READINGS                           

CLICK HERE to listen to sermons from previous weeks

REFLECTION

It has become a common feeling, I believe, as we have watched our heroes falling over the years, that our own small stone of activism, which might not seem to measure up to the rugged boulders of heroism we have so admired, is a paltry offering toward the building of an edifice of hope. Many who believe this choose to withhold their offerings out of shame.

This is the tragedy of the world. For we can do nothing substantial toward changing our course on the planet, a destructive one, without rousing ourselves, individual by individual, and bringing our small imperfect stones to the pile.

I have learned other things: One is the futility of expecting anyone, including ourselves, to be perfect. People who go about seeking to change the world, to diminish suffering, to demonstrate any kind of enlightenment, are often as flawed as anybody else. Sometimes more so.

But it is the awareness of having faults, I think, and the knowledge that this links us to everyone on Earth, that opens us to courage and compassion. It occurs to me that often many of those I deeply love are flawed. They might actually have said or done some of the mean things I've felt, heard, read about or feared. But it is the struggle with the flaw, surprisingly endearing, and the going on anyhow, that is what I cherish about them.

Sometimes our stones are, to us, misshapen, odd. Their color seems off. Their singing, comical and strange. Presenting them, we perceive our own imperfect nakedness, but also, paradoxically, the wholeness, the rightness, of it. In the collective vulnerability of presence, we learn not to be afraid.

 Alice Walker in  Anything We Love Can Be Saved.

 If you've listened to the news recently, you've probably heard bits and pieces about a newly discovered papyrus that refers to the wife of Jesus.  CLICK HERE for more on the story from the Harvard Divinity School, and HERE for further discussion and a link to Karen King's paper on the discovery. 

VOLUNTEER MINISTRY FAIR ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23    All morning long in the church 

Displays/Take Away Info/Surprises    

Find out about: Adult Education & Spiritual Formation -  Fellowship  - New Member Ministry  - Social Ministry  - Youth  - Worship Ministries (Acolytes/Subdeacons/Lectors etc) - The Grace Church Choirs -  Stewardship - Altar Guild - Grace's Thrift Shop -Pastoral Care - GraceMusic - Amazing Grace Circus - Garden Club - Boy Scouts - Twelve-Step Groups -Nursery School of the Nyacks - Rockland Parent-Child Center  

It's a great one-stop opportunity to learn more about everything that goes on at Grace, and to meet the people who make it happen.Sponsored by the Adult Education & Spiritual Formation Commission.

HOLY EUCHARIST AND HEALING PRAYERS CONTINUE

Hunger for a sense of peace and healing? We are happy to invite you to join us on Wednesday mornings at 7:00am for a no-frills worship service with laying on of hands and anointing for healing and Holy Communion -- in Memorial Garden (weather permitting) or Bradley Chapel. The service time moves to 7:30am beginning October 3.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 - FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS

Pet Blessing at All Services

INTERFAITH EVENT AT GRACE - Sunday, October 14 at 4:00pm

 The clergy, musicians and worship ministers of Grace will host an evensong service on Sunday, October 14, at 4:00pm.   This is the second of a series of interfaith events designed for Christians, Jews and Muslims to come together in community to learn about our different faith and practices. 

All three Abrahamic faiths have in common the marking of time with occasions of prayer throughout the course of the day. Evensong (or vespers) is a worship service in the Anglican tradition. Through song, psalmody, readings from scripture and prayers, it is the work of the community gathered together at day's end for the formal lighting of candles and reflection back on the previous day.

Throughout the service, there will be opportunities for silent reflection, prayers, and the singing of psalms and hymns. Worshippers are welcome to participate at whatever level they find comfortable. Our time together will begin with a brief lecture and introduction to our worship service and will conclude with an opportunity to comment and ask questions.   We will end with a reception and opportunity to meet with each other more informally.

Grace volunteers are needed to help with this event. If you would like to participate in the worship service, please contact Mother Alon or Evelyn Lombardi. Musicians and singers should contact Brandon Beachamp. If you would like to help with the reception by providing food or helping to host, please contact Kris Burns. We hope that you will spread the word, invite a friend and join us yourself!

It's that time of year again.

Watch for details on this year's Stewardship Campaign

In the meantime,

we think this Angel says it all!

GRACE CHURCH CHOIR OPEN HOUSE

Ever considered what it's like to sing in the choir? On a break from singing but missing the "skybox" seats in church? New to Grace Church and looking to continue your love of music? Come to the Grace Choir's open house! This is a perfect, low-pressure opportunity to see what we do on a weekly basis. In addition to the rehearsal, guests will be invited to sing the following Sunday (October 7) at the 11:00am service as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals. All are welcome and festive refreshments will be served! Contact Brandon Beachamp, Interim Organist and Choirmaster, at 845.358.1297 x13 or  bbeachamp@gracechurchnyack.org for information

or simply come on the 4th!

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE - ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Saturday, November 17

Once again we will be hosting our Harvest Celebration - this year it is scheduled for Saturday, November 17, from 7:30pm - until ??? in Memorial Hall    

Our theme for this event is Seasons of Change.  There will be good food, good friends, good music, raffles, auctions and dancing.  We will be having throwback pricing for this event!  So make sure to purchase your tickets before October 14, 2012.  Tickets for this event will be $40.00 through October 14 and $50.00 for tickets purchased after October 15, 2012.  

Our event will also include a silent auction and an event journal.  If you are able to donate items for our silent auction, please contact Kim Cross at kim.cross@nyackcenter.org.   Further information about journal ads will be available at the beginning of September.  

Free babysitting will be available in your home, courtesy of the students who are in Senior Youth Group.  If you are in need of child care, please contact Moriah Olsen.  

Come and join us for a evening of fun and frivolity, all to support Grace Church.

KEEP IN TOUCH

PARTING THOUGHT