Pentecost Picnic – The Reverend Tom Synan’s last service will be on Sunday May 24th Pentecost. All are encouraged to wear red on Pentecost. After the one service at 9:30 AM we will celebrate Tom at the Pentecost Picnic. BLG, Brother Lawrence Guild will be cooking up hotdogs and hamburgers, parishioners are asked to bring a picnic side to share. 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.
Summer Service Schedule Starting with Pentecost Sunday we will have one Sunday service at 9:30 AM throughout the summer, and Vestry members will be making the announcements during this time. We will resume two services 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM beginning Sunday September 13, 2026. The Wednesday 12:10 PM service known as “Healing Prayer” will be on hiatus through the summer, the last service will be on Wednesday June 3, 2026. We plan to resume this service on Wednesday September 16, 2026. Evensong on Fridays at 5:30 PM will continue through the summer.
Fourth Sunday Collection, May 24 The Outreach Commission has designated the recipient of Grace Church’s fourth Sunday collection to be Save the Children This organization believes every child deserves a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. But far too many children still die each year from preventable causes, can’t read, or are experiencing physical and emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, deprivation and neglect. That’s why as global leaders in child health, education and protection, it’s working in more than 113 countries, including the US, to change the lives of over 110 million children every year. It is often the first or only child-focused organization working in the hardest-to-reach places, where it’s toughest to be a child. . 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
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: May 25, 2026.
The Grace Church Stewardship campaign for 2026 To date 145 pledges have come in totaling $ 543,482 – 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
In Stile Moderno Concert, Friday, June 5, 7:30 pm, Grace Episcopal Church, Restless in Thought: Music from Restoration-Era London English music from the late 17th century with music of Henry Purcell and his contemporaries, the concert will feature brilliant violinist Julia Glenn and lutenist Cameron Welke. We would love to see your friendly faces there and we would really appreciate your help as we build our audience base in the Pioneer Valley! Tickets are available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/instilemoderno/2175708 or at the door.