August 28 is the Fourth Sunday of August August’s 4th Sunday offering will be directed to Episcopal Relief & Development’s program to assist in the flood relief efforts in Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia. Storm damage to homes and cars left many people without shelter or access to food. The heavy rains have led to mudslides and collapsed bridges, isolating communities and complicating rescue efforts. Refugees are now straining existing regional support networks. For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for close to 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster, and disease. Please consider a generous gift to support this important work. If you write a check, please make it payable to Grace Church. The memo line should say “US DISASTER RESPONSE: southern US floods.” Thank you for any gift you are able to give.
Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed We are currently recruiting volunteers to host coffee hour for the 10:30 a.m. service which will resume on Sunday, September 11. Volunteers will only have to host one Sunday every other month. This is such a fun and enjoyable weekly event for all. Won’t you please consider helping? If so, please email Sarah Chadwick at snchadwick@verizon.net. And, speaking of coffee hour, treats from parishioners are always welcome to supplement the coffee.
Poem and Prayer – Final Session Over Zoom on Monday, August 29 at12:15 p.m. Start off your week with a poem by a contemporary poet and an invitation into prayer! Megan will offer a short reflection on the poem and spiritual questions it might open for us, before ushering us into a time of silent prayer and then shared conversation on the poem. Zoom link will be sent out by email. Please email Megan at mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org with any questions. If you cannot make this time but would like recordings of the poems and reflections, please let her know.
Tuesday morning prayer –at 8 a.m. in the Garth. You are invited to join in for 20-30 minutes of in-person prayer in the Garth/church courtyard (the Chapel in case of inclement weather) on Tuesday mornings at 8 a.m. You can enter through the Connector door or the Spring Street door. Prayer sessions will use morning prayer liturgies from sources like Daily Prayer for All Seasons, an Episcopal resource emphasizing inclusive and expansive language, and will incorporate simple movement meditation to help embody prayer. Music will also occasionally be offered. Additionally, it will be a chance to connect personally with a small group! If you have questions or would like more information, please be in touch with Kell Julliard at kelljulliard@me.com.
August Community Conversation Board: Parables Throughout the Gospels, Jesus relies on parables (short stories that invite listeners’ reflection and often convey meaning indirectly or symbolically) as a form of teaching or a way of answering questions. Parables are among some of the most well-known and well-loved passages of Scripture, though sometimes among the most confusing! During the month of August, our community conversation board will invite your thoughts on how you relate to the parables of Jesus. Please stop by the Connector to contribute your thoughts or read the insights of other parishioners!
Save the date – Sunday School & youth group beginning Sept. 11th!
Our Sunday School class for K-6th graders will begin meeting on Sept. 11th between the two services, 9:15-10:15 a.m., in the upstairs classroom in the Parke House. Please pick up a registration form at the back of church, or email Megan for one at mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org, if you have a child joining.
Also starting up again Sept. 11th — our youth group for all youth in grades 6-12. We are planning an outdoor activity for later that afternoon. More details to come.
Please email Megan (mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org) if you are not already on her list for weekly children’s/youth announcement emails to be sure you get the most up-to-date info!
Heroes of the Bible, Sunday September 18th at 9:15 a.m. in the Fireplace Room. From Abraham to Zephaniah there are many significant people in the Bible. Who are your biblical heroes? Who are the people in the Bible whose stories resonate with you? Is there anyone in the Bible you consider notorious? Join the Rector in a discussion of some of the biblical greats (and perhaps some of the not-so-great). This discussion will take place between the two services and will be held in the Fireplace Room in the Parke House. In October, we’ll have a similar discussion about some of the greats (and maybe some of the not-so-greats) of the Church. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Tom at tsynan@gracechurchamherst.org.
Youth confirmation class starting mid-September
Youth in grades 8 or higher who have not yet been confirmed are welcome to join our year-long confirmation class, which will meet every other week, exact time TBD. In 2023, members of the confirmation class will have an opportunity to make a public commitment to their faith and be confirmed by Bishop Doug. Over the course of the class, we explore Christian and Episcopal identity by reflecting on the questions of our Baptismal Covenant. If your child is interested in participating, please email Megan (mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org) so your family can be included in our planning.
Haiti Ministry: School Uniforms – SUCCESS! Together we did it! We raised $15,603.11 – more than our $15,000 goal! This means that all 250 children at St. Matthieu’s school will have uniforms and some school supplies for the academic year. Thank you for your most kind and generous donations. Thank you for making a difference that will truly count in Haiti. You are truly a blessing. If you haven’t yet donated, your contribution will still be very welcome. It will go toward textbooks, a fuller range of supplies, and unexpected costs. You can give by check to Grace Church, with “Haiti school uniforms” in the memo line, or through the church’s website, or in cash. Many thanks for your generosity! Share your skills in meaningful work: Can’t take on a regular commitment? The Haiti Ministry would be delighted if you could share your skills on an occasional basis. Everything from website management to personal outreach is valuable. Our thanks to those who already pitch in! Please see the upcoming Grace Notes for more details, or speak with a member of the ministry.
St. Nicholas Bazaar, Dec. 3, 9 to 2 Donations are being accepted for the bazaar. Please remember that items should be in good condition and clean. We accept many kinds of items, and especially need antiques, collectibles, and jewelry. PLEASE, NO textbooks, binders, VCR tapes, cassettes, clothing, or mildewed items. Any questions, contact Joan (jobrien82@gmail.com). Thank you! (Please note: this year the bazaar will end at 2 instead of 3)