Covenant and the Promises of God: A Lenten Reflection During Lent, we will hear many of the covenants and promises God has made. What did they mean to the people who first heard them? How do they connect with our lives? Continuing today, March 17, John Horn, a retired Episcopal priest, will lead four sessions of reflections on covenant in the Sunday readings from 9:15-10:15 in the Fireplace Room. All are welcome to attend.
Death & Dying Series – Postponing funeral planning discussion originally scheduled for Mar. 17th
Originally we had planned to have a discussion today after the 10:30 service on funeral planning. Tom will lead this session on a Sunday after he returns. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date.
Now What? Incorporating the Gospel We Heard into Our Lenten Journey: A Lenten Series Sundays in Lent at 4:00 pm via Zoom
This Lent, the Episcopal churches of Hampshire and Franklin counties are coming together for a joint Zoom Bible study, with discussion leadership rotating among clergy of the various churches. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83589948859?pwd=SW5Mb1dZbmFBcW9Wem9kbk5HSWN2dz09 Meeting ID: 835 8994 8859, Passcode: lent24
Sign Up for the All-night VigilIt is a tradition at Grace that a vigil is kept in the chapel throughout the night, immediately following the Maundy Thursday 7pm service, March 28th, which concludes at 9am the morning of Good Friday. Participants are asked to sign up for a one hour slot (ideally at least two people per time slot). The sign up sheet is in the back of the church next to the prayer request binder. Could you not stay awake with me one hour? (Matthew 26:40b)
Egg Hunt Hunts + Donations
Once again, following our Easter Sunday services, we will have egg hunts for children in the Garth (weather permitting). The week before Holy Week and during Holy Week, parishioners are welcome to drop off Easter eggs, plastic or dyed, at the church for this fun activity. We’d love to get some donations on or prior to Palm Sunday for our youth group to fill during our gathering.
Ushers needed for 8 a.m.
More ushers are needed for the 8 a.m. schedule. Thank you for considering this important ministry of welcome! Please be in touch with Katie Schendel (schendelkatie@gmail.com) for more info.
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2024 To date 148 pledges have come in totaling $490,501.00. We are off to a good start. 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.
Save the Date
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).
AEFEDJ is dedicated to the support of humanitarian work in Jerusalem and the Middle East with focus on the many schools and hospitals operated by the Diocese.
Young Adult Ministry Network (YAMN) Lenten Retreat – Saturday Mar. 23rd, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. John’s Athol
YAMN, which brings together young adults from across the diocese, is hosting a half day Lenten retreat which will include prayer, solo creative time (art supplies and books will be provided, or bring a book, writing, craft, etc. with you!), Eucharist, and lunch. The retreat is supported by a grant we received last year to do ministry that supports young adults in the intersection between creativity + spirituality, and all are welcome to participate. Please register at https://forms.gle/mXxLE5DdCtpnh7pw8 or reach out to Megan with questions.
Youth Group (Grades 6-12) Post-Palm Sunday Board Games – Sunday Mar. 24th, after 10:30 a.m. service
Youth are invited to an afternoon of pizza and board games in the Fireplace Room following the 10:30 Palm Sunday service. (Join us around noon if you can’t make it to church!) Board game options will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring along favorites! We’ll also spend some time filling Easter eggs for the upcoming egg hunts.
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 8, 2024
Sunday, April 14 at 3:00, Grace Church, Amherst, Concert , Featuring Stephen Porter, Internationally recognized pianist; Krista River, Grammy Award winning Mezzo-soprano. The program will include works by Handel, Grieg, Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn and Benjamin Britten. Free-will donation: $20 per person suggested to support The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
Saturday, April 20 – Earth Day Event for Dioceses of Western Mass. and Massachusetts, St. Mark’s, Southborough
Join both dioceses from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for keynote speakers on the church’s role in creation care and a celebratory Eucharist. Register online at diocesewma.org/creation-care-earth-day-2024
The Grace Church Services Auction is back! Saturday, 5/4/2024, 6:00 – 8:30 PM. A wonderful event where members of the Grace Church community bid on services offered by other parishioners. See sign up information in the connector. Contact Kitty or Tom Dougherty if you have questions or would like to help with the event.
Garden Ministry The Grace Church Garden Ministry needs donations of pots and garden decorations for our annual plant sale on May 11th. We will set aside an area in the Undercroft for these items. This is our only fundraiser! We will paint and clean up all donations. Blessings, Sara Liberty-Laylin: Chair