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.
Learn about the role of the Vestry – Please join the Nominating Committee for informal conversation over tea after the 10:30 service today, December 3rd in the Parker Room.
Palestinian olive will be available for sale in the connector following the service today, Sunday, December 3rd. 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.
Advent Art Meditations Over Zoom – Journeying with Mary This Advent season, join with us to meditate on Mary, mother of Jesus, through a variety of visual art pieces, for 3 Mondays – Dec. 4th, 11th, and 18th. We gather at 12:15 p.m. over Zoom. Links will go out by email Monday mornings.
A Service of Advent Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 10th 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!
Adopt-A-Family For Christmas: For many years Grace Church members have enjoyed buying or making gifts for a family that is struggling. So far 28 families have been adopted! 12 to go! If there is anyone who would like to shop and wrap gifts for a family and be reimbursed or give money instead of shopping, please contact Mary. The deadline is Dec 17th. AFTER the St Nicholas bazaar the gifts can be brought to the undercroft on Sunday mornings. Copies of wish lists and helpful tips will be available after each service. Questions: contact Mary Hocken 413-537-0251.
Vestry Nomination Forms are available in the back of the church.
Nicholas Bazaar Thank you to everyone who had a part in making our bazaar a success. What a wonderful event. It takes all of us working together to make it happen, and we did it again! Please return lawn signs as soon as possible – thank you!
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2024 To date 112 pledges have come in totaling $410,673.00 – most encouraging, we have 2 new pledges. We are off to a 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 2024. 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) 530-3805.
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
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. Final meeting: Dec. 11
O love, how deep, how broad, how high: An Advent 2023 Online Retreat, Saturday, December 16 9:30 a.m. – 12 Noon • Online (free) This year’s Advent retreat takes its name from the opening line of a 15th-century hymn attributed to Thomas á Kempis. Guided by the Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, we will enjoy a morning of listening, prayer, and conversation as we open ourselves to the presence of Divine Love. Our time together will include presentations, guided meditation, and gathering in small groups. If you like, bring a candle and wear something comfortable for an optional walk outdoors. All are welcome to join our fourth annual Advent retreat. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkf-moqT8rG9H27-j8-UTEYNQ9IwfIP6HM#/registration
Grace Church Tree Trimming Party! Join Tom & Megan in trimming our tree and spreading the Christmas spirit on Sunday, December 17th, 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 know if your child will be joining in & if they have any preferred roles. Info on rehearsal times coming soon.