The Rev. Nancy Gage
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Happenings- |
To see what's been going on in, and around, Grace, click on each of these links:
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Musical Interlude
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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.
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We are the CEREAL church!
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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. |
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"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. |
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Click HERE to read this week's wellness message from Living Compass |
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Dear friend,
We are offered a new life in Christ, a new identity in Christ, a life of transformation. It takes courage to live into this new identity in Christ, to engage a life of transformation in Christ. It takes courage, and fear is our adversary.
-Br. Mark Brown Society of St. John the Evangelist www.SSJE.org/word
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.
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Moving Forward in Transition
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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."
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Interim Rector Announcement
-Rev. Louise Kalemkerian
The vestry is pleased to announce that the Rev. Louise Kalemkerian has accepted our call to be interim rector. Mother Louise will start with us on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. As was reflected by the congregation's response last Sunday to this announcement, Grace Church feels blessed to have Mother Louise providing her experience and talents to help us on our journey.
Welcome, Mother Louise!
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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.
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The Story - Chapter 16
- this Sunday, February 16th
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. Please join us this Sunday during coffee hour! |
Preparing the Rectory for rental
-this Saturday, February, 15th 
The Rectory needs some sprucing up. It is the Vestry's intention to rent the Rectory while we are in transition and generate some much-needed income toward our 2014 budget. A realtor has looked at the Rectory and reported that some cosmetic refurbishments are required. We also require a couple of new appliances. Volunteers are needed! Please join in the fun, this Saturday, the 15th, starting at 9:00 a.m.! There will be jobs for anyone who has a bit of time to spare. Access during the week can also be arranged. Many jobs, like removing marks from the walls with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, require no special skills; other jobs may require a bit more experience. There are jobs for all who want to help. Financial contributions toward the new appliances and refurbishments are also welcome.
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Godly Play
- this Sunday, February 16th:
Godly Play will meet this Sunday, February 16th in the Godly Play area, immediately following the service.
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When is Grace at our best? 
This fall, the vestry had a wonderful conversation about when we have seen Grace Church at our best. Many folks had different answers, and we thought this was a nice question to share with the whole congregation. For the next couple of Sundays, we will set up a "Story Corner" where we hope that many members of the church will stop by to record a short video where you answer the question, "Where or when do you see Grace at its best?"
If you want to wear something nice or otherwise prepare to be video taped, we wanted to give notice so that you can do so. We also simply wanted folks to have a chance to consider the times or activities where the spirit of this community shines through. We all love Grace, and it means so many different things to each of us, so we hope to make a video that will reflect the spirit, character, faith and passion of Grace. If you have any questions about this, feel free to email John Chamberlain at Johnlchamberlain@yahoo.com.
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Love Life: Living the Gospel of Love
Starting March 5, 2014 and continuing until Palm Sunday the Brothers of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) will be enriching the daily Brother, Give Us A Word offering with short, daily videos that delve deeply into the gospel that shapes our community life. John's message of love can unlock our hearts and transform our lives.
We invite you to make this part of your Lenten practice. For more information visit: www.SSJE.org/lovelife
If you would like a workbook that accompanies this series:
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Grace Choir
-our choir is looking to grow! W e're currently looking for new choir members of all ages and abilities. Please consider supporting our music program by becoming a member. Can't read music? Not a problem! Have no experience? None is necessary! You just need a willingness to learn and be part of a truly unique and fulfilling experience! Talk to Dave or a choir member if you're considering. Choir rehearsals are brief and take place immediately after coffee hour on Sundays.
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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 . 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. |
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This Week's Announcements
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Sunday, February 16th:
Eucharist Service - 9:30 AM
Godly Play immediately following the service
The Story - Chapter 16 during coffee hour
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Sunday, February 23rd:
Eucharist Service - 9:30 AM
The Story - Chapter 17 during coffee hour
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