The Weekly Epistle - Sunday, April 21

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Sunday

9 am Holy Eucharist

11 am Morning Prayer

(live-streamed)

6 pm Holy Eucharist

(in the Chantry)

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.

Catch up on audio podcasts of past sermons on our Soundcloud Channel .

Please see below for weekday worship opportunities, both in-person and virtual.

Dear Friends,

If all has gone according to plan, you are reading these words on Friday, and I am in England. Stacie and I flew over here yesterday because I am scheduled to preach on Sunday at our companion parish in London: St. George’s Church, Hanover Square. If you recall, last October we hosted the Rector of St. George’s, the Rev. Roddy Lease, for a weekend at Grace Church. Now it’s my turn to experience their ministries and occupy their pulpit. No less a personage than George Frideric Handel himself listened to sermons preached from the pulpit here. Handel was a parishioner of St. George’s in the mid-1700s, while he was composing Messiah. All this is to say, you won’t see me on Sunday, but I look forward to being back at Grace Church on April 28.

As many of you know, last Sunday we celebrated the public launch of our capital campaign: Making All Things New. It was an extraordinary day! The party in Tuttle Hall included a campaign video that you can watch here. Then came the big reveal of where we stand in our goal to reach $5 million. When the children held up the placards bearing the individual numbers, and eventually stood in their proper order, the result was an eye-popping $3,949,050. It was a joyful moment, and a delightful surprise for many.

We are well on our way to raising the funds that will be necessary to restore interior plaster and exterior facades throughout the church. But the hard work is yet to come. In any campaign the last million dollars is always the most difficult to raise. Therefore, we want to make this public phase as visible and fun as possible as we invite everyone in the parish to participate meaningfully in the campaign. In the weeks to come we will be arranging a garden party, two house parties, and a Saving Grace, Inc. Open House to which everyone will be invited. Also, some creative naming opportunities are in the works, so stay tuned for more information. We hope to bring the campaign to a successful conclusion on the final Sunday of our program year, June 9th, which also happens to be the day of our annual parish picnic.

In the meantime, don’t overlook this coming Sunday. Thanks to the GCW (Grace Church Women), we are sponsoring a blood drive in Tuttle Hall. See below for more information about how to sign up as a donor.

Eastertide blessings to you all, and thanks for the many ways you give and care as the people of God at Grace Church.

Sunday

9:00 am Holy Eucharist

Preaching:

The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

View or Print the 11am Service Bulletin

11:00 am Morning Prayer

Preaching:

The Rev. Julia Macy Offinger

Music:

The Choir of Men and Boys

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

Service is video-streamed every week. Access via any of our live channels.

Grace Church website

YouTubeLive, Vimeo, FacebookLive

6:00 pm Holy Eucharist

(in the Chantry)

Preaching:

The Rev. James H.B. Morton III

Music:

Dr. Patrick Allen, organ

Today

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCH!

Last Sunday we launched the public phase of our capital campaign, entitled “Making All Things New.” Our goal is to raise $5 million, the funds necessary to restore damaged plaster in the church and deteriorating exterior facades of the parish house and rectory, as well as repay money that we borrowed from the endowment to install the organ. THE BIG REVEAL that we shared last week is that we had received commitments for $3,949,050 toward our goal. We’re off to a great start. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming parish-wide events associated with the campaign: 5/5 Garden Party after the 11 am service; 5/13 Saving Grace Open House featuring author Natalie Dykstra and her new book Chasing Beauty, 5/16 and 5/30 House Parties at parishioner homes (invitations to come), and 6/9 Parish Picnic in Huntington Close.

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.

Coffee and Fellowship after both the 9 and 11 am services today will take place in the Reception Room. Tuttle Hall is reserved for the blood drive.

The Sunday Forum – Stories in Light: the Windows of Grace Church, Part III – Sunday Forum is postponed today as coffee hours move to the reception room due to the blood drive in Tuttle Hall.

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.

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 four Sunday evenings, Apr 21, 28, May 5, and 12, 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.

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.

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.

Coming Soon

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.

Apr 20 – New Knitters’ Guild Kickoff – All ages and levels of knitters, even non knitters, are welcome to this Knitters’ Guild kickoff event on Sat., April 20 from 11:00 to 1:00 pm in the Reception Room. Knitted items will be donated to Seaman’s Church Institute during this year’s Advent drive. Light refreshments will be served. If you would like more information, feel free to email Ashleigh Madureira.

Apr 24 – Wednesday Evening Book Discussion – We're back in the Reception Room from 6:45-8pm, April 10, 17, 24, and May 1. We’ll be reading Rabbi Sharon Brous’s new book The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts. Copies are available for purchase during Coffee Hour.

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.

Apr 28 – 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.

Jun 1 – 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.

Every Sunday

9 am, 11 am Worship Services in the Church and 6 pm in the Chantry – The 11 am service is video streamed every week.

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.

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.

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.

Every Week

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 – Women’s Bible Study – 10:30 am on Zoom with The Rev. Julia Offinger. Contact Julia for Zoom instructions.

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.

Enter, Rest, Pray (CHURCH IS OPEN) Monday - Saturday from noon – 5 pm.

Outreach

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 at amadureira1@gmail.com. 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!

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.

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.

Parish Life

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.

20s & 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.

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.

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.

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.