Lenten Book Series: The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde’s How We Learn to be Brave – Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, Sundays at 9:15am March 9th – April 6th The decisive moments in life are those pivot points when we’re called on to push past our fears and act with strength. With How We Learn to Be Brave, Bishop Mariann Budde teaches us to respond with clarity and grace even in the toughest times. Being brave is not a singular occurrence; it’s a journey that we can choose to undertake every day. Here, Bishop Budde explores the full range of decisive moments, from the most visible and dramatic (the decision to go), to the internal and personal (the decision to stay), to brave choices made with an eye toward the future (the decision to start), those born of suffering (the decision to accept that which we did not choose), and those that come unexpectedly (the decision to step up to the plate). Drawing on examples ranging from Harry Potter to the Gospel According to Luke, she seamlessly weaves together personal experiences with stories from scripture, history, and pop culture to underscore both the universality of these moments and the particular call each one of us must heed when they arrive. Sunday March 30th, we will explore up through chapter 5.
Sundays Mar. 30th & April 6th – children & youth art-making for Stations of the Cross, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
This Sunday and next Sunday, we will continue the project of creating new Stations of the Cross art for our children’s Good Friday service. Children and youth of all ages can join us for this creative way of connecting with a central story of our faith! Nancy Lowry will help coordinate. We will be in the upstairs classroom of the Parke House.
The Envelope, please… The Haiti Ministry’s Lenten fundraising campaign continues until April 17. We urgently need the participation of every individual at Grace to meet our goal: enough money to build a classroom for the ninth grade at St. Matthew’s School. So far, $5334 has come in, but there’s still a long way to go. Envelopes await you in the Connector! We’ve noticed that people first took the envelopes with numbers ending in 5 or 0, perhaps thinking that it would be easier to get the necessary bills from the ATM or to do the math on their running balance. Please know that you can always round up your gift to the nearest 5 or 0 (or more), no matter what the envelope says. Just please don’t round down! If you’re not coming to church in person, kindly mail a check payable to Grace Church in whatever envelope you have on hand, writing “Haiti—Lent” on the memo line. Alternatively, anyone can donate by credit card by clicking the GIVE button on the Grace home page and choosing “Haiti—Lent” from the drop-down menu. We’re grateful for whatever sum you can spare. Thank you.
Lectors and Lay Eucharistic Ministers Needed Through our lectors and LEMs – and our combined ministry of priests and laity – we reaffirm the words, ideas, and sacraments that are the foundation of our faith. We would love for you to join us! Every three months, the schedule is built around the availability of those who volunteer. At various points during the year, volunteers are also need for Christmas, Holy Week, and other special services. Some people choose to act as either a lector or a LEM; some people act as both. Training as both a lector and a LEM can be provided. Please email Cara Crandall at msccash@gmail.com with any questions, or if you would like to become a lector or LEM.
Imagining the Undercroft As you may know, we are in the process of looking at what activities might be accommodated in the Undercroft if it were upgraded to a finished space. In addition to meeting with the groups that are presently occupying the space, we’re also looking to all of you for suggestions of other uses you feel would be beneficial to Grace and presently don’t have a home… There is a suggestion box in the Connector for you to use to pass on your thoughts or feel free to email John Robinson. We look forward to your suggestions.
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.
Clothing Drive Ascentria Refugee Services for New Americans has asked Grace Church to help with a clothing drive. They are looking for seasonal clothes for refugees moving into Western Massachusetts. Ascentria especially wants clothing for children, from birth to primary school age. 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 141 pledges have come in totaling $509,690 – most encouraging, we have 7 new pledges. 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.
Calendar Donations Please bring extra 2025 calendars to the food basket for the Survival Center.
Save the Date
March 30, 2025 Environmental Sunday Series, 12 Noon. Church of Saints James and Andrew, Greenfield Adapting to a Changing World: A Panel Discussion with Tom Sullivan, Chelsey Little and Glen Ayers At The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, 8 Church Street, Greenfield. Please enter main doors of church on Federal Street. Parking available on street and in lot off Saint James Court. Join us for a discussion of some of the adaptations underway to address the impacts humans have had on our environment. Bring your lunch or a snack. Contact: Ella Ingraham, 860.684.4420.
Diocesan Young Adult Lenten Retreat Day, April 5th at Grace Church, 10 am – 2 pm Young adults ages 18-40 from across the diocese are invited to come together for a Lent retreat day involving worship and prayer, individual reflective and creative time, and small group conversation. Please register at https://forms.gle/SBWwZ5iq5Ac7GqJv9, or email Megan for details.
Sign Up for the All-night Vigil It is a tradition at Grace that a vigil is kept in the chapel throughout the night, immediately following the Maundy Thursday 7pm service, April 17th, 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 on April 20th, 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.
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 28, 2025.
2025 Holy Week
April 13–Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
8:00 am Holy Eucharist
10:30 am Holy Eucharist (begin at the Parish Hall and process to the Church)
April 14–Monday 7:00 pm Holy Eucharist
April 15–Tuesday 7:00 pm Holy Eucharist
April 16–Wednesday
12:10 pm Holy Eucharist (Rite I) with Healing;
7:00 pm Tenebrae
The Paschal Triduum (the Sacred Three Days)
April 17–Maundy Thursday
7:00 pm Foot Washing, Holy Eucharist of the Last Supper; Stripping of the Altar.
All-night vigil before the Blessed Sacrament (Chapel)
April 18–Good Friday
4:00 pm Children’s Stations of the Cross (Church and Town Common)
7:00 pm Liturgy of the Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ
April 19–Holy Saturday/The Great Vigil of Easter
9:00 am Liturgy of Holy Saturday
8:00 pm The Great Vigil of Easter, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and
The Feast of the Resurrection (begins outside, in the Columbarium. All are welcome to bring bells to ring at the Gloria)
April 20–Easter Sunday
8:00 am & 10:30 am The Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Easter egg hunt for children following both services