About the service music for Epiphany Lena McLin (1928–2023), the composer of this season’s liturgical music, was a composer, pastor, and music teacher at Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago. Amongst her students were Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, and Mandy Patinkin. She was also the niece of Thomas Dorsey, who was known as “The Father of Gospel Music.” She wrote this season’s Mass setting in 1972, and passed away a year ago at the age of 95.
No nursery care this Sunday Unfortunately, there will be no nursery staff this Sunday. In February, we hope to offer more consistency in this childcare option, but this week is a transition point where both our winter break substitute and school year staff are unavailable. If you are a parent, guardian, or grandparent who is not on Megan’s weekly email list, please reach out to her to make sure you directly receive updates related to the nursery and other children’s programs.
4th Sunday Collection, January 26 The Outreach Commission has chosen The Center for New Americans (CNA) as the recipient of this month’s 4th Sunday offering. CNA is a community-based, non-profit adult education center that provides the under-served immigrant, refugee and migrant communities of Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley with education and resources to learn English, become involved community members and obtain tools necessary to maintain economic independence and stability. It welcomes immigrants of all races, religions, and national origins, and believes that our community is made strong by a diversity of skills, cultures, and traditions. If you write a check, please make it payable to Grace Church and add “outreach” on the memo line. Thank you for any gift you are able to give.
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 27, 202
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 136 pledges have come in totaling $493,590 – 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.
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.
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 Church Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 2nd following a single service at 9:30am.
Warrant Notice
of Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst, Massachusetts will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025 for the following purposes:
- To elect a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden, a Clerk and a Treasurer for terms of one year each;
- To elect three members to the Vestry for terms of three years each;
- To elect two Youth members to the Vestry for the term of one year;
- To elect one delegate and one alternate to the Diocesan Convention;
- To receive the 2024 annual reports of Grace Church;
- To transact any other business which may legally come before the meeting.
The meeting will take place the morning of Sunday, February 2, 2025 immediately following the 9:30 AM service. The meeting will be held in person in the Parish Hall. More information will follow.
Stated at Amherst, Massachusetts this 7th day of January 2025.
By order of the Wardens and Vestry.
Alice Goodwin-Brown, Clerk
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!