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Save the Dates
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Fundraiser at Louie's:
through September 19
Book Group:
Sunday, September 22,
at the Brosses,
6:00
Art Squawk:
Kelly Denton-Borhaug, on the Camino de Santiago,
Sunday, September 29,
3:00 pm
Diocesan Convention:
October 4-5,
Cathedral Church of the Nativity
Noonday Grace:
Monday through Friday,
12:00 pm,
beginning October 6
Grace Talent Auction:
Saturday, November 9
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Sunday, September 22, at Grace
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Eucharist, refreshments
We celebrate the Eucharist at 10:00.
In the first reading assigned for the day, Jeremiah laments: "My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick." He was grieved at his people's situation--this prophet so identified with the pain of his people, that he called out: "O that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears, so that I might weep day and night for the slain of my poor people!"
What situations call forth such lament from us?
After the Eucharist, we will enjoy refreshments and conversation.
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Art Squawk
| |  We'll welcome visitors on 9-29
Hoopla! Destination Downtown is an Allentown festival that will take place September 27-29, and it's the occasion for the next quarterly Art Squawk. The neighborhood will be full of people enjoying the opening of the new exhibit at the art museum (American Wildlife Art) and other festivities. For more on Hoopla, click here.
Grace will have our doors open as well, so visitors can enjoy our beautiful church and we can offer hospitality. The Rev. Dr. Kelly Denton-Borhaug has agreed to show her photos and describe her one-month pilgrimage in northern Spain. She will focus especially on the "messages" of the Camino ("the Way")--notes that pilgrims leave for each other, statues and sculptures along the route, and other communications that express and shape the meanings of the pilgrimage.
She will offer her presentation at 3:00, and everybody is welcome! Help spread the word, if you can, by taking a flyer or two from the hall table and posting it where interested folks may see it.
If you are able to assist with hospitality (bringing and serving food) for this event, please sign up on the sheet in the hallway or be in touch with the Rev. Beth Reed. |
Book Group
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The first fall gathering is this Sunday
The book group is going to be something of a film group this fall, as we use some videos and films to help us look at racism and immigration issues. The graphic below is from the film Cracking the Codes (see website), which we'll watch and discuss over two sessions. In other sessions we'll learn more about immigration and consider Grace's possible roles and responses, given our location in a neighborhood with about 50% people of color, many of whom are recent immigrants.
Jack M is taking a lead on this project this fall, and all are welcome! Our first gathering is Sunday evening, September 22, at the Brosses, at 6:00. The other fall meetings are October 6, November 3, and November 24.  |
New Resources at Grace
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Check out the hallway library
Mary Louise B took the lead on creating a small library of spiritual and religious books for people of Grace to use. With a bookcase donated from Addison B's Lehigh University office, and a few books from their home library, Grace now has a new educational resource. The bookshelf in in the hall on the way to the gathering space.
If you have books to share (in good condition, on topics of prayer, spirituality, scripture, recovery, spiritual practices, ethics, meditation, church history, social justice, theology, liturgy, community outreach, sacraments, music, etc.,), please bring them to church and put them on the shelf.
If you see a book on the shelf you'd like to borrow, please write the title and your name and the date in the record book provided. Read it, return it, and check it as returned in the record book. That's it!
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Grace's Talent Auction
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Plan on Nov. 9, and bring a friend!
Mike A and Tony V are taking the lead on a new fundraising event for Grace--a Talent Auction.
Parishioners and others will donate their talents or skills, or examples of these, such as artwork, and participants will bid on them. Some items will be in a silent auction, and others in a live auction. There will be food and drink and a festive atmosphere.
Mike and Tony have organized similar events before, and they've prepared sign-up sheets for various committees as well as for donations. These are in the hall; you can also call the church office on weekdays between 8:00 and 1:00 to donate or volunteer (610-435-0782).
Sample donations: two hours of child care, a home cooked dinner, Christmas present wrapping service, art you or an artist have created, the use of a vacation property, the use of a vehicle, etc. If you have any questions, check with Mike and Tony! (Hint: They are not looking for yard-sale items!)
Grace is a small congregation with a large mission in the city, and raising funds will help keep our missions thriving.
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Noonday Grace
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Daily prayer begins October 6
In the spring, John Paul M had the idea of opening our building five days a week to our neighbors who work and live in downtown Allentown--to provide a place and time of quiet prayer in the middle of the city.
A small group has been working on this effort, and it will begin on Monday, October 6. Each day at noon, our doors will be open for a brief service (readings, silence, prayers). All are welcome to bring a lunch and eat together afterward in the gathering space.
When you are out and about during the week, consider adding this time of quiet to your routine. Bring a friend or neighbor. Take a flyer or card (available soon) and post it or give it to someone who may be interested.
People of Grace will be visiting local businesses and employers to let them know of this opportunity. If you have other ideas on how to publicize this event, please call the church office at 610-435-0782.
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Caring for our Building
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Many hands cleaned and painted 
Last Saturday Grace was a busy spot, as volunteers treated our beautiful outside wooden doors with marine varnish, covered over graffiti on the emergency door to the alley, and tended to other cleaning and maintenance tasks. Their time and energy, coordinated by Chuck M, were a gift to the community.
Grace has no paid maintenance staff, so volunteer support is essential to keep our building working, clean, and safe for all who use it (children and teachers in our school, GED students, NA participants, Project IMPACT volunteers and families, pantry guests, church members and visitors).
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