A Note about today’s Psalm chant tune The psalm chant tune for October is by Shirley Hill (1933–2014), who earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California, and spent her career in Massachusetts and Connecticut serving as director of music and organist for various Episcopal churches. Her chant tune is the only one by a woman out of 361 tunes in The Anglican Chant Psalter (Church Publishing Inc., 1987), published as The Episcopal Church’s official musical psalter.
A Note about today’s Offertory Anthem Alice Parker, whose music was “food for the soul” (The Boston Globe), was one of the most well-known American choral composers of the past hundred years. She lived in Hawley, Franklin County, Massachusetts, and was generous with her time and talents, leading many community sings in Western Massachusetts. Beth Hart Damon worked for her for many years, and spoke at her memorial service earlier this year. Beth says that Alice was “one of the most wonderful people ever to walk this earth.” The tune “Come Sunday” is a jazz standard by Duke Ellington, originally written for saxophone, then given a text for a gospel singer in 1958. Parker arranged the tune for choir in 1991.
Climate Action@Grace will meet Sunday, October 13 at 12:30pm in the Connector. Please consider checking out Grace’s green team meeting at our new time and place: after coffee hour (12:30) in the Connector on October 13th. Bring a bag lunch
Book Series: James K. A. Smith’s How to Inhabit Time, Sundays at 9:15am Oct. 13 through Nov. 17 Many Christians live a faith that is “nowhen.” They are disconnected from the past or imagine they are somehow “above” the flux of history, immune to it, as if self-starters from clean slates in every generation. They lack an awareness of time and the effects of history – both personal and collective – and thus are naïve about current issues, prone to nostalgia, and fixated on the end times. In How to Inhabit Time, popular speaker and award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that awakening to the spiritual significance of time is crucial for orienting faith in the 21st century. He helps develop a sense of “temporal awareness” that is attuned to the texture of history, the vicissitudes of life, and the tempo of the Spirit. This is a five-part series. The first week, Sunday, October 13th, we will look at the Introduction and Chapter 1.
Grace Gardens clean up and planting, October 14th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Everyone is welcome. We will have all the necessary tools; we just need the enthusiasm. If you have questions, please email Sara Liberty Laylin.
No art meditation on Monday October 14th
Because the office will be closed, there will be no Zoom art meditation on October 14th. Please join us again beginning Monday October 21st! Our series on self portraiture will continue until Advent.
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. Next meeting, in the Connector: October 14, 2024
Adult Confirmation Class continues, Wednesdays October 16th, and 23rd, 6:30 – 8:00pm via Zoom Bishop Doug Fisher will visit Grace Church on Sunday, October 27th. In preparation for this occasion, there will be a 4 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 is shared by email. Next class: Wednesday, October 16th, 6:30pm via Zoom.
Coffee hour help needed! The 8 a.m. coffee hour is looking for a couple of willing baristas to fill in once a month this Fall and keep the coffee hour perking along reliably. If you can help out or want more information, email Betsy Mathews or speak with the clergy.
Publicity for your Event? Now that the Fall calendar has come out, please let the Communications Committee know if you need help with your event. Please fill out this form: https://www.gracechurchamherst.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Request-for-Event-Publicity-Form-2023.pdf, also located on the “Outreach” page of the church website. The committee requests at least 6 weeks notice. Please forward questions to Patrick Kelly or Sarah Chadwick.
The Pastoral Care Commission The Pastoral Care Commission is looking for volunteers to help our fellow Grace family. This might include sending cards, calling or emailing those needing support, or helping coordinate any of these activities. We meet once a month, but monthly attendance is not a requirement. If you feel called to help out with this ministry, please contact Gail Gnatek.
Counters Needed The finance committee is looking for a few people to help count the Sunday offering after the final service each week. The commitment is 15 minutes every 4-6 weeks, and you will be with another trained counter. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Tim Hampson at 413-695-5660.
Save the Date
Fourth Sunday Outreach Collection, October 27th The Outreach Commission has designated the recipient of Grace Church’s fourth Sunday collection will be Episcopal Relief & Development’s Hurricane Relief Fund. Hurricane’s Helene and Milton have left many families throughout the Southeast devastated and in urgent need of support. Your gift will provide ERD’s partners on the ground with critical supplies, such as food and water, pastoral care and other urgent needs. It will also help assist with the long-term efforts needed to rebuild and heal the communities impacted by these terrible storms. If you write a check, please make it payable to Grace Church and add “outreach” on the memo line. Thank you for any gift you are able to give.
Diocesan Retreat for Young Adults Ages 18-40, Nov. 15th-17th, Registration Due ASAP
The Young Adult Ministry Network’s annual fall retreat is taking place at the Barbara Harris Camp in New Hampshire Nov. 15th-17th. Join us for a time of spiritual refreshment and building community! Registration is due ASAP, and scholarships and carpooling are available. See or contact Megan for info.
St. Nicholas Bazaar (Dec 7) We need your no-longer-needed stuff for the bazaar! All the usual stuff, but especially Toys/Games and Antiques/Collectibles/Fine Jewelry! Bring donations to the undercroft as soon as possible for sorting and pricing – by the end of October if possible. As usual, please make sure items are in good condition and clean. Donations may be dropped off after the Sunday service, or during church office hours (M-F, 9-4). Any questions, contact Joan). Thank you!