Easter and Holy Week Offerings The Outreach Commission has chosen the following local and international organizations to receive our Easter Offerings:
Since 1982, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. They provide food to their members in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. These independent pantries, meal sites and shelters are on the front lines of emergency food assistance in our region, providing sustenance to individuals, families, seniors, children and people with disabilities (including veterans) to lead healthy and meaningful lives.
Our international recipient will be the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ). AFEDJ’s mission is transforming lives of the vulnerable and displaced in the Middle East through support of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and its schools, hospitals, and centers for children with disabilities. It believes peace and prosperity can be achieved when people have access to comprehensive healthcare and children have access to quality education irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay.
UMass Bach Festival Concerts
Saturday, April 26, 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 27, 3:00 pm
Grace Episcopal Church, 14 Boltwood Ave, Amherst
Tickets available online(go to https://websites.umass.edu/bach/festival/)or at the Fine Arts Center Box Office, 413-545-2511. $25 general; Free for students w/ ID & children under 18
- J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, BWV 1050.2
Steven Beck, harpsichord; Cobus du Toit, flute; Elizabeth Chang, violin - J.S. Bach: Christmas Oratorio 1-3, BWV 248
Richard Sparks, guest conductor; Lindsay Pope, chorus master
UMass Bach Festival Orchestra & Chorus
Jamie-Rose Guarrine, soprano; Ifeanyi Epum, countertenor;
Jonas Budris, tenor & Dana Whiteside, bass
Guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sharp, on April 27th
Join us on the second Sunday of Easter for a sermon from the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sharp. Sharp, a professor of homiletics at Yale Divinity School, is interested in how preaching can shape Christian community via insights from biblical studies, feminist perspectives on power, and ecotheology. Her most recent book, a commentary on the prophet Micah, is coming out in May. She will be with us at both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.
Lectors and Lay Eucharistic Ministers Needed Through our lectors and LEMs – and our combined ministry of priests and laity – we reaffirm the words, ideas, and sacraments that are the foundation of our faith. We would love for you to join us! Every three months, the schedule is built around the availability of those who volunteer. At various points during the year, volunteers are also need for Christmas, Holy Week, and other special services. Some people choose to act as either a lector or a LEM; some people act as both. Training as both a lector and a LEM can be provided. Please email Cara Crandall with any questions, or if you would like to become a lector or LEM.
Imagining the Undercroft As you may know, we are in the process of looking at what activities might be accommodated in the Undercroft if it were upgraded to a finished space. In addition to meeting with the groups that are presently occupying the space, we’re also looking to all of you for suggestions of other uses you feel would be beneficial to Grace and presently don’t have a home… There is a suggestion box in the Connector for you to use to pass on your thoughts or feel free to email John Robinson. We look forward to your suggestions.
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.
Clothing Drive Ascentria Refugee Services for New Americans has asked Grace Church to help with a clothing drive. They are looking for seasonal clothes for refugees moving into Western Massachusetts. Ascentria especially wants clothing for children, from birth to primary school age. 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 142 pledges have come in totaling $510,690 – most encouraging, we have 8 new pledges. 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: April 28, 2025
Come to a Gospel Choir Concert to benefit Amherst A Better Chance (ABC) on Tuesday, April 29th, 7:00 pm, at Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst. Amherst ABC is a residential program where talented and motivated young men of color attend Amherst High School to improve their preparation for college and future leadership roles. Three choirs will sing: the Amherst Area Gospel Choir, the ARHS Hurricane Singers, and the UMass Gospel Choir. A $20 donation (or more) from each concert-goer is suggested, but all who wish to celebrate the ABC Program through gospel music are most welcome!”
Garden Ministry The Grace Garden Ministry will be finishing the Garth area planting project on May 3rd. If we need to reschedule, please save May 10th on your calendar. We will begin at 9:00 am and meet in the undercroft. We worked last fall in this area and left 2 sections bare to be planted this spring. We need donated shady garden plants for the corner (where the blue tarp is). Please leave them near the pink door on Spring Street on May 2nd or before 9:00AM on May 3rd. We also will be planting small perennials along the embankment. Thanks you for helping us to make our gardens spectacular! Sara Liberty-Chair
A Celebration of Hildegard of Bingen Grace Church will host a celebration of the 12th-century abbess, mystic, composer, and visionary Hildegard of Bingen at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This immersive event will explore Hildegard’s enduring wisdom through dramatic readings, musical excerpts from her play Ordo Virtutum, and visual projections of her vividly illuminated visions. The program is centered on four themes that resonate across the centuries: greening (viriditas), usefulness, speaking truth to power, and mysticism. All are welcome to this contemplative and inspiring celebration. For more information please contact Kell Julliard or visit the website http://bit.ly/4iPfvqH