Sunday, October 11, 2026

The Nineteenth Sunday

after Pentecost

Worship Service

with Holy Eucharist

in person a at

8 am and 9:15 am

in person and online at

11 am

Our 11 am service can be viewed live onVimeo or our website.

Tap Your Toes and Fill Your Plate on Sunday, October 18 at 10 am

“The truest expression of a people is in its dance and music.” – Agnes de Mille

Multicultural Day celebrates the sights and sounds from around the world. We’re so pleased to welcome back the St. Augustine Pan-a-Praise Steel Orchestra, hear from and sing with our Grace Church choir, and, new this year, watch a special dance from our Sunday School children! 

The children will learn a multicultural dance during Sunday School, and they will perform it during the service. No dance background needed!

Sunday School parents or students: please arrive by 9 am on Sunday, October 18 for a fun lesson and rehearsal in the gym.

Also, we’re calling all chefs, bakers, or expert Grubhub or DoorDash aficionados to participate in our International Food Festival – one of the highlights of Grace Church’s Annual Multicultural Day!

Please bring your favorite dish, dessert, or drinks. Sign up here, and thank you!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Allison Robinson or Denise Young Farrell. See you there!

Table set and ready for our shelter guests on October 7, 2026.

Interfaith Shelter Update

Thanks to an outpouring of support, volunteers, and a commitment to providing hope, food, and shelter for unhoused men, the Grace Church homeless shelter opened on October 4. We are grateful for the partnership with CAMBA that makes this possible.

To get ready to welcome our guests, volunteers sorted the linens, fluffed the pillows, hooked up the TV/DVD player, and set the table. Volunteer cooks prepare delicious meals including vegetarian chili, Chicken Creole, gluten-free cornbread, and salad.

We average four men a day in our shelter. Although the number is small, they made up for it with rich conversation about cricket and music among other topics. 

Thank you to the Grace community for living out your Core Values and “Serving with Compassion.”

Success of the shelter relies heavily on volunteer participation – two volunteers are needed on each shelter date to cook, and two volunteers to sleep overnight. Can you help? 

As of today, we are still in need of overnight volunteers for the following dates:

-      Wednesday, October 14 (1 volunteer needed)

-      Sunday, October 18 through Wednesday, October 21

-      Sunday, October 25 through Thursday, October 29

You may use the SignUp Genius or sign up on the board in the Guild Hall. Please contact Jane Nelson with any questions.  

If you have any questions, particularly about the volunteer roles, please contact Elizabeth Stong. Cooking volunteers who'd like to know more can read this flyer.

If you’d like to help offset the cost of the supplies Grace will provide, go to Realm and choose "Shelter" from the dropdown menu. 

Blessing of the Animals

Thank you to all friends, parishioners, and pets that came out on a drizzly Sunday afternoon for our Annual Blessing of the Animals!

Facing Mortality Together: 

Conversation on how we live our (finite) lives

Third Thursdays of the Month

6:30-8 pm

Next Meeting: October 15th



The aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives. Join us for open, inclusive, agenda-free discussions around death and dying.

Our hosts, thanatologist Matilda Garrido and end of life doula Brian Numme, will ensure that we come together in a confidential setting. This program is free. Please RSVP to Matilda or Brian; walk-ins are also welcome.

Calling All Gardeners!

Volunteer Day for Courtyard Garden

Saturday October 17th, 11 am-2 pm



It's time for fall garden prep and cleanup in our courtyard garden. A volunteer crew led by James Newton and Pat Magnuson will be doing cleanup, weeding, adding compost, and perhaps some fall plantings. If we get enough folks we can also tune up the sidewalk tree beds as well! 

All are welcome to join the crew. BYOT (trowel!), if you have one, but tools and materials will be provided. If you are unable to join this time, the next gardening days will be in the Spring.  If interested for October 17th or to be notified for future gardening days, contact Pat .

Grace Church at Red Hook Farms

Grace Church volunteers spent a beautiful Saturday working at Red Hook Farms last week. To date, the farm has produced 16,000 pounds of produce this season!

Our relationship with Red Hook Farms aligns perfectly with Grace’s Core Values! By contributing our time and talent, we serve with compassion in an underserved community.  In addition, by supporting a sustainable urban agricultural enterprise that financially benefits the local community, we are working for social justice to address food insecurity by improving access to healthy and affordable food. Red Hook Farms grew almost 20,000 pounds of food last year. 



Our final volunteer day for the 2026 season is Saturday, November 7th. Sign up today with Theresa Seabaugh.

Red Hook Farm Fete

Join Read Hook Initiative on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4-7 pm at Columbia Street Farm as they celebrate 25 years of RHI and the people who have helped our farm grow along the way.

You’ll hear from a special group of speakers representing different chapters of RHI’s story — including current and former staff, youth farmers, and volunteers who helped steward the land, build community, and create opportunities for connection, leadership, and food access in Red Hook. 

RHI’s Farm Fete is free to attend, with a suggested $25 donation. Your gift helps continue investing in the farms, the young people of Red Hook, and access to fresh food in the Red Hook Houses.

Register at the link below.

Fall 2026 Docent Tours Back this Sunday

Docent tours are back for the season! Please join us for tours of the sanctuary. Take a step back in history and learn how the architecture of our church, its community, and greater Brooklyn Heights have evolved over the last 175+ years. Please reach out to James Newton if you are interested in becoming a docent.

The 2026 docent tour schedule is November 1, November 15, and December 6, with an organ demo by Paul Olson on December 6.

Tours begin at 12:30 pm; meet in the aisle by the small baptismal font.

Community Dinner 

Each month, we come together to serve our community and the greater good at our Community Dinners. Our dinner last Sunday was another success, with 52 guests served by our faithful volunteers. 

The next community dinner will be Sunday, October 18 from 2 to 4 pm, so mark your calendar!

These dinners can only happen because of our community members' commitment and energy. You can help as a volunteer on the day-of and/or bring your favorite dessert. Desserts are especially welcomed by our guests!

If you would like to volunteer to cook, serve, host, or help set up and clean up, contact Kate Rock or Brian Numme.

Grace Church Christmas Pageant

Greetings Christmas Pageant Families, Participants, and Fans! Mark your calendars now for the 2026 Christmas Pageant scheduled for the 11 am service on Sunday, December 13, 2026. Full cast rehearsals will be held Saturdays November 21, December 5, and December 12 from 9 to 11am. There are lpenty of ways to get involved: participants are ages 3 to 14, volunteers are teens and adults.  

Similar to last year, there is an opportunity for participants who would like to be part of a dance component. If your child is interested in expressing themselves in the Pageant through dance, please fill out this form by October 23 to help us gauge interest. All abilities and experience welcome - invite your friends!

More info to come but contact Brianna McCarty now if you have any questions or if you're a teen/adult who already knows you want to volunteer!  

Sunday School

Children in grades K*-5 are invited to participate in Sunday School. Class meets from 10:15–10:45 am in Classroom 2, after the 9:15 am Family Service. Volunteer teachers lead children in 30-minute sessions focusing on Bible stories, using the Storymakers curriculum. Please note: Snacks will be served upstairs in the Guild Hall before or after Sunday School. Please eat in the Guild Hall and not in the classroom. *If your child is not yet a reader but would like to attend Sunday School, they can attend with a parent to help with the activities.

Middle School Faith & Forum

A space for middle schoolers to explore faith and life together. Through conversation and Scripture, middle schoolers will have a space to discuss identity, friendship, mental health, leadership, character, and what it means to grow into who God is calling them to do. All middle schoolers welcome! Fall dates October 25, November 22 and December 20. 10:15-10:50 am in the Library. If you are interested in registering your middle schooler, please email the Rev. Leandra Lisa Lambert.

Grace’s Next Generation of Faith

Sunday school resumes this weekend, and we are looking for a few more teachers!

The Sunday school program for elementary-age children will start October 4, and classes are usually held from 10:15 to 10:45 am, between services.

Adults who are interested in leading a few classes during the year using the contemporary Storymakers curriculum, or who would like to join the substitute roster, can contact Mother Leandra for more information about training.

2027 Holy Land Pilgrimage Virtual Interest Meeting

October 17th at 10 am

Led by the Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson and Local Guides Canon Iyad Qumri and Rami Qumri, this pilgrimage to the Holy Land will take place August 1-12, 2027.

The Land Trip Cost is $2,845 based on double occupancy. There is a limited number of single rooms and there is a $560 one-time supplement charge for these rooms. The above price does not include airfare. You can fly your preferred airline but will just need to arrive during a specific time frame for pickup. Options will be provided to you.

View the full itinerary for more information. Please use this Zoom link to attend the meeting.

Meeting ID: 869 1709 6541 Passcode: 769302

Evening Prayer

One of Rev. Erika’s favorite worship experiences was Evening Prayer, a spiritual practice she’d learned from her dad, Fr. John Meyer. During the pandemic shutdown Erika began to lead Evening Prayer for us on Zoom at 5pm Tuesdays through Fridays—and we are continuing that practice even though she is no longer with us.

This service is an informal, drop-in opportunity to pray and read scripture with others and includes a mini-Bible study on the day’s gospel reading. You are enthusiastically invited to follow Erika’s example and join us some afternoon—no commitment necessary! To join, please use the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7186241850. 

Rector's Bible Study

Summer Reading

The Rector’s Bible Study will resume meeting in the McKittrick Choir Room on Tuesdays at 10 am in the fall, beginning October 13.

Please read the following books prior to our first meeting: The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams; and Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth E. Bailey.

Centering Prayer is a method of contemplative prayer in which we rest silently in the presence of God. It is a very simple method that is easy to learn. We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words, but this is not the only form of prayer. Zoom sessions are held on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm. Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes with a 20-minute period of silence. Instructions on how to participate are part of each session.

 Use this link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85673451852

Grace Church School Admissions for 2027-2028

Applications for 2027-2028 at Grace Church School are now available on the school website. The School offers a warm introduction to classroom life for young children, from its toddler Together Time program to preschool for children ages 2-5 years. It has a child-centered, play-based curriculum that meets children where they are, ignites their curiosity, and fosters a love of learning. The deadline to apply is Monday, November 9, 2026. Children of families who are members of Grace Church may be eligible for special admissions consideration; please email parishoffice@gracebrooklyn.org to determine eligibility.

A Message from the Bishop to the Diocese

An Excerpt from a Letter to the People of the Diocese of Long Island

Beloved in Christ,

On September 19, I was ordained and seated as your bishop, and in the days since, the work of building our transition team and process has begun in earnest. As I mentioned, one of my most important commitments to you is to listen. I write to give you an update on that work — why we are undertaking it in the way we are, and what you can expect to see and experience in the months ahead.

Why we are doing this, and how

I have asked our transition team to help me create a trustworthy transition process grounded in our baptismal covenant — one that, with God's help, embodies God's love and respects the dignity of every person in this diocese. This will be a listening season.

If I ask you to share your experiences, hopes, concerns, and ideas, I believe you should also know what I am hearing and what happens as a result.

Liddell Award for

Young Adult Service

Young people in the Tristate Area Episcopal community are encouraged to apply for the Church Club of New York 2026 Liddell Award for Young Adult Service. You may also nominate someone you know to receive the award.

This award recognizes outstanding service by Episcopalians aged 18-30, and we hope you will help us spread the word to eligible candidates.

The Liddell Award for Young Adult Service, honoring Jane and Donald Macy Liddell Jr.’s support of Episcopal Connections:

The Church Club of New York. This award recognizes outstanding volunteer ministry in Episcopal Dioceses of New York, New Jersey, Newark, Long Island, and Connecticut. The awardee receives a stipend, currently set at $3,000.

2026 Liddell Award & Event Details:

  - Application Deadline:

October 14, 2026

 - How to Apply: https://www.episcopalconnections.org/liddell-award

 - Award Presentation: November 30, 2026, at the Bishop's Forum at St. James' Church, New York City; the presentation will include a special address by Bishop Jeremiah Williamson of Albany.

Mayor Accountability Assembly with Mayor Mamdani

On Sunday, October 11, Mayor Mamdani will appear before a city-wide, Metro IAF audience to explain what his young administration has accomplished in implementing Metro IAF's agenda of building thousands of more units of 100% affordable housing, opening 10 crisis stabilization centers and accelerating repairs of NYCHA apartments. Mamdani made these commitments to East Brooklyn Congregations and its Manhattan, Queens and Bronx affiliates a year ago, two weeks before his election.

The assembly's purpose is to keep the pressure on the mayor to deliver, so a large turnout, including from Grace, is essential. Please consider attending. These assemblies are never dull as parishioners who've attended previous assemblies will tell you. If you plan to \attend, or have questions, please contact Mark McIntyre. We'll carpool to the event, to be held at Queens College (153-49 Reeves Ave.). It will start at 4 pm sharp on October 11th.   

Join a Winter Ski Trip with Grace Youth and Families

Youth and their families are invited to a Grace Church Ski Trip on January 29-31, 2027. We'll stay at the Colonial Inn and ski at Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills, as well as spending time together for meals and an evening youth activity on Saturday night. Beginners, non-skiiers, and experts are all welcome! The cost of $130/night covers accomodation for two with cots for kids. Lift tickets and lessons will cost extra, and transportation is TBD. For more info or to reserve a spot, email Brianna McCarty or Randall Thomas.

The Rector's Discretionary Fund

Even the most meticulously crafted budget can’t always cover an unexpected emergency, e.g. a child’s trip to the ER, a car vandalized and needing an expensive part, an elderly parent in another city requiring help.

Since it was established in 2004, the Rector’s Discretionary Fund has given to parishioners in circumstances like these. The need is great, and the sole source of funding for this important fund is the generous contributions of our congregation, helping members of our Grace community when they are facing temporary financial hardship.

Contributing to this important fund fulfills our parish goal of Serving with Compassion. If you would like to participate, you can do so by using our online payment system, Realm. If you prefer to pay by check, please make it out to Grace Church Brooklyn Heights with Rector’s Discretionary Fund on the memo line. Thank you for your faithful generosity.

Parish Prayer Concerns and Thanksgivings

This week we pray:

... that we may stand firm in the Lord and do his work here on earth. May we trust in him and confide in him, for he is near, and will guide us and guard us. May we thank him for his many blessings, and rejoice in him always.  

... that the Church and all its people may recognize the invitation to life that comes each day and respond with faith and action.

... that the people of Grace may be clothed with a wedding garment made of deeds of justice and acts of love.

... for all who take counsel for the nations of the earth; may God grant them the wisdom and courage to work to heal wounds and foster understanding, reflecting God’s light and love in a world that longs for harmony.

... for peace in our cities and communities; may God help us understand the pain of those who have suffered injustice and give us courage to work for reconciliation.

... in observance of Columbus Day/ Indigenous People’s Day, that Indigenous Peoples everywhere may be restored to their proper place in histories around the world. May they and their cultures be accorded the honor and respect that is their due, not just in the past, but down to the present day. May past wrongs be redressed, so far as it is possible; and may they enjoy the same opportunities and benefits as the rest of God’s children.

... for all who struggle to earn a living wage, all who seek shelter, all who hunger for a meal, and all for whom medical care is beyond their grasp: may they too receive their fair share of our country’s bounty.

... for those who have faced loss or disappointment, and those who have repented and are turning to new life. those commended to our prayers this week, especially Luke, Sebastian, Liz, the Piper-Shedd family, Judith & Sandy, Jane E., Robert, Donna, Tom C., Heidi, Hamp, Jayne G., Diane & family, Jill, Wally, Max, José, Nickela, Lisa, Anne S., Judy, Amara, Kevin, Jane S., Bill, and Tonya & Brian. For those who endure chronic or incurable illnesses; and those who care for sick or aging loved ones. For those whose names and needs are known only to God.

... for all who have died, and especially Joan Whiteford, mother of Bob Whiteford: that they may find rest and peace in God’s green pastures. For God’s loving presence with all who mourn.  Merciful God, Hear our prayers.

Sundays at Grace

Grace Church holds 3 services on Sundays, at 8 am , 9:15 am family service, and 11 am with the Parish Choir. All are welcome! See the full church calendar of upcoming services and events on our website. 

Join us for coffee hour. Please join us for coffee and snacks after the service in the Guild Hall.

We have childcare available in the Colonial Room (across the hall from the kitchen).

Holy Eucharist is offered in both kinds, bread and wine. The wine is offered from a common cup. At communion, after receiving the bread, proceed to the eucharistic minister to receive the wine by drinking directly from the chalice. Intinction is not permitted. Those not wishing to drink from the chalice may cross their arms and reverence the cup.

If you have any questions about our worship schedule, please contact Melissa Kelly, Parish Administrator, at parishoffice@gracebrooklyn.org or (718) 624-1850 ext. 10.

Giving to Grace

You can make a pledge or general offering donations by text! Send a text to 73256 with the message "GraceBrooklyn." You can also make one-time pledge payments and general offering donations online here. If you would like to set up a recurring pledge payment, please contact Melissa Kelly.

Grace Notes Submissions

Announcement submissions for Grace Notes and Sunday bulletin can be sent to Melissa Kelly. All submissions must be received no later than Thursday at 10 am in order to be included in that week's e-newsletter and bulletin. Thank you!

Weekday Visits to Grace

When you visit, please use the Clergy Door, which is the first door on your right in the Hicks Street courtyard. Our office hours are Monday - Friday 9 am-5 pm.

The church and parish offices will be closed on Monday, October 12 in observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day holiday.

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