Announcements 11/5/23

Celebrating Beth Hart Damon’s 23 Years of Music Ministry at Grace, Today, Nov. 5th
Following today’s service, please join us for a catered brunch, to celebrate Beth Hart Damon’s 23 years of service as music director.

Youth group bubble tea & board games after celebratory brunch  Following Beth’s celebration brunch this Sunday, youth group (grades 6-12) will meet around 12:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Room in the Parke House. We’ll then go grab some bubble tea from Lime Red and enjoy some board games until about 2 p.m.! Be in touch with Megan for more info.

Monday Art & Poetry Meditations Over Zoom
Megan has resumed weekly Zoom meditations based on art and poetry, this time around the theme “Gifts and Graces.” Zoom links will go out by email Monday mornings.

Bible Study Resumes Saturdays at 10:00am on Zoom  Contact Tom for the Zoom invitation.

All Souls’ Day:  We will celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed Monday, November 6th, 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.

11th Hour for Climate Change, Saturday, October 11th at 10:45  There will be no bell-ringing on Sat Nov 11. We encourage people to gather on the front lawn of the Church, quietly, silently, holding signs honoring our veterans and our planet.

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 possible by November 17th. If everyone brought 2 boxes of stuffing to church for the next 2 Sundays, we can achieve this goal.  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. 19th 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 19th, we will gladly receive your pledge earlier. Thank you

Instagram Account  Exciting news!  Grace Church now has an Instagram account.  Check it out and be sure to follow us at Grace Church Amherst at https://www.instagram.com/gracechurchamherst/.  Also be sure to share posts with friends.

Coffee Hour Hosts Still Needed for 8 a.m.
Many thanks to those who are hosting! Multiple hosts are still needed for 8 a.m. Contact Nina Scott for more info.

Coffee Hour Treats  It would be great to revive the pre-COVID tradition of donating treats to coffee hour.  Homemade and store bought treats are welcome at each service. Please bring any treats to the coffee hour host in the kitchen prior to the service. Looking forward to your tasty contribution! Thank you!

Save the Date

Be Present, Be Kind, Be Curious – Tergar Meditation Instruction, Nov. 10-11  Friday, Nov. 10, 7-9 pm and Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 am – 4:30 pm. The workshop provides principles and practices from the three levels of the Joy of Living program – the innate qualities of awareness, loving kindness and compassion, and the wisdom inherent within all of us.  It will include videos, guided meditations, discussions, small group interaction. Suggested donation $25. Contact Kell Julliard for more information.

Death & Dying Series – Sunday November 12th, after the 10:30 service in the Parish Hall  Retired physician Larry Rankin will give a talk on the MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment), Living Will, and Health Care Power of Attorney.

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. Led by certified mindfulness instructor Kell Julliard and practice leader and licensed acupuncturist Claudia Citkovitz, it meets in the Connector. Next meeting: Nov. 13

St. Nicholas Bazaar  Four weeks until the St. Nicholas Bazaar! Please bring in your donations, (especially Antiques and Collectibles!), as soon as you can (before November 27). Items should be in good working condition and clean. We need YOU! Volunteer sign-ups will be starting soon. Consider how you will help: setting up, baking, selling, cleaning up. Any questions, contact Joan. Thank you!

The Gifts from Grace Table at the St Nicholas Bazaar welcomes and needs your creations. Donations of your art and handmade crafts of all kinds are needed for the December 2 event.  Any questions please contact Gillian Duda at 413-253-7626

Adopt-A-Family For Christmas: For many years Grace Church members have enjoyed buying or making gifts for a family that is struggling. Wish lists for some 40 families will be available on Sundays starting Nov 19th after both services. The deadline is Dec 17th. AFTER the St Nicholas Bazaar the gifts may be brought to the undercroft on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in adopting a family, please contact Mary Hocken. 413-537-0251.