The deadline to register for “Holy Living, Holy Dying” is noon on Wednesday, November 1. This offering of The Center for Prayer and Spiritual Practice will be facilitated by the Revs. Mary Hemmer and Cynthia Park on Saturday November 4 from 10 AM – 2 PM.
The morning session will look at death, in general, and the importance that we, as Christians, learn to normalize conversations around the subject as a sign of caring and love for ourselves and our families and loved ones. In this context we will look at popular ways that our society avoids this topic, which avoidance has created a public health crisis.
The afternoon session will focus on very personal stories of loved ones who have died. Often, grieving family are surprised and confused about dreams, visions, signs, and other spiritual manifestations concerning someone they have loved who has now died. This more personal aspect of the seminar will conclude in the afternoon with Holy Communion commemorating the observance of All Saints and All Souls.
The $15 fee includes lunch; please register online at the link below.
Holy Living & Holy DyingBring your favorite Thanksgiving side dish to share (savory or sweet) and join us in the parish hall on Tuesday, November 14 at 6:00 PM. We’ll enjoy delicious food and each other’s company as we give thanks for our parish community.
Grace Church will provide turkey, a few starter sides, and drinks. Please let us know how many people (including yourself) will attend from your household on or before Friday, November 10. Sign up online.
Thanksgiving PotluckOn All Saints’ Day, we pause and remember all the saints who have gone before us, and celebrate our belief in the communion of saints. During services on November 5, 2023, we will read the names of all those from Grace who have died since All Saints’ Day last year.
If you wish to remember loved ones, please share those names, using the online form at the link below, no later than Tuesday, October 31.
Names for All Saint’s RemembranceJoin us for an Evensong for The Feast of All Saints on Sunday, November 5 at 4:00 PM.
Sung at the close of day in Cathedrals and churches all over the world, Choral Evensong focuses on the ancient practice of singing evening prayers. The congregation listens, joins in the hymns, and adds their own prayers to those of the choir.
To date, we have a total of $522,900 in pledges toward next year’s budget. We hope you will prayerfully consider how you can share in this pivotal part of our common life, and return your pledge by November 5.
The vestry will soon begin making calls to those we have not heard from as a pastoral way to follow up.
Make Your PledgeI realized I had miscounted the Sundays for our ongoing forum, and we actually have an extra Sunday before Cynthia and I begin our three-week class on November 5.
This Sunday, we will be in the parish hall to invite a conversation around the very last portion of the catechism: Exploring Christian Hope. I can think of no more timely discussion, given the anxieties and fears that we all feel today. I hope you can come, and don’t forget to bring your Book of Common Prayer.
Then, we’ll transition to our next class beginning on November 5.
Thanks,
Stuart
Christian Education classes for children, youth, and adults will meet from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.
Children
older 3s – K: room 109
1st, 2nd & 3rd grade: room 111
4th & 5th grade: room 126
Youth
6th – 12th grade: room 115
We ask that children and youth participating in classes, programs, and events have a registration form on file.
Adults
Our Life in the Light of God: parish hall more information
Parenting with Grace: conference room
As provided for in the Grace Church by-laws, the Vestry Nominating Committee consisting of those vestry members who retired at the previous annual meeting, and those vestry members retiring at the next annual meeting shall meet and consider eligible members of the Parish for election to the Vestry at the next annual Parish meeting. To be elected to serve on the Vestry a nominee must be a confirmed communicant in good standing of the Parish who is not less than eighteen (18) years of age, a regular attendant at the services of the Church in the year preceding election, and known by the Treasurer to have made and fulfilled a stated financial commitment for church support in the year preceding election.
The Vestry Nominating Committee will meet Sunday, November 5 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM in the parlor. Meetings of the nominating committee are open to all members of the parish. If you are interested in running, or nominating someone, for an open vestry position please drop by the meeting and make that known to the committee.
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
This post highlights events and news of the parish. For full news, we invite you to subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.