The Great Litany is a form of intercessory prayer which includes various petitions that are said or sung by the leader, with fixed responses by the congregation. It was used as early as the fifth century in Rome. At the time of the Reformation, the Litany was the first English language rite prepared by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. Throughout the centuries, the Litany was used for a variety of occasions, including times of crisis, Morning Prayer, and ordinations. Given its long and rich history, it is part of our heritage, which we incorporate into our worship services twice a year – today, the First Sunday of Advent and the First Sunday of Lent.
Adopt-A-Family For Christmas For many years Grace Church members have enjoyed buying or making gifts for a family that is struggling. Wish lists for some 40 families will be available on Sundays starting Nov 20th after both services. The deadline is Dec 18th. AFTER the St Nicholas Bazaar the gifts may be brought to the undercroft on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in adopting a family, please contact Mary Hocken. 413-537-0251,
The 4th Sunday offering on November 27th will go to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, earmarked for the Ahli Arab Hospital, which runs the only free community clinic in Gaza. It treats over 45,000 Gazans each year, including children needing psycho-social support due to the trauma of war, and children suffering from burns. It also provides fortified, high energy foods for children suffering from severe malnutrition. Please give generously. If you write a check, please make it payable to Grace Church and add “outreach” on the memo line. Thank you for any gift you can give.
Get into the Spirit this Holiday Season: Come to an Advent Supper – Wednesday Evenings, Nov. 30th, Dec. 7th, Dec. 14th, Dec 21st For the season of Advent, a number of parishioners have agreed to host potluck suppers in their homes as an opportunity for people to connect with one another in small groups. The suppers will start around 6 p.m. A different household is host each week. Please notify Terrie by phone call to the parish office or email to about which evenings you’d be interested in attending. We cannot guarantee everyone will be able to attend every potluck supper, but we will plan that everyone gets to participate in at least one supper during the season. The host for your Wednesday evening will reach out directly to you with more information on what would be helpful to bring and directions to their home. The deadline for signing up is Sunday, November 27th.
The St. Nicholas Bazaar is Dec. 3 from 9 to 2!
The Gifts from Grace Table at the St Nicholas Bazaar welcomes and needs your creations. Donations of your art and handmade crafts of all kinds are needed for the December 3 event. Any questions – please contact Gillian Duda at 413-253-7626.
Thanksgiving Collection for the Amherst Survival Center – We Did It! This week, we met out goal. 568 packages of bread stuffing were collected for the Thanksgiving distribution at the Survival Center. Amazing Grace! Thank you for your help.
So, who made our stained-glass windows, how did he do it, and why are Grace’s windows unique in the world? Next Sunday, Dec. 4, former parishioner and self-appointed Grace historian Ken Samonds will tell the story of how he identified the maker of Grace’s windows, the techniques the artist used, and the reason so many of his windows have disappeared. Mark your calendars now to hear Ken’s talk after the 10:30 service. He will also be signing pre-ordered copies of his new book on the subject that day. Examine a sample volume and place your order for the book now at a special pre-publication discount price of $19.99. Orders, payable by check or cash, will be taken at coffee hour after both services today and at the St. Nicholas Bazaar. If you can’t pre-order in person, contact Suzannah Muspratt for further instructions. Beginning on Dec. 5, the regular price of $24.99 goes into effect. This could be the answer to your holiday gift-giving quandaries, particularly for those who admire artisanal crafts and want to learn about the techniques they involve, or former Grace members who have moved away but miss the place.
Vestry Nomination Forms are available in the back of the church.
Save the Date
A Service of Advent Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 11th at 4:00 pm One of the loveliest services of the church year, it is comprised of scripture readings interspersed with a variety of choral anthems and hymns, modeled after the traditional Anglican format. All are most welcome – we hope to see you there!
Moving Gracefully through the Holidays: A Meditation Workshop, December 13, 6:00pm in the Chapel This time of year, however joyful, can also be stressful and challenging as activities and expectations ramp up. This 75-minute session led by Kell Julliard will introduce meditation practices related to breath, awareness, compassion, and wisdom. These practices can be done in the flow of life as well as during personal prayer time to bring warmth and perspective to the holidays.
Grace Church Tree Trimming Party! Join Tom & Megan in trimming our tree and spreading the Christmas spirit on Sunday, December 18th, during coffee hour in the Connector. Bring an ornament and cookies to share!
Christmas Pageant: We’re beginning preparation for the Christmas pageant – which takes place at the 4:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. All children and young people are welcome to participate! We’re currently gathering a list of participating children/youth. Please let Megan and Kate Atkinson know if your child will be joining in & if they have any preferred roles. Info on rehearsal times coming soon.