The church office will be closed tomorrow in observance of Veterans Day.
Palestinian olive oil will be available for sale in the connector following the service today, Sunday, November 12th. It is organic, extra virgin, first cold press and fair trade. The proceeds from the sale enable Grace Church to provide a scholarship for a student at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah. We have a new student, Joyce Harish. She is our first female student in the IT stream, studying computers.
Climate Action@Grace will meet today, Nov. 12th at 9:30am in the Fireplace Room.
Death & Dying Series – Sunday November 12th, after the 10:30 service in the Parish Hall Retired physician Larry Rankin will give a talk on the MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), Living Will, and Health Care Power of Attorney.
Monday Art & Poetry Meditations Over Zoom
Megan has resumed weekly Zoom meditations based on art and poetry, this time around the theme “Gifts and Graces.” Zoom links will go out by email Monday mornings.
Haiti Mission meeting: The Haiti Ministry will meet on Thursday, November 16, at 5 PM in the Connector. Newcomers are welcome.
Joy of Living Group, 7:00-8:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Mondays This group combines meditation, practices integrated in the flow of life, and discussion. Led by certified mindfulness instructor Kell Julliard and practice leader and licensed acupuncturist Claudia Citkovitz, it meets in the Connector. Next meeting: Nov. 13
Bible Study Saturdays at 10:00am on Zoom Contact Tom for the Zoom invitation.
Thanksgiving Collection for the Amherst Survival Center Help “Stuff” the Church with Bread Stuffing For Thanksgiving, the Amherst Survival Center has asked us to collect 500 boxes of bread stuffing, which the Survival Center will distribute throughout November. They would like as many boxes as possible by November 17th. If everyone brought 2 boxes of stuffing to church for the next 2 Sundays, we can achieve this goal. Thank you for your help.
The Stewardship campaign is beginning with the mailing of pledge materials, which you should receive this week. Please read these materials carefully and prayerfully reflect on your contribution. If you do not receive the mailing, copies will be on the table at the entry to the church. We need the participation of all members if we are to maintain our programs, meet unexpected expenditures and continue to provide support for others in our community. The annual In-gathering will be Sunday, Nov. 19th at both services. Please bring your pledge card then as they will be received at the altar during the service. The Feast of Grace potluck luncheon will follow the 10:30 service. If you are away on the 19th, we will gladly receive your pledge earlier. Thank you.
Annual Feast of Grace! As part of this year’s Stewardship Campaign in-gathering of pledges on Sunday, Nov. 19, we will continue our new tradition with a pot-luck luncheon that will immediately follow the 10:30 service. We will celebrate our stewardship campaign and once again demonstrate how our congregation – celebrating together! – can turn many small tasty donations into the Feast of Grace! Please bring the following food based on your last name as follows: A-F (cold Appetizer); G-L (cold soup or salad); M-S (casserole/main dish) and T-Z (dessert). You can drop off your donation to BLG in the Parish Hall prior to the 8 AM and 10:30 services. We look forward to seeing everyone there!!
Instagram Account Exciting news! Grace Church now has an Instagram account. Check it out and be sure to follow us at Grace Church Amherst at https://www.instagram.com/gracechurchamherst/. Also be sure to share posts with friends.
Coffee Hour Hosts Still Needed for 8 a.m.
Many thanks to those who are hosting! Multiple hosts are still needed for 8 a.m. Contact Nina Scott for more info.
Coffee Hour Treats It would be great to revive the pre-COVID tradition of donating treats to coffee hour. Homemade and store bought treats are welcome at each service. Please bring any treats to the coffee hour host in the kitchen prior to the service. Looking forward to your tasty contribution! Thank you!
Save the Date
Nominations for Vestry and Diocesan Convention Delegates are Open! At the February 4th Annual Meeting, the parish will elect three new member of the Vestry for a term of three years and one youth member (confirmed and age 16) as well as two delegates, one alternate and a youth representative to the Diocesan Convention. Please consider your own interest and ability – and the talents of those you know – to serve the Grace Church community in one of these roles. There will be several opportunities to learn more or talk about the work of the Vestry: you’re cordially invited to attend the Vestry meeting on Tuesday November 21st at 7:00pm, or to join the Nominating Committee for informal conversation over tea after the 10:30 service on December 3rd in the Connector. Any and all who may be interested in serving on the Vestry or as a delegate are encouraged to fill out the nomination form located in the Sunday bulletin and place it in the offering plate, or contact outgoing Vestry members Rachel Blain, Patrick Kelly, or Stephen McKelvey.
Qualifications for and Expectations of Grace Church Vestry:
- Vestry members must be baptized and are expected to attend services regularly.
- As lay leaders and as role models for the congregation, Vestry members should make an annual financial pledge to support the operating budget of Grace Church.
- Regular attendance at Vestry meetings is expected.
- Vestry members should consider it part of their responsibility to attend parish events and liturgical services outside of regular attendance.
Amherst/Hadley area Thanksgiving Interfaith Service Tuesday, November 21st at 7:00 pm, Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, 121 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01002
Our Thanksgiving Service will be Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, at 10:00 am.
The Bazaar is only 3 weeks away on Dec.2!! Divine Delights at the St. Nicholas Bazaar
Here’s what’s needed:
- Cookies!! Any kind, especially “Christmassy” ones!
- Lemon squares
- Brownies
- Shortbread
- Any kind of sweet bars
- Small loaves of bread or cake (individually wrapped)
Any quantity is welcome – it all adds up! Please bring cookies and bars in a single container (not pre-packaged) and include a list of ingredients and your name. Leave squares, brownies, etc. uncut in pans. Bring donations to the Parish Hall on Friday, Dec. 1. (“day of” goodies by 8:30, please!)
More ways to help!
Sign up! – sign-up sheets are in the Connector. We need help with set-up Thursday and Friday (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1), sales and clean-up Saturday. Please indicate days and times you are available. Many hands make light work!
Lawn signs and flyers – also in the Connector – take and distribute around town!
Donations of Antiques and Collectibles are still needed. Other items also accepted. Please bring clean items in good condition to the undercroft before November 27 for sorting and pricing.
Thank you for all your support! Contact Joan with questions.
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 2 event. Any questions please contact Gillian Duda 413-253-7626
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 19th after both services. The deadline is Dec 17th. 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.