Christmas Collection As is tradition, Grace Church divides its collections made at Christmas between a local charity and a more global charity. This year, Grace’s Outreach Commission has chosen Craig’s Doors and The International Rescue Committee’s work in Lebanon. We hope that you will once again give generously to help those in need. Winter is especially hard on those in our community that are currently unhoused. Established in 2011, Craig’s Doors is a human services organization that provides vulnerable and unhoused members of our community with emergency shelter, food, and safety, as well as access to the resources they need to achieve physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Lebanon is experiencing a severe economic crises and being impacted by the spillover effects of regional conflicts, all while hosting the most refugees per capita of any country in the world. The International Rescue Commission is providing critical support to refugees in Lebanon and the communities that host them.
The Church Office will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Important Year-End-Note If you would like your end-of-year donations to count as a 2024 tax deduction, checks must be dated 2024 and received no later than Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Anything received after that date will count towards your 2025 deductions. However, pledges for 2024 may still be paid after this date; they will just be recorded as being received in 2025. Jaana Cutson, Bookkeeper
2025 Pledge Envelopes If you requested envelopes, you may pick them up from the box on the table in the back of the church beginning this Sunday. They will (hopefully) be in alphabetical order. Note: if this is the first year that you have requested pledge envelopes, your pledge number may have changed.
Lawn Sign Request Please remember to return the St. Nicholas Bazaar lawn signs for re-use next year. Thank you! (and thanks to those who have done so already!)
Clothing Drive Ascentria Refugee Services for New Americans has asked Grace Church to help with a clothing drive. They are looking for warm winter clothes for people of all ages! This drive hopes to gather new or lightly used coats, blankets, scarves, hats, and gloves for refugees moving into Western Massachusetts. All supplies will be directly distributed to families who can’t afford clothes for the coming winter. A shopping cart will be placed in the back of the church for those who can donate. You can bring items with you to church on Sunday or drop them off during the week during regular business hours. Ascentria Refugee Services For New Americans provides legal, housing, and language support to new Americans across New England. Thank you for your generosity, and if there are items you wish to donate other than what is listed or would like to become more involved, please reach out to rporter@ascentria.org. If you wish to learn more about Ascentria and the work they do, please check their website at https://www.ascentria.org/service/services-for-new-americans/.
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2025 To date 126 pledges have come in totaling $479,795– most encouraging, we have 6 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 2025. 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 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? 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.
Calendar Donations Please bring extra 2025 calendars to the food basket for the Survival Center.
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: January 13, 2025
The popular Haiti Ministry soup supper is coming up! Circle your calendars for January 25th. Orders will be taken beginning on January 10th and you can do it either online or in person after the 8:00 and 10:30 services on January Sundays. Who can resist hot soup on a cold winter night? And all to benefit elementary school children in rural Haiti!
Grace Church Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 2nd following a single service at 9:30am. All commission and committee reports should be sent to the Parish Administrator no later than Wednesday, January 15th.