Palestinian olive oil will be available for sale in the connector following the service today, Sunday, August 10. It is organic, extra virgin, first cold press and fair trade. The proceeds from the sale will enable Grace Church to provide a scholarship for a student at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center (ETVTC) in Ramallah, either in culinary arts or in IT. The situation there is currently chaotic and dangerous, although at least Ramallah is safer than most of the West Bank. I did hear from Giovanni Anbar, the director. They will have a new student for us to support in the fall.
Climate Action @ Grace Climate Action at Grace will meet August 10, 10:45/after coffee hour, in the Parker Room. A chance to further our plans for Creation Season coming up September 1-October 4. Thank you to everyone who has been offering and contributing ideas and efforts!
Bell Ringing for Climate Action Monthly bell-ringing and singing will be Monday, August 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.
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: August 11, 2025.
Ascentria is collecting clothing donations again! This time, they are focusing on “work ready” clothing for the 16-20 year olds who are interviewing for and beginning new jobs. Please donate adult small and medium casual pants, khakis; polo shirts, short and long sleeve shirts, flannel shirts, plain T shirts and socks and shoes. Ascentria send their warm thanks for the many terrific donations of baby and little kids’ things, which they continue to distribute!
From the Pastoral Care Commission: It’s Time to Socialize. Can we get an Amen? Recognizing there is an enormous amount of stress and anxiety in many people’s lives, and that there’s an epidemic of loneliness in our world, the Pastoral Care Commission invites you to introduce and share simple ways for people to get together solely for the purpose of socializing. Some suggestions: go to a movie, meet for ice cream, go for a walk or a hike, listen to music, have a picnic, go to a museum, karaoke. Use your imagination and think of something fun to do with others. This is meant to be a form of self-care, so that in part we can better take on the challenges of life and be better able to do the things God is calling us to do. Suggestions can be sent to Gail Gnatek.
Support Episcopal Relief & Development in Responding to Deadly Flooding in Central Texas Episcopal Relief & Development, with partners in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, is helping provide both immediate and long-term support to recovery efforts. You can make a donation supporting this important work at episcopalrelief.org/disasters or find out more at episcopalrelief.org.
Garden Ministry Friday from 7:30-9:30 the Garden Ministry invites you to join them in maintaining our gardens. Wear gloves and bring some small tools. We have shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, etc. Contact Mary Hocken for details.
Haiti Uniform Campaign We are halfway to our goal of outfitting 230 students for the coming school year! Thank you to all who helped complete the $1000 matching challenge and helped us reach this milestone. If you haven’t donated yet, please do so now toward outfitting the rest of the students. $75 for one student; any amount is appreciated. To donate, please see us at coffee hour, send a check (made out to Grace Church, “Haiti uniforms” on memo line), or use the church website (“Give”, then “Haiti Ministry” – note “uniforms”). For details and more stories, see graceinhaiti.org.
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/
Parish Directory It’s time for a new Grace Directory! The last one was done in 2022. If you were not in the last directory, please send a photo and current contact information to the office. If you have moved or changed your information since the last directory, please send your updated address and phone number(s) to Terrie Korpita. We plan to use the same photos as the last directory; unless you wish to submit a new one.
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.
St. Nicholas Bazaar Mark your calendars for December 6! Donations are welcome; especially antiques and fine jewelry. Put them on or under the tables just inside the undercroft. Donations should be in good condition and clean. Many kinds of items are accepted, but not binders, clothing (except scarves), textbooks, VCR tapes or cassettes. Contact Joan with any questions. Thank you!
Save the Date
Join Education for Ministry (EfM) to… Deepen your Christian faith; Learn how to articulate that faith; Let that faith inspire you into action! Through study, prayer, and reflection, trained mentors facilitate small group discussions and guide participants to examine life through an increasingly informed and inspired theological lens. More than Bible study, EfM participants read and discuss the Old Testament (year 1), the New Testament (year 2), Church history (year 3), and theology (year 4). You do not have to commit to all four program years nor complete in four years. Grace Church is currently offering a Zoom course on: Tuesdays 7 – 9 pm. Another course could be added if there is interest. We are seeking new participants until September 5th. If interested, please contact Rev. James McDonald.
All Are WELCOME Here! Grace Church is launching a new Hospitality Program to better welcome all who come to Grace Church. Beginning Sunday, September 7, after both the 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services, a small group of parishioners will wear WELCOME badges to help greet and connect with new folks. We invite YOU to be a part of this ministry! Whether you’ve attended Grace for years or you’re a more recent arrival, consider grabbing a badge and be available to say hello after the service or during coffee hour. It’s a simple but powerful way to build our community and to let folks know they’re very welcome here. There’s always someone new to meet, new to greet, and new to reconnect. Who knows, you may “entertain angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2) Questions or comments? Reach out to Kitty Dougherty.