Dear Friends,

This Sunday, we begin our service with the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as those who watched waves their palms and shouted, "Hosanna!" Soon after this procession, however, the story of the Passion of Christ begins to unfold. For some in the pews, they find this change unsettling. Imagine then, how confusing and frightening it must have been for those present to hear of the death of Jesus 5 days after singing his praises.

Yet, even this Sunday is a reminder of the return of the triumphal King of our hearts. Even this Sunday, we gather together at the table which welcomes all to feast on the love which was offered for all. I hope you are able to join us as we begin the remembrance of these very holy days.

In the Way of Love,

Debbie

This Sunday

Parish Prayer List

Please keep the following in your prayers:

Reny Sparapani, Gary Young, Amy, Paul, Chuck Brown, Heather and Prescott, Ariana, Sheridan, Javy, Faith Aroko and Family, Jesse Hurst and Family, Neal and Maureen Joyce, Arthur, Deb Young, Cindy Rhodes, Ron, Gerald Tucker, Allison Mascolo, Melissa Glassman, Max Joyce, Marc Britt, those battling cancer, especially Faith’s friend and the Princess of Wales, for Mel, Corey MacNeil, Dianne, Michael Towey, Jenny, Loretta and Kris, Priscilla Lemons, Deb Papps, Derek Fuller and Family, 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 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.

Easter Memorials and Thanksgivings

Each Easter, we are provided with an opportunity to remember a loved one and/or give thanks. In this week's leaflets, you will find a form to fill out with this information and letting us know of your special Easter donation to Grace Church.

You may also send a check directly to Grace Church. Simply send an email to office@gracechurchsalem.org by April 16th listing your name, the names or events you want listed in the leaflets, and the amount you are sending.

Ongoing Weekly Events for All

Each week, there are three groups that meet regularly where everyone is invited to be a participant.

Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm, the Knitting Group gathers in the Common Room at Grace Church. The items made are then donated to various organizations that support children in Salem and beyond. Whether you knit or not, you are welcome to spend some time with others who care about the needs of our neighbors.

Each Wednesday at 4:00 pm, (note time change) Bible Study takes place on Zoom. Come whenever you can. This is a chance to encounter the upcoming Gospel and relate it to your current circumstance, making it come alive for you and building community with the others present.

At 7:30 on Wednesday evenings, the Choir has rehearsal. Not only is this a chance to sing wonderful music, you will be part of a community dedicated to their faith and one another.

Morning Prayer

In many times and places, daybreak has been a time of prayer. Jews prayed in their synagogues at sunrise as well as at other times each day. This Jewish pattern of prayer formed the basis of the Christian monastic Daily Office, with its prayers or “hours” at seven times in each day. Thomas Cranmer’s revision of the Daily Office for the first English Prayer Book (1549) reduced the number of services to two-one for morning (Matins) and one for evening (Evensong or vespers). In the Second English Prayer Book (1552), the morning service was given its present name, Morning Prayer.

The reading of Morning Prayer will resume each Monday and Wednesday at 8:30 am. Please know that everyone is welcome to come and start your day with Morning Prayer.

Plant Sale May 10th

Our Annual Plant Sale will be on Saturday May 10th this year. This is always a fun event and the fundraising committee is counting on you all to help make it happen. Please let us know how you plan to participate by returning a form or emailing us at fundraising@gracechurchsalem.org . We would like to have all donations by Saturday May 3 to allow us time to sort, repot and buy supplemental plants as needed for the sale. We would also like to have volunteers to help with set up, break down and sales on May 10th.  Please contact one of us or send an email at fundraising@gracechurchsalem.org and we will sign you up. Thank you for your support. - Peggy, Melissa, and Joanne

Job Opening for Parish Administrator

Grace Church, a small, vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive Episcopal parish, seeks a part-time Parish Administrator who will serve an important role supporting the clergy, staff, and parish. Working with and for the Rector, the Parish Administrator is expected to ensure smooth office operations, manage communications, and handle essential administrative tasks while maintaining a warm, friendly, and positive manner with personal, telephone, and email contacts. Keeping confidentiality and being able to meet deadlines are crucial aspects of this position. We are looking for a part-time (9/10 hours per week) Parish Administrator to work three days a week, beginning May 5th.

If you or someone you know is interested, please have them contact Debbie at office@gracechurchsalem.org.