly member of the team and we shall miss her so much. We wish her the very best in her new position.
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If you would like to receive 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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PRAYERS REQUESTED
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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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
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.
Others we love:
Karen LaRocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy.
Those who have died:
Thomas J. Fisher, father of The Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; Emily Trespas, friend of Jainee McCarroll and John Ericson; John Grammer, husband of Mary Anne; Elinor Hamill; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber; Kathy Happ, sister of Doug and Gary Happ; Locke Larkin, brother-in-law of Maureen Terry; Charles Olegar.
Our world: For all victims of violence; 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.
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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; All Saints', South Hadley; Bishop's Chaplains to Retired Clergy; World Mission; Western Mass. Food Bank.
The Church's wider mission: The Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Dan and Susan Gray, 8/10; Tom Doyle,
Sue Gore, 8/12; Ed and Doreen Hutchinson, 8/13; Barbara Gore,8/15.
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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 Communications Office |
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NEW Compline link for Summer 2021
MONDAY @ 8 PM EST: The Very Rev. Jim Munroe
TUESDAY @ 8 PM EST: The Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith
WEDNESDAY @ 8 PM EST: The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
Diocesan Compline service will continue in June, July and August with new access information. Same days, same time, same people - NEW link beginning May 31st. Please share this with your congregations, but please do not post the meeting ID or passcode on social media.
Join Zoom Compline
Meeting ID: 889 8799 4498
Passcode: Bishop
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 889 8799 4498
Passcode: 795560
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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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This week we gleaned sweet corn from Taft Farms' fields. Danny Taczynski invited us into his field to pick as much corn as possible over two days. We gleaned for only about 3 hours total and ended up filling the back of the delivery van twice. We will be continuing our gleaning efforts over the next few weeks as successions of corn mature. Also know as food recovery, gleaning is a historical practice written about in the Bible.
We are grateful to have such a close relationship with Taft's farmers and crew, it takes trust to invite people into your fields, that they will be respectful. We continue to harvest a bounty out of the garden as August greets us with some sunshine and rain. We have picked 14 different crops so far this year, and will continue to add to the list.
Open volunteer days: Monday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 12pm
Or text 413-644-6572
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SAVE THE DATE !
Friday, August 20th
from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
the children from Multicultural Bridge will be planting and eating ice cream at Gideon's Garden. Join in, all are welcome!
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We are collecting gift cards to distribute to our local schools for children in need of back to school clothing and supplies.
Please give your gift cards or checks made out to Grace Church (for gift cards) to Pennie Curry or Sue Gore by August 15.
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Welcome to the Bloomin' 4 Good Program!
A Brand New Program to Benefit Lee Food Pantry
Let's Fight Hunger Together. One Bouquet at a Time.
We are thrilled to announce the Bloomin' 4 Good Program, a brand new program from Stop & Shop that works to fight hunger in our local communities. In this program, every $9.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet sold sends a $1 donation to a hunger organization local to the store in which it was purchased.
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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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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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“Muh-he-con-ne-ok: The People of the Waters
That Are Never Still,”
curated by Heather Bruegl, director of cultural affairs for the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, is on display through Jan. 9, 2022.
Click here for article in Berkshire Eagle. Grace Church worships on the traditional land
of the Mohican people.
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[Episcopal News Service] As the song known as the “Black national anthem” achieves wider recognition in the United States, its significance is also being celebrated in The Episcopal Church. “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” sung by generations of African Americans as a tribute to their struggles and triumphs, was introduced to white American Christians by Episcopalians and Lutherans 40 years ago, and a congressional bill endorsed by The Episcopal Church now proposes designating it as the U.S. national hymn.
James Weldon Johnson, author, lived and wrote in his Alford, MA, home during the late 1920's and 1930's
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Prepare To Care
A book from Fairview Hospital
This book highlights Fairview Hospital and the experiences of the hospital staff during the pandemic. The staff members reflect on their experiences during that challenging time.
Some noteworthy facts:
- Only 11 staff tested positive for Covid and it was community acquired.
- We never had a transmission from patient to staff or staff to staff/patients.
- We never furloughed or had a reduction in force. We redeployed staff to other needed roles: Greeters, testing, vaccine administration, making face shields.
Click on the link below to read:
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MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of
Departures
on September 2, at 6:30 PM
Watch at your leisure then join us on Zoom
To join, or to find out more
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship.
On break until Sunday, September 19
when we will meet at 6 PM at Koi Restaurant in
Great Barrington.
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BOOKS AND BREAD
On September 8th, at 6pm
Join us for dinner, fellowship, and a lively discussion. All are welcome!
The book is The Slave by Isaac Bashevis Singer (translated from the Yiddish by the author and Cecil Hemley), published in paperback by Farrar Strauss & Giroux.
Rev. Tina Rathbone will lead our discussion
Our hosts will be the Kirchoffs.
- Participants should contact the Host 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 7:45 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 9:00 pm. For more information email Peter at PetetheK@yahoo.com
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GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
Mailing:
P.O. Box 114
Great Barrington, MA 01230
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Ms. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-6572
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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 413-274-6565
Cathy Haywood 413-464-6664
Holly Murray 860-977-9198
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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