Welcome to the weekly e-newsletter of Grace Episcopal Church. Read about what's happening at Grace, and use the quick links to the left to find other helps to our life with God. 

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See you Sunday!

We celebrate the Eucharist at 10:00. The gospel passages for this week and next describe Jesus calling disciples. This week is a version from John's gospel, and Nathanael is invited to "Come and see" Jesus; next week we hear from Mark.

The first reading that is paired with this week's gospel is also a calling story: of a child, Samuel. Hearing the two stories together illuminates various facets of how and who God calls, how people come to apprehend God's call, and what is involved for people who respond. For the full texts of Sunday's readings, click "Sunday Scripture texts" above. 

Father Ray Harbort will preside and preach at the Eucharist. He is a "retired" priest of this diocese and a member of our parish. 

After the service, we will have refreshments. 

The image above is "Nathanael under the fig tree," a watercolor by French artist James Tissot dated 1886-1894. The painting is in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

From the Stewardship Committee: "We had a successful stewardship campaign in the fall, and many thanks to all who pledged for the work of Grace in 2012. 

 

"For the financial part: We received one new pledge. Thirteen households increased their pledge for 2012 (one doubled it!) Fifteen households kept their pledge the same as in 2011. Four households decreased their pledge slightly, and four households that pledged in 2011 did not pledge for 2012.

"For 2012, 32 households pledged a total of $73,420. This is down slightly from last year, in which 36 households pledged a total of $76,354.

"For the time and talent portion, people largely listed ways they currently serve the church and our ministries. 

"If you have not yet pledged and would like to, please call Monica Lewellis, Grace's treasurer, and let her know (610-435-4060), by January 23 (the date of the finance committee meeting). If you would like to add to your pledge, considering that this year's overall amount is lower than last year's, you can also call Monica.

"Again, thank you to all who pledged for 2012. This is such a Place of Grace!"

When the vestry met on Sunday, Jan. 8, one item it decided was the date of the Annual Meeting. This year it will be Sunday, February 19, immediately after the Eucharist. 

At the Annual Meeting, the parish does several things: votes on new vestry members, examines and votes on a budget prepared by the finance committee, and hears reports from other committees of the parish. The meeting functions as a "State of the Parish" gathering in which we look back at last year and forward to this year. It's important that as many parishioners as possible participate in the meeting, so please plan to stay if all possible. 

For several years some people at Grace have gotten together a few times in the winter months to read plays. This month we'll read a farce by Tom Stoppard, The Real Inspector Hound. No previous experience or expertise is necessary; we just have snacks and drinks and read through the play, assigning the characters on the spot. The librarians among us ensure there are copies of the play for everyone (through Interlibrary Loan services). Anyone is welcome and it's a lot of fun.

To get some background on the play, click here.

The reading will be at the Reeds' house at 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 15. The Reeds will provide beverages; guests, please bring a snack to share.