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The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
October 18, 2026
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One of the blessings, but sometimes burdens of the Christian life is prayer. Prayer is a blessing because Jesus reminds us that God is the giver of every good gift. So “ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you.” To say that we have a friend in high places is putting it mildly. We can call on the name of the Lord at any time of day. Thus, prayer is a blessing that should be second nature to us.
Prayer can be a burden as well as a blessing because frequently we do not know how to do it. You go into your room, shut the door, kneel at your bed, pour out your heart to God, and in the end you just are not sure anyone was listening on the other end of the line. The disciples of Jesus asked him to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1) not because they were enjoying deep communion with God, but because they were not.
Some years ago, I was teaching the youth confirmation class, and the topic at hand was prayer. To illustrate the dynamics of prayer, and the difficulty we can have with it, I devised a lesson plan making use of telephones, both ancient and modern. We were meeting in the library of the rectory, where at the time we still had a functioning landline. Not only did we have a functioning landline, but also a functioning rotary desktop phone. This phone I plugged into a nearby jack, and set it on the table in front of the students. Next to the old phone, I placed my cell phone and gave them my number. The challenge was simply this: use the old phone to make the new phone ring. Can you get through to me? I recall that everything about the process was foreign to the students – from the dial tone, to the receiver, and most especially, how to dial the numbers. Eventually, they figured it out by combining their wits and recalling scenes from old movies and TV shows. But it was hardly second nature to them.
So how goes prayer with you? If you have questions, if you are finding prayer to be anything but second nature, or even if you have given up out of frustration, this week’s Sunday Forum may be just the thing for you. The Rev. James Morton will be leading a presentation entitled “The Purpose of Prayer.” Read more about it below, and make plans to be part of the session, 10 am in the reception room. Not only will James give us the definitive word on prayer, breakfast treats, of course, will be served!
See you in church.
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Preaching: The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music: Hymns on The Bicentennial Organ
| | | | Morning Prayer & Sermon Rite I | |
Preaching: The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music: The Choir of Men and Boys
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Preaching: The Rev. J. Donald Waring
Music: Hymns with Instrumentalists
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The Sunday Forum
The Purpose of Prayer
Oct 18
10 – 10:45 am
What is prayer? What is the point of it? What happens when you pray? There's a good chance you've asked yourself these questions and may still be waiting for answers. Drawing on wisdom from our tradition, the Rev. James Morton will lead the discussion. Breakfast treats and coffee served.
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New Worship Leader Open House (Refreshments Provided)
Oct 18
12:15 – 1:30 pm
Curious about joining a worship ministry, but not sure where to begin? Readers, ushers, acolytes, and altar guild members play vital roles in all our services here at Grace Church and new worship leaders are always welcome to join. Meet us for refreshments in the reception room of the Parish House following the 11 am service to learn more. We’ll have representatives from each worship guild speak to their ministry so you can discern where to plug in. RSVP to the Rev. James Morton.
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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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Bible Passages for Bad Days | Sunday Evening Adult Formation
Oct 18 & 25
6:45 – 8:30 pm
It’s not fun, but all of us have bad days. Can you think of a time when a family member wasn’t doing well, or work got you down, or the world was too much with you? Those days are hard to navigate, but thankfully Scripture is filled with wisdom and examples of how to traverse troubling times. Meeting a total of four evenings, this course will explore passages from the Bible along with other resources in a small group setting. 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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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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Hymns from Grace
Sundays
4 – 4:45 pm
Hymns from Grace features favorite hymns, anthems, and voluntaries on The Bicentennial Organ on Sundays during the program year.
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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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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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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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Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Oct 21 & 28
6:45 – 8 pm
We continue our series on the books of Ecclesiastes and Job, led by the Rev. Eva Suarez. Join us in the reception room immediately following the 6 pm Eucharist as we explore two of the strangest and most challenging texts in the Bible. Light refreshments are served, and we adjourn by 8 pm.
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Shojin Cooking Demonstration
Oct 25
12:45 – 4 pm
Tokyo-based chef and Buddhist monk Masami Asao will visit Grace Church for a Shojin cooking demonstration. We will learn to make miso soup and a selection of dashi (broths), and about the significance of tableware in Shojin cooking.
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20s & 30s Pub Theology
Oct 27
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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All Saints' Sunday
Nov 1
9 am, 11 am, 6 pm
During the services we’ll light candles and remember all those connected with Grace Church who have died but remain on the hearts and minds of their loved ones. To include a name on this year’s list, please contact Mickey Hawley by Monday, Oct 26.
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2027 Annual Pledge Campaign: "The Bread of Life"
Nov 1
On All Saints’ Sunday, we will begin receiving financial commitments for supporting the work of the Lord through Grace Church in 2027. More details to come.
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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 in the church for the tour.
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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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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
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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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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Be Part of the Christmas Pageant
Nov 1
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. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, November 1!
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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
Oct 24
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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In Our Immediate Prayers:
Mary Jo Balkind
Phillip Retzky
Phillip Saylor
Erin Thanik
Griffin Myers
In Our Continuing Prayers:
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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