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All Saints' Day
November 1, 2026
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In the church, this coming Sunday is All Saints’ Day. On the streets it is the running of the NYC Marathon. Although I have never attempted a marathon, I used to be a fairly devoted runner. Years ago a parishioner of the church I served in Cincinnati convinced me to run in a 5k road race with him. “No problem,” I thought. At the time, I could do 3.1 miles without breaking a sweat. “I’ll sprint.” Just before the race began, Stacie and some other friends went over to the finish line to wait for what I fully expected would be my triumphant arrival. The gun went off, the race began, and all went well for about the first third of the course. Then the route turned sharply and what seemed permanently uphill. It was miserable. I forgot about finishing well and worried about finishing at all. I am pleased to report that I did finish. What kept me going through the worst moments? It was the knowledge that I had friends on the finish line waiting for me.
I have always thought it to be a happy coincidence that the marathon and our celebration of All Saints occur on the same day. Life is hard. Sometimes it seems to be one uphill climb after another. The message of All Saints’ Day is this: we have friends on the finish line waiting for us. Those who have gone before us – parents, grandparents, spouses, friends, and most of all the Lord Jesus himself – are even now cheering us onward. A Scripture verse from Hebrews (12:1) says it well: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
At Grace Church, one uphill climb that we’ve surmounted is the south aisle restoration. At the Sunday Forum we’ll hear from stained-stained glass window conservationist Jean Phifer about the challenges we faced. Then after the 11 am service, Jean will lead a tour. Read more about it, below. Then later in the day, because life is hard, we offer a parish dinner of chicken and waffles in Tuttle Hall at 5 pm. All that you need for entry is your completed Pledge envelope. Please RSVP here. Did I say pledge? I did. In addition to being All Saints’ Day and Marathon Sunday, it is also the launch of the 2027 Annual Campaign for Grace Church. Read more about it, here.
See you in church. (Good news: turn your clocks back an hour on Saturday night and enjoy an extra hour of sleep.)
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Preaching: The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music: The Parish Choir
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Preaching: The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music: The Combined Choirs
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Requiem by Gabriel Fauré
The Adult and Parish Choirs
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Preaching: The Rev. James H.B. Morton III
Music: Hymns with Instrumentalists
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All Saints' Day
During the 9 am, 11 am, and 6 pm services today, we will light candles and remember all those connected with Grace Church who have died but remain on the hearts and minds of their loved ones.
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2027 Annual Pledge Campaign: "The Bread of Life"
Today, All Saints’ Day, we begin receiving financial commitments for supporting the work of the Lord through Grace Church in 2027. All parishioners and friends of the parish are asked to support the ministry of Grace Church by making an annual pledge. In this way we not only support the church, but give thanks to God for all the blessings of life. To make your pledge, please fill out the pledge envelope (in the pews and in your mailbox at home), place it in the offering plate today, or return it to the parish office as soon as you can. You may also make your pledge online. You have all of 2027 to make your payments!
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Did Somebody Say Chicken and Waffles?
Nov 1
5 – 6 pm
Join us for a parish-wide dinner to celebrate the saints and the launch of our annual campaign. 5 pm in Tuttle Hall, immediately following Evensong and before the 6 pm service. Yes, chicken and waffles is the main course! Bring your completed pledge card. RSVP to Travis Kennedy.
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Questions about Pledging?
Contact Travis Kennedy online or by phone. If your employer offers a program that matches your charitable giving, please contact Travis to learn about how you can amplify your giving by pledging to Saving Grace NYC.
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The Sunday Forum and Tour
Biblical Scenes in Brilliant Color: Stained Glass in the South Aisle
Nov 1
Forum: 10 – 10:45 am
Tour: 12:45 pm
As the south aisle project finally nears completion, the scaffolding will be coming down, revealing the newly restored stained-glass windows for the first time in over two years. Jean Phifer is a renowned stained-glass conservationist who has managed the window aspect of the project. She will be with us at the Forum to show before-after slides and talk about the challenges. After the 11 am service, she will lead a tour of the windows in the south aisle. 10 am in the reception room for the Forum, 12:45 pm in the church for the tour.
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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 in the chantry. All college students are welcome.
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Giveaway!
Both Coffee Hours
The Flower Guild is giving away some of the beautiful vases that adorn our altar, and we would love them to go to Grace Church households. Stop into the reception room and Tuttle Hall during coffee hour to see what's on offer and bring home anything you like.
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Post-Halloween Candy Drive
Nov 1
After Halloween we collect individually wrapped candy for the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) Christmas at Sea project, which distributes gift bags to seafarers working in maritime commerce far from home at the holidays. This is an opportunity to clear your home of excess Halloween candy, as well as to take advantage of half-price sales following the holiday! Please leave it in the food collection baskets near the door of the church or chantry.
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Be Part of the Christmas Pageant
This Sunday is the last day to sign up to be part of this year's Christmas Pageant.
All children ages 5 and above are warmly invited to be a part of this beloved (and fun!) Grace Church tradition. Please contact the Rev. Eva Suarez for more information, rehearsal dates, and to sign your child up to participate.
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Nursery Care
Sundays
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
The nursery is open during and between both morning services. The room is located in the Sunday School wing just off Tuttle Hall and is professionally staffed according to Safe Church guidelines. Adults can sign children ages 0–4 in and out at their convenience. Please be sure to collect your children by 12:30 pm. Please contact the Rev. Eva Suarez for more information.
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Activity Corner
Sundays
8:30 am – 12:30 pm
In the north aisle of the church, you will find 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.
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Children's Chapel
Sundays
11 am – 12:15 pm
Children ages 5 and up are invited to start church with their parents in the pews, before joining a member of the clergy 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. Please contact the Rev. Eva Suarez for more information.
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The Parish Choir
Nov 1
8:30 – 10 am
If you are an adult or teen who likes to sing with others, you can join the Parish Choir for the 9 am Sunday service. All you have to do is meet Dr. Allen at the chancel steps at 8:30 am, and he will ready the group for the service. You will be backed up by a quartet of professional singers, so there is no fear factor if you don’t always hit the right note. The Parish Choir typically sings on the first Sunday of every month. Give it a try!
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Requiem
Nov 1
4 – 5:30 pm
Requiem by Gabriel Fauré will be offered as part of Choral Evensong by The Adult and Parish Choirs at 4 pm in the church.
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Weekday Worship
Wednesdays
6 – 6:45 pm
Wednesday evening 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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Thanksgiving Eve Service
Nov 25
6 – 6:45 pm
Join us in the chantry for Holy Communion, sermon, and favorite Thanksgiving hymns. The preacher will be the Rev. Eva Suarez. Note: there is no Thanksgiving Day service.
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Centering Prayer
Mondays
12:15 – 12:45 pm
Centering Prayer is offered both in person and on Zoom. This Christian silent prayer practice prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence and is 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 will see the spot set up.
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Women's Bible Study
Wednesdays
10:30 am – 12 pm
Women's Bible Study meets weekly via Zoom. This is an opportunity for learning, camaraderie, and lively discussion—no advance preparation required. All those who identify as women are welcome. Please contact the Rev. Eva Suarez for more information.
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Bach at Noon
Tuesday–Friday
12:20 – 12:50 pm
Bach at Noon is offered on The Bicentennial Organ by our Organist and Master of Choristers, Dr. Patrick Allen. Feel free to 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
Weekend Organ Meditations feature the diverse repertoire of the pipe organ on Saturdays during the program year.
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Grace Christmas Fair
Nov 7: 11 am – 6 pm
Nov 8: 10 am – 4 pm
Art and Crafts / Treasures / Homemade food and baked goods for purchase at Catharine's Cafe! Wine & Cheese Reception on Saturday from 4–6pm. Enter through the church on Broadway. Bring your Christmas gift list! Sponsored by the GCW. If you are able to volunteer, bake for the cafe, or donate treasures, contact Elana or Kristin.
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Grace Church Legacy Society Dinner
Nov 9
Have you remembered Grace Church in your estate planning? If so, you are invited to the inaugural gourmet dinner for those who have made arrangements for Grace Church to thrive in generations to come. The GCLS is a new ministry that is chaired by Douglas Evans and Jack Browning. If you would like to attend the dinner and learn more, please contact Travis Kennedy for details.
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The Sunday Forum
Episcopal Church Building in New York City: An Architectural Overview
Nov 15
10 – 10:45 am
This Sunday Forum invites participants on a journey through the rich architectural heritage of the Episcopal Church on the island of Manhattan. From humble colonial-era chapels to majestic Gothic Revival landmarks, both finished and unfinished, Episcopal architecture has left an indelible mark on New York's urban fabric. Led by Cole Wagner, this talk will highlight notable buildings that have shaped the city’s cultural and religious landscape and that embody the spiritual imagination of their time.
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Newcomer Gathering
Nov 15
10 – 10:45 am
New to the Grace Church community and looking to learn more? We'll be having a brief info session between our two morning services, a wonderful chance to meet other new parishioners, ask any questions you might have, and learn a little more about what it means to "join" the church. We’ll have plenty of coffee and donuts on hand. Please contact the Rev. Eva Suarez to learn more!
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Sunday Evening Adult Formation
Learning to Pray
Nov 15 & 22
6:45 – 8:30 pm
George Herbert once described prayer as "the church's banquet" and that's exactly what prayer should be, a varied feast that will never fail to fill us. Meeting a total of two evenings, this course explores a wide range of prayer practices and offers resources for those who want to pray more. Led by the Rev. James Morton, we will meet in the chantry on Sunday nights immediately following the 6 pm service. No advance reading is necessary to participate. Refreshments served.
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Annual Campaign Party
Nov 16
Join us for a festive gathering of hors d'oeuvres and beverages at the home of Ravi Chanmugam and Christina Lucas. Our purpose will be to enjoy the delightful fare and thank the generous givers who support the ministry of Grace Church. We are most grateful to Ravi and Christina for hosting the event in their beautiful home while the rectory is out of commission. More details to come. For now, make plans to support the 2027 Annual Campaign.
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Episcopal Charities Tribute Dinner
Nov 18
6:30 pm
Every year the Diocese gathers for a gala dinner at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to support Episcopal Charities, our collective outreach ministry funding parish-based programs in under-resourced communities. To learn more about Episcopal Charities and the dinner, visit their website.
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Grace Church School Sunday
Nov 22
11 am – 1 pm
Grace Church School Sunday is the day we celebrate the common history and mission of Grace Church and Grace Church School. This year, the guest preacher at 11 am will be the Very Rev. Dr. Patrick Malloy, who is the Dean Emeritus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and Professor of Liturgics at the General Theological Seminary. The Music at 11 am will be offered by the Alumni of the Choirs with The Choir of Men and Boys and The Girls’ Choir. A festive reception in Tuttle Hall follows the 11 am service.
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Advent Wreath Making
Nov 29
10:15 – 11 am
12:15 – 1 pm
Celebrating with an Advent wreath during the weeks prior to Christmas is a great way to keep our thoughts focused on the coming of Christ, and to start a faithful at-home tradition with children during the hustle and bustle of the season. On the first Sunday of Advent, after the 9 am and 11 am services, we’ll have all the materials ready for you in Tuttle Hall. All are welcome! Experienced wreath-makers are encouraged to help others! Sign up as a volunteer by contacting the Rev. Eva Suarez. (Suggested donation per wreath: $25.)
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20s & 30s Pub Theology
Dec 1
6:45 – 8:30 pm
Meeting 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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Visit to The Morgan Library
Dec 4
1:30 – 6 pm
Everyone is invited to explore The Morgan Library's new exhibit, Ragtime: Cakewalk in Pianoland, with the GCW! The group will meet at The Morgan (36th Street & Madison Avenue) at 1:30 pm, view the exhibit, then enjoy dinner afterwards at a nearby restaurant. RSVP to Elana.
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Interviews for Christmas Pageant Solos, Duets, Trios
Nov 3
Interviews for this year’s Christmas Pageant will be held on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 3. Children only need to interview with the directors if they would like to sing a solo, duet, or trio. Please contact the Rev. Eva Suarez for more information. All children must register for the pageant by Sunday, November 1.
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Volunteer Day at The Red Door Place
Nov 21
Group 1: 8:30 – 11:45 am
Group 2: 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. Email the Rev. James Morton if you would like to attend.
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Annual Advent Collections
Nov 29
Dec 6, 13, 20
The Annual Advent Collections for local charities will begin on Sunday, Nov 29, with a collection of travel size toiletries for the Seamen’s Church Institute Christmas at Sea project.
On Sunday, Dec 6, we will collect hats and gloves for the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry.
On Sunday, Dec 13, we’ll collect new men’s underwear (sizes M and L) for the Bowery Mission (no t-shirts or socks, please).
On Sunday, Dec 20, we’ll collect toddler toys and clothing through Room to Grow’s Amazon Wish List (link to come).
NOTE: Donations will be collected in the baskets at the back of the church at all services for the first three Sundays, but donations for Room to Grow should be made through their Amazon Wish List only. Please give generously this Advent!
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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Susan Chiavaroli
Ed Berringer
Phillip Saylor
Erin Thanik
Griffin Myers
Steven Rychalski
Mary Jo Balkind
Phillip Retzky
In Our Continuing Prayers:
Liam Bisset
J.J. Okash
Ruth Poon
Ben Bennett
Teresa Sowinski
Claire Wesselmann
Ronnye Brickous
The Episcopal Church in Haiti
William Dobi
For Those Who Have Died:
To add a name to the prayer list,
please contact the Rector.
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