The Stewardship campaign is underway with the mailing of pledge materials, which you should have received. Please read these materials carefully and prayerfully reflect on your contribution. If you have not receive the mailing, copies are 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 is Sunday, Nov. 24th at both services. Please bring your pledge card then as they will be received at the altar during the service.
Annual Feast of Grace! Sunday, Nov. 24th 12 noon Our tradition of a pot-luck luncheon will immediately follow the 10:30 service, Sunday Nov. 24th. If possible, 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). Whatever you can provide is greatly appreciated. Food can be dropped off in the Parish Hall prior to the 8 AM and 10:30 services. We look forward to seeing everyone there!!
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 10th, we will look at Chapters 4 and 5.
Climate Action@Grace Please consider joining us for meaningful work for Creation Care this Sunday, November 10, at 12:15 (after coffee hour) in the Connector. We welcome your presence and ideas going forward!
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
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.
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: 272 collected; 228 to go. Thank you for your help.
Get into the Spirit this Holiday Season: Come to an Advent Supper, Dec. 2 or Dec. 16 Tues. Dec. 10, Dec. 18 Thurs. Dec. 5, Fri. Dec. 13 For the season of Advent, a number of parishioners have agreed to host potluck suppers in their homes as an opportunity for people to connect with one another in small groups. The suppers will start around 6 p.m. A different household hosts each dinner. Please notify Terrie by phone call to the parish office about which evenings you’d be interested in attending. We cannot guarantee everyone will be able to attend every potluck supper, but we will plan that everyone gets to participate in at least one supper during the season. The host for your Advent supper will reach out directly to you with more information on what would be helpful to bring and directions to their home. The deadline for signing up is Monday, November 25th.
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 Mathewsor 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
Messiah Sing-along, Sunday, December 1 at 4:00 pm. Come join us for a sing-along of Handel’s Messiah in the Grace Church sanctuary. Sing the choruses along with the orchestra and soloists who will participate in this festive occasion. Last year, this event filled the church and was very joyous. We will provide scores if you need one and want to sing, or simply come and listen to all of the glorious music. Cash or check donations will benefit the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund of the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Amherst/Hadley area Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, Tuesday, November 21st at 7:00 pm, Grace Church, Amherst, MA 01002
Our Thanksgiving Service will be Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, at 10:00 am.
A Service of Advent Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 15th 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. Wish lists for some 40 families will be available on Sundays starting Nov 17th after both services. The deadline is Dec 15th. 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
The Bazaar is 4 weeks away on Dec. 7!
Here’s how to help
Sign up! – sign-up sheets are in the Connector. We need help with set-up Thursday and Friday (Dec. 5 & 6), and sales and clean-up Saturday Dec. 7.
Please indicate times you are available. Many hands make light work!
Lawn signs and flyers! – also in the Connector – please take and distribute around town!
Donations! Antiques and Collectibles, Fine jewelry, Sports, and Toys and
Games are still needed. Other items also accepted. Please bring clean items in good condition to the undercroft by November 17 for sorting and pricing.
Divine Delights at the St. Nicholas Bazaar
Your contributions are 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. 6. (“day of” goodies by 8:30, please!)
Thank you for all your support!
Contact Joan with questions.