Sunday, October 4, 2026

The Nineteenth Sunday

after Pentecost

Worship Service

with Holy Eucharist

in person a at

8 am and 9:15 am

in person and online at

11 am

Our 11 am service can be viewed live onVimeo or our website.

Watch the Sermon:

Rise to the Occasion

"Today's Gospel lesson is really a tricky one," said the Rev. Dr. Allen F. Robinson. "It's not one of my favorite texts because it's actually disjointed. Jesus goes from cleansing the temple, to teaching, to giving a parable of two sons. But the important message for us to consider is, 'Who gave you this authority?' Who gave you the authority to do what you do, and to behave the way you behave, and to call yourself a Christian?" 

-- the Rev. Dr. Allen F. Robinson, September 27, 2026

This Sunday, October 4th

• Grace Church returns to 3 worship services
• Sunday School resumes at 10:15 am in Classroom 2
• Join Grace clergy for the Blessing of the Animals at 1 pm

in the Grace Court Garden

• Driving to church Sunday? Give yourself extra time, as the Atlantic Antic festival may cause driving delays due to road closures

Meet Our Multicultural Day Speaker

One of the highlights of every Multicultural Day is hearing from our featured speaker. This year, we’re honored to welcome Grace parishioner, Nicholas Ma.

Nicholas Ma is an award-winning director, writer, and producer based in Brooklyn. He produced the acclaimed documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? (Sundance, 2018), about the life of Fred Rogers, and Unfinished Business on the WNBA (Tribeca, 2022). Most recently, he directed Leap of Faith (Heartland, 2024) on the struggles of Christian pastors in Grand Rapids and Mabel (San Francisco, 2024), about a twelve-year-old girl, whose best friend is a potted plant. 

He is also the founder of American Revival, a traveling festival of music, poetry, and hope; and of Playback, with Spike Lee and Clara Wu Tsai.

Join Nicholas on October 18 at 10 am.

The day will also include festive worship, music, dance, children’s activities, and food. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Allison Robinson or Denise Young Farrell. See you there!

Rally Day Recap

Despite the wind and rain, we had a great turnout for Rally Sunday's worship service and (indoor) BBQ! Thank you to all our hardworking kitchen volunteers for transitioning plans so easily, and to our sextons Felipe Guerra and Juan Bobadilla for setting everything up in the Guild Hall.

Sunday School Begins this Sunday, October 4

Children in grades K*-5 are invited to participate in Sunday School. Class meets from 10:15–10:45 am in Classroom 2, after the 9:15 am Family Service. Volunteer teachers lead children in 30-minute sessions focusing on Bible stories, using the Storymakers curriculum. Please note: Snacks will be served upstairs in the Guild Hall before or after Sunday School. Please eat in the Guild Hall and not in the classroom. *If your child is not yet a reader but would like to attend Sunday School, they can attend with a parent to help with the activities.

Middle School Faith & Forum

A space for middle schoolers to explore faith and life together. Through conversation and Scripture, middle schoolers will have a space to discuss identity, friendship, mental health, leadership, character, and what it means to grow into who God is calling them to do. All middle schoolers welcome! Fall dates October 25, November 22 and December 20. 10:15-10:50 am in the Library. If you are interested in registering your middle schooler, please email the Rev. Leandra Lisa Lambert.

Grace’s Next Generation of Faith

Sunday school resumes this weekend, and we are looking for a few more teachers!

The Sunday school program for elementary-age children will start October 4, and classes are usually held from 10:15 to 10:45 am, between services.

Adults who are interested in leading a few classes during the year using the contemporary Storymakers curriculum, or who would like to join the substitute roster, can contact Mother Leandra for more information about training.

Calling All Gardeners!

Volunteer Day for Courtyard Garden

Saturday October 17th, 11 am-2 pm



It's time for fall garden prep and cleanup in our courtyard garden. A volunteer crew led by James Newton and Pat Magnuson will be doing cleanup, weeding, adding compost, and perhaps some fall plantings. If we get enough folks we can also tune up the sidewalk tree beds as well! 

All are welcome to join the crew. BYOT (trowel!), if you have one, but tools and materials will be provided. If you are unable to join this time, the next gardening days will be in the Spring.  If interested for October 17th or to be notified for future gardening days, contact Pat .

Grace Church at Red Hook Farms

Our next volunteer day is this Saturday, October 3.

Sign up today with Theresa Seabaugh.

Our relationship with Red Hook Farms aligns perfectly with Grace’s Core Values! By contributing our time and talent, we serve with compassion in an underserved community.  In addition, by supporting a sustainable urban agricultural enterprise that financially benefits the local community, we are working for social justice to address food insecurity by improving access to healthy and affordable food. Red Hook Farms grew almost 20,000 pounds of food last year. 

Mark your calendars for the balance of the 2026 Farm Season:

October 3

November 7

Community Dinner

Each month, we come together to serve our community and the greater good at our Community Dinners. Our dinner last Sunday was another success, with 52 guests served by our faithful volunteers.

The next community dinner will be Sunday, October 18 from 2 to 4 pm, so mark your calendar!

These dinners can only happen because of our community members' commitment and energy. You can help as a volunteer on the day-of and/or bring your favorite dessert. Desserts are especially welcomed by our guests!

If you would like to volunteer to cook, serve, host, or help set up and clean up, contact Kate Rock or Brian Numme.

Fall 2026 Docent Tours Back this Sunday

Docent tours are back for the season! Please join us for tours of the sanctuary. Take a step back in history and learn how the architecture of our church, its community, and greater Brooklyn Heights have evolved over the last 175+ years. Please reach out to James Newton if you are interested in becoming a docent.

The 2026 docent tour schedule is October 4, November 1, November 15, and December 6, with an organ demo by Paul Olson on December 6.

Tours begin at 12:30 pm; meet in the aisle by the small baptismal font.

Homeless Shelter at Grace October 4-29

The Grace Church Homeless Shelter still needs help for dates between October 11-29 (Sundays to Thursdays). We seek volunteers to cook dinner for our guests (approximately twelve) and to sleep over at the church. Sleepover volunteers (two per night) will have private sleeping quarters in the school with a private bathroom. You may use the SignUp Genius or sign up on the board in the Guild Hall. Please contact Jane Nelson with any questions.  

If you have any questions, particularly about the volunteer roles, please contact Elizabeth Stong. Cooking volunteers who'd like to know more can read this flyer.

If you’d like to help offset the cost of the supplies Grace will provide, go to Realm and choose "Shelter" from the dropdown menu. 

2027 Holy Land Pilgrimage Virtual Interest Meeting

October 17th at 10 am

Led by the Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson and Local Guides Canon Iyad Qumri and Rami Qumri, this pilgrimage to the Holy Land will take place August 1-12, 2027.

The Land Trip Cost is $2,845 based on double occupancy. There is a limited number of single rooms and there is a $560 one-time supplement charge for these rooms. The above price does not include airfare. You can fly your preferred airline but will just need to arrive during a specific time frame for pickup. Options will be provided to you.

View the full itinerary for more information. Please use this Zoom link to attend the meeting.

Meeting ID: 869 1709 6541 Passcode: 769302

Evening Prayer

One of Rev. Erika’s favorite worship experiences was Evening Prayer, a spiritual practice she’d learned from her dad, Fr. John Meyer. During the pandemic shutdown Erika began to lead Evening Prayer for us on Zoom at 5pm Tuesdays through Fridays—and we are continuing that practice even though she is no longer with us.

This service is an informal, drop-in opportunity to pray and read scripture with others and includes a mini-Bible study on the day’s gospel reading. You are enthusiastically invited to follow Erika’s example and join us some afternoon—no commitment necessary! To join, please use the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7186241850. 

Rector's Bible Study

Summer Reading

The Rector’s Bible Study will resume meeting in the McKittrick Choir Room on Tuesdays at 10 am in the fall, beginning October 13.

Please read the following books prior to our first meeting: The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams; and Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey.

Centering Prayer is a method of contemplative prayer in which we rest silently in the presence of God. It is a very simple method that is easy to learn. We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words, but this is not the only form of prayer. Zoom sessions are held on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm. Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes with a 20-minute period of silence. Instructions on how to participate are part of each session.

 Use this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85673451852

Grace Church School Admissions for 2027-2028

Applications for 2027-2028 at Grace Church School are now available on the school website. The School offers a warm introduction to classroom life for young children, from its toddler Together Time program to preschool for children ages 2-5 years. It has a child-centered, play-based curriculum that meets children where they are, ignites their curiosity, and fosters a love of learning. The deadline to apply is Monday, November 9, 2026. Children of families who are members of Grace Church may be eligible for special admissions consideration; please email parishoffice@gracebrooklyn.org to determine eligibility.

A Message from the Bishop to the Diocese

An Excerpt from a Letter to the People of the Diocese of Long Island

Beloved in Christ,

On September 19, I was ordained and seated as your bishop, and in the days since, the work of building our transition team and process has begun in earnest. As I mentioned, one of my most important commitments to you is to listen. I write to give you an update on that work — why we are undertaking it in the way we are, and what you can expect to see and experience in the months ahead.

Why we are doing this, and how

I have asked our transition team to help me create a trustworthy transition process grounded in our baptismal covenant — one that, with God's help, embodies God's love and respects the dignity of every person in this diocese. This will be a listening season.

If I ask you to share your experiences, hopes, concerns, and ideas, I believe you should also know what I am hearing and what happens as a result.

Liddell Award for

Young Adult Service

Young people in the Tristate Area Episcopal community are encouraged to apply for the Church Club of New York 2026 Liddell Award for Young Adult Service. You may also nominate someone you know to receive the award.

This award recognizes outstanding service by Episcopalians aged 18-30, and we hope you will help us spread the word to eligible candidates.

The Liddell Award for Young Adult Service, honoring Jane and Donald Macy Liddell Jr.’s support of Episcopal Connections:

The Church Club of New York. This award recognizes outstanding volunteer ministry in Episcopal Dioceses of New York, New Jersey, Newark, Long Island, and Connecticut. The awardee receives a stipend, currently set at $3,000.

2026 Liddell Award & Event Details:

  - Application Deadline:

October 14, 2026

 - How to Apply: https://www.episcopalconnections.org/liddell-award

 - Award Presentation: November 30, 2026, at the Bishop's Forum at St. James' Church, New York City; the presentation will include a special address by Bishop Jeremiah Williamson of Albany.

Mayor Accountability Assembly with Mayor Mamdani

On Sunday, October 11, Mayor Mamdani will appear before a city-wide, Metro IAF audience to explain what his young administration has accomplished in implementing Metro IAF's agenda of building thousands of more units of 100% affordable housing, opening 10 crisis stabilization centers and accelerating repairs of NYCHA apartments. Mamdani made these commitments to East Brooklyn Congregations and its Manhattan, Queens and Bronx affiliates a year ago, two weeks before his election.

The assembly's purpose is to keep the pressure on the mayor to deliver, so a large turnout, including from Grace, is essential. Please consider attending. These assemblies are never dull as parishioners who've attended previous assemblies will tell you. If you plan to \attend, or have questions, please contact Mark McIntyre. We'll carpool to the event, to be held at Queens College (153-49 Reeves Ave.). It will start at 4 pm sharp on October 11th.   

Join a Winter Ski Trip with Grace Youth and Families

Youth and their families are invited to a Grace Church Ski Trip on January 29-31, 2027. We'll stay at the Colonial Inn and ski at Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills, as well as spending time together for meals and an evening youth activity on Saturday night. Beginners, non-skiiers, and experts are all welcome! The cost of $130/night covers accomodation for two with cots for kids. Lift tickets and lessons will cost extra, and transportation is TBD. For more info or to reserve a spot, email Brianna McCarty or Randall Thomas.

The Rector's Discretionary Fund

Even the most meticulously crafted budget can’t always cover an unexpected emergency, e.g. a child’s trip to the ER, a car vandalized and needing an expensive part, an elderly parent in another city requiring help.

Since it was established in 2004, the Rector’s Discretionary Fund has given to parishioners in circumstances like these. The need is great, and the sole source of funding for this important fund is the generous contributions of our congregation, helping members of our Grace community when they are facing temporary financial hardship.

Contributing to this important fund fulfills our parish goal of Serving with Compassion. If you would like to participate, you can do so by using our online payment system, Realm. If you prefer to pay by check, please make it out to Grace Church Brooklyn Heights with Rector’s Discretionary Fund on the memo line. Thank you for your faithful generosity.

Parish Prayer Concerns and Thanksgivings

This week we pray:

... that, in this time of hate speech and hateful acts, may the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be always acceptable to God. May he guide our words and actions so that they are instruments of understanding rather than division, signposts to reconciliation and healing.

... that the Church may press on toward the goal for the prize God has prepared for us.

... that, as the people of Grace begin this new worship year, we may be true disciples, knit together in love as Jesus taught us. May we remain faithful to our core values of corporate worship, prayer, thanksgiving and service; and may we be strengthened to produce a harvest rich in justice, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. May all that we do be pleasing to God.

... for an end to war around the world. May we see God’s image in each other, learn to respond to others without hatred or bitterness, and work together with mutual respect for the dignity of every human being.

... for all who tend the fields and bring food to our tables: that God will strengthen and protect them in their labors. May their neighbors and our leaders alike learn to acknowledge our dependence on them, respect them and welcome them into our communities.

... for better stewardship of the earth and its resources: so that those who tend the fields may have what is required to bring in a plentiful harvest.

... for the Blessing of the Animals.` In thanksgiving for the lives of our companion animals, for the joy and consolation and delight they give us. May our care for them always reflect God’s great care for all Creation.

... For the poor, the hungry and the homeless. For those commended to our prayers this week, especially Luke, Sebastian, Liz, the Piper-Shedd family, Cathy B., Ali, Donna, Judith & Sandy, Jane E., Robert, Tom C., Heidi, Ron & Betsy, Sohee, Jane K., Andrew, Katie Lynn, Stephen, Lenore, Irma, Stephanie, Helen, Susan, Stuart, Anne M., Janice, Jesse, Max, Heleen, Tom K., Lauren, Ladson & Xandria, and Christine. For those who endure chronic or incurable illnesses; and those who care for sick or aging loved ones. For those whose names and needs are known only to God.

... For all who have died: that they may share in the abundant harvest of the kingdom of heaven; and for God’s loving presence with all who mourn.  Creator God, Hear our prayers.

Sundays at Grace

Grace Church holds 3 services on Sundays, at 8 am , 9:15 am family service, and 11 am with the Parish Choir. All are welcome! See the full church calendar of upcoming services and events on our website. 

Join us for coffee hour. Please join us for coffee and snacks after the service in the Guild Hall.

We have childcare available in the Colonial Room (across the hall from the kitchen).

Holy Eucharist is offered in both kinds, bread and wine. The wine is offered from a common cup. At communion, after receiving the bread, proceed to the eucharistic minister to receive the wine by drinking directly from the chalice. Intinction is not permitted. Those not wishing to drink from the chalice may cross their arms and reverence the cup.

If you have any questions about our worship schedule, please contact Melissa Kelly, Parish Administrator, at parishoffice@gracebrooklyn.org or (718) 624-1850 ext. 10.

Giving to Grace

You can make a pledge or general offering donations by text! Send a text to 73256 with the message "GraceBrooklyn." You can also make one-time pledge payments and general offering donations online here. If you would like to set up a recurring pledge payment, please contact Melissa Kelly.

Grace Notes Submissions

Announcement submissions for Grace Notes and Sunday bulletin can be sent to Melissa Kelly. All submissions must be received no later than Thursday at 10 am in order to be included in that week's e-newsletter and bulletin. Thank you!

Weekday Visits to Grace

When you visit, please use the Clergy Door, which is the first door on your right in the Hicks Street courtyard. Our office hours are Monday - Friday 9 am-5 pm.

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