Palestinian olive oil will be available for sale in the connector following both services February 12. Normally it is available on the first Sunday of each month, but has been postponed due to the Annual Meeting. It 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.
Climate Action@Grace will meet February 12th at 9:30am in the Fireplace Room in the Parke House.
The Community Conversation board Please stop by the Connector to add your thoughts to this month’s Community Conversation board, which will explore the topic Space and Stars, in honor of the feast of Epiphany. On Epiphany we pray, “O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son the peoples of the earth…” How might stars and space speak to us today of God’s presence?
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2023 To date 149 pledges have come in totaling $459,334 – most encouraging, we have 3 new pledges. We still have a ways to go but are off to a very good start. To those who have pledged God Bless, to those who have yet to pledge please pray and pledge so our Vestry can budget for 2023. If you need a pledge card, they are available as you enter the church or you can contact the office (413) 256-6754 or Bruce Stebbins at (413) 549-5933.
“Fleeting Epiphanies”: A Zoom Poetry Meditation Series, Mondays at 12:15pm The last of this series will take place on Monday, Feb. 13th – Megan will is hosting another art & poetry-based meditation series at 12:15 p.m. over Zoom, inspired by the season of Epiphany. The theme for the 4 weeks will be “Fleeting Epiphanies.” In the season of Epiphany, we celebrate occasions where Christ’s identity is realized or revealed. In our lives, though, we may sometimes experience epiphanies as complicated or fleeting. The moment where we seemed to grabbed onto something truthful or holy passes, and our feelings and perspectives on what once felt like an epiphany might change. How, then, do we deal with the seeming instability of our own epiphanies? Over four weeks, we will share in poetry that explores some of these complications and invites us to reflect prayerfully on them. Look for the Zoom link in your emails on Monday mornings. Recordings are available from Megan for those who cannot join us live. Feel free to bring your lunch!
Tuesday morning prayer Our morning prayer meets Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel. Please join us for this creative and contemplative time of prayer and connection! Parishioners rotate leadership of this time and draw on a diverse set of liturgies.
SOUP’S ON!! Dine In, Help Haiti Out on Saturday, February 18. Order NOW: The website to order soups for the annual Soup Extravaganza is now open! Use the QR code below to access the website or go to https://airtable.com/shrw7PvXgNO8WY82S. Or order from Haiti ministry representatives in the Connector after services TODAY. Don’t delay! Some soups are selling out; but check for new additions. Orders will be taken on line until Monday, February 13. Delivery on the 18th to your home in local zip codes or pick-up at the Parish Hall 1-3 on the 18th. On line payment is available; there should be no need to open any account. But if you prefer to pay upon delivery or at pickup, please have exact change or a check in the correct amount made out to Grace Church. Volunteers to bake breads or rolls are still very welcome. Please contact Sarah Chadwick at snchadwick@verizon.net. Cookies are also still needed. Contact Gail Gnatek at ggnatek@gmail.com All proceeds from this event support the St. Matthew’s School in Haiti.
From One Star to a Dazzling Christ, Sunday February 19th at 9:15am in the Fireplace Room The season of Epiphany begins with the light of a single star and concludes with the Transfiguration of Jesus – a Messiah at full wattage, whose appearance is described as dazzling. What epiphanies have you had that have changed you? What epiphanies have you had about the person Jesus? Are there epiphanies about Jesus you wish you could have? What are some of the revelations in your life and what are some you would like to have? Come share your thoughts and reflections as we conclude this season of enlightenment. For more information, please contact Tom at tsynan@gracechurchamherst.org.
Save the Date
Ash Wednesday Services
Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes
February 22, 2023
8:00am, 12:10pm, 5:00pm (Chapel Taize service), & 7:00pm
(The 7pm service will be live streamed)