Dear Ones,

Last year around this time I shared with you that I had been diagnosed with an episode of clinical depression resulting from chronic pain and burnout. Today I find myself in such a radically different place that I marvel daily at the difference. The support of Grace's leaders, staff and congregation, work with my mentor, spiritual director, therapist, and physical therapist, one full and four partial months medical leave, and three weeks of solitary retreat as well as a family pilgrimage during my sabbatical have been the container for God's work of transformation in my life. I am changed, and I am unspeakably grateful.

I have chosen the title of Pope Francis’s recent book, “Let us Dream,” as our theme for 2023. The beginning of this new year, as a reconnecting and renewing congregation with a rejuvenated rector, feels like an open place. Psalm 18:20 is a verse that has always resonated for me; this year it became true in a new way: “You have set my feet in an open place; you rescued me because you delighted in me.” This new year, renewed, relieved of the pressures that have crowded close on every side for so many years, we find ourselves in an open place. It is a time to open ourselves to the Spirit’s direction for us, to God’s dream for us and for the world.

There are very few scripture verses, I think, which are repeated verbatim in the old and new testaments. We find these words, spoken by the prophet Joel, repeated by Peter in his sermon on the first Pentecost: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young shall see visions, and your old shall dream dreams. Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17

Dear ones, after Lent and Easter comes Pentecost. After the death and resurrection of the past three years, I know that God’s Spirit is with us. This is the year to open ourselves to that Spirit, and to soar with her on the wings of her dreams.

I'll see you at the combined 9AM Eucharist and Annual Meeting on Sunday, where we will celebrate new life and begin to dream together!

In tremendous gratitude, much love, and deep peace,

-Rev. Amy

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany + Annual Parish meeting | Join us as we gather for worship, formation, and community for a combined 9AM service! You can participate this Sunday in person or online at 9AM via our weekly live stream on Facebook, Youtube, or our Website!

The annual meeting is the "state of the union" of Grace with reports from our various ministries and finances. The cool thing about the Episcopal Church is that it's a democracy and so there's also some voting--you get to say "aye" or "nay" and that kind of thing. Past annual meetings have boasted skits, costumes, dancing, raffle prizes and hula hoops so don't be fooled--we're going to have fun doing this business-y thing!

Potluck | Following our worship service and annual meeting we will gather for food and fellowship! Not sure what to bring to the potluck? We got you covered! Last names starting with A-J should plan to bring an App/Salad, last names starting with K-P should plan to bring a Main Dish, and last names starting with Q-Z should plan to bring a Dessert! Please use this signup form to let us know what you plan to bring!

Children's and Youth Ministry! | Children and youth meet in person at 9:00am and will join the adults at communion. Children meet in the Atriums and youth in the Youth Center. For more information or questions please reach out to Erika at Mueller at [email protected].

Bilingual Family Celebration! | We are excited to announce the re-launch of Grace and St. Mary's monthly Spanish service as a Bilingual Family Celebration starting THIS Sunday! ALL ARE WELCOME for a lunch at 12:30 followed by a fully bilingual service at 1:30 with themes from our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program and Eucharist. Please join--TODOS BIENVENIDOS!

Genevieve Schlangen

Senior Warden

Genevieve and husband Henry joined Grace in 2001after being married in Grace's original small chapel in 2001. Genevieve has previously served as a Grace Vestry member and youth leader on nearly a dozen mission trips. She is excited to be able to step into the role of Senior Warden this year and continue sharing her passion for serving in our community.

Jorg Oggenfuss

Treasurer

With his wife Suzanne, Jorg has been a member of Grace Church for a long time. He started the Napa Valley Wine Academy in 2010 and retired as CFO in 2022. Jorg lives here in St. Helena in Vineyard Valley and is pleased to come on in this critical role as Treasurer at Grace.

Alexandra Haslip

Clerk

Alexandra has been a member of Grace Church since 1976. Raised in San Francisco she came to the Valley to start a winery with her husband. Daughters Gillian & Brooke were raised in this church community and continue to make their homes nearby. Alexandra and her husband Jim love to travel, spend time with their growing family and appreciate the opportunity to give back to their community whenever possible.

The Science of Joy | Last Wednesday we gathered together to watch and discuss the new film Mission: JOY. The event was a huge success as Rev. Amy put it, "Our evening of breaking bread together, watching those two beautiful men laugh and listening to the deep insights flowing from their lives will be feeding my dreams for a long time. Over 25 people attended, making that the largest formation event since early 2020." Did you miss the event or want to watch the film again? Then contact the office ([email protected]) for a link/password to be able to view it for free!

A Letter from Erika Mueller | Over the weekend Erika Mueller shared some exiting and bittersweet news about the next steps in the life of her family and the upcoming move to Ohio this Summer. We have been so blessed with Erika's gifts and talents over the last 16 years of her being our youth pastor! Please be sure to take the time to read her full letter and let her know how much her ministry has meant to our community!

Katherine Frederick's Ordination | Katherine Frederick is being ordained tonight at 7pm at Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento! You can watch the live stream of this special service here! PS. If you would like you can contribute to Katherine’s ordination gift from Grace by making a donation to Rev. Amy's discretionary fund and specifying for "Katherine Frederick ordination."

Diocesan Convention Delegates | We Still need FIVE more Delegates for Diocesan Convention in Sacramento Nov 3-4 2023! You can you can signup or nominate others as delegates here.

Nominations from the Floor | Our Bylaw Allow for Nominations from the floor for Vestry Members and Diocesan Convention Delegates. Nomination boxes will be in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, and the “polls will open” at 8:30AM prior to the combined Eucharist/ Annual Meeting beginning at 9AM. If you would like to nominate someone or be nominated please ensure you have the person’s consent and that they meet the criteria. You can read more about the criteria for eligibility to serve as Diocesan Convention Delegates and vestry members here.

To the members and friends of Grace Episcopal Church:

We wish you a very happy and healthy 2023!

We are pleased to present the Napa Valley Chamber Orchestra in concert on February 12, 1:30 pm, at Congregation Beth Shalom in Napa, and on February 13, 7:00 pm, at Open Door Christian Church in American Canyon. You will hear music by such diverse composers as Peter Warlock, Jean Sibelius, and George Gershwin. Joining us for the second half of these concerts are members of the Napa Valley Youth Orchestra and other local high school musicians for performances of Barbara Harbach’s meditative In Memoriam: Turn Round, O My Soul, to Your Rest and the frolicking Folk Tune and Fiddle Dance by Percy Fletcher. We are excited and grateful that these talented young musicians will join us in making music. Please join us for either of these festive concerts! 

-Claire Burke, violinist, and NVCO board president 

For more information visit, our website at napavalleychamberorchestra.com 

Sermon for January 22, 2023 | The Third Sunday After the Epiphany

Rev. Amy

Sunday Worship | January 22, 2023

Sunday Worship | January 15, 2023

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