Here’s One Thing You Can Do

Dear friends,

Last Sunday afternoon, before the Celtic service, I took a walk around the neighborhood. It was a lovely day, and lots of people were out and about. I made my way to Chestnut Street, to see what’s considered one of the most beautiful streets in our country, and it’s easy to see why. The stately homes, lush trees, and sun-dappled sidewalks were gorgeous. Turning the corner onto Chestnut Street, you feel like you’re in another world.

Would that we could escape that easily from the world around us! We are living through unprecedented and increasing injustice, cruelty, violence, and uncertainty. In this time of turmoil, we wonder what we can and ought to do. Each of us will make our own response, of course; we will discern how to lend our support to those people, groups, and organizations that “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being” (one of the promises we make at our baptism).

But if you’ve been wondering what, or what more, can be done, here’s one thing you can do: make a pledge to Grace Church this fall. Our world needs Grace, a place of ministry and mercy that enfolds us with the love of Jesus and equips us to be a light in this world.

What happens at and through Grace is priceless – and yet it also costs money; we needn’t be shy about saying so. Remember that the church is a household, with expenses that must be provided for in our annual budget – such as salaries, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. The budget is built primarily from our pledges; our budget for 2025 is $190,000.

In her stewardship epistle this past Sunday, Joanna Troy introduced the theme of our pledge campaign this year: Care for Grace. I will gratefully fill out a pledge card this fall, because I want to care for Grace; we all do.

• If you pledge each year, could you take a step up in your giving for next year?

• And, if you’ve never pledged before, this is the perfect time to start!

Every pledge is essential and welcomed. And every pledge is a tangible expression of care for Grace, a place that is needed now more than ever.

May you know God’s peace today,

Sarah

priest@gracechurchsalem.org

This Sunday

Parish Prayer List

Please keep the following in your prayers:

James Ward, Thomas Trombley, Barbara Dwyer, Lilyann, Margarette Connor, John Gilbo, Vance Gilbert, Reny Sparapani, Laurel, Gary Young, Amy, Paul, Heather and Prescott, Ariana, Sheridan, Javy, Faith Aroko and Family, Jesse Hurst and Family, Neal and Maureen Joyce, Arthur, Deb Young, Cindy Rhodes, Ron, Allison Mascolo, Melissa Glassman, Max Joyce, Marc Britt, those battling cancer, Mel, Corey MacNeil, Dianne, Jenny, Loretta and Kris, Priscilla Lemons, Deb Papps, Derek Fuller and Family, for the peaceful repose of the soul of Smadar and all victims of war the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and their ministries; the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem, the Salem Public Schools and for an end to racism, war, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, gun violence and oppression. In thanksgiving, we pray for the ministry of The Reverend Debbie Phillips and her husband, Eric Wagner, this community of faith, for God’s grace and forgiveness, for those with the courage to stand up to tyranny, for creation, for the diversity of people, and for all the blessings of this life.



If you have additions or deletions to the prayer list, please email prayerlist@gracechurchsalem.org by Tuesday at noon for publication in that week's e-news. 

The Parish Prayer List is read aloud each Wednesday at Morning Payer.

The Fundraising Committee is looking for help/donations in connection with our October fundraisers! 

If you can donate and/or help, please email 

fundraising@gracechurchsalem.org or speak with one of the following Fundraising Committee members: Peggy Carter, Melissa Barnes, or Joanne Moar.  

Our fundraisers help support the day-to-day running of the parish, so we hope that everyone will participate in some way.

October 5, 2025 - 7:00am - 11:00am

St. Francis Day Pet Treat and Pumpkin Sale

We need folks to bake dog or cat treats, donate pumpkins, and/or help with set-up and break down. In addition, financial donations towards supplies and startup costs (or just the event itself!) are always appreciated.

Saturday, October 11, 2025 - 7:30pm and

Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 7:30pm

Silent Movies in October 2025

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (10/11), Nosferatu (10/25)

We need folks to help with checking in attendees/selling tickets at the door, selling popcorn and water and other goods, and answering attendee questions (e.g., where to find restrooms, etc.).   We also need folks to help with screen set up and break down.

PARKING IN OCTOBER

October Parking – Essex St. (Monroe to Boston St.):

Resident-only parking is in effect weekends from noon to 7 AM and weekdays from 5 PM to 7 AM.

Sunday morning services are not affected.

Parking instructions will be made available for the following prior to Sunday : Celtic Service, Knitting Group and Choir Rehearsals.

If you have completed and returned a Temporary Parking Pass Request form, your vehicle has been registered with the city and no further action needs to be taken. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Jenny for assistance.