A Note about today’s music The hymns for today’s service all feature the creative work of women in text or music, culminating in Rev. Megan McDermott’s new hymn written for today. Today’s anthem is again by longtime western Massachusetts resident Alice Parker, who wrote this arrangement of “Hark, I hear the harps eternal” in 1967. One of her most popular pieces, it has been recorded commercially numerous times, and is especially appropriate for All Saints’. The hymn text “In Christ we find we’re part of all” was inspired by today’s liturgical feast All Saints’ along with the 50th anniversary of women being ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. On July 29, 1974, eleven women were ordained at the Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia. This ordination was organized despite the wider church not yet officially approving of women priests. This approval would occur in 1976. Many thanks to Noah Horn and clergy colleague the Rev. Michael Kurth for their helpful feedback during the writing process! – Rev. Megan
Banner Celebrating 50 Years of Women in the Priesthood As we observed in July, this year marked the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the Philadelphia 11, the first women ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. A committee was formed to explore ways to commemorate this anniversary year. One idea that emerged was a banner marking the anniversary. Parishioners Lisa Lukas, Hannah Abbott, and Natalie Moss were up to the task, designing and creating this banner for our community; we also had parishioners generously donate to support the costs of making the banner. We will bless the banner for use by Grace Church as a visual celebration of women’s ordination and a reminder of those who made it possible.
Palestinian olive oil will be available for sale in the connector following the service today, Sunday, November 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 Joyce Harish, a student at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah, to study computer programming, drafting and installation.
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, November 3rd, we will look at Chapters 3 and 4.
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.
Need a Ride to Vote? Do you need assistance getting to the polls to vote? Drivers are able to get you to the polls Monday, November 4th and Tuesday, November 5th. For more information, please contact Mary Ellen Shaughan at 413-549-6040.
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.
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. For our first Wednesday session, you’re invited to read the introduction through chapter 4. If you haven’t gotten to read the whole section of chapters or haven’t gotten the book yet, please still join us for conversation!
Celebrating the Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas. An Invitation from the Diocese, Friday, November 8th at 12 noon, here at Grace Church in the Parish Hall You are cordially invited to a luncheon honoring the ministry of The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas upon her retirement. The luncheon will be held in our Parish Hall, Friday, November 8th, at 12 noon. RSVP to the Diocese at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/558c10cb-e497-4dfe-84a6-7f3ba4440b05
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. To Date: 117 collected; 383 to go. 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.
Color Pattern Life Show at Oxbow, Gary and Dee Dee Niswonger Prints, Paintings and Quilts, a celebration of 60+ years of making life and art together. The show is at The Oxbow Gallery, 40 Cottage Street, Easthampton MA from October 31-December 1, 2024.
Save the Date
Bell Ringing in honor of Veterans, Monday, November 11th at 11:00am, Bell Ringing for Climate Change cancelled Grace Church will honor Veterans with a solemn tolling of the bell eleven times following the moment of silence to be held in front of the Amherst Town Hall. Bell ringing for Climate Action will resume in December.
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: November 11, 2024
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!