Announcements 9/3/23

This is the last Sunday of our summer service schedule, with one service at 9:30am. The regular service schedule of 8am and 10:30am will resume next Sunday, September 10th.

Palestinian olive oil – organic, extra virgin, first cold press, and fair trade –  will be available for sale in the Connector following the service today. Proceeds go to a scholarship for a student at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah. For the past 2 years we’ve supported Teya Awad, who graduated. We will have a new student in the fall.

Tuesday Morning Prayer Continues, 8:30am in the Garth

Coffee Hour 8:00 and 10:30 Sign Up Sheets in The Connector
Many thanks to those of you have already signed up to host this most beloved tradition of fellowship! The 8 a.m. coffee hour is in need of a few more hosts, as several former members have retired and we are short-handed. If you have questions, contact Nina Scott.

For 10:30 a.m., the roster is almost set but we still have two slots open. You may do it yourself or partner with someone. Contact Sarah Chadwick. with questions.

Growing in God’s Love – K-5th Sunday School Class Beginning Sept. 10th, Upstairs of Parke House, 9:15-10:15 a.m.  On Sept. 10th, we’ll have our first class, beginning our exploration of Who Is Jesus? using Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible Curriculum. Classes, co-taught by Megan and parishioner and educator Lucy, incorporate creativity, wonder, music, and art. Email Megan for info.

Youth Group, Grades 6-12, Welcome Back Gathering, Sept. 10th after 10:30 service, in the Garth  The youth group welcomes students back together for growth in friendship, faith, & service to the community & world. Join our welcome back celebration with food and games, outside if weather permits. Email Megan for more info.

Haiti Uniform Campaign Update So far Grace has outfitted and supplied 173 students, with 64 more to go! $75 provides a uniform and school supplies; any amount welcome. Send a check with ‘Haiti uniforms’ in the subject line or donate on the church website. Thank you for being generous and supporting these children!

Haiti Ministry film Sept. 10 after the 10:30 service, in the Parish Hall  As a thank you for contributions to this year’s uniform campaign, Haiti Ministry will be showing the film MADAN SARA, a documentary about the market women in Port-au-Prince, in the Parish Hall at noon. The film tells the story of the madan saras’ tireless work as they ensure that food in Haiti makes its way to market. Despite facing intense hardship and social stigma, madan saras manage to put their children through school, provide housing for their families, and ensure a better life for generations to come. Please join us!  We’ll have popcorn and raisinets for you, too!

Save the Date

Joy of Living Group, 7:00-8:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Mondays starting Sept. 11th  This free group combines meditation, practices integrated in the flow of life, and discussion. While practices and perspectives taught are not religious in nature, they can profoundly support our journeys as disciples. Led by certified mindfulness instructor Kell Julliard and practice leader and licensed acupuncturist Claudia Citkovitz, it meets in the Connector.

Climate Action@Grace will meet Sunday, Sept 10th at 9:30 a.m. in the Parker Room.

Death & Dying in Art & Literature, Wed. Sept. 16th, 6 p.m., Connector
The Pastoral Care committee is organizing a series of events exploring the topics of death and dying from various angles. This event, led by Megan, features art + poetry that can help us engage these difficult topics.

Mind the Gap with Mushroom Foraging – Registration Deadline Sept. 15th   On Saturday, Sept. 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., parishioner Michael Gralenski, an experienced mushroom forager, will lead a walk through the Leverett woods, providing detailed instructions on where to look and which mushrooms to collect & avoid, & preparing a dish to sample. Cost is $35/person. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mushroom-event or sign up in the Connector & pay by check, “Mushrooms” noted in the memo line.

One 9:30 service & St. Michael’s Picnic, Sunday, September 24th  There will be one service at 9:30 followed by the Saint Michael’s Picnic. All are invited and encouraged to attend. Brother Lawrence Guild supplies hamburgers, hotdogs, rolls, condiments, & drinks. If you are able, please bring a side dish, salad, or a dessert. Weather permitting, there will be some seating outside in the Garth. Please join us!

2023 Harvest Festival – Sign up Now!  Planning is underway for the festival which will take place October 21 – 22. Expect concerts, dinner and dancing, a flower festival, fall decorations, & more. Sign up sheets available in the Connector.  We need your help to make this successful.  For questions or information, please contact Mary Hocken.

Celebrating Beth Hart Damon’s 23 Years of Music Ministry at Grace on Nov. 5th
On Sunday Nov. 5th, Grace will come together for one service at 9:30 a.m. with a reception to follow, to celebrate Beth Hart Damon’s 23 years of service as music director. Mark your calendars & plan to join us for this celebration of Beth’s ministry. Please be in touch with Kitty Dougherty or Harold Norris with any questions.

St. Nicholas Bazaar
Do you have an interest in antiques and/or collectibles? We need your help with sorting and pricing donations. Join this fun way to help Grace Church! Some knowledge of antiques & collectibles is helpful, but not required.

Donations are also needed for all areas of the bazaar, especially antiques & fine jewelry. Please remember that items should be in good working condition & clean. We accept many kinds of items, but NO textbooks, binders, VCR tapes, cassettes, clothing, or mildewed items. Donations may be dropped off in the undercroft after Sunday services, or during office hours (M-F 9-4). Contact Joan for more info.