Palestinian Olive Oil will be available for sale in the connector following both services today, Sunday, May 14. It is organic, extra virgin, first cold press and fair trade. The proceeds from the sale enable Grace to provide a scholarship for a student at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah. Our current student Teya Awad, who just graduated, hopes to use her culinary and hospitality skills to continue her education. We will have a new student in the fall.”
Climate Action@Grace will meet today, May 14th at 9:30am in the Fireplace Room.
Grace Communications Committee
Grace has recently established a communications committee. The goal of this committee is to share information about our church in order to expand our reach and publicize information about our many offerings. This includes sharing information via our current website, exploring opportunities for social media options, and marketing. If you have expertise or an interest in this area, please contact co-chairs, Sarah Chadwick and Patrick Kelly. We would welcome the opportunity to work with you!
“Mind the Gap.” This message throughout the London subway and rail system alerts riders to step over the gap between the car and the platform, lest they injure themselves. Grace Church has a serious gap, too–between its regular income and its expenses. You’ve undoubtedly felt the effects of inflation and especially higher utility costs on your home budget, and Grace is experiencing these same pressures. Grace’s investment income goes down when stock and bond markets decline. There’s no fat in the expense budget to trim away. The Vestry has created a Fundraising Committee, charged with addressing this gap. We plan to begin by organizing some enjoyable events that we hope will strengthen the sense of community in the congregation that was somewhat battered during Covid, while also raising revenue. You’ll be hearing more about these events soon, starting with a garden tour combined with a progressive lunch in June and a special art show and sale in the summer. Please join in the fun, and feel free to bring along friends who may not be Grace parishioners! We have some more elaborate offerings in development for later in 2023 and 2024. The Vestry will be keeping a close eye on the 2023 financial picture as fall approaches, and we’ll pass the news along. We welcome your fundraising ideas at any time and your willingness to serve on this committee or lend a hand on an event. The goal is to eliminate the gap, not simply “mind” it, while keeping the FUN in FUNdraising. With everyone pulling together, we can do it! Questions? Ideas? Offers? Want to join the committee or volunteer to help with an event? Contact the co-chairs, Donna Devine,cell: (413) 992-9151, or Suzannah Fabing Muspratt, landline: (413) 256-6812. All are welcome.
Save the Date
Young Adult Brunch Sunday May 21st Young adults are invited to go out for brunch following the 10:30 service on Sunday May 21st. For more information, please contact Micah Walter (micahjwalter@gmail.com).
Climate Action To meet the challenge of climate change, our Bishops have urged us all to pray, learn, act, ADVOCATE. Advocate? How? Learn how – two events for your calendar:
- Senator Jo Comerford and others, 12:00 noon, May 21st at the Church of Sts. James and Andrew, Greenfield
- Representative Mindy Domb, 11:00 am, June 11th at Grace Church, Amherst
“My Improvised Life” Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00pm in the Connector Kelsey Flynn will talk about her 30-plus years studying improv comedy. She’ll discuss what improv is and how we all improvise every day of our lives. Kelsey says studying improv has taught her that, “Slowing down and being in the moment can change your life. Listening is different than hearing and, when done right, will unlock possibility. Saying “Yes, and” instead of “Yes, but” makes for more productive, and interesting, conversations.” Kelsey is an improviser and stand-up comic who’s performed all over the Pioneer Valley and beyond. She’s laughed with audiences at a former Chinese restaurant in Hadley, Caroline’s on Broadway, and many an American Legion in between. Kelsey performs an improvised musical with the Understudies every first Saturday of the month at Happier Valley Comedy. Sometimes, you can still hear her on 93.9 the River, WRSI-FM. She lives with her wife and two kids in Northampton.
Garden Ministry Plant Sale May 27, 9-12 in front of the Church The Garden Ministry is holding its first plant sale since 2019. YOUR help is needed, please…1) Donate plants from your garden. Please pot them by May 20, keep watered, label each pot (plant name, color, bloom season). Bring them to the Undercroft on Friday, May 26, from 3-5 p.m. or make arrangements for early delivery. Garden tools, books and ornaments are also welcome donations. 2) Volunteer to help on Plant Sale Day. Set-up is 8-9, sales 9-12, break-down 12-1. Contact Sherry Wilson at 256-6955 or sherrywilson136@comcast.net to volunteer or with questions. 3) Come to the sale and buy lots of plants. Proceeds support the gardens of Grace Church.
Do you speak a second language? Portions of the Gospel are read in a variety of languages on Pentecost Sunday, which is Sunday May 28th. If you can help, please contact Terrie Korpita, at 413.256.6754 and let her know what language you can speak.
Pentecost Picnic We will have a single service at 9:30am on Sunday May 28th. All are encouraged to wear red on Pentecost. Brother Lawrence will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and veggie dogs along with refreshments. Please bring a side dish to share. Side dishes can be dropped off at the Parish Hall before the 9:30 AM service. Ideas for side dishes: salads, baked beans, desserts etc.
Presentation sponsored by Pastoral Care, June 4th at 11:15 am Amanda Mullen, PhD, will be giving a presentation on Memory Changes: When to Worry. Dr. Mullen is a clinical psychologist specializing in supporting, teaching, and counseling people living with dementia as well as their families and care partners. In her private practice, Changing Minds, she focuses on helping elders and their families navigate brain change. Please come and bring your questions.
Graduations and Commencements! On Sunday, June 11th, we would like to recognize all who are graduating, from Pre-school to Post-Doctorate. Send us their names, so we can include them in the service. If they are pursuing further studies, please let us know that too. Please contact Terrie Korpita in the Parish office at 413.256.6754 to request recognition.