Daylight Saving Reminder! The clocks need to be changed back one hour November 3rd. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep!
Palestinian olive oil will be available for sale by the Episcopal Peace Fellowship in the Connector following both services Sunday, Nov. 3rd. It is organic, virgin, first cold press and fair trade. Olive oil is sold on the first Sunday of each month. The proceeds from the sale enable Grace to provide a scholarship for a student at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah. Our current student is Bisan Freij in the Hotel Stream. She is studying hospitality and culinary arts.
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 soon as possible. If everyone brought 2 boxes of stuffing to church for the next 2 Sundays, we can achieve this goal. To date: 110 collected; 390 to go. Thank you for your help.
The Stewardship campaign is beginning with the mailing of pledge materials, which you should receive this week. Please read these materials carefully and prayerfully reflect on your contribution. If you do not receive the mailing, copies will be 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 will be Sunday, Nov. 24th at both services. Please bring your pledge card then as they will be received at the altar during the service. The Feast of Grace potluck luncheon will follow the 10:30 service. If you are away on the 24th, we will gladly receive your pledge earlier. Thank you.
All Saints Day Parade Sunday, Nov. 3rd at the 10:30 service. Children and youth are invited to dress up as their favorite saint and process!
All Saints Day Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 4:00pm a special Holy Eucharist service with Bishop Doug Fisher. Bishop Doug is making a special visit to Grace to receive several parishioners who could not be received during his visit in June, and to bless and dedicate a memorial plaque as well as gifts from Youth Confirmation pilgrimages.
All Souls’ Day: We will celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed Monday, November 4th, at 7:00 p.m., with a service of Holy Communion and a reading of names from the Book of Remembrance. There is a sign-up sheet in the back of the church, if you would like to add names of deceased loved ones.
College & university student small group – November meeting dates Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to join our small group that gathers twice a month for conversation on life & faith! On Monday, Nov. 4th, come to the All Souls’ service at 7 p.m. Following the service, those who can stay are invited to come with us to Amherst Coffee. On Monday, Nov. 18th, we’ll gather at our usual 6 p.m. meeting time – this time at Share Coffee! If you have any questions, please contact Megan at mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org. Megan is also available to meet with you one-on-one to chat about life and faith!
Wednesday, November 6th at 7:00pm in the Connector: Come hear about 40 years of sustainable community in the Hardwick woods. We’ll hear from Suzanne Shanley and Brayton Shanley of the Agape Community, a lay Roman Catholic residential community. Agape has welcomed hundreds for retreats to learn contemplation, non-violence, and sustainability. The Shanleys’ book, “Loving Life on the Margins: the Story of the Agape Community” will be available for purchase. Come join us!
20s & 30s Group – Game Night on Nov. 8th! This month, the 20s and 30s group will gather for a game night in the Parke House on Nov. 8th. Join us between 6 and 8:30 p.m. Though games will be provided, all are invited to bring their own favorite games as well as a snack to share! Please contact Megan at mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org for more info and/or to get added to the 20s and 30s email list.
Over 60s meets Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3:00 p.m. in the Connector. Anne Homme will lead us in creating a deeply meaningful memorial service for ourselves or a loved one. If you think you’d like the last word in the conversation of life, please join us (no previous Over 60s experience required)! For more information, contact Adrian Stair, 413-230-3868, revadrian@comcast.net.
SAVE THE DATE
Potluck with Lucio Perez and his family at First Church Amherst, 5:30 pm on Monday, November 11 – Please bring food to share that does not require heating up at church and plan to participate in clean up! Many hands make for light work! For more information please contact a member of the Lucio Potluck Committee (Joan Epstein joanepstein@aol.com, Karen Levine klevine08@gmail.com, or Annique Boomsma anjeff@caremail.every1.net).
Wednesday, November 13th at 7:00pm in the Connector. “Did Grace Church Fulfill its ‘Destiny’?”. Church historian Ken Samonds will ask us to consider whether Grace fulfilled its destiny as envisaged by its founders.
Writers of Grace Reading Event – Nov. 16th – Looking for readers! Last fall, a number of parishioners shared their creative writing with us at a reading event. We are hoping to hold our second annual “Writers of Grace” reading on Saturday, Nov. 16th at 2 p.m. Do you have poetry, fiction, or nonfiction you would like to share alongside others from church? Please email Megan at mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org to sign up or for more information.
Remember the St. Nicholas Bazaar, December 7: Cleaning closets? Decluttering? Bring your unwanted treasures for the St. Nicholas Bazaar, Dec. 7, 2019! Wanted: antiques, collectibles, jewelry, Christmas items, toys & games, books, CDs, DVDs, linens & scarves, artwork and household items. Make sure your donations are clean and in good condition. Donations may be dropped off in the undercroft near the big shelves. More information about volunteering and baked goods to come. Check November Grace Notes and future bulletins. Questions? Contact Joan at jobrien82@gmail.com. Thank you!
Arts and Crafts for St Nicholas: In recent years the St Nicholas Bazaar (Dec. 7) has included a “Gifts of Grace” table where arts of all kinds by parishioners is offered for sale. If you are engaging in a hobby or trying a new pursuit, please consider setting aside a creation for this table. We need your watercolor, pottery, jewelry, photograph, handmade card, woodworking or anything you think up.