Palestinian olive oil will be available for sale in the connector following both services today, Sunday, March 12. 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.
Lenten Book Series: Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ, Sundays at 9:15am (in person) and Thursdays at 9:30am (via Zoom) continues Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what matters for faith and spirituality. Yet he has never before addressed the relationship between Jesus and Christ. Many have an idea of who Jesus was, but who is Christ? Too often, Rohr writes, our understandings have been limited by culture, religious debate, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the center. Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant unfolding work in the world. This is a four-part series. This week, Sunday, March 12th and Thursday, March 16th we will look at Chapters 5-9
Climate Action@Grace will meet today, March 12th at 9:30am in the Parish Hall.
Community Conversation Board: Unpacking a “Holy Lent” Stop by the Connector throughout this Lenten season to share your thoughts on what it means to have a “holy Lent.” In the Ash Wednesday liturgy, we begin this season with “an invitation to a holy Lent.” What would a “holy Lent” mean, look like, or feel like for you this year? What does it mean for something to be “holy”? And how do the prayer book’s suggestions for observing a “holy Lent” – such as fasting or meditating on God’s Word – fit in with your hopes, or not, for this Lenten season? We’d love to hear your ideas!
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2023 To date 150 pledges have come in totaling $459,984 – 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.
Joining Jesus in the Desert: A Zoom Visual Art Meditation Series for Lent Mondays at 12:15pm Throughout the season of Lent, our Monday Zoom meditations at 12:15 p.m. will explore various visual depictions related to Jesus’s time of temptation and formation in the desert. Using the artwork as inspiration, we will reflect on both the experiences of Jesus and experiences of challenging and testing in our own lives. Zoom links will be sent out Monday mornings. Recordings are available for those who cannot attend live. Please email Megan if interested.
Emptiness and Presence: A Lenten Meditation Wednesday, March 15th, 6:00 – 7:00pm in the church In John of the Cross’s thinking, kenosis is the ‘self-emptying’ of one’s own will and becoming entirely receptive to God and the divine will. In this hour-long session of guided meditation, scripture, and poetry, we will enter into a process of letting go – of sensations, thoughts, and emotions – so that we can more fully come into the present moment where God is found. The session will be led by Kell Julliard, a certified mindfulness instructor, and the Rev. Megan McDermott.
The Companions of the Society of the Holy Cross chapter meeting Saturday, March 18th, 9:30am in the Parish Hall All interested women are invited to join us. Founded in 1884, by Emily Malbone Morgan, SCHC is a world-wide organization of women committed to intercessory prayer, social justice and the simplicity of life. The spirit of the companionship is alive and well in the congregation of Grace Church, so come and experience a chapter meeting. The meeting will begin at 9:30 am. when we will gather for fellowship. After a short business meeting there is an interactive presentation by John Lloyd entitled “Creating Doorways into Sacred Space.” John will talk about the fact that the entrance to a sanctuary is a place where you can tell a story about going from one world to another, perhaps as rebirth or renewal. And we will be given the chance to draw examples of Romanesque and Gothic arches. A celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the church officiated by our Chaplain, the Rev. Jane Beebe will follow the program at Noon. Anyone wishing to join us afterward for a brown bag lunch is most welcome. For more information contact Veronica Chapman and to learn more about SCHC visit our website: schccompanions.org
Youth Climate Action Now (YCAN), March 19th, Noon at The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, Greenfield MA Ollie Perrault, a high school student, and Sasha Kracauer, another group leader, will be speaking about YCAN. For more information, see https://sites.google.com/view/ycanupcomingevents/home.
Save the Date
Adult Confirmation Class Continues Wednesdays, March 22, 29, and April 12 and 19, 6:30 – 8:00pm via Zoom Bishop Doug Fisher will visit Grace Church on Sunday, May 7. In preparation for this occasion, there will be a 5 week course offered for anyone who is interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Confirmation is for anyone who desires to make a mature affirmation of one’s beliefs in the presence of a bishop. Reception is for anyone who has been confirmed in another tradition but who now desires to be received into the Episcopal Church. Explore the mystery of God and discuss Episcopal Beliefs and Practices. This course is open to all. Share your beliefs, thoughts, concerns, and even doubts. There are no questions that cannot be asked. This course will be led by Tom and Megan. For further information, please call the church office at 256-6754. The Zoom invitation will be posted closer to the start of the program.
COVID Remembrance Day Interfaith Gathering Sunday, March 26th, 2:00pm on the Amherst Common Mourning those we’ve lost, celebrating our resilience, naming the unequal impact on different communities, promising not to forget… A time to share songs, prayers, readings & reflections by area singers, community leaders & representative of a number of faith congregations. Sponsored by Interfaith Opportunities Network.