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The Third Sunday of Easter
April 19, 2026
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Two years ago, when we embarked on our most recent capital campaign, we chose our theme from the Book of Revelation (21:5), when God declares, “Behold, I am making all things new.” We are finally nearing the finish line with the south aisle project, and soon the nave and clerestory windows will shine with a radiance that will surprise and delight us. Also, we are turning the corner to the next phase, and undertaking the critical restoration of the rectory exterior. Every square inch will be made new – and watertight.
What I am learning today is that making all things new necessarily means making all things noisy. An army of workers arrived in the yard early Thursday morning to build the scaffolding that will engulf the rectory for the foreseeable future. It has not been a quiet day. I can only imagine what it is going to look like when you come to church on Sunday.
To be sure, scaffolding and construction are a disruption, but they also witness to life and vitality. People care about these buildings, and the ministry they make possible. The rectory serves not only as the home of the rector. It is also the location of my office, and the site of countless parish events. This weekend alone we are hosting our guest preacher for three nights, including a dinner for vestry members and spouses.
Did I say guest preacher? This Sunday it will be our delight to have with us the Rev. Roderick Leece, the Rector of our companion church in London: St. George’s, Hanover Square. “Roddy” is only the 13th Rector of St. George’s in its 301 year history. By contrast, I am the 14th Rector of Grace Church in our 218 years (yes, I am doing my part to raise the average term of service). Roddy will preach at the 9 and 11 am services, lead the Sunday Forum at 10 am, visit the coffee hour after the 11 am service, and then assist Harry Krauss and me with the adult Confirmation class. At the Sunday Forum he will share some things about the work and witness of the Church of England in general, and St. George’s Church in particular.
Two more things: Don’t forget the GCW sponsored blood drive on Saturday. If you are able to donate, please read below, and sign up to give the gift of life. Walk-ins are welcome. Also, Sunday is the great Easter plant give-away day. The flowers have added immeasurably to our Easter celebrations, but now it is time for them to find a home. If you have a patch of ground, or a friend who needs cheering, please help yourself (but leave the green wicker baskets behind).
See you in church.
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Preaching: The Rev. Roderick Leece
Music: Hymns with Organ
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Preaching: The Rev. Roderick Leece
Music: The Choir of Men and Boys
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Preaching: The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
Music: Hymns with Instrumentalists
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The Sunday Forum
London Link
April 19
10 – 10:45 am
The Rev. Roderick Leece will lead a conversation about the Church of England in General, and St. George’s Church, Hanover Square, London in particular. Breakfast treats are served. 10 am in the reception room and on Zoom.
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Adult Confirmation and Reception
April 19, 26, May 3, 17
12:30 – 1:30 pm
For all adult seekers and returners who would like to explore Confirmation, Baptism, or Reception in the Episcopal Church, five sessions will meet in Eastertide with the Revs. Harry E. Krauss and Don Waring. Topics will include the Bible, the Episcopal Church, the Sacraments, Prayer and Worship, and Christian Living. Bishop Heyd will be here for Confirmation on Sunday, May 31.
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Canterbury Downtown
Sundays
6 – 8:30 pm
Canterbury Downtown is an open and inclusive Episcopal campus ministry for students of Manhattan colleges. Students of all religious and cultural backgrounds are invited to share in a faith-based community, connect with one another, and grow together in Christ. During the academic year, students gather for worship, conversation, and a complimentary meal with Canterbury Downtown Chaplain, the Rev. Megan E. Sanders, following the Sunday 6 pm service. All college students are welcome.
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Youth Confirmation
Apr 19, 26, May 3, 17
4 – 5 pm
For youth in 7th grade and up who would like to explore Confirmation in the Episcopal Church, five sessions will meet in Eastertide with the Rev. James Morton, the Rev. Eva N. Suarez, and our seminarian, Molly Gouran. Topics will follow the same outline as the adult class, described above, and culminate with the Bishop’s visit on May 31.
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Nursery Care
Sundays
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
The nursery is located in the Sunday School wing just off Tuttle Hall and is professionally staffed according to Safe Church guidelines. Parents are welcome to bring their children up to age 4. Please be sure to collect your children by 12:30 pm. Please contact our seminarian, Molly Gouran, for more information.
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Children's Chapel
Sundays
11 am – 12:15 pm
During the 11 am service, children ages 5–12 are invited to start church with their parents in the pews and then join a member of the clergy and a musician in the chantry for a time of singing, stories, and prayer. Younger children are welcome to attend with an adult. Children return during the announcements.
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Activity Corner
Sundays
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
In the north aisle of the church, you will find activity bags, coloring supplies, and books for children to use during the service. Please return all materials before you leave and help us keep the area clean for future families.
| | As we continue working to preserve our historic campus, the church will be closed Wednesday–Friday this week and next: April 22–24 and April 29–May 1. We will gather as usual for Wednesday evening Holy Eucharist in the chantry and the Wednesday evening Bible Study in the reception room. Organ meditation livestreams will be on pause for the next two weeks, but Bach at Noon will meet as usual in the church on Tuesdays April 21 and 28. The April 26 and May 3 Sunday services will be livestreamed to the same online locations as always, with a temporary new filming setup. | | | | |
Weekday Worship
Wednesdays
6 – 6:45 pm
Wednesday 6 pm services in the chantry include Holy Eucharist, sermon, and lively hymn singing accompanied by our Steinway grand piano. The first Wednesday of every month includes prayers for healing and anointing with oil.
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Centering Prayer
Mondays
12:15 – 12:45 pm
Christian silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. Led by Currie Estreich, MA, Spiritual Direction, the General Theological Seminary. To practice in person, please come to the southeast corner of the church, just to the right of the organ and behind the pulpit. If you come down the center or north aisle and turn right, you'll see the spot set up.
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Virtual Women's Bible Study
Wednesdays
10:30 am – 12 pm
The Women’s Bible Study meets weekly to discuss the Bible, engage in lively discussion, pray together, and build a community of support and learning. Please contact our Seminarian, Molly Gouran, for more information about joining.
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Organ meditations will be offered in person only until May 5.
Bach at Noon, Weekend Organ Meditations, and Hymns from Grace are all livestreamed on our Grace Church NYC Vimeo channel, where listeners can also enjoy recordings of previously streamed programs.
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Bach at Noon
Bach at Noon will be offered on Tuesdays only during the weeks of April 19 and April 26. We will return to our regular schedule on May 5.
Tuesday – Friday
12:20 – 12:50 pm
Bach at Noon is offered Tuesday–Friday on The Bicentennial Organ by our Organist and Master of Choristers, Dr. Patrick Allen, during the program year and by a team of talented guest organists during the summer months. Stop into the church at any time during this 30-minute meditation to enjoy a diverse selection from the works of J.S. Bach.
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Weekend Organ Meditations
Saturdays
4 – 4:45 pm
We offer Weekend Organ Meditations on The Bicentennial Organ from 4–4:45 pm on Saturdays during the program year, featuring the diverse repertoire of the pipe organ. The 2025–2026 season continues through May 30, 2026.
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Hymns from Grace
Hymns from Grace is on recess this week and will return next Sunday, April 26.
Sundays
4 – 4:45 pm
We offer Hymns from Grace on The Bicentennial Organ from 4–4:45 pm on Sundays during the program year, featuring favorite hymns, anthems and voluntaries. The 2025–2026 season continues through May 31, 2026.
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Choral Evensong
Tuesdays
6 – 6:30 pm
Choral Evensong is offered every Tuesday at 6 pm while Grace Church School is in session. This gentle evening prayer office lasts about thirty minutes and is sung by the combined Boy and Girl Junior Choristers with Senior Mentors. It is very child friendly.
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Annual Spring Choir Concert
April 24
7 – 8 pm
Join us at 7 pm for the Annual Spring Choir Concert featuring The Combined Choirs of Grace Church. The Choirs will offer works by Bach, Burleigh, Byrd, Palestrina, Stainer, and others. A festive reception on Huntington Close will follow the concert. Free admission.
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Parish Choir
May 3, June 7
8:30 – 10 am
Do you like to sing? On the first Sunday of the month during the program year, a professional quartet of singers will form the core of the Parish Choir, making it easier for volunteers to join in, even when they aren’t confident of their own musical abilities. There is safety in numbers! If you’d like to give the Parish Choir a try, meet Dr. Allen in the choir pews for a brief rehearsal at 8:30 am. More dates TBA.
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Choral Society Spring Concerts
May 8
8 – 9:20 pm
May 9
3 – 4:20 pm
The Choral Society and Orchestra’s annual Spring Concerts take place in the church on Friday, May 8 at 8 pm and Saturday, May 9 at 3 pm. This year’s program features the MOZART REQUIEM, with works by Caroline Shaw, Tzvi Avni, and Galina Grigorjeva. E-tickets required ($32 general admission) and available here.
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Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Apr 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20
6:45 – 8 pm
The Wednesday Evening Bible Study continues at 6:45 pm in the reception room. Cheese, bread, and beverages are provided as together we seek a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. For the next few Wednesdays, we will be examining passages that pertain to the relationship between Jesus and his mother, Mary.
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20s & 30s Pub Theology
Apr 30
6:45 – 8:30 pm
The next 20s & 30s Pub Theology will take place at 6:45 pm in the reception room of the Parish House. We’ll explore intersections of the divine and our everyday lives. No advance reading is necessary! Pizza, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Contact the Rev. James Morton to RSVP.
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Newcomer Gathering
May 3
5 – 6 pm
Anyone new to Grace Church in the past year is invited to a Newcomer Gathering from 5–6 pm in Seymour Close, the lovely outdoor courtyard off of Tuttle Hall. Lite bites and beverages will be provided as we introduce ourselves and parish life at Grace Church. Please RSVP to the Rev. Eva Suarez. All ages welcome!
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Community Blood Drive
April 18
10 am – 4 pm
New York Blood Center is partnering with Grace Church for a community blood drive. Can I donate? Questions or concerns regarding eligibility should be directed to the NYBC Eligibility office at (800) 688-0900, Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm. Those who are ineligible or those who prefer not to donate can still help by spreading the word to recruit donors! Sign up here. Registration is preferred but walk-ins are welcome! Sponsored by the Grace Church Women.
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Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place
May 9
8:30 – 11:45 am and 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Help us prepare a meal for our neighbors at The Red Door Place at The Church of the Village, our food ministry partner. There are two available shifts, 8:30 to 11:45 am and 11:30 to 2:30 pm. Contact the Rev. James Morton if you would like to attend.
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GO Project Spring Benefit
May 12
6:30 – 10:30 pm
This tremendously fun evening at Pier Sixty helps the GO Project support public school students and their families who are falling through the cracks. GO is a joint ministry between Grace Church and Grace Church School. Please visit the GO Project’s website to learn more and purchase tickets.
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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Lauren Snyder
Lita Anderson
David Harris
John Metcalf
Griffin Myers
J.J. Okash
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Ruth Poon
Ben Bennett
Vivienne Hosbein
Teresa Sowinski
Erin Thanik
Phillip Saylor
Claire Wesselman
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
William Dobi
For Those Who Have Died:
Carolyn Webb
To add a name to the prayer list,
please contact the Rector.
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Enter, Rest, Pray
Grace Church is open 7 days per week.
Sunday 8:30 am – 5 pm | Monday to Saturday 12 pm – 5 pm
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