Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024

11:00 am Holy Eucharist

Preaching:

The Rev. J. Donald Waring

Music:

The Adult Choir

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

Holy Week – Today begins the central week of the Christian year. Please see the full list of worship opportunities coming up, including today, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and of course, Easter Day.  

The Sunday Forum – The Sunday Forum will be on break both for Palm Sunday, March 24, and Easter Day, March 31.  

Lenten Sock Drive – This Lent, Grace is collecting new (unused and unopened) socks to be distributed by the Red Door Place to those in need. At a previous parish day of service at Red Door Place one parishioner asked what besides food is most needed and the answer is socks. Red Door Place is a food ministry but it tries to serve other client needs as well. On raw, cold days, warm, dry socks are a God send. The sock drive will culminate at the Maundy Thursday service on March 28. On the day when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we present new socks, trusting that what we do for the least of Jesus’ own, we do also for him. 

Easter Flower Offerings – Every year the glorious display of Easter flowers is thanks to the love and generosity of our parishioners. If you wish to contribute this year, please use the Easter 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. Or you may donate online here. (If your gift is dedicated “in honor of” or “in memory of,” please list this in the comments box and it will be included in the Easter service bulletin. Donations must be received by Palm Sunday, March 24.) Thank you!  

Pick Up an Easter Calendar – The Grace Church Women will begin selling calendars ($5.00 each) to help mark the season of Easter during Coffee Hour following the 11 am service. The calendars will also be available on successive Sundays until supplies run out. 

John Henry Maunder’s “Olivet to Calvary” – On Palm Sunday, March 24 at 4:00 pm the Adult Choir will offer John Henry Maunder’s moving sacred cantata in English for Holy Week that begins with our Lord's entry into Jerusalem and follows Jesus Christ through the events of His Passion and Crucifixion. Aram Tchobanian, tenor solo and A.J. Stetson, baritone solo. It will also be live streamed here. 

Feb 18, 25, Mar 3, 10, 17, and 24 – Take on Poetry this Lent – The season of Lent is often thought of as a time to give something up or strip something back so that we might draw closer to God, yet, it can also be a season to take something on to achieve the same goal. This Lent, you’re invited to take on the study of poetry in a new class led by The Rev. James Morton. We’ll meet on Sunday evenings immediately following the 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry. Using Mark Oakley’s The Splash of Words: Believing in Poetry as our guide, this short (30-45 minute) weekly class will use poetry to transform the way we see the world, ourselves, and God. No advanced reading is necessary to participate. Refreshments served. 

Nursery Care is available from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (during and between both morning services). The room is located in the Sunday School wing just off Tuttle Hall, and is professionally staffed according to Safe Church guidelines. Parents are welcome to bring their children up to age 4. For more information, contact the Rev. Julia Offinger.  

Coffee and Fellowship takes place today in Tuttle Hall following the 9 am and 11 am services. Come enjoy conversation and delicious baked treats from the Guild of Bakers. 

Sunday 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry – The weekly 6 pm Sunday Eucharist is another way to experience the fullness of worship at Grace Church. The intimate service takes place in the cozy setting of the Chantry and features live instrumental music led by Dr. Patrick Allen, Organist and Master of Choristers. In addition to schedule flexibility, the evening hour provides an opportunity to end the weekend on a spiritual note and transition to the busy week ahead with an extra dose of faith. Newcomers and long-time members alike are welcome to join us. 

Canterbury Downtown Campus Ministry for College Students – Canterbury Downtown is an open and inclusive Episcopal campus ministry for students of Manhattan colleges. Students of all religious and cultural backgrounds are invited to share in a faith-based community, connect with one another, and grow together in Christ. During the academic year, students gather for worship, conversation, and a complimentary meal with Canterbury Downtown Chaplain, The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, following the Sunday 6 pm service at Grace Church. All college students welcome. 

Confirmation for Youth and Adults – Sign up to join Spring confirmation classes culminating with the Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd’s first visit to Grace on Sunday, June 2 at 11am. For youth in 7th grades and up, we’ll meet on six Sundays at 5pm this Spring, with a couple service projects and worship opportunities thrown in. For adults, we’ll set up a series of 3 classes based on interest and availability. Sign up ASAP by emailing the Rev. Julia Offinger.  

Feb 21, 28, Mar 6, 13, 20, and 27 – “Hard and Holy Work: A Lenten Journey Through the Book of Exodus” is the title of the book that we will use for our Wednesday evening Lenten study. Led by the clergy of Grace Church, we have met in the reception room at 6:45 pm for a light supper and conversation. The book is available online, and copies will be available for sale ($15) in the parish office or at Sunday coffee hour. There is one session left this Wednesday. Come listen in, even if you haven’t read the book!   

Mar 30 – Easter Eve Walk – Children and families are welcome to join us on Holy Saturday, March 30, from 10:30 am-12 pm, as we experience the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus through interactive storytelling, crafts, lunch, and an Easter egg hunt. Activities are designed for kids ages 3-10, but the whole family is welcome. Volunteer to help! We need donations of candy for hiding in eggs, snacks, and party decorations, plus a handful of volunteers to help. Please sign up with the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger.

Apr 6 – Volunteer Day with The GO Project – The GO Project is an after-school program and longtime ministry partner of Grace Church. Join us on Sat., Apr 6 from 9:30 am to 12 pm for our next volunteer day where we’ll support instructional teams in kindergarten-8th grade classrooms. Email the Rev. James Morton if you’d like to attend.  

Apr 14 – 20s & 30s Brunch – At Grace we have a very active group of parishioners in their twenties and thirties. Join us for brunch following the 11 am service on Sunday, April 14 to hang out and catch up. We’ll meet at coffee hour then walk to a restaurant near the church. RSVP to the Rev. James Morton.  

Apr 20 – Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place – Help us prepare a meal for our neighbors at The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, our food ministry partner. There are two available shifts, 8:30 to 11:45 am and 11:30 to 2:30 pm. Email the Rev. James Morton if you would like to attend.  

Apr 21 – Community Blood Drive – NY Blood Center is partnering with Grace Church for a community blood drive Sunday, April 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Can I donate? Questions or concerns regarding eligibility should be directed to the NYBC Eligibility office: 800-688-0900 Mon through Fri. 9:am to 5:00 pm. Those who are ineligible or those who prefer not to donate can still help by spreading the word to recruit donors! Sign up here or use your phone to scan the QR code shown on the posters. Registration is preferred but walk-ins are welcome! Sponsored by the Grace Church Women.  

Apr 21, 28, May 5, and 12 – Stories of Resurrection – Each of the four Gospels present their own lens on the resurrection of Jesus with much to consider from one account to the next. This Eastertide, you’re invited to join a new class led by The Rev. James Morton where we’ll spend time with these passages. We’ll meet on Sunday evenings immediately following the 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry. Using poetry and art to complement our study, this short (45 minute) weekly class will journey through Scripture seeking signs of new life. No advanced reading is necessary to participate. Refreshments served.  

Apr 26 – Annual Spring Concert – The Combined Choirs of Grace Church will offer their Annual Spring Choir Concert on Friday, April 26 at 7:00 pm featuring music the choir will offer on tour this summer in Salzburg and Prague. The program is free and open to all. Please consider supporting the choir tour by making a donation to the choir special projects fund here. 

The Sunday Forum – Between the services in the Reception Room (and over Zoom) starting around 10 am, we delve into theological and contemporary topics in depth. Upcoming: Our New London Link with the Rev. Roderick Leece (10/15). 

Children’s Chapel – During the 11 am service children ages 4-12 are invited to start church with their parents in the pews and then join Father James and Mother Julia in the chantry for a time of learning and prayer. Children will return during the announcements. 

Nursery Care – The nursery (next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall) is open from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Adults can sign children ages 0-4 in and out at their convenience. The nursery is professionally staffed according to Safe Church guidelines.  

Coffee Hour – Coffee and fellowship generally takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers.   

Hymns from Grace – Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel at 4:00 pm - 45-minutes of favorite hymns, anthems and voluntaries played on the Bicentennial Organ.  

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. For Zoom access, please see The Weekly Epistle or email the Rev. Julia Macy Offinger. 

Zoom Centering Prayer

Meeting ID: 337 800 858

Password: 058288

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)

For questions about Zoom access, email the Rev. Julia Offinger

Tuesday-Friday – Bach at Noon – Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel at 12:20 pm - 30 minutes of music by J.S. Bach, played on the Bicentennial Organ.   

Wednesday – 6 pm Eucharist in the Chantry 

Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation – Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel at 4:00 pm - 45-minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ. 

Donate Gently Used Winter Coats – Our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place, is seeking donations of gently used winter coats. They continue to experience an uptick in the number of people looking for warm clothing. If you have a coat you’d like to donate, you can bring it directly to The Red Door Place (201 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011). We will not be collecting them here at the church due to space constraints.  

Knitters and Non-knitters Unite! Love to knit, curious how to start, or just want to dust off those old needles and plunge into purling again? We want you! We are looking for all levels of knitters to help grow our partnership with Seamen’s Church Institute and the Christmas at Sea program by knitting heart-made hats, scarves, and mittens. If you are interested, please contact Ashleigh Madureira. Just include your name, the # of adults/children in your household that may be interested, and the level(s) of experience. No experience is ok! 

Fresh Direct (or Other Reusable) Bags Needed – The Red Door Place is also seeking donations of Fresh Direct or other reusable bags to support its ministries. If you’d like to donate bags, you can place these in the collection baskets in the narthex with the food items. 

Help Ukrainian Families – Episcopal Relief & Development is working to provide humanitarian assistance to the more than 2 million people who have had to leave Ukraine. Specifically, their partner ACT Alliance is helping families on the Hungarian border, and their Anglican partners are mobilizing both an immediate and long-term response in Poland, Romania and Hungary. Your emergency gift will provide cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needs as this crisis unfolds. To make your donation today, click here.

2024 Annual Pledge Campaign: For All the Saints – On November 5th, we launched the 2024 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. Some will turn in the pledge cards received by mail or found in the pews. Others will begin a time of prayerful reflection to consider what God is calling them to do. In this way we not only support the church, but give 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 here. (You have all of 2024 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Email Travis Kennedy or call him at 212-254-2005.  

Altar Flowers – Every Sunday the flowers on the altar assist our prayers by reminding us of the beauty of God’s creation. The gift of flowers is a wonderful way to remember a departed loved one, or give thanks for a happy occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary. The flowers not only brighten our Sundays, but remain on the altar most of the week for school chapels and open door hours. The cost for sponsoring the arrangements on both sides of the cross is $300. But donors can also go in together and jointly sponsor a Sunday. Either way, we will list the givers and the occasions in the Sunday bulletin. Many Sundays are available for flower donors to claim. If you are interested, please email Mickey Hawley in the parish office.  

Become a Worship Leader – Readers, ushers, and altar guild members play vital roles in all our services here at Grace Church. If you feel called to help us lead worship and are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities, email the Rev. James Morton and he can help you connect to a ministry that suits you. 

Wear your nametags! Nametags can be found on the boards in Tuttle Hall. Newcomers are encouraged to visit our welcome table during coffee hour to create their own nametags. If you are a pledging member and do not see your nametag on the boards in Tuttle Hall, please send Travis Kennedy an email at tkennedy@gracechurchnyc.org so he can make you one.  

Baptism at Grace Church – There sacrament of baptism takes place during a weekly, public worship service about once a month. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or a child, please first be in touch with the Rev. Julia Offinger to discuss next steps. Attendance at one class prior to your chosen baptism date is required.

Restrooms are available on the 1st floor of the parish house, through the north aisle door near the baptismal font. 

Nut-Free Fare – To ensure the safety of all our parishioners, every precaution is taken to provide food that is nut-free at coffee hours and other receptions. If you are bringing treats for others to enjoy, please make sure they are nut-free. 

Safe Church – Grace Church is committed to providing its members, staff, and visitors with a place that is free of abuse and harassment. If you have observed, or personally experienced sexual, or other forms of harassment while attending activities, classes, or events held at Grace Church, or on our shared campus with Grace Church School, we encourage you to notify us. Please visit this webpage where you will find a direct means of providing feedback. 

Assistive Listening System – During Sunday morning worship services, Grace Church provides an assistive listening system (ALS) for visitors with hearing loss. For information on how to connect to our FM radio transmitter, visit https://gracechurchnyc.org/assistive-listening/ If you already have your listening equipment, tune in to frequency 87.6 mHZ on your FM dial.

Give Via Venmo – If you don’t have cash on you, but still want to give to Grace Church, you can Venmo your donation by searching for our page (@GraceChurchNYC) or by scanning the QR code below using the camera on your phone. Use the “What’s it for?” line to tell us the specific project or program you want to support. 

Every day, noon to 5 pm