A MESSAGE FROM REVEREND TINA |
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It is hard to believe, but true nonetheless, that I drove behind this truck for half an hour last Saturday. Coming the day before the beginning of Advent with its apocalyptic promise of cataclysms, this felt quite alarming at first. After a time, though, I found myself wondering:
Is there any such thing as an end that isn’t also a beginning?
Jesus himself insists that even the most deathly of crises – the endless pandemic, for example, and the racism, injustice, and lack of equity it has revealed – are actually birth pangs preceding something new. And for me at least, this changes everything. The turmoil is real, it seems to say. And the fear is real. And the shame and the grief and the hurt are all real as well. But if the turbulence that accompanies their unveiling really does makes room for something new, then they have their place – and we do too.
Even in these difficult days every one of us has something to offer. And even in these difficult days every one of us has something to receive. And if we align ourselves with the still invisible newness that is coming through our prayer, words and action, then the newness of God who is coming will be with us, and what may feel like signs of “The End” will be revealed as the tentative shudders of blessed new beginning.
So…what feels to you like the end of something right now? And -- if you could peer round its edges -- what might its demise make room for in your life, and in the life of our community?
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Seed Selection
Have you received any seed catalogues in the mail? This is a joyous time, and reminds me of the longing Rev. Tina talked about on Sunday.
At this time I am dreaming, scheming, and reading those lovely descriptions of seeds from the catalogues. I find myself wondering, Can a tomato really taste like a pineapple? Or a bell pepper taste like chocolate?
There is one company, Wild Garden Seed, out in Oregon, that have some of the most colorful language for their varieties. Their farm is called Should to Shoulder Farm. I love the image of community that this name brings to mind!
I recommend snuggling up with a hot cup of tea and a seed catalogue, maybe some post-it notes, a high-lighter and a sharpie to record inspiration.
"The “Queen of Ices” has been around for about 2 centuries, and she’s a beauty of a crisphead, with very ornately toothed green wrapper leaves blanching a crunchy white heart. Sounds like a queen." - a description from WildGardenSeed.com
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Grace Choir Rehearsals - Sundays,
Through-December 19, 8:55-9:45 am
Would you like to join our merry band of players? Having been at Grace Church a few months now, I know there are more folks out there interested in singing along with our awesome choir! Rather than asking you to sign up for a full-year/indefinite commitment, I would like to offer you the chance to try out Grace Choir during the season of Advent. Over the course of 4 Sundays, we will prepare 3 hymns and 1 anthem to offer during Communion. Reading music and/or prior singing experience is not required.
Musically yours,
Ryan
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The last day for collection is
Sunday - Dec. 12th
Please write the denomination on the card if not already on it.
Cards will be distributed through
school counselors at Lee High, Monument Mountain and Mt. Everett
Any questions contact Pennie or Sue
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Berkshire South Regional Community Center is hosting suppers on Mondays from 5-6pm. |
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All suppers will be a “to go” option.
Welcome back! Attached is the October 11, 2021 “List of Food Pantries & Meal Sites in Berkshire County”. Please note the following additions to my October 4th list:
We welcome the Berkshire Humane Society Pet Food Pantry in Pittsfield! They are open
Mondays – Sundays from 10am – 4pm to provide food for pets.
For list of Food Pantries and Meal Sites Click Here
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Mission Matters
News from the
Episcopal Diocese
of Western Massachusetts
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Support the Resettlement of Refugees
Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement and migration ministry of The Episcopal Church, is currently working in partnership with the U.S. government to assist Afghan SIVs and other arrivals with resettlement and direct services through a network of 12 affiliates across the U.S.
DFMS-Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
(Include Episcopal Migration Ministries and Afghan SIV’s in the memo line.)
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CHANGE THE BABIES
It costs about $1500 a year to support a baby. The Diocese's goal is for one congregation
to support one child for a year.
To donate to support babies at the Mampong Babies Home in Ghana please send a check to Grace Church, PO Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
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Becoming Beloved Community
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There is still time to visit the exhibit
and get to know the culture of the first peoples of the Berkshires!
"“Muh-he-con-ne-ok: The People of the Waters
That Are Never Still,”
curated by Heather Bruegl, director of cultural affairs for the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, is on display at the Berkshire Museum
through Jan. 9, 2022.
Click here for article in Berkshire Eagle
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Grace Church worships and gardens on the traditional land of the Mohican people.
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Announcement from the Communications Department
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Join Us Online for an Advent Retreat
with The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas
December 4th, 9:30 - 12 noon
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Jesus invites us to make our home in him, just as he makes his home in us (John 15:4). In a rapidly changing world, when so much that we took for granted has become unreliable or unstable, our old familiar “home” is gone. Weather is erratic; institutions we once depended on are shaky; households and communities are stressed. Is it possible to feel “at home” in the midst of a troubled world? This Advent Quiet Day invites us to respond to Jesus’ invitation to come home to the One who loves us utterly. Our time together will include silence and guided meditation, presentations and small group conversation, and free time for solitary prayer. If possible, please bring a candle.Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
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TUESDAYS WITH THE WORD
Dear "Ruth" Bible Study Participants,
Thank you for your participation in the November Community in Faith Study Series. It's great to see the interaction among folks from all three of the South Berkshire County Episcopal/Lutheran congregations. I learned a lot in the process of preparing to lead these three sessions on the book of Ruth, and I hope you also came away with new or deeper understandings, as well as questions for further exploration on your own. I also hope each of us has taken away from this study something that influences our life and actions in the here and now. For my part, I'm going to be more intentional about looking for and engaging with those who are typically marginalized. I'm also intrigued by the idea of gleaning interpreted for the 21st century. Above all, I will hold onto to the notion of the 'hesed' or steadfast love of God that accompanies us and holds us through all the uncertainties and bitterness of life and rejoices with us in the good times. Ruth and Boaz in their own way embodied that faithful and steadfast loving care for others.
Below is the announcement of the next Community in Faith Offering (taken from the St. Paul's e-news this morning). Fr. Sam Smith will be our guide through these three weeks in December. I hope you will consider being part of the group again. "Sing Noel!" promises to be fun and illuminating.
Peace,
Libby+
The Rev. Elizabeth T. Wade
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Our Next Community in Faith Offering:
Sing Noel!
An exploration of the music of Advent and Christmas
Tuesdays, November 30, December 7 & 14, 7:00-8:00 pm, via Zoom
Of all the various aspects of Christmas, perhaps none is more beloved, and more reminiscent, than the music of the season. In this three-week study, we will explore together the music we love, learning not only the stories of the creation and meaning of these beloved songs, but also taking time to use them as tools for meditation. No preparation needed – just join us to talk about and pray on the music we cherish.
Tuesday with the Word
7:00 to 8:00 PM
To join the Zoom meeting
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*This image is of an installation by the artist Andy Goldsworthy at the Storm King Art Center in NY, an easy drive from our area and definitely worth the visit! For more information click here
Hello, People of Grace,
Here is the summary of our reflection from November 23. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! ~~ Karen
EfM participants read Ruth, Esther and 1 and 2 Peter this week. In 1 Peter 2:4-5, Peter exhorts his readers, who are early Christians in remote locales, “Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” The idea of living stones, augmented by the image, * was the prompt for our theological reflection.
We long for the harmony and serenity we experience in nature and for permanence that does not exist
And we wonder if there is a straight path.
We know that we must be flexible and open to the twists and turns of our lives
We doubt that we can do this on our own
So we pray that our faith be like a rock.
Amen
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THIRD SUNDAY SUPPER
Join us for lively conversation
and fellowship on
every third Sunday, at 6:00PM
Next location TBD
Separate checks/All are welcome
For more information contact
George Raymond. His contact information is in the Grace directory.
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MOVIE NITE
Join us for a discussion of
ABOUT SCHMIDT
A 66-year-old (Jack Nicholson) retires, deals with his wife's sudden death and tries to stop his daughter (Hope Davis) from marrying a salesman (Dermot Mulroney).
on Thursday, December 2, at 6:30 PM
Watch at your leisure then join us on Zoom
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823 (Password): 385337
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BOOKS AND BREAD
Book Nominations
on January 12
at the Church office
at 7:00 pm
All are welcome!
To join this Zoom meeting at 7:15 PM
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US (New York)
- Participants should contact the Hosts (Mark and Dindy Anderson's) if they plan to attend but have not signed up at Grace Church (Crissey Farm Welcome Desk)
- If you are a "regular" and are not planning to attend, please let the Host know.
- Discussion begins at 7:00 pm regardless of whether it's a Dinner gathering or an A&D gathering.
- Dinner-Appetizers, wine, soft drinks, main dish, side dishes, dessert, decaf and tea. One main dish serves 8 people.
- The Host is responsible for planning the meal. Participants are encouraged to make offerings in consultation with the Host.
- Please sign up to bring appetizers or dessert items.
Meeting is over promptly at 8:30 PM. For more information email Peter Kirchoff.
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Step into Grace
Where strangers become friends
We are an Open and Affirming church. Every one of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental ability, or economic status is invited to join us as together we live out the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, service, and justice. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey- you are welcome here.
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The Second Sunday
of Advent
Holy Eucharist
December 5, 10:00 AM
Sunday services
will be at Crissey Farm, both
in-person and live-streamed.
Please visit our website:
for up-to-date information and a link to the digital service booklet.
Officiant/Preacher
The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Welcome Team......Brooke/Hutchinson
Acolyte...................P. Kirchoff
Lector.................. ..Pennie Curry
Intercessor.............D. Hutchinson
Healing Team.........S. Gore/K. Clausen
Tech.......................Abe Streeter
Flowers..................Advent
Altar Guild.............M. Layton/S. Sieber
Coffee Hour...........Gore/Cheek
Counters................S.Gore/I. Booton
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ZOOM INVITATIONS
FOR GRACE CHURCH
The Second Sunday
of Advent
Holy Eucharist
December 5, at 10:00 AM
Now in person and on Zoom.
For Zoom
or call 646 558 8656
US (New York)
(Meeting ID): 177 160 858
(Password): 917937
Tuesday with the Word
November 30
7:00 to 8:00 PM
To join the Zoom meeting
For more information please see the article below.
Centering Prayer
Thursdays, at 5:00 PM
Now in person and on ZOOM
To join the Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 203 314 800
(Password): 578877
646 558 8656 US (New York)
Grace Church Men's Group
Future dates to be announced here.
Movie Nite
Thursday, December 2
More information in the
article below.
To join this Zoom meeting,
(Meeting ID): 370 191 823
(Password): 385337
or call 646 558 8656 US
(New York)
Books and Bread,
Book Nominations
Wednesday, January 12
In person at 7:00 PM
at the Church office
Third Sunday Supper
(Every Third Sunday)
Resumes in January
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The Second Sunday of
Advent
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Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
"The voice of one
crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill
shall be made low,
and the crooked
shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
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Comfort, comfort ye my people |
For the most up to date information:
please visit the
Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative website,
They will post notice of appointment openings 6-12 hours in advance. You can find answers to your vaccination questions including information about the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine on their FAQ page.
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Covid-19 vaccination
booster shots
are now available for those with certain big-risk medical conditions at Walgreens and Fairview Hospital on a walk-in basis. If you think you might have a qualifying condition, we urge you to go to one of these locations for a booster shot.
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There will be a gathering of friends
of Vanessa Poulos Neves
on Sunday December 12,
2:00 - 5:00 at Crissey Farm,
Great Barrington
Vanessa died on October 26 in Austin where she lived with her family.
Light refreshments will be served and there will be a cash bar. Please join us as we remember our dear friend.
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A small service for family and intimate friends was held
to honor the passing of
beloved parishioner
Sara Keene
on Saturday, November 27th
at Umpachene Falls
in New Marlborough.
Rev. Tina gave the blessing.
May light perpetual shine upon Sara !
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Praying for each other and for the needs of the world is a vital mission of Grace Church. To add a prayer request to this list, please contact the Church Office
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We supply this list so you may contact members of our congregation who are at home or in a nursing facility. Please hold in your prayers and reach out as you can.
ANDREWS, Anne
659 South Egremont Road
P.O. Box 714
Great Barrington, MA 01230
BLAKELY, Rosemarie
21 Crossway, #108
Lee MA 01238
BOWENS, Marina
c/o Maryella Satinover
11908 Windward Ave.
Mar Vista, CA 90066
BREASTED, John
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington MA 01230
BROOKS, Jane
165 George Street
Lee MA 01230
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FRYE, Vonnie
PineHill Assisted Living
at Kimball Farms
235 Walker St. Apt #32
Lenox, Ma. 01240
GORE, Barbara
50 Stockbridge Road
Lee MA 01238
HAIDER, Meredith
5 Fox Hollow Road
#409
Lenox, MA 01240
McCURDY, Deborah
Skilled Nursing Center
Loomis Lakeside at Reed's Landing
807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
TURNER, Barbara
Fairview Commons
151 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
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Our New Prayer Basket
We welcome you to use our new prayer basket.
On Sundays you will find a basket near the welcome table, with slips of paper available for you to write down prayer requests. You can ask for prayers for those who are ill, or in need of healing or encouragement of any kind, prayers for intentions, journeys, or projects, the birth or adoption of children, and prayers of thanksgiving for anything that needs celebrating. In other words, please ask for any prayers that are important to you and those you love. You may identify yourself and those for whom prayers are needed, but names are not necessary or required. These requests will be prayed for by our healing ministers both during the service and during the week for a period of one month. Keep an eye out for the basket!!
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Healing Prayers
If you would like to receive healing prayers from
The Rev. Ted Cobden, Pennie Curry, or Sue Gore,
please refer to your directory for their contact
information, or contact the Grace office.
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GRACE
CHURCH
Please include
in your daily prayers this week:
Members of the Parish Family:
Sue Gore, George Raymond; Doreen Hutchinson, Anne Andrews, Pennie Curry, Mark Anderson, Stacey, Claire and Mark Thomas, Meredith Haider, Linda White, Rosemarie Blakely, Marina Bowens, John Breasted, Jane Brooks, Vonnie Frye, Barbara Gore, Sara Keene, Barbara Turner and Annalise Clausen.
Others we love: Rino Aldrighetti, dear friend of Steve White; Wyatt Hicks; Larry Cheek, John's brother; Karen La Rocque friend of Sue Gore; Rosalind Haywood, Sue Gore's mother; Deborah McCurdy; Joy Milani, dear friend of Dindy Anderson.
Those who have died:
Sara Keene; Jim Santolin dear friend of Rick and Sue Gore; Robert Bruce Martin, and Alexandra Pratt, friends of Monique; Bernadette McCarroll, beloved family member of Jainee, John & Ellis; Thomas J. Fisher, father of The Rt. Rev. Douglas Fisher; Alan Sparks, brother of Debbie Holmes; Ruth Crawford; John Grammer, husband of Mary Anne; Neil Brandt, brother of Linda White; John Turner, husband of Barbara Turner; Leslie Albert, friend of Margaret Layton and Sarah Sieber.
Our world: For the people of Afghanistan, and of Haiti, who have struggled for so long under burdens seemingly too great to bear.
For all victims of violence, and for those who inflict violence on others. For people who suffer from the COVID-19 virus, those who have died and those who mourn; caregivers and those who have been affected through loss of work, income, and housing.
For all who are alone or afraid or despairing. For prisoners, unhoused people, newly arrived immigrants and all our neighbors, near and far.
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The many ministries of our local community and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts:
especially for our partners at St. Paul's, Stockbridge and the Rev. Sam Smith and the Rev. Jane Tillman; Christ Trinity, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher; and the Mampong Babies' Home in Ghana; Saint Luke's Worcester; Non-parochial priests and deacons; Church Video and Film; Prayer Shawl Ministry.
The Church's wider mission:
The Anglican Church of Burundi.
And we offer thanks: for all those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries this week: Annalise
Clausen, Anne Grammer, Linda White, 12/2.
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Join us for
Centering Prayer
now in person and on ZOOM
every Thursday
5:00 - 6:00
Encouraging a practice of silence and stillness we focus on practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina using scripture, art and music. All are welcome.
To join the Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 203 314 800
Password: 578877
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
To find your local number:
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WHAT ARE YOU
GRATEFUL FOR?
In this time of fear and anxiety, it can be easy to miss the daily blessings that are right in front of us. Being grateful is not just for good times. Being grateful is even more important when fear sets a place at your table and heartbreak seems to be in your every breath. Because by being grateful we become aware of all the ways God is working in us. Being grateful is a part of our healing and our deliverance. Being grateful is where our best selves reside.
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SHINE YOUR LIGHT
Thank you for giving generously to support the ministry of Grace. You may continue to mail your contributions to Grace Church, P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230. As we begin to gather in person, you may bring your contribution to our services on Sunday, once again.
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Kids of all ages:
Please join us for Sunday school. We will meet during the first part of the service and then re-join the service at the Peace.
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Thank you all
for signing up for this year’s
Flower Dedications.
It is a beautiful way to honor our family and friends both living and deceased, and is shared by all.
Please note that $35.00 contributions toward the flower purchases can be sent to the Grace Office or placed in the Offertory Collection.
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An Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires
67 State Road/P.O. Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230
GRACE Parish Administrator: Ms. Jean Chapin
and by phone 413-644-0022.
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The Rev. Tina Rathbone
Rector
413-644-0022
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Ms. Annalise Clausen, Director of Farming for Gideon's Garden
413-644-0022
gideonsgarden at graceberkshires.org
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Mr. Ryan LaBoy,
Grace Church Music Director
413-644-0022
RLaboy at graceberkshires.org
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Tuesday's Child Editor Monique Kirchoff
Associate Editor Kathy Clausen
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