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Sunday
9 am Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
11 am Morning Prayer
in-person worship
and live-stream
6 pm Holy Eucharist
in-person worship
(in the Chantry)
on
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
You’ll find videos of past organ meditations on YouTube.
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Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual. |
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Dear Friends,
Earlier this week I was reading a review of a new book about Abraham Lincoln: And There Was Light, by Jon Meacham. The reviewer writes that one particularly enjoyable part of the book describes Lincoln’s habits of church attendance. When he went, he would go to the nearby Presbyterian church because he liked the minister. Specifically, he appreciated that the minister did not delve into politics, but stuck to the gospel. Lincoln said that he had more than enough of politics, every hour of every week.
Meacham’s book about Lincoln sounds intriguing. I may put it on my summer reading list. In the meantime, I don’t think that Abraham Lincoln would appreciate our Lenten Sunday Forum series, entitled Faith and Friction. What we are trying to do is explore how to hold in tension the teachings of our faith (the gospel) with the realities of life that appear to undermine their truth. How can we even hear the gospel when the noise of death and destruction is deafening?
On a Sunday not long ago, we had just finished the 9 am service when a construction crew began jackhammering the street right outside the front door. (It seems to me that on planet Earth, no stretch of road is subject to more frequent jackhammering than Broadway between 10th and 11th Streets. But I digress.) I had to go outside in my vestments and plead with them to stop in time for the 11 am service. The noise was so overwhelming that it would have obliterated any note we tried to sing, or any word we attempted to speak. Suffice to say, it was an interesting conversation, and thankfully they agreed to pause until the service was done.
At other times it is not possible to turn off the noise, nor is it always the authentic thing to do. Our faith should address the noise and even wrestle with it. Likewise the noise should inform our faith. And so, the Sunday Forum. What does it mean to be followers of Jesus in a age of climate crisis and displaced populations? How can we walk in the ways of the Prince of Peace in times of war and violence? How does our Christian faith inform matters of justice and fairness in society?
This week our guest presenter is Kevin Morris from the Brennan Center, and his topic will be “Democracy and Voting Rights.” I don’t know the particulars of Kevin’s talk, but I hear the outside noise all the time: that our democracy is breaking apart, that active attempts are always afoot to deny legal citizens their voting rights. Are these matters of Christian concern? If, indeed, we are all God’s beloved children, then they are. Join us at 10 am in the reception room, whether you stay after the 9 am or come early for the 11 am service.
See you in church,
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9:00 am Holy Eucharist
Church is open
for in-person worship!
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Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, preaching
Music:
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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11:00 am Morning Prayer
Church is open
for in-person worship!
Clergy:
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, preaching
Music:
The Adult Choir
Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
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Service is video-streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels.
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6:00 pm Holy Eucharist
In the Chantry
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Clergy:
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III, preaching
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
Music:
Hymns with Instrumentalists
vice Bulletin
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The Sunday Forum – “Faith & Friction” – It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the news, and there’s lots to be anxious about. But how does our faith speak to our fears, and how does our faith compel us to act? We’ll look at the big “hot topics” of our day through the lens of our faith this Lent. This Sunday’s topic is “Democracy & Voting Rights,” led by Kevin Morris from the Brennan Center. Next Sunday’s topic (3/26) will be “Keeping Peace in a War-torn World.” As always, breakfast treats and coffee are served, 10 am in the reception room.
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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 recent parish day of service at Red Door Place one parishioner asked what besides food was most needed and the answer was 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 Godsend. The sock drive will culminate at the foot washing on Maundy Thursday, April 6.
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Easter Flower Offerings – Each year it is the generous donations from parishioners that bring a glorious display of spring flowers to Grace Church for Easter. You may use an 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. You may also donate online. (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. Donation must be received by Palm Sunday, April 2.) Thank you!
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Wear your nametags! Nametags can be found on the boards in Tuttle Hall. Newcomers are encouraged to visit our new 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 email Travis Kennedy so he can make you one.
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Sunday 6 pm Eucharist – The weekly 6 pm Sunday Eucharist in the Chantry is a great option for those who may have other morning commitments (such as sleeping late) or are returning to the city after being away for the weekend. Join us for hymns with instrumentalists and sermon. An important component of the Sunday 6 pm service is Canterbury Downtown, the college fellowship that meets for dinner and discussion after the service. All college students welcome.
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Confirmation for Youth and Adults – Sign up to join Spring confirmation classes culminating with the Rt. Rev. Allen Shin's visit to Grace on Sunday, June 4 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. Confirmands will be commissioned on Ash Wednesday, February 22 at 6pm. Sign up ASAP by emailing The Rev. Julia Offinger.
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March 8, 15, 22, and 29 – Lenten Book Discussion – Have you ever thought about what is the most intimate truth about all human beings? These four words, "You are my beloved." Whether or not you agree with this truth, please join us for a book discussion this Lent on "Life of the Beloved" by Henri J. M. Nouwen. Henri Nouwen is considered one of the great spiritual writers of our day. He taught at Harvard, Yale, and Notre Dame, and spent ten years at L'Arche Daybreak community in Toronto. "Life of the Beloved" explains spiritual life in terms that the secular world can understand, and provides a loving reminder to those active in a Christian community how we can actualize a life as the Beloved. Sessions continue March 22 and 29, meeting in the Reception Room from 6:45-8 pm, led by the Very Rev. Harry Krauss and parishioner Jennifer San Cartier.
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March 23 – 20s and 30s Pub Theology – For Pub Theology this Spring we'll be reading The Nail by Stephen Cottrell. This short Lent book offers imaginative reflections on the Passion Narrative with each of the seven chapters focused on a different key character who describes his or her experience of the story. Join us at The Penny Farthing (103 Third Ave., New York, NY 10003) on Thursday, March 23rd from 6-7:30 pm to discuss the Introduction of The Nail and the first two chapters (Peter & The Roman Centurion) - about 20 pages all together. If you’re interested in attending, email The Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our list.
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March 25 - GCW Quiet Day – Looking to make space for prayer and stillness in this Lenten season? On Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm the Grace Church Women (GCW) will host a quiet day here at the church. The program for the day will be led by the Rev. Julia Offinger. Starting at 9:30 am with a light breakfast in the Reception Room, the official program will begin at 10:00 am. Pizza will be served for lunch.
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April 5 – Holy Wednesday | Stations of the Cross – The Stations of the Cross are a series of devotional images portraying key events in the Passion Narrative. The exercise of visiting and praying each station stems from the practice of early Christian pilgrims visiting the sites along the traditional route to Calvary. Artists across the centuries have depicted and reinterpreted these scenes in countless ways. Join us for a 6 pm service in the church as we walk the way of the cross guided by Scott Erickson’s take on the Stations. Scott is a Vancouver, WA based artist; you can learn more about his work here: scottericksonart.com
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April 7 – Good Friday – Every Good Friday we keep vigil with Jesus from noon to 3 pm in the church. The service is designed for worshippers to come and go as their schedule permits, or stay for the duration. This year it will include the Good Friday liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer, the reading of the Passion from the Gospel of John, Holy Week hymns, and five sermons attempting to look at Jesus through the eyes of the people around him. Preachers will include the Revs. Mark Hummell (GCS Chaplain) Harry Krauss, James Morton, Julia Offinger, and Don Waring.
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April 8 – Easter Eve Walk – Children and families are welcome to join us on Holy Saturday, April 8, 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 4-12, 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.
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April 30 – Community Blood Drive – NY Blood Center is partnering with Grace Church for a community blood drive Sunday, April 30 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 online, or 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.
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9 am Worship Service – The Church is open for in-person worship.
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The Sunday Forum – Our weekly discussion forum for adults that examines theological, political, and social topics of Christian concern meets most Sundays in the Reception Room from 10:00-10:45 am.
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11 am Worship Service – The Church is open for in-person worship. Services continue to be video-streamed every week.
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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 or Mother Julia in the chantry for a time of learning and prayer.
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Nursery Care – The nursery is open from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the room next to the Sunday School classroom, across Tuttle Hall. Adult supervision is required.
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Coffee Hour – Coffee and fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers.
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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, and help us keep the area clean for future families.
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6 pm Worship Service in the Chantry
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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. For Zoom access, please see The Weekly Epistle or email The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger.
Meeting ID: 337 800 858
Password: 058288
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,337800858# US (New York)
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Tuesday-Friday – Bach at Noon (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 12:20 pm - 30 minutes of music by J.S. Bach, played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Wednesday – Women’s Bible Study – 10:30 am on Zoom with The Rev. Julia Offinger. Contact Julia for Zoom instructions.
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Wednesday – 6 pm Holy Eucharist in the Chantry
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Saturday – Weekend Organ Meditation – (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 4:00 pm - 45 minutes of diverse music played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Sunday – Hymns from Grace (Held in the church during open hours and on the Organ Meditation YouTube Channel) – 4:00 pm - 45-minutes of favorite hymns, anthems, and voluntaries played on the Bicentennial Organ.
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Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN) Monday - Saturday from noon – 5 pm.
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Food Donations for The Red Door Place – Our food ministry partner, The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, is a vital pantry/soup kitchen serving those in need supporting the social safety net in our neighborhood. 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. Clothing donations are not needed for this ministry.
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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.
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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.
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Coffee and Fellowship takes place in Tuttle Hall following the 9 and 11 am services. Delicious baked goods are available thanks to the Guild of Bakers.
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2023 Annual Pledge Campaign: A Mighty Fortress is our God – On October 30th, we launched the 2023 Annual Pledge Campaign. 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. 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 here. (You have all of 2023 to make your payments!) Questions about pledging? Contact Travis Kennedy by email or call him at 212-254-2005.
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2023 pledge envelopes have arrived! If you made a 2023 pledge and requested envelopes to guide your giving, please email Travis Kennedy to arrange to pick them up.
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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 who meet regularly for Pub Theology and other seasonal events. If you are interested in connecting with us, please email The Rev. James Morton and he will add you to our email list.
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The Guild of Bakers – If you enjoy baking (or buying) cookies, brownies, muffins, or other freezable bite-sized treats, please consider joining a revitalized ministry called the Guild of Bakers. You can participate on your own timetable, whenever the Spirit moves you. The next time you are baking (or buying) goodies that would be popular at coffee hour, all you have to do is make an extra batch. Just wrap it well and drop it off at the parish office any time during business hours, or on Sundays after church. We have plenty of freezer space to store your culinary creations for a future coffee hour. Please sign up for the “Guild of Bakers” by sending an email to Mickey Hawley, Parish Office Coordinator.
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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.
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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. Julia Offinger.
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Restrooms are available on the 1st floor of the parish house, through the north aisle door near the baptismal font.
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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.
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Mask and Vaccine Optional – In order to bring Grace Church more in line with comparable NYC establishments, vaccines, though still strongly encouraged, are no longer required for you to be in the building. Likewise, masks are optional. For those feeling unwell, please join us via the livestream.
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The Church is Open
Every day, noon to 5 pm
Vaccinations are required to enter Grace Church. If you are vaccinated, masks are optional. All visitors are required to observe posted guidelines during in-person worship and events, and to adhere to CDC Covid-19 safety protocols.
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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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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Rod Hernandez
David and Patty Shoenfeld
Charles McClean
Joseph Alonso
Jordan Holstein
Stacy Nelson
Tom Hall
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
William Dobi
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Send your photos of milestone events for possible publication in the Weekly Epistle to Travis B. Kennedy, Membership and Development Manager.
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Your engagement on our social media helps Grace Church!
Please Subscribe, Follow, Like and Share
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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