Raising the Questions, Tuesday, April 21 at 9:30am in the Connector Raising the Questions is a Grace Church reading and discussion group that focusses on theology and liturgy. We meet monthly on the third Tuesday at 9:30 am. Got questions? Come join us.
Guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sharp, on April 26th
Join us on the fourth Sunday of Easter for a sermon from the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sharp. Sharp, a professor of homiletics at Yale Divinity School, is interested in how preaching can shape Christian community via insights from biblical studies, feminist perspectives on power, and ecotheology. Her most recent book, a commentary on the prophet Micah, was published in 2025. She will be with us at both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.
The Grace Garden Ministry is accepting items for the Garden Sale on May 9th. During April, you may donate small tools and garden decor in the Undercroft. There are tables in the back marked for the Garden Sale. Please have items cleaned and ready to be priced. Plant donations will be accepted May 7th and 8th; there will be more information about plant donations in the weeks to come. Thank you for supporting the Grace Garden Ministry, Sara Liberty-Laylin: Chair. Questions?: contact Sara.
Knitters Unite Red knit hats with a tassel was a form of protest in Norway during World War II. Today, red (Melt the ICE) hats protest de-humanizing treatment of any and all who call the U.S. home. If you don’t knit, but want to join the protest, hats and/or pins and badges will be in the Connector during coffee hour. Donations are welcome, proceeds going to the Pioneer Valley Workers Center or Center for New Americans. Contact Mary Ellen Shaughan.
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 speak with the Rector. We would be happy to talk with you about this holy sacrament.
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 144 pledges have come in totaling $539,582 – 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: April 27, 2026
Singing Creation, Speaking Truth: Women’s Voices, Earth’s Gospel, Join us at 4 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for a contemplative and inspiring gathering that weaves together sacred readings, reflection, and song. Drawing on the wisdom of voices such as Hildegard of Bingen, Rachel Carson, Teresa of Ávila, Dorothy Day, and others, this event invites us to rediscover the holy presence of God in creation, to listen honestly to the earth’s cries, and to renew our courage and hope. Through moments of wonder, lament, prayer, and blessing, we will explore how attention, compassion, and faithful action can become our shared response to God’s greening power at work in the world. Come be nourished, challenged, and encouraged as we reflect on what it means to love God by loving the earth entrusted to our care.
Visit Maryland with the Haiti Ministry Would you like to visit the DC area this spring? A few members of the Grace in Haiti committee are going to Indian Head, MD for 3 days with our partners at St James’ Episcopal Church. We’ll go down Friday, May 15 and return Sunday or Monday, May 17 or 18, for a weekend of fellowship as we work together to support St. Matthew’s School in Bayonnais, Haiti. Our partners there will house and feed us, and a good time is always had by all. If you’d like to know more and/or get involved, please contact Laura Klock at 413 374-9397.
Celebrations with The Reverend Tom Synan, May 16th from 4-6:00 PM in the Parish Hall and again during the Pentecost Picnic on Sunday May 24th. We are hoping parishioners can make one or both celebrations to wish Tom Synan well. Saturday May 16 from 4-6 PM in the Parish Hall we are inviting parishioners to come to this catered cocktail party that will consist of; skits, music, poems, reading any memorable story of Tom you’d like to regale while enjoying refreshments and hors d’oeuvres (no need to bring food). Hugs and laughter throughout. Please contact Mary Hocken or Tom Dougherty if there is something that you’d like to share so that we can get you in the cue. We are putting together a presentation. If you have any pictures you’d like to share please forward them to Heidi Erickson by Sunday May10th. For the May 16th celebration, PLEASE RSVP to Terrie Korpita (413) 835-0648 this will help us order appropriately. Our second celebration will be at the Pentecost Picnic which follows directly after the one service at 9:30 AM. BLG, Brother Lawrence Guild will be cooking up hotdogs and hamburgers, parishioners are asked to bring a picnic side to share. Mary Hocken (413) 537-0251; Tom Dougherty (413) 563-7321.