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. 

The second and third readings are a curious juxtaposition: in the second, we hear the familiar passage from Paul that "love is patient, love is kind," etc. It's part of how he characterizes love as the greatest spiritual gift. 

In the gospel passage, Jesus announces in the synagogue that "Today this scripture [about captives released and the oppressed going free] is fulfilled in your hearing." Conversation ensues with his hearers, and they become enraged with Jesus and drive him out of town. 

Jesus announced and embodied Divine Love, and people around him wanted to kill him for it. Paul enjoins us to such love. What do you make of these two passages? For the full scripture texts, click the top link on the left.

Coffee and conversation follow the Eucharist. The vestry will meet in the conference room after that, and all are welcome.

Photo credit: Hub Willson

Tomorrow, 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. 

Early each year, parishes are required to have an annual business meeting. Ours is Feb. 10. We will briefly review the past year and look forward to this one, and the vestry will present this year's budget. We will also have time for conversation with each other about what is working well at Grace and what else we would like to see and put our energy toward. We will elect delegates to the diocesan convention (held in October). 

After the meeting, there is lunch. Pam A is taking the lead on ordering and picking up sandwich trays from Subway, and there will be baskets available so we can contribute to the cost of the food. 

This is a time for as many of us as possible to contribute to the conversation about our life and work at Grace, as it is now and as it can be as we move forward. The vestry encourages everybody to stay and share our points of view.

It's hard to believe, but Lent begins February 13, which means that on the night before, we eat rich and fatty foods as a kind of last fling before the sobriety of Lent. 

Grace hosts a Pancake Supper in Hadesty Hall (location of the food pantry) each year. The event is a fundraiser. We sell tickets at the door, and we also invite donations to cover the expenses. David Moyer takes the lead on this event, and lately he's enamored of the Mardi Gras theme, so we can expect beads, music, and decor reflective of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. And since we live in the Lehigh Valley, we have fastnachts! 

It's a lot of fun and there are opportunities to volunteer time (for cooking and serving) and give money. Look for the sign-up sheets at the back of church or in the hallway, or call the office between 8:30 and 12:30 (610-435-0782). 

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.

The food pantry that operates on our lower level six times a month does more than give out food; it's a place for the community to access other resources and services.

This morning, parishioner Lori Molloy, who is the Executive Director of North Penn Legal Services (NPLS), was in the pantry with a Spanish-speaking colleague. They were able to help several people with advice on senior housing, facts about how an appeals process works, and information on housing discrimination. 

NPLS will offer an information session for the community next Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Allentown Public Library at 2:00 pm. From the flyer: "Each year, 2.5 million renters and homebuyers are victims of housing discrimination. Find out how fair housing laws protect your right to live free from housing discrimination. It's not an option. It's the law. Join advocates from North Penn Legal Services to learn more about your legal rights. Light refreshments provided."

Addison and Mary Louse B have been faithful participants on the diocesan Peace Commission. The members held a conference call two weeks ago in which they discussed nonviolent communication skills and practiced some of them with each other. 

Addison has a passion for peace in the Middle East, especially between Palestinians and Israelis. He has recently been invited to a leadership conference held by the Palestine/Israel Network (PIN), which is a subgroup of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF). He and Mary Louise will travel to Chicago in March to participate. 

The EPF is a group of Episcopalians who seek to respond to injustice and violence by prayer, study, and action to promote justice and peace "in our communities, our church, and the world." The PIN is a gathering of Episcopalians who advocate for peace and justice in Palestine/Israel. 

Professor and parishioner Kelly Denton-Borhaug is also active in work for peace. She will lead a weekend retreat with local Mennonites in February, titled "How Did War Get To Be Religious?Supporting Christian Peace-Builders in U.S War Culture." For more information, click here. Sometime soon, she will offer a presentation of her recent work at Grace, most likely on a Sunday after church.