Easter and Holy Week Offerings  The Outreach Commission has chosen the following local and international organizations to receive our Easter Offerings: The Amherst Mobile Market, which not only makes affordable produce available within walking distance of residents who struggle to access healthy food, but also puts decision-making in the hands of low-income, BIPOC community members and builds the capacity of those community members to take on leadership roles. Our international recipient will be the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ). AEFEDJ is dedicated to the support of humanitarian work in Jerusalem and the Middle East with focus on the many schools and hospitals operated by the Diocese.

 Adult Confirmation Class, Sundays & Wednesdays continues April 8th, and April 12th  Bishop Doug Fisher will visit Grace Church on Sunday, April 19th. In preparation for this occasion, there will be a 4 week course offered for anyone who is interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Confirmation is for anyone who desires to make a mature affirmation of one’s beliefs in the presence of a bishop. Reception is for anyone who has been confirmed in another tradition but who now desires to be received into the Episcopal Church. Explore the mystery of God and discuss Episcopal Beliefs and Practices. This course is open to all. Share your beliefs, thoughts, concerns, and even doubts. There are no questions that cannot be asked. This course will be led by Tom and Rebecca. For further information, please call the church office at 413-256-6754 or email tsynan@gracechurchamherst.org. Two sessions will be in-person on Sundays after the 10:30 service, and two will be via Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm: Wednesday, April 8th, at 6:30pm via Zoom; Sunday, April 12th, following the 10:30 service in-person.

Come to a Gospel Choir Concert to benefit Amherst A Better Chance (ABC), Tuesday, April 7th, 7:00 pm, at Grace Episcopal Church, Amherst. Amherst ABC is a residential program where talented and motivated young men of color attend Amherst High School to improve their preparation for college and future leadership roles.  Three choirs will sing: the Amherst Area Gospel Choir, the ARHS Hurricane Singers, and the UMass Gospel Choir.  A $20 donation (or more) from each concert-goer is suggested, but all who wish to celebrate the ABC Program through gospel music are most welcome!”

Climate Action At Grace will meet next Sunday 4/12 @ 12:15 in the fireplace room following the 10:30 service.

Garden Ministry  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 under croft.  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. 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 13, 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