Announcements 3/5/23

Lenten Book Series: Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ, Sundays at 9:15am (in person) and Thursdays at 9:30am (via Zoom) beginning Sunday, March 5th  Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what matters for faith and spirituality.  Yet he has never before addressed the relationship between Jesus and Christ.  Many have an idea of who Jesus was, but who is Christ? Too often, Rohr writes, our understandings have been limited by culture, religious debate, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the center.  Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant unfolding work in the world.  This is a four-part series.  The first week, Sunday, March 5th and Thursday, March 9th we will look at Chapters 1-4

The Thorny Work of Relationships: a talk and discussion, Tom Nields-Duffy, LMHC, March 5, 2023 – 12:00pm, in the Parish Hall  The work of living with and loving one another is tricky business. Careful, intentional listening and taking care of yourself help tremendously–and keeping a sense of humor! Tom Nields-Duffy will discuss these strategies and others in a short talk, followed by plenty of time for questions and discussion. Bio: Tom Nields-Duffy, LMHC, works as a therapist in Northampton, and also serves as a deacon at the congregational church in West Cummington. He focuses on gratitude and love daily, which he believes are not that different from the process of working with grief.

Community Conversation Board: Unpacking a “Holy Lent”  Stop by the Connector throughout this Lenten season to share your thoughts on what it means to have a “holy Lent.”  In the Ash Wednesday liturgy, we begin this season with “an invitation to a holy Lent.” What would a “holy Lent” mean, look like, or feel like for you this year? What does it mean for something to be “holy”? And how do the prayer book’s suggestions for observing a “holy Lent” – such as fasting or meditating on God’s Word – fit in with your hopes, or not, for this Lenten season? We’d love to hear your ideas!

The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2023  To date 150 pledges have come in totaling $459,984 – most encouraging, we have 3 new pledges. We still have a ways to go but are off to a very 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 2023. 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) 549-5933.

Joining Jesus in the Desert: A Zoom Visual Art Meditation Series for Lent, Mondays at 12:15pm  Throughout the season of Lent, our Monday Zoom meditations at 12:15 p.m. will explore various visual depictions related to Jesus’s time of temptation and formation in the desert. Using the artwork as inspiration, we will reflect on both the experiences of Jesus and experiences of challenging and testing in our own lives. Zoom links will be sent out Monday mornings. Recordings are available for those who cannot attend live. Please email Megan if interested.

Adult Confirmation Class (New Schedule), Wednesdays, March 8, 22, 29, and April 12 and 19, 6:30 – 8:00pm via Zoom Bishop Doug Fisher will visit Grace Church on Sunday, May 7.  In preparation for this occasion, there will be a 5 week course offered for anyone who is interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church.  Confirmation is for anyone who desires to make a mature affirmation of one’s beliefs in the presence of a bishop.  Reception is for anyone who has been confirmed in another tradition but who now desires to be received into the Episcopal Church. Explore the mystery of God and discuss Episcopal Beliefs and Practices.  This course is open to all.  Share your beliefs, thoughts, concerns, and even doubts.  There are no questions that cannot be asked. This course will be led by Tom and Megan.  For further information, please call the church office at 256-6754.  The Zoom invitation will be posted closer to the start of the program.

11th Hour Bell Ringing for Climate Change, Saturday, March 11th at 10:45  Calling all ages to be part of the 11th Hour Bell Ringing for Climate Change this Friday, March  11 at 10:45 Join friends and neighbors for prayer and meditation before the 11th hour ringing begins. No one is too young; no one is too old.  This is an invitation to join religious groups across the country and beyond to express our hope and determination that together we can act boldly to address the climate crisis. Our church bell will be rung for 11 minutes on the 11th day of each month at 11 AM. After the church bells ring, everyone will have a chance to make a joyful noise of resolve. Bring your cow bells, dinner bells, kazoos, and gongs, drums, cymbals, and noise makers of any kind. Signs and banners are encouraged. Who knows, maybe some folks passing by will stop and join in or at least catch the spirit of what committed people can do when joined together in faith.

Daylight Savings Reminder! The clocks need to be moved forward one hour Saturday evening March 11th!

Climate Action@Grace will meet Sunday, March 12th at 9:30am in the Parish Hall.

Save the Date

Emptiness and Presence: A Lenten Meditation, Wednesday, March 15th, 6:00 – 7:00pm in the church  In John of the Cross’s thinking, kenosis is the ‘self-emptying’ of one’s own will and becoming entirely receptive to God and the divine will. In this hour-long session of guided meditation, scripture, and poetry, we will enter into a process of letting go – of sensations, thoughts, and emotions – so that we can more fully come into the present moment where God is found. The session will be led by Kell Julliard, a certified mindfulness instructor, and the Rev. Megan McDermott.