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One of the most influential books about the Christian life to appear in the last century is called The Cost of Discipleship, by the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. First published in 1937, it is still well worth reading today – even a second or a third time. Early on in the book Bonhoeffer imagines Faust, the protagonist of German legend who, in the pursuit of knowledge lives a long, complicated, and compromised life. Towards the end of his days he looks back on it all and declares, “I now do see that we can nothing know.” Bonhoeffer then contrasts Faust with a university freshman, who arrives on campus, and declares on the first day before taking a single class, “I now do see that we can nothing know.” The point is, while both say the same thing, one has put in the work and the other has not.
Today begins a stretch of days in the Christian life that beckons us to put in the work. On Easter Day we will all shout the same words, “The Lord is risen, indeed. Alleluia.” But the opportunities of Maundy Thursday (today at 7 pm), Good Friday (tomorrow from 12–3 pm), and Holy Saturday (10:30 am and 7 pm) will empower us to speak the Easter greeting with depth and meaning. Please review the schedule and plan to participate in as much as possible.
Note the ingathering of socks at the liturgy tonight. In the spirit of Jesus’ washing the feet of his disciples, we collect new socks that will protect the feet of the homeless. Please bring a new pair of socks to offer at the altar. Also, the Good Friday service is indeed three hours long, but is designed with many “off ramps” for those who cannot make the full 3-hour journey. Also, you’ll find it on the livestream here.
Bonhoeffer taught that the cost of discipleship – no matter how high – is not worth comparing with the glory that God wants to reveal through you, and me, and all of creation. I hope to see you early and often over these next important days.
| | | | Holy Eucharist, Stripping of the Altar, Ingathering of New Socks | |
Preaching: The Rev. Eva N. Suarez
Music: The Adult Choir
| | | | The Seven Last Words of Jesus | |
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Ms. Molly Gouran
Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.
The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.
The Very Rev. Harry E. Krauss
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
The Rev. Eva N. Suarez
I thirst.
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders
It is finished.
The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
The Rev. Robbie Pennoyer
Music: Dr. Patrick Allen, organ
| | | | Easter Eve Walk for Children and Families | Children and their families are invited to experience the Passion and Resurrection through interactive storytelling, crafts, lunch, and an Easter egg hunt. RSVP to our seminarian, Molly Gouran. | | | | The Great Vigil of Easter | |
Preaching: The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music: The Adult Choir
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Preaching: The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music: The Combined Choirs of Grace Church
| | | | Festive Choral Eucharist with Brass and Tympani | |
Preaching: The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music: The Combined Choirs of Grace Church, Brass and Tympani
| | | | Organ Music for Easter Day | Music by Bach, Handel, Pachelbel & Widor on The Bicentennial Organ | | | | |
Preaching: The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music: Easter Hymns with Organ
Though the Sunday 6 pm service is typically held in the chantry, this service will be held in the main church.
| | Children, Youth, and Families | | | | |
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.
| | The church and parish office will be closed on Easter Monday, April 6. We look forward to welcoming you back to the church on Tuesday, April 7, when we resume our standard schedule. | | | | |
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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Ellen Maddock Funeral
April 11
11 am – 12:30 pm
At 11 am we will gather in the church for the funeral Eucharist of Ellen Maddock. The Committal will be in the columbarium, and a reception will follow in Tuttle Hall.
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Eric Overmyer Memorial Service
April 13
4 – 5:30 pm
At 4 pm we will gather in the church for a service in thanksgiving for the life of Eric Overmyer. A reception will follow in Tuttle Hall.
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London Link
April 19
9 am – 12:30 pm
The Rev. Roderick Leece, Rector of St. George’s Church, Hanover Square, London, will be with us to preach at the 9 and 11 am services. Also, he will be the presenter at the 10 am Sunday Forum.
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Centering Prayer
Mondays
12:15 – 12:45 pm
Centering Prayer will not meet on Monday, April 6, as the church will be closed for Easter Monday.
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.
| | 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. | | | | |
Bach at Noon
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
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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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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Saving Grace NYC Presents:
From Story to Score
April 9
6 – 10 pm
In a landmark collaboration, The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home and Grace Church will celebrate the life and legacy of Edith Wharton in the very place of her baptism on Easter Day in 1862. This special evening features selections from an exhilarating new operatic adaptation of Wharton’s iconic short story Roman Fever, composed by Louis Karchin with a libretto by Joan Ross Sorkin. Admission is free, but registration is recommended. RSVP here!
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Adult Confirmation and Reception
April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 17
12:30 – 1:30 pm
For all adult seekers and returners who would like to explore Confirmation or Reception in the Episcopal Church, five sessions will meet in Eastertide with the Revs. Harry E. Krauss and Don Waring. Sundays April 12, 19, 26, May 3, and 17 at 12:30 pm in the reception room. 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. To sign up, please contact the Rector.
| | Children, Youth, and Families | | | |
Youth Confirmation
Apr 12, 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. We’ll meet Sundays April 12, 19, 26, May 3, and 17 from 4–5 pm in the reception room. 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. Please contact the Rev. James Morton to sign up.
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Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place
April 11
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, 8:30–11:45 am and 11:30 am–2:30 pm. Contact the Rev. James Morton if you would like to attend.
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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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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Carolyn Webb
John Metcalf
Griffin Myers
J.J. Okash
Steve Townsend
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:
To add a name to the prayer list,
please email 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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