Whom do you know that may be looking for a spiritual community? A place and people who will explore the hard questions in life and seek communion and justice with God and our neighbors? 

See you Sunday! 

We celebrate the Eucharist at 10:00. For the gospel, we hear from Luke that Jesus went to the synagogue In Nazareth. He read from the prophet Isaiah about captives being released and the oppressed going free. Then he said "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." 

Coffee and conversation follow the Eucharist. 

In the hall on the way to gathering space, take time to check the bulletin boards for items of parish and local interest. And, if you haven't planned yet how to satisfy your Thin Mint craving, be sure to place an order with the Adamson family for Girl Scout cookies--forms are on the table. 

We welcome new leaders 

The parish elected two new members to the vestry last Sunday: Mary Louise B and Chuck M. Their skills and their commitment to the work of Grace are very welcome! 

Vestry members have two opportunities for learning and formation in the next few weeks: The diocesan Renewal Assembly to be held Saturday, February 16; and the diocesan Training Day, to be held in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, March 9. 

On Saturday, February 2, our school will host an Open House. This is a time to learn more about the Montessori philosophy and method and to visit the classrooms and meet the teachers and administrators. Do you have friends or acquaintances with young children who may be interested? If so, please let them know about this event.

Our school serves an economically and culturally diverse population of about 100 students (ages 3-11). The primary program (ages 3-6) is housed at 814 West Linden St. The elementary program (ages 6-11) is housed at 108 North Fifth St. (upstairs from the church office area). 

The Open House program for the primary level is 10:00-11:00 at the primary site; the program for the elementary level is 1:00-2:00 at the Fifth St. site. For more information, visit the school's website. 

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning there are folks using the lower level of our building. Students with the Literacy Center are preparing to take an exam so they can qualify to receive the certificate of General Educational Development (GED). 

The classes are free for the students. The Literacy Center depends on donations of many kinds to make that possible, including Grace Church's gift of our space. 

The community has a voice 

Monday, February 4, is the next community meeting of the Allentown Community Benefits Coalition, to be held at 7:00 pm at Resurrected Life Community Church (9th and Turner).

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and prioritize the results of the Community Benefits Survey that was administered in recent months. More than 250 people filled out the surveys, many from our 18102 zip code, outlining what they would like to see happen as a result of the new arena, hotels, and office spaces being developed in our neighborhood. What's at the top of the list? Come and see! I (Beth Reed) plan to attend and all are welcome.