St. Nicholas Bazaar Thank you to all who participated in this year’s St. Nicholas Bazaar in any way – everyone’s efforts contribute to the success of this special annual event! Thanks, Joan
Palestinian olive oil will be available for sale in the connector following both services today, Sunday, December 4. The oil is organic, extra virgin, first cold press and fair trade. The proceeds from the sale enable Grace to provide a scholarship for a student at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah. Our current student is Teya Awwad, who is studying hospitality and culinary arts. Please sign the Christmas card for her.
Ken Samonds speaks on the messages of Grace’s stained-glass windows after the 10:30 service today, December 4th. He will also be selling and signing copies of his new book on the subject. Pick up your pre-ordered copies if you haven’t yet, and grab a cup of coffee in the Connector. The talk will take place in the Sanctuary at about 12:15.
Catch the Spirit of Advent, Sunday December 4, 11, and 18 at 9:15am in the Fireplace Room Advent is the season in which we are asked to watch and be ready. Explore the possibilities of Advent through the lens of those who are highlighted in our sacred stories this season: December 4 – John the Baptist; December 11 – Mary and Joseph; December 18 – Jesus the incarnate Christ-child. We’ll examine each of these using Scripture, poetry, and maybe even some artistic representations. If you have favorite poems or pictures regarding any of these subjects, please bring them to share. For more information, please contact Tom.
Adopt-A-Family For Christmas 29 families have been adopted! So many thanks to everyone who has participated. We just need 11 more families to be adopted. Starting today gifts can be delivered to the undercroft. The deadline is Dec 18th. Are there some shoppers out there?! Many parishioners have given money for shopping for families. If you would like to underwrite some of the shopping, you can write a check to Grace Church, with “Adopt-A-Family in the memo line. For more information, please contact Mary Hocken. 413-537-0251, melizhocken@gmail.com
The December Community Conversation board Please share your thoughts on Christmas and Peacemaking. Isaiah foretells the coming of a “Prince of Peace,” and angels declare peace to the shepherds. For you, how does the good news of Christmas connect with peace and peacemaking in our world which is filled with conflict and violence? What would it look like to embrace peace and peacemaking this Advent & Christmas season? Let us know throughout the month!
Finding Ourselves In The Stories of Advent: A 3 Week Zoom Poetry Meditation On Mondays Dec. 5th, 12th, and 19th, at 12:15 p.m., there will be a Zoom meditation series exploring poetry that helps us see ourselves in the themes and stories of Advent. The Zoom link will be sent out on Monday mornings. Please reach out to Megan (mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org) with any questions or to receive recordings of the meditations if you can’t be with us live.
Climate Action@Grace will meet Sunday, December 11th at 9:30am in the Parker Room.
Learn about the role of the Vestry – Please join the Nominating Committee for informal conversation over tea after the 10:30 service on December 11th in the Parker Room. Vestry Nomination Forms are available in the back of the church.
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!
Tuesday morning prayer on hiatus for December Because of holiday schedules and travel among officiants & participants, our Tuesday morning prayer group, which meets at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel, will be on pause for the month of December. Please join us again for prayer in January!
Save the Date
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 hours 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.