About Today’s Music “The Light” was composed for the interfaith Sufi Choir of Boulder exactly 49 years ago this month. It celebrates that wonder and joy that comes from the experience of God’s total, unconditional love for us — for us! The light referred to is not primarily the physical light of our world, beautiful as that is, but the light of God’s wisdom, love, and compassion, which is visible everywhere if we but open our spiritual “eyes.”
Nursery reopened this week Childcare is available this Sunday in the nursery (located in the parish office’s Parker Room) from 9:15 a.m. – noon. We are in the process of hiring a number of new nursery staff who will help us offer this ministry consistently. If you’d like to make sure you receive updates related to the nursery, please email Megan.
Palestinian olive will be available for sale in the connector following the service today, Sunday, February 9th. It is organic, extra virgin, first cold press and fair trade. The proceeds from the sale enable Grace Church to provide a scholarship for a student at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah.
Climate Action@Grace will be meeting Sunday, February 9, at 12:15 in the Parker Room. If you have interest in choosing where to collectively put our efforts, this might be a good meeting to consider attending. Always welcome!
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: February 10, 2025.
Raising the Questions, Tuesday, February 11 at 9:30am in the Connector Raising the Questions is a Grace Church reading and discussion group that focusses on theology and liturgy. We meet monthly on the second Tuesday at 9:30 am. Got questions? Come join us.
11th Hour Bell Ringing for Climate Change, Tuesday, February 11th at 11:00am Be part of the 11th Hour Bell Ringing for Climate Change this Tuesday, February 11th at 11:00am. Join friends and neighbors for prayer and meditation before the 11th hour ringing begins. This is an invitation to join religious groups across the country and beyond to express our hope and determination that together we can act boldly to address the climate crisis.
Are you interested in being baptized, or know someone who is? Along with Holy Communion, Holy Baptism is one of the two great sacraments given by Christ to the Church. We acknowledge one Baptism, which means Baptism in the name of the Trinity is performed once in a person’s life and is recognized regardless of where or how it took place. If you have not been baptized or you are not sure whether you were baptized, and would like to know more, please contact the church office or one of the clergy. We would be happy to speak with you about this holy sacrament.
Coffee hour is a lovely event after the 10:30 service. The hospitality committee keeps a small supply of treats on hand but this often is not enough for everyone. Prior to Covid, the most delicious treats were shared by parishioners. Won’t you please kindly share a treat from your kitchen or something you purchase? Cookies, coffee cakes, and most anything else is gratefully welcomed. Thank you for your consideration. Please contact Sarah Chadwick with any questions.
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 138 pledges have come in totaling $504,090 – most encouraging, we have 7 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
Grace Garden Ministry will have its next meeting on Friday, February 28th at 9:00 in the Connector. We would love to have new members!