A Note about today’s Offertory Anthem Herbert Howells is one of the most beloved Anglican church music composers, with a large output ranging from anthems to service music settings which are performed around the world. His “Like as the hart” was heard here at Grace Church almost exactly a year ago today (October 20), and the Amherst College Concert Choir presented part of his Requiem in Mexico City in May 2024. Today’s anthem, “Behold, O God our defender”, was written for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, and the text is from Psalm 84. The offertory hymn which follows is one of two by Howells in The Hymnal 1982, along with “All my hope on God is founded.”
Jr. choir/Sunday School cancelled this week Unfortunately, Sunday School/Jr. Choir is cancelled this week due to Megan being away and one of our volunteer leaders not being able to be with us. We look forward to gathering next Sunday October 27th! Apologies for the inconvenience!
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. This week, Sunday, October 20th, we will look at Chapters 1 and 2.
Adult Confirmation Class continues, Wednesdays October 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 256-6754or email Tom. The Zoom invitation is shared by email. Next class: Wednesday, October 23, 6:30pm via Zoom.
GEMS: Grace Episcopal Ministry for Students dinner & Bible Study 101/Refresher, Saturday October 26th, 5 p.m. Our campus ministry’s monthly gathering will be 5 p.m. at the church on Saturday October 26th, in the Connector. Stop by for dinner and conversation on ways to approach reading the Bible! For newcomers to Scripture, we’ll offer some guidance on getting started, while for those more familiar, we’ll hopefully offer some new considerations + perspectives that you can bring to your reading! Please RSVP to Megan.
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.
Upcoming Youth Group (Grades 6-12) Gathering – Sunday Oct. 27th, 1 p.m., Art in the Orchard Youth in grades 6-12 are invited for a gathering after church on Sunday Oct. 27th! We will meet at Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton, where we’ll enjoy treats from the farm stand (courtesy of Grace Church) and an outdoorsy fall day seeing the sculptures/art all over the orchard. Please RSVP to Megan.
All Souls’ Day We will celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed Monday, November 4th, at 7:00 p.m., with a service of Holy Communion and a reading of names from the Book of Remembrance. There is a sign-up sheet in the back of the church, if you would like to add names of deceased loved ones.
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 22nd. If everyone brought 2 boxes of stuffing to church for the next 2 Sundays, we can achieve this goal. Thank you for your help.
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 or tim.hampson@edwardjones.com.
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. Next meeting, in the Connector: October 28, 2024
Screening of Philadelphia Eleven documentary, parish hall, Nov. 3rd, 12:15 p.m. Join us after church on All Saints’ Day for a viewing of the documentary The Philadelphia Eleven, which explores the story of the first women ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church in 1974. The documentary gives an in-depth look at the challenges they faced and their experiences leading up to and following this momentous day in church history. We’d love to have a potluck lunch for those staying after church for the movie, so please bring an appetizer to share if you’re able! Drinks will be provided.
Coming in November – Philadelphia Eleven book group On Wednesdays Nov. 6th, 13th, and 20th at 6:30 p.m., join us for a 3-session book discussion on Zoom exploring The Story of the Philadelphia Eleven: Revised and Expanded 50th Anniversary Edition by Darlene O’Dell. This book discussion is a part of our continued commemoration as a parish of the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. We hope this space will give us a chance to dive deeper into the details and history of the Philadelphia Eleven while also allowing us to share connections between this history and our own experiences and faith. Zoom links will be sent out from the Grace Church email. Please be in touch with Megan with any questions.
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!