Ash Wednesday Services
Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes
February 18, 2026
8:00am, 12:10pm, 5:00pm (Chapel Taize service), & 7:00pm
Lenten Book Series: The Rule of Saint Benedict A Rule for all Christians, Sundays at 9:15am February 22nd – March 22nd From the time it was first written in the sixth century, the Rule of St. Benedict has been one of the most influential, enduring documents of Western civilization. Composed for the guidance of his own monks at Monte Cassino, St. Benedict’s Rule has become the basis for the rules of practically every Christian monastic community in the West. It is an excellent guide for living the spiritual life – through work, prayer, study, obedience, community life, and moderate asceticism. The spirit of the Rule is summed up in the motto of the Benedictine Confederation: pax (peace) and the traditional ora et labora (pray and work). It provides a moderate path between individual zeal and formulaic institutionalism; because of this middle ground, it has been very popular.
Knitters Unite People are making red knit hats with a tassel, which was a form of protest in Norway during World War II. If you would like to knit a hat, please contact Mary Ellen Shaughan
Gifts to Grace When making a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) gift to Grace Church, please ensure your fund provider includes your name and the intended purpose of the donation (e.g., Pledge, Haiti, Outreach) with the distribution. This helps us ensure your gift is properly acknowledged and applied. Thanks, Jaana
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2026 To date 143 pledges have come in totaling $537,182 – most encouraging, we have 5 new pledges. We are off to a 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 2026. If you need a pledge card, they are available as you enter the church or you can contact the office (413) 256-6754.
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.
Coffee Hour The hospitality committee keeps a small supply of treats on hand but this often is not enough. Won’t you please be so kind as to donate a baked good for all to enjoy? Coffee cakes, quick breads, muffins, or bagels are always appreciated as well as other baked goods. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. Please see Sarah Chadwick if you have questions or want to help out further.
You are welcome! We want you to know that you are welcome here. If you are new to Grace Church please reach out, because we are here to invite, embrace, and welcome you into our community. Whether you are:
- New to the area
- New to our church (and perhaps new to the Episcopal faith)
- A longtime resident in search of connection and community
- Part of the LGBTQ community and are looking for a spiritual home where you are welcomed and affirmed
- A New Student, looking for a place of safety and comfort during your time studying here
- A Mom or Dad of a student and want a place that will support your child while they live and study here
We are here for you. Please fill out a blue Card, and reach out to someone wearing a WELCOME badge and come back AGAIN !
Save the Date
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: February 23, 2026
Thank you, Bishop Fisher! Saturday, March 14th, 3pm Join us for a special service to celebrate Bishop Fisher and to thank him for his ministry among us. There will be a reception following the service. St. Andrew’s, 335 Longmeadow St, Longmeadow, MA 01106