“This Beautiful Bright Festival”: Easter Art Meditations Inspired by Color Every year at the Easter Vigil, the paschal homily of St. John Chrysostom is read, which encourages lovers of God to enjoy “this beautiful bright festival.” Embracing this idea of a “beautiful bright festival,” our Easter meditation series will look at visual art that utilizes brightness and vibrant colors. Together we will explore how such art might help represent the joy, hope, and life at the heart of our Easter celebrations. Join us Mondays at 12:15 p.m. on Zoom. Zoom links are sent out on Monday mornings. Our first gathering will be April 28th, and we will continue meeting May 5th, May 12th, May 19th, and June 2nd. Please note that we will not meet on May 26th. If you can’t join us live but would like a recording of any of the meditations or links to the artwork discussed, please email Megan.
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 June 8th. 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.
Vestry Meeting Minutes Minutes of the most recent Vestry meeting are posted on the bulletin board in the Connector just to the left of the door into the Church. If you wish to see past meeting minutes, please go to our website at https://www.gracechurchamherst.org/our-church/parish-staff/
Graduations and Commencements! On Sunday, June 8th, 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.
May 25th is the 4th Sunday of the month For the recipient of our fourth Sunday offering, the Outreach Commission has chosen Amherst’s Not Bread Alone as the recipient of this month’s 4th Sunday offering. Three times a week Not Bread Alone serves freshly cooked family-style meals in a nurturing, relaxing, environment. Many of their guests are homeless or live in nearby subsidized housing. Every generation, from kids to seniors, is represented. Not Bread Alone welcomes all as guests or as volunteers to prepare food and share in the feast. If you write a check, please make it payable to Grace Church and add “outreach” on the memo line. Thank you for any gift you are able to give.
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 needed 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 with any questions, or if you would like to become a lector or LEM.
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 143 people pledging for a total of $511,040 – most encouraging, we have 8 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.
Save the Date
Pentecost Picnic Come one, come all to the Annual Grace Church Pentecost Picnic directly after the single service at 9:30am on Sunday June 8th. 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.
Climate Action @ Grace Thank you to all who rang and sang on May 11! Climate Action @ Grace will have its next monthly meeting the second Sunday, June 8, at 12:15. Place TBD. Monthly bell-ringing and singing will be Wednesday, June 11, from 11:00-11:11, in front of the church. Prayers for all of Creation and all who are part of it, on-going.
Pentecost Evensong, June 8 at 4:00 pm Please join us for a festive choral Evensong on Sunday, June 8 at 4:00 p.m., a few hours after the Pentecost parish luncheon. This musical liturgy will feature music by Herbert Howells (“Collegium Regale” evening service), Felix Mendelssohn (“Hear my prayer”), Thomas Tallis, and others, sung by the Grace Church Choir and guests from the community. Celebrate the start of the summer liturgical season with wonderful music from the Anglican tradition.
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: June 9, 2025