Sunday, February 26, 2023 |
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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,
It is Friday morning as I type these words. One year ago today the world awoke to the news that Vladimir Putin had indeed ordered the Russian army across the Ukrainian border to invade his smaller, sovereign neighbor. Since then hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or maimed. Ukrainian cities lie in ruins. Much more is yet to come. No end is in sight. None of it had to happen. Putin has put the world in a perilous predicament. Either assist the Ukrainians in defending their country and risk escalation, or turn a blind eye and pretend that what happens on the other side of the world does not matter to us. Sadly, history has shown that it does matter to us. Failure to say no early and often to war criminals always emboldens their aggression.
We live in a world that is dramatically changed from what it was a year ago. The news is not all bad. Ukraine is bruised but unbowed, and the courage of the Ukrainian people is an inspiration to freedom lovers around the globe. They are a light that shines in the darkness. But what can we do to help? How can we make a difference? Normally I shy away from clichés, but one that comes to mind seems to apply. “Think globally, act locally.” When the world’s problems are beyond our reach because of their distance or complexity, we can focus our gaze on our neighbors in need right here. We can act locally.
Tomorrow morning at 8 am (yes, a Saturday!), more than 30 Grace Church volunteers of all ages have signed up to be here and make sandwiches in time to take them for lunch at the Red Door Place. As you may know, the Red Door Place is the local food and social service ministry that we support with financial grants and volunteer hours. Hundreds of people living on the margins depend on what the Red Door Place has to offer. I give thanks to God for the ready and willing spirit of Grace Church parishioners, who time and again reach out to assist in meaningful, substantial ways. We live in dark times, but this, too, is a light shining in the darkness.
We can act locally, and also we can act personally. On Ash Wednesday, at the 6 pm service we called forward all those who have signed up to prepare for Baptism and Confirmation. As Julia quipped, “this is as close as we get to an altar call in the Episcopal Church.” I was deeply moved when approximately ten people of all ages came to the chancel steps and presented themselves as candidates. They were declaring to us all that they were ready to investigate a life of Christian discipleship. Ash Wednesdays are supposed to be dark and dreary, I suppose. But these folks, too, standing before us were a light shining in the darkness.
Read on for more opportunities to keep a holy Lent.
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, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
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, preaching
The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music:
The Girls’ Choir with HS Singers
and Adults
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
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, preaching
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, beginning with an interactive “unconference” format on Sunday, February 26 led by parishioner Martha Hirschman. Bring your questions to the table! Further topics will include Climate Justice (3/5), Immigration (3/12), Democracy (3/19), Anger & Violence (3/26). As always, breakfast treats and coffee are served, 10 am in the reception room.
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Liturgical Changes for Lent – Our Sunday worship takes on a different tone for these next five weeks of Lent. The word “Alleluia” is omitted from all hymns, versicles, and responses, and you will see no flowers on the altar. The goal of the scarcity is to highlight the abundant life that will be ours to claim at Easter.
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Pick up a Lenten Calendar – The Grace Church Women (GCW) will be selling Lenten Calendars during Coffee Hour in the Sundays leading up to Lent. The calendars are $5.00 each and Coffee Hour is in Tuttle Hall.
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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 send Travis Kennedy an email 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 by Wednesday, February 15 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 will begin on March 8 and will continue on March 15, 22 and 29, meeting in the Reception room from 7-8pm, led by the Very Rev. Harry Krauss and parishioner Jennifer San Cartier.
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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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February is Soup Month! – Canned soup is a staple that food pantries always need. Help us make a special push to ensure The Red Door Place is well stocked this February. More information about this ministry can be found below.
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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. Upcoming classes: Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 am. Upcoming baptism dates: Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 11:00 am.
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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 page 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:
Stacy Nelson
Leticia Sendagorta
Joaquin Garcia
Tom Hall
Gordon Matheson
Ernestine McDaniel
David Schoenfeld
John Berringer
William Dobi
Mimi Plona
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Claire Wesselman
Teresa Conway
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
For Those Who Have Died:
Fatima Sendagorta
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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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Please Subscribe, Follow, Like and Share
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GRACE CHURCH IN NEW YORK
212-254-2000
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