News from Grace Episcopal Church 8.25.13

Altar Guild:
Olivia Bracken and Amanda Klasen

Coffee Hour Hosts: Tom Hamel, coffee - Allison Andrews, food and Kathryn Benjamin, set-up

Counters:

Dennis Hale and Vin Maganzini

*click on link to prepare for this week's readings

Birthdays

Linda Foote (8/25); Adam Pearson and Jeana Zafiris (8/26) and The Rev. Noah Evans (8/27) Taylor Beebee and Michael Cox (8/29); Elizabeth Beatrice and Elaine Walters (8/30); Brenda Comeau and Acadia Cross-Choi (8/31).

If we do not have your birthday, please contact the church office at 781-396-7215 or office@gracemedford.org

Welcome!

Please join us at Grace Church.

On Sunday, we celebrate the Eucharist at 9:00 AM. There will be a children's sermon in the hall during the service. The children will follow the Crucifer out following the Gospel reading. The children will return to the service at the Peace.

Next Sunday, September 1, we return to our regular schedule with services at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. At the 10:00 AM service we will bless backpacks (and phones). See the announcement below for more details.

Outreach Corner

The next opportunity to help at St. Luke's Community Dining is August 31. Please contact Brenda Pearson at

brendapearson@comcast.net

if you are interested in volunteering or have questions.

Please save the date to help with the Grace Church Clothing Pantry on Saturday, Sept. 14. Adults volunteers only on Saturday. Adults and Children may help with set-up on Thursday and Friday, September 12 and 13.

Food is needed for the food pantries that Grace Episcopal Church supports. Food items may be placed in the baskets just outside the main entrance to the sanctuary (an usher can help you locate them). The items for Sunday, August 25 are rice or pasta. The item for Sunday, September 1 is tuna.

Children and Youth Education

Please register for Grace Episcopal Church Children and Youth Programs!

You can register here!

Please see the below information about our programs this year. Please take time to read through, since somethings have changed from previous years:

Welcome Letter

Important Dates

Sunday School Teacher Schedule

Also, please note that GODLY PLAY 1 (Preschool/PreK) AND GODLY PLAY 2 (k-2)WILL BE WEDNESDAYS AT 5:30PM THIS YEAR!

Lots of parents have come to me and discussed the opportunity for their child tohave class and dinner then go home. So we will have the Godly Play 2 moved to 5:30 this year!

Adult Education

As we plan the 2013-2014 Adult Education year, we would like your thoughts and feedback. Please take a few moments to complete this very survey about Wednesday Night Adult Ed.

Complete the Survey Here

Other Announcements

One-on-One Meetings with Noah

Noah, our Rector, is back from sabbatical as of August 15. One of his first priorities in returning to community life is to schedule some time to sit down one on one with members of our community. The goal is to get some time with everyone--hopefully to be wrapped up by the end of the calendar year.

Time slots are available Mondays during the day and Wednesday afternoons starting September 4. Evening meetings can also be scheduled-- just let us know.

You can sign up on the bulletin board or contact Carol in the office at 781-396-7215 or office@gracemedford.org or noah@gracemedford.org.

Worship Schedule

We resume our regular schedule, with a service at 8:00 AM and a service at 10:00 AM next Sunday, September 1^st.

Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday, September 1

Kids!! Bring your backpacks to the 10 am service on Sunday, September 1, and we will have a special blessing for you as you head BACK TO SCHOOL!!

Adults!! Most of you have been spending time away from work this summer -- bring your cell phones and Blackberries to church for a blessing as you plunge back into the Fall routine.

Parish Picnic Sunday, September 8

We hope you are enjoying your summer, but it is time to plan ahead for our 'back to school' picnic!! Once again, hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers will be provided by the church. A free will offering will be collected to cover the costs of the main meal.

Sides, salads and desserts will be provided by our parishioners.

Please bring the following if your last name begins with:

A-F: Bring a dessert

G-J: Chips

K-Z: Sides and salads

Or just bring something you love to prepare and share!

If you are interested in assisting with set up and clean up, contact Vin Maganzini.

Wednesdays at Grace begins September 18

5:30: Preschool Godly Play & Godly Play 2

6:00: Community Dinner

6:45: Godly Play 3, Faith Explorers, Rite 13 and J2A

Adult Education- 6:45-8:00PM

Book Club

The Grace Church Women's Book Club meets on the third Thursday each month at 7:00 pm. We welcome any woman to join us at any meeting. Please contact Genita in church or at pawleyslegacy@verizon.net for meeting locations.

· September 19 - State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

· October 17 - Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

· November 21 - Between Heaven and Mirth by James Martin