The Rev. Nancy Gage
|
Happenings- |
To see what's been going on in, and around, Grace, click on each of these links:
|
Musical Interlude
| |
| |
If you would like to have music when reading The Glow (or for whatever else you might be doing!), just click on the keyboard image to listen (or download) music performed by Dave during our services.
|
We are the CEREAL church!
|  |
For a long time, Grace
Church has been delivering canned goods and other food donations down to the St. Luke's/St. Paul's Food Pantry in Bridgeport. They urgently need donations of all kinds of groceries, but one of the items that they seem to run out of and need a lot of is cereal.
If all of us could remember to pick up a box of cereal (or two or more!) each time we shop, we'll be able to make a wonderful and much needed contribution for the food pantry each week. There is a collection basket at the main entrance of the church, and also one in lower Lewis Hall. |
|
"The Glow" Archives:
To view previous issues of "The Glow", click here. |
  | | If you wish to subscribe to the Episcopal Diocese of CT weekly eNewsletters, please click HERE. |
|
|  |
Click HERE to read this week's wellness message from Living Compass |
|
Dear friend,
 What would we see if we truly saw one another? Dazzling light? The Light of Light? In our blindness we don't see - yet. We can begin to imagine what the soul of our souls looks like, the heart of our hearts. And beginning to imagine is the beginning of true vision. -Br. Mark Brown Society of St. John the Evangelist At Grace Church we are dancing with life's big questions. If you're searching for a community of faith to belong to, we invite you to come to explore, come to connect and come to believe among us here at Grace Church. We'd enjoy both your company and your participation as we follow in the way of Jesus and learn and grow in discipleship together.
|
|
Moving Forward in Transition
|
A Prayer for our Grace Community
O Faithful God, As Your people, we cherish our memories and our history as a sacred inheritance. Guide us in this time of transition with Your wisdom and knowledge.
Strengthen our hearts to say goodbye to what is past and to face the future without fear. Open our hearts to know Your goodness in new ways. Bring us together as one people in Your Holy Spirit.
Help us to stay faithful to Your call, To stand up as a community of faith in this place, To pursue justice and peace for the poor and oppressed, To pray and care for the sick, the lonely and at risk, And by the power of the Holy Spirit to follow the Gospel call, "Be not afraid."
|
Pastoral Care
Please contact the church office to request pastoral care. If your pastoral care need is critical and immediate, you may call Rev. Louise Kalemkerian at 203-536-9259.
|
The Story
-this Sunday, December 15th, Chapter 10
Grace Church has embarked on reading the story of the entire Bible together this year, from Genesis to Revelation. We are doing this by reading through a book called "The Story," one chapter at a time.
The group will watch Randy Frasee's commentary and then have a discussion on the chapter. This Sunday we will be studying Chapter 10. Please join us during coffee hour.
Please note that "The Story" group will not meet on Sunday, December 22nd, but will resume the following Sunday discussing Chapter 11.
|
Christmas Flowers/Decorations Memorials
If  you wish to donate to providing Christmas flowers/decorations and/or memorials, please do so no later than this Sunday, December 15th. Donation envelopes and memorial slips are available in the rear of the church and may be submitted in the Sunday collection plate, or returned to the church office.
|
2013 Christmas Eve Service and Pageant
On Christmas Eve, join in on Grace Church's family friendly Christmas Eve celebration. The service begins at 5 pm and includes our intergenerational Christmas pageant, singing and candlelight., All are welcome to participate in the pageant; there is a role for anyone of any age! Dress Rehearsal (with a lunch for the Pageant cast) will be on Sunday, December 22nd following the 9:30 a.m. service. If you want to help bring the Biblical Christmas Story to life at the Christmas Eve Service, please contact Christine Lockwood at 203-261-2023; JLockw5253@aol.com or at church on Sunday.
|
Ancestors 
-The Ancestors Group is collecting toys for those in need, so please bring your unwrapped toy and place in the Big Red Box marked Secret Santa in the Parish Hall by this Sunday, December 15th. The Ancestors Group will be responsible for seeing that these toys are distributed
|
Godly Play
-resumes Sunday, January 5th:
Godly Play will resume in the new year on Sunday, January 5th. Godly Play is based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. All they lack is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. The Godly Play approach teaches about parables, sacred story, silence, prayer and Christian liturgy - in a way that enhances the child's authentic experience of God so it can contribute to the creative life of the child and the world. Children are invited to interact with beautifully made materials to explore stories about God, the Bible and the Church and their own reactions to them. It's learning about God through play! If you'd like to be a part of making that happen, please contact Sandy Callahan at 203-502-8389. This is a deeply enriching ministry for those who love children.
|
Morning Meditation
The chapel is always open for prayer and meditation, and people are encouraged to start and center their day any morning of the week. In these darker months, we'll leave a light on for you!
|
|
Used Clothing Shed
 Certainly you've noticed the used clothing shed in our back parking lot. Please spread the word about this new outreach project -laminated posters and small flyers are available to post and share. Clothes donated into the shed are picked up by St. Pauly's, who distributes them all to people in need across the globe through their connection with larger agencies. All of the usable clothing that gets donated makes its way to people in need, saving landfill space. Items accepted include clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, linens, pillow cases, blankets, curtains and stuffed animals. (Please do not put rags, fabric scraps, pillows, toys, household goods or electronics in the shed.) Grace church receives 4 cents per pound on all items collected in exchange for hosting the shed. For further info on this project, there is information about St. Pauly's available in coffee hour, or click on this link: St. Pauly's. |
|
This Week's Announcements
|
Sunday, December 15th:
Eucharist Service - 9:30 AM
The Story - Chapter 10 during coffee hour
|
Sunday, December 22nd:
Eucharist Service - 9:30 AM
Pageant rehearsal immediately following coffee hour - lunch will be provided!
|
|
|
