Advent: Prepare, Hope, and Action Sundays, Dec. 8, 15, and 22 9:15 a.m. in the Fireplace Room Advent is a Christian season of preparation and anticipation that takes place in the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to Christmas. Be with us the final three Sundays of this season as we explore the following questions for Advent:
- Sunday, December 8th: What are you preparing for?
- Sunday, December 15th: What are you hoping for?
- Sunday: December 22nd: What are you ready to do?
Please consider joining us. Reach out to Tom with any questions.
Grace Church Tree Trimming Party! Join Tom & Megan in trimming our tree and spreading the Christmas spirit on Sunday, December 15th, during coffee hour in the Connector. Bring an ornament and cookies to share!
A Service of Advent Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 15th at 4:00 pm One of the loveliest services of the church year, it is comprised of scripture readings interspersed with a variety of choral anthems and hymns, modeled after the traditional Anglican format. All are most welcome – we hope to see you there!
Christmas pageant – some parts still open! While many parts are already filled for our pageant, there are still some roles we are looking to cast, and there is always the opportunity for more children and youth to be involved! If you have not yet been in touch about your child(ren) being in the pageant, please email Megan; please also feel free to share this opportunity with friends. Our annual pageant is held Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. with children telling the Christmas story through acting and song. Remaining rehearsals will be this Sunday the 15th and 22nd in the parish hall from 9:15-10:15 a.m., with a dress rehearsal at 2 p.m. on the 24th. Participants do not have to make all rehearsals, and out of town guests are welcome to join the day of the pageant!
Lawn Sign Request Please remember to return the St. Nicholas Bazaar lawn signs for re-use next year. Thank you! (and thanks to those who have done so already!)
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/.
Prophetic Poets Preparing the Way: An Advent Meditation Series Our Zoom art/poetry meditation series will be gathering for the 3 remaining Mondays in Advent, 9th, Dec. 16th, and Dec. 23rd, at its usual time, 12:15 p.m. Prophets who prepare the way for Christ are an essential part of this Advent season. Over these three Mondays, we will look at poets whose work we might interpret as prophetic – preparing readers for divine encounter, repentance, or the creation of a better world. Zoom links will be sent from the Grace email Monday mornings. If you will not be able to join us live but are interested in receiving recordings, or if you have any questions, please contact Megan.
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2025 To date 122 pledges have come in totaling $459,895 – most encouraging, we have 6 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.
Counters NeededThe finance committee is looking for a few people to help count the Sunday offering after the final service each week. The commitment is 15 minutes every 4-6 weeks, and you will be with another trained counter. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Tim Hampson at 413-695-5660.
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: December 23, 2024
Christmas Services
Christmas Eve
4:00pm Holy Eucharist with Christmas Pageant
8:00pm Holy Eucharist with choral prelude at 7:30
11:00pm Holy Eucharist with musical prelude at 10:30
Christmas Day
10:00am Holy Eucharist
Sunday, December 29th
9:30am Holy Eucharist with Christmas Lessons and Carols