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.
Pentecost skit rehearsal schedule – join us!
All children and youth are invited to participate in our Pentecost skit which will be performed in place of the sermon on Sunday July 8th. Rehearsal will be held today and June 1st in the parish hall 9:15-10:15 a.m. On Pentecost, participants will gather at 9 a.m. for a run-through before the 9:30 service. Contact Megan for more information.
The office will be closed on May 26th for Memorial Day
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 26, 2025
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.
Youth group June 1st, 12:30 p.m. mini golf at Western Mass. Family Golf Center
Join us for our last youth group of the school year after the 10:30 a.m. service on June 1st! Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to a game of mini golf. Let Megan know if your child can attend.
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/
Appalachian Trail hospitality day in Sheffield – Sat. June 21st, please sign up!
Grace Church is signed up for a day of hosting hospitality for Appalachian Trail hikers through a ministry of Episcopal and UCC churches in Sheffield. Join us for a day of sitting outside in a tent and connecting with hikers! There are a limited number of volunteer spots. If you’d like one or more information, email Megan.
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. 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.
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 Mathewsor 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
Our summer service schedule begins Pentecost Sunday, June 8, with one service at 9:30am. The regular service schedule will resume on Sunday, September 7th.
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 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.
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.
Climate Action @ Grace Climate Action at Grace is pleased to host Kevin Young, history professor at Univ. of Mass and a dynamic climate activist. He will speak to us on Sunday, June 15, at 10:45. Please drop by!