You Are Invited Please join us each week after service for coffee, tea, and delicious treats in the connector for coffee hour. Coffee hour is a wonderful tradition at Grace Church where parishioners connect and enjoy each other’s company. We supply the coffee, tea, and a few treats. Parishioners are also welcome to share baked goods or snacks of any kind. See you there.
11th Hour Bell Ringing for Climate Change Sept. 11 at 11:00 As a call to action regarding the climate crisis, our church bell normally is rung for 11 minutes on the 11th day of each month at 11 AM. This month the bell will ring 11 times at 11 AM, during the 10:30 service. May we all become better faithful stewards of our planet. Who does the bell toll for? It tolls for us.
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. If you have questions or would like more information, please be in touch with Kell Julliard at kelljulliard@me.com.
September Community Conversation Board: New Beginnings As we begin a new program year, and many begin new school years, we’ll explore some questions about starting and starting over. Please stop by the bulletin board in The Connector and add your thoughts!
Sunday School & youth group beginning Sept. 11! Sunday School class for K-6th graders will begin meeting today between the two services, 9:15-10:15 a.m., in the upstairs classroom in the Parke House.
Also starting up again today – our youth group for all youth in grades 6-12. We will be meeting at Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton at 1 p.m. for apple picking and enjoying Art in the Orchard.
Please connect with Megan for more info on either!
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.
Adult Education Talk – Wednesday, September 21st at 6:00pm Carolyn Collette will present “Geoffrey Chaucer and the Roots of the English Reformation.”
Youth confirmation class starting Sept. 18th
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 on Sundays from noon to 1 p.m. Together we explore Christian and Episcopal identity by reflecting on the questions of our Baptismal Covenant. In 2023, confirmation class members can choose to be confirmed by Bishop Doug. If your child is interested in participating, please email Megan (mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org).
St. Michael’s Picnic & One Service on Sunday, September 25th
On Sept. 25th, there will be one service at 9:30 followed by the Saint Michael’s Picnic. All are invited and encouraged to attend. Brother Lawrence Guild is supplying hamburgers, hotdogs, rolls, condiments, and drinks. Additional food donations are greatly appreciated. If you are able, please bring a side dish, salad, or a dessert. Weather permitting there will be some seating outside in the Garth. Please join us!
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)
Used Car Needed The Jewish Community of Amherst continues to support an Afghan family in their resettlement. They are looking for a used car for their family of five. If you have or know of someone thinking of selling a used car in fine condition please contact Yael Rosenbloom (jbrosenbloom18gmail.com) or Devorah Jacobson (devorahjacobson18@gmail.com)
Bellringers for the 10:30 Service
We are reconstituting the bellringers – a group of parishioners who ring the tower bell at certain times during the consecration at the 10:30 service. If you are interested in learning how to do this, email Micah Walter (micahjwalter@gmail.com) to learn more.