Music on Main Concerts presents Together We Sing: A Multicultural Concert, Sunday, May 7 at 2:00pm at the First Congregational Church in Amherst, Featuring three choruses from Mendelssohn’s Elijah and music from the Jewish and Christian Traditions. Mak’hela, The Jewish Chorus of Western Mass; The First Church Choir, Dr. Elaine Broad Ginsberg & Richard S. Matteson, directors, Jamie Goodnow, accompanist. Suggested donation $15. Reception following concert.
Palestinian Olive Oil Due to the bishop’s visit and confirmations, olive oil sales have been postponed to next Sunday, May 14th, Mother’s Day. A bottle of high quality olive oil might make a good Mother’s Day gift.
Garden Ministry Mulching Day, May 13 9:00 am -12:00 noon The Grounds Committee and Garden Ministry will be mulching the gardens. Volunteers are welcome. Please bring a shovel and/or a rake.
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!
Fundraising Committee Grace Church is forming a new committee to generate ways of closing a significant budget gap. Its charge is to envision additional fundraisers to join the Saint Nicholas Bazaar in meeting this year’s fundraising goal of $22,000, while also increasing community participation and incorporating fun. If you’d like to brainstorm with us and work to bring these ideas to fruition, please contact co-chairs Donna Devine (cell: 413-992-9151) or Suzannah Muspratt (landline: 413-256-6812). We need your ideas and your energy!
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2023 To date 152 pledges have come in totaling $460,984 – most encouraging, we have 4 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.
Save the Date
“My Improvised Life:” Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00pm 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? Help read the Gospel on Pentecost Sunday It is our tradition that portions of the Gospel are read in a variety of languages on Pentecost Sunday, which is Sunday May 28th. We are looking for as many languages as possible. If this is something you can do, please contact the Parish Administrator, Terrie Korpita, at 413.256.6754 and let her know what language you will speak.
Pentecost Picnic Come one, come all to the Annual Grace Church Pentecost Picnic directly after the single service at 9:30am on Sunday May 28th. All are encouraged to wear red on Pentecost. The picnic will be held in the Parish Hall and the Garth (weather permitting) where hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and veggie dogs along with refreshments will be served. 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! Are you or someone you know graduating this season? On Sunday, June 11th, we would like to recognize all who have graduated in the last academic year, from Pre-school to Post-Doctorate. Send us the names of graduates, so we can include them in the service. If you or someone you know is going off to pursue further studies, please let us know that too. Please contact Terrie Korpita in the Parish office at 413.256.6754 to request recognition.