We are now on our summer service schedule, with one service at 9:30am. The regular service schedule will resume on Sunday, September 7th
Interfaith Vigil for the Disappeared, Sunday August 3rd 2pm, Edwards Church, 297 Main St, Northampton An interfaith ceremony of grounding and of grieving, followed by a silent procession through town. The purpose of this event is to create time and space for people to grieve together as we witness immigration injustice taking place in our communities; to provide spiritual help in processing and living through this dark time; to let immigrants in our midst know we stand with them; and move people to take action to stop this injustice. Participants are encouraged to wear black clothing or black armbands. Many will carry pre-prepared signs, some with pictures of people disappeared in MA. ICE’s “Operation Patriot” reported that from May and into June, 1461 individuals were “apprehended” in MA. Nearly half of these had no criminal records or pending charges. The Social Justice Commission of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts is a co-sponsor of this event.
Palestinian olive oil will be available for sale in the connector following the service next 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, in the fall, 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. Please keep Giovanni Anbar, the director, Joyce Harish, our recent student who just graduated, and the students and staff of the ETVTC in your prayers.
Climate Action @ 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!
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 This week the matching challenge continues – any amount helps us reach the $1000 that will be matched: $50 (uniform), $25 (supplies), or any amount you are able to give. These amounts are a bargain when compared to the average cost of school supplies in the U.S., which range from $50 to $140 just for supplies. Your support of St. Matthieu School is so 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.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers Needed LEMs play an integral role in our services, and we are looking for more people to participate in this aspect of worship at Grace. 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. Training as a LEM is provided. Please email Cara Crandall with any questions, or if you would like to become a LEM.
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
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.