Contents
 
Bible Study
Bible Study
Tuesdays with the Word  
is back.
We are studying the Acts of the Apostles.
Call the office for more information.
413-644-0022
Grace Church Office 
67 State Rd., Great Barrington
 
GRACE CHURCH  
Please Include In Your Daily Prayers This Week
 
Members of the Parish Family: The Rev. Ted Cobden, Linda White, John Breasted, Vonnie Frye, Edna Leavenworth, George Raymond, Ed Hutchinson, Elinor Hamill, Pam & Bill Drumm, Dick Gore, Mimi and Dick Alford, Doreen Hutchinson, Barbara Turner, Rick Gore, Pennie Curry, Frank Vogel - Polizzi, Mark Anderson, Marion Andrews, Elizabeth Holland, Janet Zimmerman, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Richard and Pat Edelstein, Connie Garber, Ruth Crawford, Marcia Doelman, Dindy Anderson, Tom Murray, Paula Doyle, John Grammer, Aidan, Andrea, and the Rev. Steve White.

Others we love: Wendy Reeve, sister of Cathy Haywood, Keiron Lee, daughter of Doone Marshall; Andrew Artz, brother-in-law of the Rev. Janet Zimmerman; The Rev. Peter Elvin, Anne Peters, Leslie Albert,Debbie Losaw, daughter of Rosemarie Blakely, Ashley Gangell, Zeke Hills, brother of The Rev. Francie Hills, Joy Saville, Charles Olegar, Jane Williams, John Belizzi, Carole Chapple, Christy Yeo, Kathy O'Brien, Cooper O'Brien, Rosalind Haywood, Colonel John Tryon, nephew of Anne Andrews and all who serve our country. 

Those who have died: Stephanie Engel, friend of Steve White; Valerie Smith, Mary Dalton, mother of Dindy Anderson; Scott Crawford, son of Ruth Crawford; Dorothy Cole Hooff, sister of Marcia Doelman; Kenneth Frye ; Sey Zimmerman; Sarah Renfro, great niece of Annie Macheski; Bishop George Councell; Lillian Forrest; Arthur J. Gangel, Sr., grandfather of Kyle Gangel; Holly Raymond, sister-in-law of George Raymond.

Our world: For those vulnerable to the changing winds of politics, warfare, natural disasters, and human retribution.

The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts: especially for our partners at St. Paul's, Stockbridge and the Rev. Sam Smith; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; and our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas J. Fisher; the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; St. Mark's, Leominster;  Commission on Ministry

The Church's wider mission: Faith Alive; The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS)

And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating a Birthday this week. 
Please hold in your prayers
 
D indy Anderson and her family.
The family of Valerie Smith.    
Zeke Hills , brother of Frances Hills, whose wife Barbara died.
Pat and Richard Edelstein
would love to receive "Thinking of You" cards. Please send cards to them: Kimball Farms,  Pine Hill  
Assisted Living, 235 Walker Street, Lenox, MA 01240.
Vonnie Frye,  has moved to a new address: 
Devonshire Estates  
329 Pittsfield Road
Apt #216
Lenox MA 01240
413.881.4055
She would appreciate cards and visits.  
Janet Zimmerman and her family; Elinor Hamill who is at Fairview Commons; Meredith Haider who is healing at home; and Barbara Turner who is healing at home.
 
Prayers for Charles Olegar and Jane Williams. Charles, organist and music director at St. James for eight years, and his wife, Jane Williams would appreciate your prayers. You can send your love to them through card and notes at 131 Belleview, Troy NY 12180.
Holy Eucharist and Healing
Wednesdays at 12pm,
Grace Church Office
67 State Road,
Great Barrington


Centering Prayer Gathering
every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00    
Join us at Grace Church Chapel.
Encouraging a practice of silence and stillness we focus on practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina using scripture, art and music. All are welcome.
 
Grace Church Office and Chapel

Click here for the
Grace Church calendar

ROTA
June 16
Welcome Team
Marcia Doelman
Maureen Henry
Acolyte
Peter Kirchoff
Lector
Sue Gore,  
Robert Forman 
Intercessor
Tom Doyle
Chalice
Kathy Clausen, Lynn Walker
Healing Team
Sue Gore,
Pennie Curry
Flowers
Doelman
Altar Guild
Deborah Holmes, Monique Kirchoff
Coffee Hour
Doelman, Doyle
Counters
Rick Gore, Tom Doyle

Links
COME SING WITH US! 
 
Are You A Choral S inger?
 
 
Contact Lee Cheek or anyone in the choir.
 

Why Join the Choir?
It's good for your health
Studies have shown how choir can improve your health - it's fantastic brain food. Brain game exercises are all over the place with the Nintedo 3DS or sudoku. Well why not start keeping your mind healthy by making music?
Here are a few things you'll see improve with choir
  • Multi-tasking  - you've got to watch the conductor, keep an eye on the music and know when to come in
  • Memory - you've got to sing by heart sometimes
  • Focus - concentrating for an hour on a performance
  • Math - Yes, you've got to count!
Contact Chris Clark, Music Director, or Lee Cheek, chorister
 
 

Birthdays and Anniversaries Celebrated on Sundays

Following the announcements we invite up all celebrating birthdays and anniversaries so we can share in your accomplishment and joy.
John Breasted is at Fairview Commons and would enjoy having visitors. You can call at (413) 528-4560. 
Fairview Commons 
151 Christian Hill Rd, Great Barrington
Sunday Liturgy on yo ur iPad or tablet!

S wap your worship bulletin for the liturgy on your iPads or tablets? 
 
Using a tablet allows you to adjust the size and contrast of the print.  It also can help us be more responsible by saving paper.
 
If you would like to receive the emailed worship bulletin that goes out on Friday by noon, please email Janet or Maria at   [email protected].
Tutors needed for The Literacy Network of South Berkshire .

No prior teaching experience is necessary.
All you need are curiosity, patience, and a willingness to help your neighbors! 
Training and support for tutors is provided. 
Please contact Executive Director Jennifer Hermanski at 413-243-0471 or [email protected]
You can also visit us at www.litnetsb.org.

The Welcome Project Mat by Thistle Farms 
 
Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN. has come together with women refugees in Ritsonia, Greece to provide an economic platform for women and their families to escape the refugee camps. Lee and John Cheek have brought us a mat woven from materials the women took on their journey to Greece.   
 
The mat on our altar is a symbol that love is the greatest force for change in the world.
 
Every Purchase Helps a Woman Survivor Heal. Shop Now!

The Bible Challenge
As part of our spiritual preparation for revival we are inviting our congregation to participate in THE BIBLE CHALLENGE.


The Challenge has begun! 
But it is never too late to join. Episcopalians in the Diocese of Western MA are going to read the Bible-the whole Bible-in 365 days beginning on Pentecost.
Are you in?
Support Ascentria Care Alliance
Donate or call to learn about volunteering
A scentria Care Alliance provides resettlement resources for refugees who have received extreme vetting by the U.S., are sponsored by the United Nations, and have been invited to live in our country.  
 
Ascentria  partners with the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and a host of other volunteer organizations to do God's work in caring for the most vulnerable in our world.  
 
Donate on-line at
http://www.ascentria.org/donate-today
 
or call them at (413)-787-0725 to learn about volunteering.
Every Sunday!    

What are you grateful for? 

T he priest invites the congregation to take a few moments to think of one thing during the past week for which they are grateful.   
 
After some time the priest invites anyone to share their gratitude with the congregation by coming to the microphone.

Gospel for the First Sunday After Pentecost:
Trinity Sunday
 
 
John 16:12-15  
 
Jesus said to the disciples, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

NICAEA-HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!


Sunday, June 9, Day of Pentecost
RISE AGAINST HUNGER - REVIVAL YEAR 2
 
Under the direction of Rise Against Hunger, the Episcopal Churches along with Zion Lutheran Church filled 20,000 bags with dried meals that will be shipped where needed. The event was a  follow up to last year's Revival Eucharist in October where Presiding Bishop Michael Curry spoke at United Methodist Church in Pittsfield.
   
Lee Cheek led a brief worship service before the work began
 
Bishop Doug Fisher stopped by 
Bishop Doug Fisher stopped by
Bags to be filled










Assembly line (below)
Assembling and sealing the bags 
Receiving Instructions from Joe
 Receiving instructions (above)
Join us!
Wednesday, June 12 at 6:00 PM
BOOKS and BREAD 
 The book we will share is
 
Join us at Frank Garretson's house for dinner
Ted Cobden will lead our discussion. 
  • Dinner-Appetizers, wine, soft drinks, main dish, side dishes, dessert, decaf and tea. One main dish serves 8 people.
  • The Host is responsible for planning the meal. Participants are encouraged to make offerings in consultation with the Host.
  • Participants should call the Host if they plan to attend but have not signed up at Grace Church.
  • If you are a "regular" and are not planning to attend, please let the Host know.
  • Please sign up to bring appetizers or dessert items. All are welcome! For future books, please see the website http://graceberkshires.org/who-we-are/ministries/ 
  • Discussion begins at 7:45 pm regardless of whether it's a Dinner gathering or an A&D gathering.  
Meeting is over promptly at 9:00 pm
 
The next book meeting will be on September 11, 2019. The book we will discuss is Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. For more information email Peter at [email protected]

Third Sunday Supper
  at Fiddleheads Grill
at 6pm, on June 23rd
 999 South Main Street in Great Barrington

All are enthusiastically welcomed! 
Once a month we gather for good food, great conversations, laughter and blessings in one of our local restaurants.
For more information contact George Raymond  
413.854.1222 cell 
GIDEON'S GARDEN UPDATE
 
Many successes on the farm this past week in addition to a lovely Planting Day!  
  
 
Deliveries started with donations of arugula and radishes to The Guthrie Center and People's Pantry. 
  (Radishes from the garden)

Here are photos of the blessing of the garden and planting day!  
 
  A new batch of chicks are hatching!
 
This is exciting of course, but the youth are worried Jen's getting too comfortable with the chickens...  
Religious Roundtable:
Interview with Pilgrims to Holy Land
from Diocese of Western MA
by K. Clausen on June 7, 2019
 Click on the link below to hear the interview: 


:
Food pantry item for the week of  
June 16:  
CANNED VEGETABLES  
Canned veggies
Although we usually have an "Item of the Week",
any appropriate food items are always welcome!

Thank you, Sue & Rick Gore, and George Raymond for the Lee Pantry and the People's Pantry.

"CHANGE THE BABIES" 
  Please put your loose change in the jar that will be at the Welcome Table.
This money that is insignificant in our day-to- day life is life-giving for these babies and those who care for them.
It costs about $1500 a year to support a baby and the Diocese's goal is for one congregation to support one child for those years.  
  Everything you give will go to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana.  
WORSHIP
Christ Icon
Worship Schedule
Eucharist & Healing Prayers  
Sunday at 10:00 am
at Crissey Farm
Children's Sunday School during the service and a special prayer for  them at the end of the service. 
 
 
 
 Eucharist and Healing Prayers    
Wednesday at 12:00 PM
  At Grace Chapel  
67 State Rd. Grace Chapel (click here for map)
 

You can now donate to Grace Church through PayPal.
For Janet's sermons click here .

On occasional weeks there will be a reflection by Janet. Click here.
We need: 
Acolytes, choir members, lectors, hospitality leaders, healing ministers, Eucharistic visitors
 
Prayerfully consider ways you can support the work of this church community. Each of us have something to give that the world desperately needs.

Support the Berkshire Immigrant Center. You can donate on-line at www.berkshireic.org. Please consider donating $25, $50, or $100 or more to support BIC's work with our local immigrants and refugees.
 
 
Appalachian Trail Ministry  
with Christ Trinity and  
the First Congregational Church of Sheffield.
July and August
Every Wednesday and Saturday
from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
We have been invited to participate in a "small corner of kindness" alongside our sisters and brothers in Sheffield in providing hospitality to hikers on the Appalachian Trail. In July and August, a tent is set up with homebaked treats, hot dogs, hamburgers, and water to greet and offer a way station for those hiking the Appalachian Trail.  We are invited to pull up a lawn chair and be present.

Contact the Rev. Erik Karas at [email protected] or the Rev. Jill Graham at [email protected] for more information or to arrange to be a part of this ministry.
Interested in helping with the 2020 Census?
With the 2020 census just a year away,  
are you available to help educate local residents  
and insure the Berkshires has a complete count?  
 
 
The Berkshires Regional Planning Commission invites you to reach out to hard-to-reach populations throughout Berkshire County. An initial meeting was held on Thursday, February 28 at the BTPC offices on 1 Fenn Street, Suite 201, Pittsfield.

If you are interested in future trainings please contact Mark Maloy, 413-442-1521 .
 
GRACE CHURCH VESTRY  
Vestry Minutes are posted on our website
 
OFFICERS
 
MEMBERS                       
                            
Senior Warden          
Kathy Clausen                  
Class of 2019
John Cheek
Junior  
Warden
Richard Gore, Jr.        
Class of 2020
John Cheek
Dindy Anderson 
Treasurer
Sue Gore     
Class of 2021
Anne Andrews
Dutch Pinkston
Clerk
Mary Anne Grammer   
Class of 2022  
Cathy Haywood  


GRACE CHURCH
An Episcopal Community in the Southern B erkshires
 

The Rev. Dr. Janet Zimmerman,  Rector
 
The Rev. Jen Bloesch 
Gideon's Garden Program Director  



Mailing: P. O. Box
114   Great Barrington, MA 01230  
 
Maria Mayorga 
Office Assistant 
Office and Chapel67 State Rd.,
Great Barrington
To contact Grace Church, email [email protected]g


Janet's office hours: Tues.-Thurs. 9:00am-12:00pm or by appt.  413-644-0022 
[email protected]  
  
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