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Archives
Sunday, June 23, 2013The Fifth Sunday after PentecostMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013FeriaEvening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2013FeriaMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, June 16, 2013Pace, Silence and the Daily OfficeLast week I wrote about the Daily Office as listening. I mentioned then that when my friend, Pastor Michael Ryan, and I were in seminary he taught me that in praying the Office in community one should speak or sing loudly enough to hear oneself, but quietly enough to hear those on either side. But that wasn't all he taught me. Michael regularly complained about the pace at which we prayed the Office at the seminary chapel. He always thought we moved through the Office too quickly. He'd ask about the Officiant and the congregation in general, "Do they have somewhere they have to be?" At the time I didn't think we were praying all that fast. I was just happy to get my daily dose of psaltery, scripture, and prayer. Sunday, June 16, 2013Grace NotesSUMMER LITURGY… Soon the choir will begin their break and vacations will begin. For these summer realities, Grace Church has simplified its 10 a.m. liturgy. The text for liturgy will be according to Rite II (contemporary English and more flexibility) and the Psalm, Creed and Gospel will be said rather than sung. We will return to our usual form when the choir returns in September. JACKALS BASEBALL GAME… Enjoy a fun evening of minor league baseball and fireworks on Saturday, July 13th. The Jackals will take on the Three Rivers Aigles at 6:35 p.m. at Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair. The game will be followed by spectacular fireworks. Please speak with Jim Cloke for more information. Sunday, June 16, 2013The Fourth Sunday after PentecostMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2013Gilbert Keith Chesterton, Apologist and Writer, 1936Evening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2013FeriaMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2013Saint Barnabas the ApostleEvening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9, 2013The Third Sunday after PentecostMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2013The Daily Office as ListeningI love praying the Daily Office. Over the years I have prayed it much more often alone than in community. But the Office is not meant to be a private devotion, but rather a regular, corporate offering of worship. For three years I experienced this regular rhythm of prayer in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church. Each day we gathered as a community for Morning and Evening Prayer. I loved it because it meant that even when I didn't feel like praying I could be supported by the community's prayer. All I had to do was get myself to chapel, and worship would happen around me. In other words, when I was in the mood, my prayer could support those who weren't in the mood. And when I wasn't in the mood, I could be supported by the prayer of others who were. I almost never missed chapel. It wasn't because I was (or thought I was) especially holy. Rather it was because I knew my own weakness. I knew that I needed to be saturated in that daily round of prayer, psalms, and scripture to really pray and to really live. Saturday, June 8, 2013Grace NotesSUMMER LITURGY… Soon the choir will begin their break and vacations will begin. In anticipation of these summer realities, Grace Church will simplify its liturgy beginning this Sunday. The text for the liturgy will be according to Rite II (contemporary English and more flexibility) and the Psalm, Creed and Gospel will be said rather than sung. We will return to our usual form when the choir returns in September. PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS THIS SUMMER… Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in Paterson or the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Hillsdate, which receive our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501. Thank you. Friday, June 7, 2013Morning Prayer 7 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2013Mass Celebrating the Ministry of Mrs. Kathryn MacCourt and Fr. Rob RhodesSung Mass 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2013Boniface, Archbishop of Mainz, Missionary to Germany and Martyr, 754Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, June 2, 2013Thirty Years of Music Ministry at Grace ChurchThis Sunday Grace Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ—traditionally known as Corpus Christi. It was on Corpus Christi thirty years ago that Kathryn MacCourt began her ministry at Grace Church. That Kathryn could begin her ministry at Grace Church—coming from a position at a church worshipping in a much less formal tradition—on such a major feast (with a correspondingly complicated liturgy) says a lot about her gifts, her talent, and her love of and commitment to good liturgy and good music, especially that found in the Anglican and Anglo-Catholic tradition. There are not many congregations of any denomination or ecclesial affiliation that can pull off the kind of worship that we enjoy at Grace Church. The liturgy of Grace Church is rich and deep. While I am not interested in liturgy as performance or primarily as ascetic experience (maybe Thomas Merton exaggerates when he writes in his journals that "To love the Liturgy merely because it is the greatest art the world has ever seen or dreamed of is to crucify Christ all over again", but I have sympathy for what he's trying to say), I do believe that it is a Christian joy and privilege to offer our best to God in worship. Sunday, June 2, 2013Grace NotesPOT-LUCK RECEPTION FOR FATHER HITCHCOCK… Come join us for a pot-luck reception for Father Hitchcock, fifth rector of Grace Church and today's preacher and celebrant, following the 10 a.m. Mass today. PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS THIS SUMMER… Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in Paterson or the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Hillsdate, which receive our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you. Sunday, June 2, 2013The Solemnity of Corpus ChristiMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2013Jeanne d'Arc, Mystic and Soldier, 1431Evening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2013FeriaMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2013Our Honorary CurateThe first mass I celebrated at Grace Church was a Wednesday healing mass—the feast of Bernard Mizeki, Catechist in Rhodesia, who was martyred in 1896. I think there were something like twenty-two people for that mass—a remarkable number for us for a mid-week mass (though one we've reached with more frequency in the last few years). I suppose people wanted to check out the new rector. And among the Grace Church people checking me out that day was Father Tom Norton. I didn't realize who he was—he was not in clericals—but he introduced himself to me as soon as the mass was over. It didn't take long to realize that Father Norton, no matter his official ecclesiastical allegiance, has been a priest of Grace Church, and, in many ways, a presence of calm and stability, through many rectors and many ups and downs in the history of this parish. He explains with only a hint of mischief that he has dual citizenship as a Catholic in both the Roman and Anglican Communions. He knows Anglican liturgy, theology and history better than many Anglican clergy. He knows the people of Grace Church as if they were his own—and that's because in many ways they are. Father Norton and I are happy to count him as our honorary curate or, alternately, vicar. Tuesday, May 28, 2013Grace NotesFATHER NORTON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF ORDAINED MINISTRY… On Sunday, May 26, longtime friend and current honorary curate of Grace Church, the Reverend Thomas Norton will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood with a special Jubilee Mass and reception at Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Hillsdale. The choir of Grace Church will have a featured role in this Mass and the whole Grace Church family is invited to share in this celebration. FATHER HITCHCOCK CELEBRATES CORPUS CHRISTI WITH US… On Sunday, June 2, Grace Church will observe the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (or, as it's known now, the Body and Blood of Christ). The current Rector is happy to announce that the fifth Rector of Grace Church, the Reverend H. Gaylord Hitchcock will be present to celebrate with us and will be the guest preacher on that day. Sunday, May 26, 2013The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity SundayMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2013Nicolaus Copernicus, 1543, and Johannes Kepler, 1543, AstronomersEvening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013FeriaMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, May 19, 2013The Sacrament of Reconciliation
(The Book of Common Prayer, p. 446) Sunday, May 19, 2013Grace NotesFEASTS NEAR AND AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE EASTER SEASON… Easter is a fifty day celebration which ends on the Feast of Pentecost. Sunday (May 19), following Ascension by about ten days, is the second greatest feast of the Church year (after Easter), called Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday for the white garments placed on the newly baptized (Pentecost being the second most appropriate day for Baptism after the Great Vigil of Easter). The two Sundays following, though not in the Paschal Season, are also celebrations of some import and will be celebrated with Solemn Processions and other ceremonies at the 10 a.m. Masses on those days: Trinity Sunday on May 26 and Corpus Christi on June 2. THANK YOU TO ALL MAY 2 WALK-IN-DINNER PARTICIPANTS… The Walk-In Dinner for Thursday May 2, 2013 was a success. We served a total of 90 dinners according to the official count. The meatloaf was well received and there was none leftover. We had macaroni and cheese left - enough to serve about four more dinners. In attendance were: Dot Weaver at the plates, utensils and welcome table, Ms. Wiebke Hinsch and I at the food stand, Nancy at the salad bar, Barbara served the cookies and our friend ( Jim ?) from the center helped with the coffee/tea/milk/sugar. Thanks to Leslie Bisdale for putting the utensils together before the event. Thanks to Randy and Andy for all the cooking and to all who contributed and participated one way or another. A special thanks to Jim and Andy for coordinating this important ministry. Since July walk-in falls on July 4th, our next Walk-in Dinner would be the first Thursday in Sep - Sep 5th, 2013. -Aki Okunlola Sunday, May 19, 2013The Day of Pentecost: WhitsundayMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Thursday, May 16, 2013The Martyrs of the SudanEvening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013Easter FeriaMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, May 12, 2013The Order of the Holy CrossAt the recommendation of our Wardens and with the support of our vestry, I spent most of April at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York. Holy Cross Monastery is a house of the Order of the Holy Cross, an Episcopal (Anglican) religious order in the Benedictine Tradition. That the Episcopal Church (and the Anglican Communion) even have such religious orders is news to some. Henry VIII wiped out religious orders in England in the 16th century. But the mid-nineteenth century Oxford Movement and the Anglo-Catholic revival which rose in its wake brought with it a renewal of religious orders in the Anglican Communion. The first were women's communities (including the Sisterhood of the Holy Communion located at what was at one time the Church of the Holy Communion at 6th Avenue and 20th street, but which was later sold and became a series of nightclubs, but has settled for now into the Limelight Marketplace). Men's orders followed later. Sunday, May 12, 2013Grace NotesINTERFAITH EVENT WITH CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL… On Shavuot - Tuesday, May 14, 7PM, Congregation B'Nai Israel invites us to join them for a family-friendly service and teaching about the Ten Commandments followed by a cookie break at 8PM. At 8:15PM, there will be a Shavuot program for adults; we featuring clergy and congregants from local houses of worship for an interfaith conversation around the Ten Commandments and Pentecost (aka Shavuot). FEASTS NEAR AND AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE EASTER SEASON… Easter is a fifty day celebration which ends on the Feast of Pentecost. Sunday (May 19), following Ascension by about ten days, is the second greatest feast of the Church year (after Easter), called Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday for the white garments placed on the newly baptized (Pentecost being the second most appropriate day for Baptism after the Great Vigil of Easter). The two Sundays following, though not in the Paschal Season, are also celebrations of some import and will be celebrated with Solemn Processions and other ceremonies at the 10AM Masses on those days: Trinity Sunday on June 3 and Corpus Christi on June 10. Sunday, May 12, 2013The Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension DayMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2013Ascenscion DayEvening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2013Dame Julian of NorwichMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, May 5, 2013The Sixth Sunday of EasterMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2013French Organ MusicI've had the pleasure of knowing Deacon Delaney for 25 years, and for most of this time he has persisted in asking me to play French organ music. This has become a joke between us, but it's a difficult thing for me to do for a couple of reasons. One of the distinguishing features of French organ music is that the French composers have relied particularly on the types of sounds that their organs have produced. The titles of pieces frequently indicate the particular sound that has been imagined by the composer, and playing such a piece with a different sound really changes the idea of the piece. Grace Church's organ is not capable of producing many of these specific sounds (nasal French-sounding reeds, for example), and does not have the wide range of variation that is needed for these complex symphonic-style works. And the famous French composers write really hard pieces! Just for the record, I do play some French music that I feel work well here- the Suites of Clérambault, and a few of the Daquin Noëls (both of these composers represent the French baroque era, though, and not the romantic one with its lush sounds), and a couple of pieces by Dupré, Vierne and Widor (the famous Toccata). Saturday, May 4, 2013Grace NotesFEASTS NEAR AND AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE EASTER SEASON… Easter is a fifty day celebration which ends on the Feast of Pentecost. Sunday (May 19), following Ascension by about ten days, is the second greatest feast of the Church year (after Easter), called Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday for the white garments placed on the newly baptized (Pentecost being the second most appropriate day for Baptism after the Great Vigil of Easter). The two Sundays following, though not in the Paschal Season, are also celebrations of some import and will be celebrated with Solemn Processions and other ceremonies at the 10AM Masses on those days: Trinity Sunday on June 3 and Corpus Christi on June 10. FOOD FOR FRIENDS, AN EASTER THOUGHT… Easter is the greatest feast of the Christian year and Christians celebrate the feast in more than one sense. Easter season lasts for 50 days let's reach out during this time by donating to Food for Friends on Sundays through Pentecost, May 19. Especially needed are high protein items such as beans and canned meats. Other welcomed items, tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice coffee & pasta. Checks may also be given to St. Paul's Community Development Corporation, marked Food Pantry and send directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten St. Paterson, NJ 07501. Wednesday, May 1, 2013Saint Philip and Saint James ApostlesMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, April 28, 2013Homelessness at HomeJesus began his public ministry as a lay reader – we don't know whether he was licensed or not – with words of vision and mission and challenge: The Spirit of the Lord sends me to bring good news to the poor, to heal broken hearts, to deliver captives, to make the blind see, to set free those who are wounded. (Luke 4:18). He sends us into the world with the same goals: As the Father has sent me, so send I you. (John 20:21) When we think of poverty and brokenness, we think of international slums; refugees of wars political, religious, and ethnic; and time- and race- ravaged American cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In our own state, we are aware of Camden, Trenton, Newark, Atlantic City, Paterson. We mostly don't think about Bergen County. Sunday, April 28, 2013Grace Notes
WELCOME FATHER GRESSLE…
FOOD FOR FRIENDS, AN EASTER THOUGHT… Sunday, April 28, 2013The Fifth Sunday of EasterMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2013Puccini & Pasta with Palisades OperaTo benefit Peace4Paws Wednesday, April 24, 2013Easter Feria (Genocide Remembrance)Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, April 21, 2013Setting The Lord's TableIt's hard for me to remember exactly when I joined the Altar Guild at Grace Church. It's just something that evolved. If I think long and hard enough I do remember a time when I felt unsure of myself and out of place in the sacristy. The sacristy – the place that is the heart and soul of the Altar Guild, where all the background work goes on, the nerve center if you will. These days I feel comfortable there and mostly confident, although there are always questions I have or clarification I need. I learned my altar vocation, for it is nothing less, under the guidance of two masters, Anne Moore and Kathy Whall. They each had knowledge and dedication to setting the Lord's Table which was immense and infectious. Anne is responsible for imparting the feeling of privilege and honor in the mundane duties of the Altar Guild. Who else could possibly convince me that washing dishes, polishing silver and brass and ironing linens were not chores but devotions? Kathy taught me with immeasurable patience the Latin terms for this piece of silver and that brass thing and the very specific purpose for each piece. And both of these women had a deep appreciation for the beauty of it all and a reverence that made me feel a genuine responsibility for the work at hand. Sunday, April 21, 2013Grace Notes
CELEBRATING THE DELANEY MINISTRY…
PUCCINI & PASTA…
HELP FIGHT HOMELESSNESS IN BERGEN COUNTY… Sunday, April 21, 2013The Fourth Sunday of EasterMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2013Easter FeriaMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, April 14, 2013A Sign from God?I grew up down the street from Grace Church, passing it thousands of times through the years. It was a meaningless red brick building. But all that changed in fall 2011 thanks to a sign for a "Healing Mass." Ironically, most weeks, I was too ill to attend. Indeed I did not know what a Healing Mass was, but for someone who suffered from 3 day long migraines that erupted like violent storms every week, healing certainly sounded like a good idea. The dreaded migraines robbed me of any semblance of a life beyond my house. I could rarely drive. I could not work. Finally on Ash Wednesday, 2012, by the Grace of God I made it through the church doors. And I knew that it was so much more than physical healing that I needed and what God had in store for me. Through the years my yearning to fill the void within, one that I believe we all feel in our belief in separation from God, I visited the halls of agnosticism, Buddhism, Unitarianism and Christian Gnosticism and more. I church shopped, kicked the tires but left the lot as most seemed short on the Sacred and long on committees ("Welcome. Glad to have you. Sign up for a committee). Mostly, I avoided "church" as so much hate was perpetrated in the name of Love. Yet I envied people who'd grown up with a strong spiritual tradition that served them in times of struggle. In my heart I longed for both a closer relationship to Jesus and for a supportive community of worship with sacred ritual. I found all at Grace. I witnessed people truly praying. I felt people earnestly devoted to God. I was blessed with humans loving the sacred ritual. I had found my way home. Sunday, April 14, 2013Grace NotesFOOD FOR FRIENDS, AN EASTER THOUGHT… Easter is the greatest feast of the Christian year and Christians celebrate the feast in more than one sense. Easter season lasts for 50 days let's reach out during this time by donating to Food for Friends on Sundays through Pentecost, May 19. Especially needed are high protein items such as beans and canned meats. Other welcomed items, tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice coffee & pasta. Checks may also be given to St. Paul's Community Development Corporation, marked Food Pantry and sen directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten St. Paterson, NJ 07501. Prayer… The following prayer services offer a perfect opportunity to be part of a mid-week evening worship that can provide for a more meaningful and reflective Easter season. Wednesday Evening Prayer is held each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., and will continue through the end of June. Thursday Evening Prayer has resumed its normal schedule with the service being held each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The Prayer Circle will meet on Wednesday morning at 10:15 as well as on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to discover what is on the hearts and minds of our friends and neighbors, and then to pray for them. Prayer requests can be submitted via email at prayers@gracewestwood.org. Prayer Request forms are available on the table in the back of the sanctuary. CELEBRATING THE DELANEY MINISTRY… 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of The Rev'd James Delaney's ministry as Deacon at Grace Church. The occasion will be marked during the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 5th, 2013 as well as at a celebratory luncheon at a local restaurant at noon that same day. Tickets to the multi-course luncheon at Buon Gusto in Closter, NJ, will cost $40 each. Please reserve your space by speaking to Larry Sunden or Chris Scott. Sunday, April 14, 2013The Third Sunday of EasterMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2013William Law, Priest, 1761Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, April 7, 2013The Second Sunday of EasterMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2013Holy Week Seen Through Fresh Eyes……On the morning of Sunday, August 19th, 2012, Kristin Groth woke up and decided she needed to go to church. She walked three blocks from her home to Grace Church and hasn't turned back. She became a catechumen with the goal of being baptized at The Great Vigil of Easter on March 31, 2013. In the days leading up to the Vigil, Kristin captured on FaceBook her thoughts on participating in Holy Week. Here are excerpts from her posts: Thursday: First Holy Week Impressions so far. Palm Sunday was exciting and upbeat. We sang outside and celebrated. A little sad knowing what was coming but, overall, I was very happy. Spy Wednesday: Basically the same as any other Wednesday for me. I always attend mass then and get anointed. Saturday, April 6, 2013Grace Notes
FOOD FOR FRIENDS, AN EASTER THOUGHT
CELEBRATING THE DELANEY MINISTRY
PUCCINI & PASTA Wednesday, April 3, 2013Wednesday in Easter WeekMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 31, 2013The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter DayMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013Holy SaturdayProper Liturgy of Holy Saturday 9 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013Happy Easter!
Saturday, March 30, 2013Grace NotesINTERCESSORY PRAYER REQUESTS… The Grace Church Information Technology (IT) team, John Paul Spiro-Colwell and Larry Sunden, have set up a secure email account so that prayer requests can now be submitted via email. These can be sent to the Intercessory Prayer Group at prayers@gracewestwood.org (prayers@gracewestwood.com will also work). Johanne Arnemann and Charles Keil of the prayer group wish to thank John Paul and Larry not only for making this link available for God's work, but also for putting a high tech face on our prayer ministry. FOOD FOR FRIENDS, AN EASTER THOUGHT… Easter is the greatest feast of the Christian year and Christians celebrate the feast in more than one sense. The Easter season lasts for 50 days, and surely during this time we can reach out to include needy persons in our feasting, specifically by donating to Food for Friends on Sundays through Pentecost, May 19 this year.. The Food Pantry especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul’s at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501. Friday, March 29, 2013Good FridayProper Liturgy of Good Friday with Veneration of the Cross and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament 8 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013Maundy ThursdayThe Mass of the Lord's Supper with Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar and Reservation of the Sacrament on the Altar of Repose 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2013Holy (Spy) WednesdayMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2013Holy Week is HereThis Sunday begins Holy Week. In this week the Church celebrates and enters into those days that are the culmination of Christ's ministry in the mighty acts by which he saved the world from sin and death. Since I came to Grace Church almost five years ago I have emphasized the importance of this week in the life of the Church and in the life of this parish by preaching about it, teaching about it, and stewarding its richness each year.
Holy Week at Grace Church Monday, March 25, 2013Grace NotesEASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS… Envelopes are in the narthex for the donation of Easter Flowers. Checks may be made out the Grace Church altar Guild. The deadline for submitting names is this Sunday—March 24th. WATCH AT THE ALTAR OF REPOSE… A sign up sheet is in the narthex for the watch through the night on Maundy Thursday, March 28 through Good Friday at noon. GOOD FRIDAY WALK OF FAITH… The Westwood Clergy Council will sponsor a community Walk of Faith, beginning here at Zion Lutheran Church at 12 Noon on Good Friday, March 29. The walk then proceeds to several of the other churches in town, concluding at about 3 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2013The Sunday of the Passion: Palm SundayMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2013James DeKoven, Priest, 1879Way (Stations) of the Cross 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, 1711Evensong and Benection 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2013Lenten FeriaMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 17, 2013The Fifth Sunday in LentMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013Justin and FrancisMost of this week it’s been hard to avoid coverage of the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio—now Francis—as the Pope of the Catholic Church. Even for non-Catholics (and for Catholics not in Communion with the Bishop of Rome like us) it’s an impressive event that will have an impact on the world’s more than 1 billion Roman Catholics, the whole Church, and even the world. But about a month and a half ago, the Archbishop of York presided at a ceremony with roots reaching back to the 16th century known as the "Confirmation of Election," at St. Paul’s Cathedral which officially made Justin Welby the latest Archbishop of Canterbury. I’m guessing that very few people outside of Anglican circles (and maybe not many of those) even took notice. If you were paying attention to the Prayers of the People at Grace Church you might have noticed a change from Archbishop-elect of Canterbury to Archbishop of Canterbury. Saturday, March 16, 2013Grace NotesEASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS… Envelopes are in the narthex for the donation of Easter Flowers. Checks may be made out the Grace Church altar Guild. The deadline for submitting names is Sunday, March 24th. CALLING ALL HANDS THIS SATURDAY… This Saturday (March 23) will be a busy day for Grace Church—there is some ministry for everyone who can be here in a variety of capacities and we’re calling for all hands at 9 a.m.:
CATECHUMENAL PROCESS ADULT FORUM… Grace Church currently has two catechumens preparing for Holy Baptism on the Great Vigil of Easter. The Rector will offer a short Adult Forum series over the next few weeks about the Catechumenal Process—the Process by which adults are prepared for Holy Baptism. The series will be offered after the 10 a.m. Mass. See you there. Friday, March 15, 2013Lenten FeriaWay (Stations) of the Cross 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013Lenten FeriaEvensong and Benection 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2013James Theodore Holly, Bishop of Haiti, and of the Domincan Republic, 1911Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 10, 2013The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Laetare Sunday)Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013Laetare SundayIn places where the tradition of singing minor propers is followed (we do some of that here), the introit for the Fourth Sunday in Lent goes like this:
Laetare Jerusalem: et conventum facite omnes qui diligitis eam: gaudete cum laetitia, qui in tristitia fuistis: ut exsultetis,et satiemini ab uberibus consolationis vestrae. Laetatus sum in his quae dicta sunt mihi: in domum Domini ibimus. It can be translated:
Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. I rejoiced when they said to me: "we shall go to God's House!" It's this introit that gives Laetare Sunday its name. This Sunday is past the halfway point in Lent and invites us to look forward to Easter with joy—to rejoice. This Mass relaxes the Lenten austerity (Rose Vestments are worn—ours are made by Anne Moore in memory of Deacon William Butz—and flowers and incidental organ may be used, though "Alleluias" are still suppressed). It's also known as Mothering Sunday (the English equivalent of Mothers' Day) or Rose Sunday. Saturday, March 9, 2013Grace NotesCATECHUMENAL PROCESS ADULT FORUM… Grace Church currently has two catechumens preparing for Holy Baptism on the Great Vigil of Easter. The Rector will offer a short Adult Forum series over the next few weeks about the Catechumenal Process—the Process by which adults are prepared for Holy Baptism. The series will be offered after the 10 a.m Mass. See you there. LENTEN WORSHIP AND DEVOTIONS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY EVENINGS… Lent is a time when Christians increase their practice of worship and devotion in preparation for the celebration of Easter. To that end, at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings in Lent members of Grace Church will gather to sing the Evening Office and end it with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with a simple supper and fellowship following, and on Friday nights at 6 p.m. we will gather to walk the Way of the Cross. All are welcome. Saturday, March 9, 2013Daylight Saving Time BeginsSet your clocks one hour ahead tonight. Aargh! Friday, March 8, 2013Lenten FeriaWay (Stations) of the Cross 6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2013Perpetua and Her Companions, Martyrs at Carthage 202Evensong and Benection 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2013Lenten FeriaMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 3, 2013Admirers Or Disciples—From A Homily Preached On The Wednesday Of The Second Week In LentA lot of people aren't Christians. And of those, a growing number actively dislike organized religion, and the Church and Christianity in particular. But among even those, if you ask them what they think of Jesus, you almost never hear anyone say anything bad about him. Almost everyone admires Jesus. It may be a grudging admiration, but it's an admiration. There is almost universal acclaim for his teachings and his love for the poor and outcast and sinner. And in Jesus' own time, he was surrounded by people who admired him, following him to see him heal and do miracles and to hear his powerful teaching. Great crowds grew up around him—in awe of him—He had a lot of admirers. He still has a lot of admirers. But, as Jesus approaches Jerusalem and tells his followers that he is about to go into the city and die and be raised again, James and John (or their mother in Matthew's gospel) ask Jesus if they can have the best seats in the Kingdom. The other ten get angry. It's clear that even here at the end, even those who have been following him for so long, just don't get what Jesus is about. And Jesus asks them, "Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" Sunday, March 3, 2013Grace NotesCATECHUMENAL PROCESS ADULT FORUM… Grace Church currently has two catechumens preparing for Holy Baptism on the Great Vigil of Easter. The Rector will offer a short Adult Forum series over the next few weeks about the Catechumenal Process—the Process by which adults are prepared for Holy Baptism. The series will be offered after the 10AM Mass. See you there. LENTEN WORSHIP AND DEVOTIONS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY EVENINGS… Lent is a time when Christians increase their practice of worship and devotion in preparation for the celebration of Easter. To that end, at 7PM on Thursday evenings in Lent members of Grace Church will gather to sing the Evening Office and end it with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with a simple supper and fellowship following, and on Friday nights at 6 PM we will gather to walk the Way of the Cross. All are welcome. Sunday, March 3, 2013The Third Sunday in LentMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2013David, Bishop of Menevia, Wales, c. 544Way (Stations) of the Cross 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2013Lenten FeriaEvensong and Benection 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2013George Herbert, Priest, 1633Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Sunday, February 24, 2013The Second Sunday in LentMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Saturday, February 23, 2013The Catechumenal ProcessThis year, at the Great Vigil of Easter, we will baptize Kristin Groth and Kaci Glover. Last Sunday Kristin was admitted as a Candidate for baptism at the 10 a.m. Mass. We will do the same to Kaci this Sunday. This Admittance as Candidates for Holy Baptism is just one part of a larger process called the Catechumenal Process. I will be teaching about this in the next few Sundays during the Adult Forum (starting on March 3rd), but I want to offer a very brief outline here so that you have an idea what we're up to and why we're praying for them. The first part of the process is Enquiry. An unbaptized adult approaches a priest (usually), expressing an interest in the Christian faith. In this period (which may be very short) the Enquirer is in an informal relationship with the Church, often joining small groups and exploring the Christian faith and life are without much, if any, formal training. Saturday, February 23, 2013Grace NotesANGLICAN PRAYER BEADS ADULT FORUM… Many traditions (Christian and otherwise) have used beads in prayer. The word bead is related to the word 'bid' and originally just meant 'prayer.' The forms for praying with beads have evolved over the centuries (Orthodox rosaries have 100 beads, Dominican rosaries usually have five decades—sets of 10—of beads plus a few to begin and end, for example). This Sunday after the 10 a.m. Mass please join us in the living room for a brief explanation of praying with beads and the latest innovation, the Anglican Rosary, followed by a chance to make your own set in the small parish hall. LENTEN WORSHIP AND DEVOTIONS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY EVENINGS… Lent is a time when Christians increase their practice of worship and devotion in preparation for the celebration of Easter. To that end, at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings in Lent members of Grace Church will gather to sing the Evening Office and end it with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with a simple supper and fellowship following, and on Friday nights at 6 p.m. we will gather to walk the Way of the Cross. All are welcome. Friday, February 22, 2013Eric Lidell, Missionary to China, 1945Way (Stations) of the Cross 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 21, 2013John Henry Newman, Priest and Theologian, 1890Evensong and Benection 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2013Ember DayMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Monday, February 18, 2013Lent Has BegunAccording to The Book of Common Prayer,
This Sunday we will use liturgical options that are familiar to long time members of Grace Church, like the Great Litany. But we will also do something we've only done twice before in my time here—we will admit a Catechumen (in this case, Kristin Groth—and the following Sunday we'll admit Kaci Glover) as a Candidate for Baptism. Monday, February 18, 2013Grace NotesLENTEN WORSHIP AND DEVOTIONS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY EVENINGS… Lent is a time when Christians increase their practice of worship and devotion in preparation for the celebration of Easter. To that end, at 7PM on Thursday evenings in Lent members of Grace Church will gather to sing the Evening Office and end it with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament with a simple supper and fellowship following, and on Friday nights at 6 PM we will gather to walk the Way of the Cross. All are welcome. DONATING TO FOOD FOR FRIENDS AS A LENTEN DISCIPLINE… Almsgiving is a traditional Christian penitential practice and Food for Friends provides a way one can participate in that practice throughout Lent. Buy some canned or packaged food each week and bring it to church on Sunday. Perhaps you have given up some item for Lent. Why not use the money you would have spent, or a part of it, to purchase alms? St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in Paterson, which receives our donations, especially needs high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501. Please consider including this ministry as part of your Lenten discipline. Thank you. Sunday, February 17, 2013The First Sunday in LentMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Friday, February 15, 2013Thomas Bray, Priest and Missionary, 1730Way (Stations) of the Cross 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 14, 2013Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop, Missionaries to the Slavs, 9th CenturyEvening Prayer 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2013Ash WednesdayMorning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2013Shrove TuesdayMardi Gras Party Monday, February 11, 2013Ash Wednesday And Gregorio Allegri's Setting For Psalm 51, Misere Mei, DeusAt the eight o'clock evening service on Ash Wednesday, February 13th, the choir of Grace Church will sing the Gregorio Allegri's setting for Psalm 51, Misere mei, Deus. Allegri was a seventeenth century Italian singer and composer, and the history of the work is both curious and complex. It was likely originally performed in the Sistine Chapel during Holy Week. The work is particularly noteworthy for its embellishments of trills, runs, and other adornments. These embellishments, however, do not appear in any manuscripts until the eighteenth century. Legend has it that the setting and all its adornments were so highly prized that any transcription or performance of the piece outside the Vatican was met with excommunication, an apparently effective measure of copyright protection that modern digital publishers can only envy. Mozart, however, according to his letters, transcribed the work from memory. He nevertheless avoided excommunication; instead, Pope Clement XIV congratulated him for his musical precociousness. Whatever Mozart's version contained, it is not until the nineteenth century that the embellishments become commonly included in published manuscripts. Another striking feature of the piece, which may or may not have been part of the original composition, is a "top C." Given, however, the uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of this top C and the scholarly disposition of the Grace choir and choirmaster, it will be absent from Wednesday evening's performance. While this note is well within the scope of young boys, it presents something of a challenge for adult choirs; no doubt this challenge also plays some small part in its absence. Monday, February 11, 2013Grace NotesEVENING PRAYER ON THURSDAY NIGHTS… On Thursday Evenings at 6:30 p.m., Grace Church now offers Evening Prayer. This simple service of Psalm, Scripture and Prayer lasts not more than twenty minutes or so. All are welcome. BENEFIT FOR THE COMMUNITY OF SAINT JOHN BAPTIST… On March 10 at 4 p.m. the Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir will present Great Lent: A Journey to Pascha—a concert of Eastern Orthodox liturgical music to benefit the Community of Saint John Baptist, a community of Anglican religious women at 82 West Main St., Mendham, NJ 07945. The Spirit of Orthodoxy Choir is directed by Aleksei V. Shipovalnikov and draws its members from choir directors and singers from Eastern Orthodox Christian jurisdictions and parishes in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Its music witnesses to the range of the liturgical life of the Orthodox Church and is representative of the major stylistic periods of Orthodox Church music. In its 15-year existence, the choir has established a reputation for outstanding interpretation of Orthodox liturgical music in the English language, as well as Church Slavonic and other languages. Suggested donation: $20 (Children under 12 are free). For more information contact Sister Pamela at (973) 543-4641 x9 or sr-pamela@csjb.org. Sunday, February 10, 2013The Last Sunday after the EpiphanyMorning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2013Epiphany Quiet Day
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| Warden Class of 2015 | Christine Scott |
| Vestry Class of 2014 | Charles Keil |
| (One year unexpired term) | |
| Vestry Class of 2016 | Nancy Sobeck |
| (Three year term) | Barbara Tait |
| Ken Weaver | |
| Convention Delegate | Jim Miller |
| Class of 2016 | |
| Representatives to District Nine | Tom Bisdale |
Sunday, January 13, 2013
The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass with Renewal of Baptismal Vows 10 a.m.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Julia Chester Emory, 1922
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Prayer and Spirituality in the Season After the Epiphany
This Sunday is the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. The feast always falls on January 6 and for the last few years we have been celebrating it with a weekday Mass, but this year it falls on Sunday. On this day the Western Church celebrates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The following Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan River, which is the event celebrated on the Epiphany in the Eastern Church. This year we get a full helping of Epiphany themes because on the Sunday after the Baptism of Our Lord we hear the gospel of the water being turned into wine at the Wedding in Cana of Galilee.
It is a season rich in spiritual symbolism and wonder. The Bishop is claiming the Season that runs from the Epiphany to Shrove Tuesday as the Gratitude Season, and is inviting everyone in the diocese to read a book on prayer with him by Anne Lamott (author of fiction and spiritual works) called Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers. He will be blogging through the season about his reflections on the book.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Grace Notes
CONFIRMATION… Anyone of at least 13 years (though, if the true nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation is understood, older is probably better) who would like explore their faith more deeply and prepare for a life of committed ministry in the Church, culminating in the Sacrament of Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church or the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows by prayer and the laying on of hands by our bishop, please let the Rector know. If there is enough interest, the Rector will call a meeting to discuss the process.
AN INVITATION FROM THE BISHOP… Bishop Beckwith and the Diocese of Newark are claiming the season after the Epiphany (from January 6 through Shrove Tuesday—February 12) as the Gratitude Season. The Bishop will be reading Anne Lamott's new book, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers, and blogging about his reflections on it through that season. The bishop invites us to read along with him and to comment on his blog as we do. The Blog may be found at: www.dioceseofnewark.org/for-gates-of-hope.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Morning Prayer 9:30 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
The First Sunday after Christmas Day
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Anglican Tradition Of Christmas Lessons And Carols
This Sunday Grace Church offers a Festival of Lessons and Carols at both the 8 AM and 10 AM services (with the choir singing at the 10 AM service).
A relatively recent addition to the Anglican worship tradition (and now adapted by other Churches including some Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Presbyterian churches), the service as we have received it (the Episcopal Church’s version is found not in The Book of Common Prayer, but in The Book of Occasional Services) is based on a one composed by the Right Reverend Edward White Benson (at the time Bishop of Truro in Cornwall, later Archbishop of Canterbury) for use at 10 PM on Christmas Eve in 1880, apparently to keep men out of pubs on that holy night.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Grace Notes
CONFIRMATION… Anyone of at least 13 years (though, if the true nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation is understood, older is probably better) who would like explore their faith more deeply and prepare for a life of committed ministry in the Church, culminating in the Sacrament of Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church or the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows by prayer and the laying on of hands by our bishop, please let the Rector know. If there is enough interest, the Rector will call a meeting to discuss the process.
PLEDGE CARDS… If you haven’t already returned your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. The vestry is working hard to put together a balanced budget for next year can use only received pledge cards and other income of which they are certain to create that budget. As always, but especially this year, before you fill it out and send it in, please pray for Grace Church and for discernment about how much God is calling you to give.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Said Mass with Hymns 9 a.m.
Monday, December 24, 2012
The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Evening Prayer 4:30 p.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 5 p.m.
Choral Vigil 10:30 p.m.
Solemn Midnight Mass 11 p.m.
Monday, December 24, 2012
The Presiding Bishop Calls for Prayer
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori calls for prayer following the tragedy in Connecticut:
We grieve with the many families and friends touched by this shooting in Connecticut. We mourn the loss of lives so young and innocent. We grieve that the means of death are so readily available to people who lack the present capacity to find other ways of responding to their own anger and grief. We know that God's heart is broken over this tragedy, and the tragedies that unfold each and every day across this nation. And we pray that this latest concentration of shooting deaths in one event will awaken us to the unnoticed number of children and young people who die senselessly across this land every day. More than 2000 children and youth die from guns each year, more than the soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Will you pray and work toward a different future, the one the Bible's prophets dreamed of, where city streets are filled with children playing in safety (Zechariah 8:5)?
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church
Monday, December 24, 2012
Grace Notes
PLEDGE CARDS… If you haven't already returned your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. The vestry is working hard to put together a balanced budget for next year can use only received pledge cards and other income of which they are certain to create that budget. As always, but especially this year, before you fill it out and send it in, please pray for Grace Church and for discernment about how much God is calling you to give.
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS DURING ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS… A gift to Food for Friends made any time during Advent and Christmas has special significance. Advent is a penitential season and almsgiving is a traditional penitential practice. A donation made during Christmastide, by being a gift to the poor Christ identified himself with, is one's Christmas gift to the Christ Child. At this time of continuing economic difficulty, we all know that the need is great. The Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen in New York reports that one in six New Yorkers go hungry each day and government support is being cut back. St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which we may expect is experiencing a similar situation, especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Lillian Trasher, Missionary in Egypt, 1961
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Third Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Wassail Party
At home of Bisdales
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Rejoice Sunday
This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday after the first word of the introit appointed for this day’s Mass. The Latin text of the introit comes from the letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians and from Psalm 85 and can be translated:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. Lord, you have blessed your land; you have turned away the captivity of Jacob.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Grace Notes
ANGEL TREE OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY… Grace Church’s annual Angel Tree ministry to families served by Apostles’ House is once again upon us. See Leslie Bisdale if you’d like to make Christmas a little more special for a family in need this year.
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT SAINT ANDREW’S IN HARRINGTON PARK… Because of losses of family members or jobs or relationships or some other reason, not everyone is in a place where he or she can experience joy during the holiday season. On Sunday December 16 St. Andrew’s in Harrington Park will offer a Blue Christmas worship service at 7pm. It’s open to anyone. If you’re in that sort of hard place or know someone who is or just want to support those who are, consider taking advantage of this opportunity.
CAROLING… As we do each year, a group of Grace Church singers (and joyful noise-makers) will carol at the homes of some of our shut in and near shut in parishioners. A change from what was reported last week; this will now take place on December 22. Keep your eyes open for further details.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Advent Feria
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
The Second Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Clearing The Clutter
I have a constant battle with clutter in my office. For the most part I'm usually just passing through it—running to or from it—rather than actually working there. So when I'm there, I usually drop things off and/or pick them up. I understand that I am not alone among priests in my battle with clutter—not even among priests who have served as rectors of Grace Church. But I also can't stand it. It drives me crazy. I think better without it. I pray better without it. I work better without it. I live better without it.
So every once in a while I tackle the clutter in my office. Today I worked on my desk. It has a long way to go, but you can sort of tell I've gotten somewhere. I'll do more tomorrow. But, as I was clearing it, I was happy to be reunited with the pictures under the clear surface of the desk pad. Peeking out from beneath the books and old bulletins and notes from Diana and notes from myself and the diocesan paperwork and notices and cartoons and articles and all of the rest of it were a number of beautiful or sentimental pictures of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Grace Notes
ADULT FORUM… The Adult Forum today will be about Prayer. Advent is a great time to commit or re-commit to regular prayer and the Rector will offer a very brief introduction to prayer and several of the forms it takes. If your prayer life is rusty or you just want to engage others about their life of prayer, meet the Rector in the Living Room downstairs.
WREATH SALE… Once again Una Thomas is selling Christmas Wreaths. They are $20/wreath. Please see Una before or after Mass for pricing and other information.
ANGEL TREE OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY… Grace Church's annual Angel Tree ministry to families served by Apostles' House is once again upon us. See Leslie Bisdale if you'd like to make Christmas a little more special for a family in need this year.
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT SAINT ANDREW'S IN HARRINGTON PARK… Because of losses of family members or jobs or relationships or some other reason, not everyone is in a place where he or she can experience joy during the holiday season. On December 16 St. Andrew's in Harrington Park will offer a Blue Christmas worship service at 7pm. It's open to anyone. If you're in that sort of hard place or know someone who is or just want to support those who are, consider taking advantage of this opportunity.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Clement of Alexandria, Priest, c.210
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
A New Year
The Christian New Year in the Western Church begins this Sunday—the First Sunday of Advent (It begins on September 1 in the Eastern Church). The First Sunday of Advent was also (by accident, not by design) the first Sunday I worshiped in the Episcopal Church, at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, so for me the sense of new beginning that comes with Advent is not just about Church tradition and the liturgical calendar. It's personal.
I have always thought of Advent as a good time to take stock of spiritual practices and to take on and renew commitments to spiritual disciplines. I'll start it off this year before Advent even begins by participating in a quiet day on Saturday, December 1 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Leonia. I will also renew my commitment to regular worship, to praying the Daily Office and to other prayer and to the study of the faith.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Grace Notes
WREATH SALE… Once again Una Thomas is selling Christmas Wreaths. They are $20/wreath. Please see Una before or after Mass for pricing and other information.
ANGEL TREE OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY… Grace Church's annual Angel Tree ministry to families served by Apostles' House is once again upon us. See Leslie Bisdale if you'd like to make Christmas a little more special for a family in need this year.
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT SAINT ANDREW'S IN HARRINGTON PARK… Because of losses of family members or jobs or relationships or some other reason, not everyone is in a place where he or she can experience joy during the holiday season. On December 16 St. Andrew's in Harrington Park will offer a Blue Christmas worship service at 7pm. It's open to anyone. If you're in that sort of hard place or know someone who is or just want to support those who are, consider taking advantage of this opportunity.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
The First Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Kamehameh and Emma of Hawaii
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
The Last Sunday After Pentecost: Christ the King
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Christ The King And Stewardship Ingathering
In the Evangelical Church of Sweden (Lutheran), this Sunday—the last Sunday after Pentecost—is called the Sunday of Doom, and admittedly attention grabbing title. Historically its theme has been the Last Judgment. Since 1983, without changing its name, that Church's Lectionary has shifted the focus of this Sunday to the return of Christ. In this way, that Church makes a sort of loop in the Church year, moving from the Sunday of Doom to the first Sunday of Advent, a season in which the Church looks forward to the return of Christ.
New feasts have been instituted throughout Church history. Sunday (every Sunday) is the primary feast of the Church—as the Sabbath (sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) is the primary feast for Jews. Easter and then Palm/Passion Sunday were probably the earliest specific feasts in the Church.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Grace Notes
WREATH SALE&hellp; Once again Una Thomas is selling Christmas Wreaths. Please see Una before or after Mass for pricing and other information.
WASSAIL PARTY/CAROLING&hellp; Grace Church's Annual Advent/Wassail Party will be held on December 15th. We are currently looking for a host family. A sign up sheet will be in the narthex next Sunday. Please bring finger food to share. As we do each year, a group of Grace Church singers (and joyful noise-makers) will carol at the homes of some of our shut in and near shut in parishioners before the party—all are welcome to carol.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
William Byrd, 1623, John Merbecke, 1585, and Thomas Tallis, 1585, Musicians
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thanksgiving And Christ The King
Like many congregations (Episcopal or otherwise) we are in the midst of our annual Stewardship Campaign. And, as is usually the case, two celebrations highlight this time.
This Thursday is Thanksgiving. It is one of two holidays (along with Independence Day) on the Episcopal Church calendar that are more secular than religious. The celebration of secular holidays has not historically been part of the Catholic Christian tradition. Thanksgiving, only recently raised to the level of a major feast in the American Anglican Tradition, is a secular holiday, though it has roots in the Puritan tradition.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Grace Notes
WREATH SALE… Once again Una Thomas is selling Christmas Wreaths. Please see Una before or after Mass for pricing and other information.
ATTENTION ALL ACOLYTES… Father Rhodes will be meeting with all those presently serving, as well as anyone who would like to serve at God's altar, today, November 18th following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. All current acolytes should attend, as he is planning to demonstrate exactly how he wants each job done in the future. If you are interested in becoming a reader – either for the Prayers of the People from your seat or for the Scripture readings from the lectern –please contact debbi .
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO ASSEMBLE THANKSGIVING BASKETS… This year Zion Lutheran Church is again preparing Thanksgiving baskets for those in need. They are planning to assemble the baskets this evening, starting at 6:15 p.m. this Sunday and are calling for volunteers. In the past, a delegation of members from Grace Church has helped. Your participation would continue the tradition this year. The people at Zion would also appreciate monetary contributions to the program. Please contact Chris Scott if you can help in any way.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
The Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Consecration of Samuel Seabury, First American Bishop, 1784
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Stewardship From Iyi Okunlola: Community Water Solutions In Ghana
Hello Family and Friends both far and near,
Hello to all of you! As some of you already know, I will be traveling to Ghana just after Christmas 2012. I have applied and been selected to join The Community Water Solutions Fellowship program! Access to clean and viable drinking water is a global crisis. This 3 week program allows volunteers, like me, to travel to northern Ghana (Tamale, Ghana this year) and implement a water purification system and business in a village. This will empower the women of this village and help to boost the local economy.
Here at St. Lawrence University, I am a Conservation Biology major. This fellowship is pertinent to my study of Conservation Biology, in an effort to protect, sustain, and conserve the biodiversity on Earth. I love to volunteer my time. Over the years, I have volunteered and will continue to do so through my parish family of Grace Episcopal Church in the Walk-In-Dinner program for the homeless in Hackensack, NJ. In the summer of 2011, I participated in a charity event known as the Michael LaViola Strongman Competition to raise money for pediatric sarcoma research. This past spring, during my spring break I chose to volunteer my time down in Sumter, South Carolina through their chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Also this past August and September, I assisted one of my professors, Dr. Baylor Johnson, in building a children's playground in Canton, NY (where St. Lawrence University is located) known as the Park of the “Imagine Nation.” I love to volunteer my time especially in the local community, but now I would like to volunteer in an international community! In order to do this, I need your help.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Grace Notes
BENEFIT BEER TASTING… On Thursday, November 15, Grace Church will hold a Beer Tasting at Cornerstone in Hillsdale to benefit Greenfaith, a religious environmental group started by the Reverend Fletcher Harper, a priest of this Diocese. Tickets are $50. For more information call John Schneider.
ADULT FORMATION… After the 10AM Mass, the Rector continues the Adult Forum series on Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, a document that had a profound effect on the ecumenical consensus that has been achieved in the last few decades, not limited to, but especially in the areas of liturgy, sacramental theology and missiology. Come to this series if you want to get a better sense of why we do what we do and of who we are as Christians.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Willibrord, Archbishop of Utrecht, Missionary to Frisia, 739
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Community Interfaith Blood Drive
10 a.m to 2 p.m. at B'Nai Israel
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Sunday After All Saints' Day
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Power, Blood And Stewardship
I am writing Grace Notes late this week because I have only recently gotten access to the electricity needed to power a computer. I’m almost beginning to get used to living without light, heat or electricity. And my brain has almost begun to process the experience of this storm. Almost.
In my short time as rector of Grace Church we’ve lived through more than our share of major weather incidents together. Just last year we dealt with Hurricane Irene and the flooding that came with it, and the major snow storm that hit on the day of Ben and Liza Martin’s wedding and which robbed many of us out of electric power for days(and, in some cases, longer).
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, like those other two incidents, the rectory and the church have, like much the tri-state area, been without power most of the week. I found my way to church on Wednesday morning and met up with Charles and a few parishioners came, but it was too dark to say Mass, so I anointed and talked to those who showed up, and I decided to cancel the All Saints’ Mass on Thursday evening for lack of electric power.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Grace Notes
Stewardship Season Begins This Sunday… This Sunday is Stewardship Sunday. We will begin Stewardship Season which also means the every member canvass will begin. Canvassers will visit each household in the parish and talk to you about why your pledge is so important to the ministry and mission of this place. Expect to hear from a canvasser in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, please begin to pray about your pledge this year. The pledges will be collected and offered up with the offering at Mass on Christ the King Sunday (November 25th).
BLOOD DRIVE: CONTRIBUTE AND HELP SAVE LIVES…! This Sunday, November 4th, as part of the Jewish community’s “Mitzvah Day,” Congregation B’nai Israel will be sponsoring a blood drive. The blood drive is open to the entire community. Please call the synagogue office at 201-265-2272 to request an appointment time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you don't reach someone live, a member of the community will return your call and confirm your appointment. The address of the synagogue is 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson, next to the golf course and across from the Emerson library.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
Said Mass 9 a.m.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
All Saints' Day
Solemn Mass 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Paul Shinji Sasaki, Bishop of Mid-Japan, and of Tokyo, 1946, and Philip Lindel Tsen, Bishop of Honan, China, 1954
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
The Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Halloween, All Saints and All Souls
When Father Barrie Bates was working in a parish in the Diocese of California (he's now in Jersey City), one day near Halloween he found himself talking to a member of his family (I think it was his sister) on the phone while he was standing precariously on his desk hanging Halloween decorations in his office. His sister was calling long distance from someplace where most of the Christians were of a traditionally evangelical flavor.
As Father Bates was hanging a bit of spider web decoration with big, scary spiders in it, which joined the skeletons and bats and such, straining and reaching over his head as he did, his sister asked, "Barrie… I've been talking to some of the folks around here. You're a professional. Did you know that Halloween was evil?"
He stopped hammering and said, "Oh… really?"
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Grace Notes
BLOOD DRIVE: CONTRIBUTE AND HELP SAVE LIVES…! On Sunday, November 4, as part of the Jewish community's "Mitzvah Day," Congregation B'nai Israel will be sponsoring a blood drive. The blood drive is open to the entire community. Please call the synagogue office at 201-265-2272 to request an appointment time between 11 am and 2 pm. If you don't reach someone live, a member of the community will return your call and confirm your appointment. The address of the synagogue is 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson, next to the golf course and across from the Emerson library.
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS THIS AUTUMN… Autumn reminds many of the bounty of Creation. But it also should remind us that some difficult days lie ahead as the weather gets colder and the heating bills get bigger. St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our donations, ministers to many people feeling the impact of increased heating costs while trying to feed their families and in some cases keep their homes. The people at the Food Pantry especially welcome high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. As we approach Thanksgiving, they would especially like canned vegetables, cranberry relish, potatoes, and stuffing. Alternatively, checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501. Thank you.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Palisades Opera Presents The Marriage of Figaro
3 p.m.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Opera at Grace Church
3 p.m.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Colleagues in Ministry
This week I met at different times with different clergy colleagues—two priests of this diocese (the Reverend Nick Lannon on Tuesday and the Reverend Laurie Wurm on Thursday) and, as I write, I look forward to lunch with our good friend Rabbi Orenstein on Friday.
As I met with Father Lannon and Mother Wurm, and as I anticipate meeting with Rabbi Orenstein, I realize how grateful I am to have colleagues like them and like Father Norton and Mother Phelan and Father Zacharia and Father Bates and Mother Rhodes and Father Petroccioni and so many others who I trust and who are nearby.
In the first parish I served (Saint Martin's in Ellisville, Missouri), I was part of a larger staff—three priests, a full-time organist/music director, a full-time Christian Formation director with a part-time assistant, a full-time administrator with part-time help and a full-time sexton. Not only that, but I had priest friends in the Diocese of Missouri (where the parish was), my priest mentor, a clergy support group (consisting of several United Church of Christ ministers, a Reformed Church in America pastor led by a Methodist minister), and a wonderful Rabbi friend named Annie Belford.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Grace Notes
OPERA AT GRACE CHURCH THIS SUNDAY… The Palisades Opera company returns to Grace Church today at 3pm. They will present The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (in Italian with English Dialogue). The group features opera singers from the Rockland/ Bergen County area and vicinity and Amy Duran on the piano. It's $20/Adults and $18/Senior and Students. For more information see www.palisadesopera.org or contact them at info@palisadesopera.org or 203 915-2478.
BLOOD DRIVE: CONTRIBUTE AND HELP SAVE LIVES…! On Sunday, November 4, as part of the Jewish community's "Mitzvah Day," Congregation B'nai Israel will be sponsoring a blood drive. The blood drive is open to the entire community. Please call the synagogue office at 201-265-2272 to request an appointment time between 11 am and 2 pm. If you don't reach someone live, a member of the community will return your call and confirm your appointment. The address of the synagogue is 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson, next to the golf course and across from the Emerson library.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
The Catechumenal Process
The first time put out a call for a pagan or pagans to baptize at the Great Vigil of Easter a number of people in the congregation did double takes and I saw a look on a lot of people's faces that said, "Is he serious?"
I've had fun with that ever since. But I'm not really joking. Baptism is Resurrection in our midst. Nothing is more appropriate or more exciting or more joyful in the life of the Church than to celebrate Holy Baptism in all its fullness at the Church's greatest celebration—the Great Vigil of Easter.
And for centuries the Church would not celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Baptism without first taking the candidate through something called the Catechumenal Process. This process of prayer and formation could last anywhere from between a year and three years, but the goal was to prepare a candidate not only for the celebration of Baptism, but for the new life of the Baptized among the community of the faithful. The theologian Tertullian (2nd—3rd century) wrote that Christians are not born—they're made. And the Catechumenal Process is the foundation for that making.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Grace Notes
OPERA AT GRACE CHURCH ON OCTOBER 21… The Palisades Opera company returns to Grace Church on October 21 at 3 p.m. They will present The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (in Italian with English Dialogue). The group features opera singers from the Rockland/Bergen County area and vicinity and Amy Duran on the piano. It's $20/Adults and $18/Senior and Students. For more information see www.palisadesopera.org or contact them at info@palisades opera.org or 203 915-2478.
BLOOD DRIVE: CONTRIBUTE AND HELP SAVE LIVES…! On Sunday, November 4, as part of the Jewish community's "Mitzvah Day," Congregation B'nai Israel will be sponsoring a blood drive. The blood drive is open to the entire community. Please call the synagogue office at 201-265-2272 to request an appointment time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you don't reach someone live, a member of the community will return your call and confirm your appointment. The address of the synagogue is 53 Palisade Ave., Emerson, next to the golf course and across from the Emerson library.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, and Martyr, c. 115
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, and Martyr, c. 115
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Pawsfest 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Vida Dutton Scudder, Educator and Witness for Peace, 1954
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Bishop Beckwith: "Poverty, not marriage equality, is the real threat to families"
A link to Bishop Beckwith's recent op-ed piece in The Star Ledger is here.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Using Our Buildings to Engage the Community
The first Sunday in October has become one of the busier Sundays of the year at Grace Church.
The Feast of Dedication has been a major celebration at Grace Church since long before I arrived over four years ago. The Propers for this feast are available in the Lectionary of The Book of Common Prayer (listed at Anniversary of the Dedication of a Church on p. 929). This feast is, in part, a celebration of our building, which, according to the certificate on the wall above the stairs in the narthex, was presented by the people of Grace Church to the Right Reverend Benjamin Martin Washburn to be separated from all unhallowed, worldly and common uses, and solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost on October 4, 1939—Saint Francis Day.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Grace Notes
OPERA AT GRACE CHURCH ON OCTOBER 21… The Palisades Opera company returns to Grace Church on October 21 at 3pm. They will present The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (in Italian with English Dialogue). The group features opera singers from the Rockland/Bergen County area and vicinity and Amy Duran on the piano. It’s $20/Adults and $18/Senior and Students. For more information see www.palisadesopera.org or contact them at info@palisadesopera.org or 203 915-2478.
PLEASE SUPPORT FOOD FOR FRIENDS THIS PROGRAM YEAR… The beginning of a new church program year in September provides a timely opportunity for committing ourselves to support the Food for Friends ministry. St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in Paterson is, like many food pantries, is stretched for donations. The pantry especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul’s at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Pawfest 2012 and Animal Blessing
12:30 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Feast of the Dedication of the Church
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Yard cleanup/Workday
Friday, October 5, 2012
Morning Prayer 7:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
George Kennedy Allen Bell, Bishop of Chichester, and Ecumenist, 1958
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Talking To God
The first parish I served after my ordination was St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Ellisville, Missouri. It was a large suburban parish with a big staff (I was one of three priests and there were four full-time staff positions and two part-time). Early in my time there one member of the staff asked to talk with me about a conflict with another staff member. But it wasn't too long into the conversation before I realized that there was more going on than a staff conflict—there was a bigger spiritual issue that needed addressing. So I asked, "How is your prayer life?"
Now I had just come from seminary where I was steeped in the liturgical life of the chapel and also of one of the great Anglo-Catholic parishes of the country (or even the world), where I surrounded by ordained and lay professors whose life was oriented toward the formation of priests and seminarians on the way to ordination, and I was involved in the life of an institution that thought our prayer lives were important enough to have a full time non-professor chaplain and to invite monks and nuns from several different orders to spend time on a monthly basis at the seminary for the express purpose of serving as spiritual directors to the faculty and semarians.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Grace Notes
YARD CLEAN UP OCTOBER 6th… This Saturday, October 6, in anticipation of the big event that is Pawsfest and the Annual Animal Blessing (see notice below)—a day on which we will hosts hundreds of visitors on our grounds, your vestry asks you to practice Christian hospitality by preparing the grounds for these guests. We will meet and begin work around 10 a.m. See you then!
ANIMAL BLESSING AND PAWSFEST NEXT WEEK… On Sunday, October 7th Grace Church will offer the Annual St. Francis Day Animal Blessing and the Second Annual Pawsfest. Last year's event drew hundreds of two and four legged guests. Besides the blessing itself, there will be fun activities for pets and people, vendors, food, a kids corner, a canine good citizen test, raffles and more. The fun starts at 12:30 and lasts until 5pm. Please spread to the word to friends of any species.
OPERA AT GRACE CHURCH ON OCTOBER 21th… The Palisades Opera company returns to Grace Church on October 21 at 3 p.m. They will present The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (in Italian with English Dialogue). The group features opera singers from the Rockland/Bergen County area and vicinity and Amy Duran on the piano. It's $20/Adults and $18/Senior and Students. For more information see www.palisadesopera.org or contact them at info@palisades opera.org or 203 915-2478.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, 1626
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Much Love And Gratitude
Two months ago, I was lucky enough to go to a teacher's convention in Corning, New York. It was an idyllic, relaxing trip. As I hauled my luggage down the staircase of an outdated, but cozy hotel, a woman behind me grumbled, "It would be nice if they had an elevator."
I smiled and looked back over my shoulder. I said, "Hey, I'm just grateful that I have good enough legs to use the stairs!" The woman looked at me dumbfounded, but for you here in our Grace Church family, my comment is no surprise. My beloved father in law and mother in law, John and Elaine, have both struggled with mobility issues since the day I'd met them. For this reason, it never occurred to me to be angry at the stairs—just as it never occurred to this woman to be grateful to be able to use them.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Grace Notes
ADULT FORMATION NEXT WEEK… After the 10 a.m. Mass, the Rector continues the short Adult Forum series on Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, a document that had a profound effect on the ecumenical consensus that has been achieved in the last few decades, not limited to, but especially in the areas of liturgy, sacramental theology and missiology. Come to this series if you want to get a better sense of why we do what we do and of who we are as Christians.
SPECIAL PARISH MEETING… On Sunday, September 30, Grace Church will hold a brief Special Parish Meeting having to do with the administration of the Endowment. Details about the proposed change are available on the Grace Church website and in the narthex.
Monday, September 17, 2012
A Leap of Faith with Healthcare
Like most people who can afford it, I have been paying for health insurance for as long as I've been on my own. Even after I stopped bringing in money and started depleting my small savings, it never occurred to me to let go of my expensive health insurance. I trusted that insurance to keep me safe and secure when all else was uncertain, despite the fact that the premiums had been steadily rising while the benefits steadily declined. But a couple of months ago I was denied coverage for a procedure on the grounds that it was "medically necessary" (No, that's not a typo). I thought I'd heard wrong! I now owe close to $4000 to various doctors and one surgical center. Insanity! I had already been thinking about alternatives to that corrupt and profit-driven system, and now I was ready.After a bit of research, I decided to take a leap of faith and start living as a Christian, like one of the FIRST Christians. I joined Christian Healthcare Ministries, a group of people across the country that takes care of each other both spiritually and tangibly by paying each other's medical bills and praying for each other. This was Christianity straight out of scripture. In Acts 2 we are told that "all who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need." And because of this, we hear in Acts 4 that "the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul," and "there was not a needy person among them." Specifically, Paul admonishes the Church in Galatia to "bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal 6:2).
Monday, September 17, 2012
Grace Notes
ADULT FORMATION NEXT WEEK... Starting on Sunday, September 16, Grace Church will again offer a regular adult formation forum after the 10AM Mass. The first short series will deal with a document published by the National Council of Churches in 1982 called, Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. This document and the work that led up to it had a profound effect on the ecumenical consensus that has been achieved in the last few decades, not limited to, but especially in the areas of liturgy, sacramental theology and missiology. Come to this series if you want to get a better sense of why we do what we do and of who we are as Christians.
SPECIAL PARISH MEETING... On Sunday, September 30, Grace Church will hold a brief Special Parish Meeting having to do with the administration of the Endowment. Details about the proposed change are available on the Grace Church website and in the narthex.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m. Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Praying for peace, witnessing to solidarity
By: Mary Frances Schjonberg / ENS
Eleven years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the hundreds of people commuting through Newark, New Jersey’s Pennsylvania Station were greeted by a bishop, a rabbi and an imam in prayer. Many of the commuters were heading to New York, and many of those no doubt remembering colleagues, friends and family members who took the same trip 11 years ago but never returned. Diocese of Newark Bishop Mark Beckwith, Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz of Temple B’Nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey, and Imam W. Deen Shareef of Masjid Waarith ud Deen in nearby Irvington. They told commuters outside the station that they hoped to be a symbol of peace and solidarity.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
John Henry Hobart, Bishop of New York, 1830
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Church Picnic
Noon at Brookside Park
Saturday, September 8, 2012
The Nicene Creed: A Song of Praise!
A lot of people sing in the shower. I’m not sure why that is (maybe it has to do with acoustics or the freedom that comes with feeling like we have enough privacy not to be embarrassed), but I admit that I find myself doing it from time to time, too. And I remember once, while I was still in seminary, being surprised at what I found myself singing in the shower. I had been a seminarian for just a little while at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Times Square, and, because it was an Anglo-Catholic parish (unlike my sponsoring parish, Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, which would more appropriately be described broad church), much more of the liturgy was sung than I had been used to. At the Cathedral, we sang hymns, the Psalm (usually to simplified Anglican Chant), and, on occasion, the sursum corda (the dialogue before the Eucharistic Prayer) and the preface of the Eucharistic Prayer. But at Saint Mary’s we sang everything that was supposed to be sung in a Solemn Mass. Everything!
So this particular morning, after having been at St. Mary’s a little while, I found myself belting out, not a song I had heard on the radio, nor even a hymn, but instead, at the top of my lungs, "We believe in one God, the Father the Almighty…" Yes. That’s right. The Nicene Creed. It was to the Plainsong, Mode 4 Credo setting, used across denominations and time and so probably the most familiar setting of the Nicene Creed, as it was adapted by Mason Martens (and found in The Hymnal, 1982 at S-104) which we were singing every Sunday at Saint Mary’s.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Grace Notes
PARISH HOMECOMING PARTY, THIS SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 9th)... Please join us for a parish homecoming party at 12 noon following the 10:00 Mass this Sunday. The party will be held at Brookside Park (Lake Street and Brookside Ave). This is a pot luck picnic, so bring your creative culinary creations and enjoy an afternoon of fun and fellowship. In addition to food, we need people to provide coolers, ice, water, paper goods, silverware, etc. Please contact debbi. See you there!
ADULT FORMATION NEXT WEEK... Starting on Sunday, September 16, Grace Church will again offer a regular adult formation forum after the 10AM Mass. The first short series will deal with a document published by the National Council of Churches in 1982 called, Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. This document and the work that led up to it had a profound effect on the ecumenical consensus that has been achieved in the last few decades, not limited to, but especially in the areas of liturgy, sacramental theology and missiology. Come to this series if you want to get a better sense of why we do what we do and of who we are as Christians.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Gregorio Aglipay, Priest and Founder of the Philippine Independent Church, 1940
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Notes on the Calendar of Saints
Every cohesive people has holidays. Holidays present our story and give us a chance to enter again into the foundational events and to contemplate the collective values of a people. So the United States makes a big deal out its birth (Independence Day) and the days on which human lives were sacrificed to gods named things like Freedom and Security (Memorial Day/Veterans Day).
Christians are no different. The Christian calendar is an important part of what forms us as a people. It's one of the ways we remember who we are and whose we are. So, as Shane Claiborne says (more or less) in his book, Jesus for President, if we are going to take our citizenship in the Kingdom of God seriously, it's important not only that we pay attention to our calendar, but that we shape and schedule our lives around it (p. 330).
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Grace Notes
REQUEST FOR HELP... Father Rob Schwarz is a friend of the Rector and has served as Interim priest for St. Ignatius of Antioch in New York City (Father Hitchcock's former parish). He currently serves the Standing Rock Episcopal Mission in South Dakota. The Mission is made up of six Episcopal churches on the South Dakota side of Standing Rock, each served by a Worship Leader (what used to be called a layreader), who can lead Morning Prayer when Father Schwarz is unavailable, and an administrator. Father Schwarz celebrates the Holy Eucharist at a different church each Sunday. The population of the Mission is mostly Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux and the Reservations there are among the poorest areas in the U.S., accounting for seven of the ten poorest counties in the country. Diabetes, alcoholism, drug abuse and cancer are epidemic. In recent years an epidemic of suicides affected five of the six churches. Father Schwarz describes the people as exceptionally generous and compassionate, devout and prayerful and humorous. As the sixth poorest county in the U.S., gas money for doctor's appointments is a real challenge as is money to heat the churches in the coming winter. Father Schwarz is asking for our help. Checks can be made to the Father Robert C. Schwarz Discretionary Fund, PO Box 80, Wakpala, SD 57658.
PARISH HOMECOMING PARTY, SUNDAY SEPT. 9th (rain date Sept. 16th)... Please join us for a parish homecoming party at 12 noon following the 10:00 Mass. The party will be held at Brookside Park (Lake Street and Brookside Ave). This is a pot luck picnic, so bring your creative culinary creations and enjoy an afternoon of fun and fellowship. In addition to food, we need people to provide coolers, ice, water, paper goods, silverware, etc. Please contact debbi. See you there!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m. Sung Mass with Hymns 10 a.m.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
John Bunyan, Writer 1688
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.a Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
A Young Man's Introduction To Hinduism
One of the two non-Christian religions that really drew my attention in high school was Hinduism (the other was its cousin, Buddhism). I was drawn to it via the movie Gandhi.
I was a freshman in high school when it was released and our class went to see it as a class. I remember being fascinated when, early in the movie, this British educated Indian Lawyer refused to give up the first class train seat he had purchased while traveling in South Africa and was thrown from the train. I was even more fascinated as I watched him a little later in the film at a demonstration in which he was burning the identification papers that non-whites were required to carry and, as he was beaten, at the same time refuse to stop burning them, and refuse to return violence for violence. As I looked up at the screen at this man on the ground, struck again and again, but reaching for the papers in order to add them to the fire, and as several of my classmates shouted at the screen, "Get up! Hit him back!" I knew that I was seeing something portrayed on the screen that was both against the grain of human history and at the same time revealed something deeply true about who God is and who God calls us to be.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Grace Notes
PARISH HOMECOMING PARTY, SUNDAY SEPT. 9th (rain date Sept. 16th)... Please join us for a parish homecoming party at noon following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. The party will be held at Brookside Park (Lake Street and Brookside Ave). This is a pot luck picnic, so bring your creative culinary creations and enjoy an afternoon of fun and fellowship. In addition to food, we need people to provide coolers, ice, water, paper goods, silverware, etc. Please contact debbi. See you there!
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m. Sung Mass with Hymns 10 a.m.
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m. Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Monday, August 20, 2012
The Church and the Great World Religions
For centuries, the Church's dominant response to religions other that Christianity has been tolerance at best, but sadly, and too often, intolerance, even persecution and often violent persecution. Our desire to be loyal to the truth of Christ has, in our history, too often and for too long, been twisted into words and actions that most certainly grieve the Lord to whom we have tried to be loyal.
Grace Church has begun a relationship with Congregation B'Nai Israel and its Rabbi, Debra Orenstein and I think that relationship will contribute to our being more faithful Christians and more faithful collectively as Church. My intention is to continue that relationship and to, as much as possible, intensify it.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Grace Notes
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m. Sung Mass 10 a.m.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
A Very Brief Introduction to Sikhism
Probably only a few of you know that I spent a lot of time in my high school and college years investigating the world's religions. I loved Jesus and I never seriously doubted the existence of God, but my experience in the church of my youth was lacking. I'm sure it wasn't just the church itself. My less than satisfactory experience was probably a combination of the kind of Christianity I knew‐all about the head and heart and belief, but not enough about the body or practice or life‐and my own immaturity and unwillingness to really commit myself to life as a Christian and a member of the Church. Whatever the reason, I went looking for God elsewhere. And no religion was off limits. So, at about 16 years old I started to acquaint myself with the world's great religions. I can't say I'm an expert in any of them, but I know the basics of most of them.
One of the religions I looked at during those years was Sikhism. When I heard about the senseless massacre at a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin I was especially saddened because, besides the obvious human loss, I knew that the origins of the Sikh religion was in an unexpected move toward getting beyond religious and ethnic differences. Sikhism was founded by the Guru Nanak in the Punjab, India, in the 15th century. 'Guru' is a Sanskrit word that roughly means one who transforms darkness into light. He was surrounded by a culture that suffered from political and social oppression, a brutal caste system and the mutual antagonism of Hindus and Muslims‐two religions whose adherents have had a complicated and often relationship (that complicated relationship ultimately resulted in the splitting off of Pakistan from India in the middle of the twentieth century). But from the beginning, Guru Nanak's take was that, "There is no Hindu. There is no Muslim." Guru Nanak took several pilgrimages in the direction of holy sites of various religions, but ultimately his allegiance was to Truth itself and the practice of Truth ("Realization of Truth is higher than all else. Higher still is truthful living"). He also understood salvation to be a social affair‐it was about liberating all people from oppression and recognizing the essential equality of all human beings across caste, creed, race, gender, etc.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Grace Notes
WEDNESDAY HEALING MASS... Every Wednesday morrning Grace Church offers Morning Prayer at 9am followed at 9:15 by a Mass with Holy Unction‐the Sacrament of Anointing and Laying on of Hands, which is for the purpose of offering Christ's healing touch to those who suffer in mind, body or spirit. During the Prayers of the People, there is a brief time offered for those gathered to pray for anyone the Spirit moves them to pray for and the group who gathers regularly for that Mass seems to have a special vocation for praying for those who are sick in and out of our parish. This Wednesday the Church Celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (as it has historically been called in the West) or the Dormition (as it's been called in the Eastern Church). It's one of the more important feasts celebrating our Blessed Mother and so dear to most Anglo-Catholics. Consider joining us this Wednesday (and any and every Wednesday) whether you are in need of a healing touch or would just like another opportunity to receive the grace offered in Christ's Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist.
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m. Sung Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Dominic, Priest and Friar
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
The Big Picture: Scripture in Context
Several years ago I wasted time in an online disagreement with a couple of evangelicals about the work of Doctor N. T. Wright, New Testament scholar and Bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Durham in the Church of England. The crux of the disagreement was the assertion by these evangelicals that Bishop Wright was too Catholic and had rejected the Protestant principle of sola scriptura (scripture alone) by investigating the context in which the New Testament was written and reading the New Testament through that lens.
I don't want to rehash the disagreement here, except to say that I pointed out that Bishop Wright isn't a Protestant—he is an Anglican—and so had no obligation to any Protestant principles. But more importantly, I suggested that there was really no such thing as sola scriptura—that we all approach Holy Scripture through some lens and all that Bishop Wright was doing was trying to use appropriate lenses—not least the lenses through which the writers of Holy Scripture saw the world when they wrote it.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Grace Notes
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m. Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m. Sung Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Joseph of Arimathea
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Morning Prayer this Sunday
For years the regular Sunday worship of nearly every congregation in the Episcopal Church was Morning Prayer. Anglican musical resources for the Office, and Morning Prayer in particular, are especially rich.
Grace Church was no exception. I've heard stories for several parishioners about the Morning Prayer days. At least one member of Grace Church, coming from a Roman Catholic background, told me she was very surprised that we didn't have Mass every Sunday. Read more...
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Grace Notes
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you. Read more...
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer with Hymns 8&nbps;a.m. Morning Prayer with Hymns 10&nbps;a.m.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Saint James the Apostle
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
General Convention wrap-up: Re-envisioning the Church for the 21st Century
Click here for a link to an article from the Episcopal News Service that summarizes the work of the recently-concluded 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Baptism and Our Story in an Ancient Eucharistic Prayer
This Sunday, at the 10 a.m. Mass, we will Baptize Mckenzie Dawn Bertolino, the daughter of Jaclyn and M.C. Bertolino and grand daughter of Nancy and Paul Sobeck. Baptizing a new Christian is one of the great privileges and pleasures of my ministry and I look forward to it. As the Prayer Book says, this Sacrament is "full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church." (BCP 298) From the moment she is baptized, Mckenzie will enter into the great story of God's reconciliation of the world to himself in Christ. She will die to the old, fallen world and be raised to new life in Christ. She will share in the culmination of the great story of God's love for creation in Christ's resurrection and the consummation of that great victory in all of Creation when the Kingdom is revealed and God is finally all in all.
And because we are using Rite II for the summer we have an opportunity to use Eucharistic Prayer D, easily my favorite of the Eucharistic Prayers offered for worship in the Episcopal Church. Read more...
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Grace Notes
+++ATTENTION! WORSHIP SHEDULE CHANGE NEXT WEEK!... Next week the Rector will be away and this year's budget does not provide for supply priests to take his place. For this reason, for that Sunday only (July 29), we will offer Morning Prayer at 8 and 10 AM led by lay leaders licensed to lead worship. The Holy Eucharist will still be offered this Wednesday and next and the usual schedule will resume the following Sunday.
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you. Read more...
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Sung Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Jackals Game
Church outing starts 6:30 p.m. in Montclair
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Bartolome de las Casas, Friar and Missionary to the Indies, 1566
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Sung Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
General Convention Part 4
As I write this the General Convention of the Episcopal Church is winding down. A lot has happened at Convention this year. Some of what happened, I think, won't make much of a difference to most of the Church or the world. Other things that have happened at Convention are procedural, related mostly to the running of the institution—so a new President of the House of Deputies was elected (the Reverend Gay Clark Jennings replaces the outgoing Ms. Bonnie Anderson who has completed her second three year term), and vacant Commission and Committee positions were filled. New bishops were seated in the House of Bishops. Bishops-elect were confirmed by Convention (a quirk in the Canons related to the timing of bishop elections close to the time of Convention—at other times, the Standing Committees of other Dioceses confirm bishops-elect). A budget was passed.
But more interesting things have happened which will bear watching as we go forward. There were a number of resolutions related to how the Church deals with issues of poverty and social justice related to wealth inequality, for instance. And the House of Bishops passed this resolution:
Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, that The Episcopal Church reaffirms that baptism is the ancient and normative entry point to receiving Holy Communion and that our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to go into the world and baptize all peoples.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Grace Notes
JACKALS BASEBALL GAME... Enjoy a fun evening of minor league baseball and fireworks at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 21st at Yogi Berra Stadium at Montclair State College. We will meet at the gate at 6 p.m. The game will be followed by spectacular fireworks. Tickets are $11 each. Speak with Jim Cloke for more information.
THANK YOU TO ALL JULY 5 WALK-IN-DINNER PARTICIPANTS... On Thursday, July 5, Grace Church served a dinner of barbecued chicken, macaroni and cheese, salad, bread, cookies, and beverage at Bergen County's Housing, Health and Human Services Center in Hackensack. According to the official count, we served 78 people. Thank you to all who prepared food, contributed items, or went down to Hackensack to serve the meal. As in the past, the meal again witnessed to what God's grace means. Our next Walk-In-Dinner is scheduled for Thursday September 6, 2012. It is never too early to volunteer. Those who want to participate should speak to Jim Freeman during Coffee Hour or call him. The expected principal menu item is ziti with meat sauce. Read more...
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, c. 540
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Monday, July 9, 2012
General Convention Part 3
As I write this (the evening of July 4) the General Convention of the Episcopal Church is about to begin. The deputies have already arrived and been oriented. Legislative Committees have met for the first time. The legislative sessions are about to begin (July 5).
I've looked at the content of a number of resolutions—there are way too many for me to have looked closely at them all—and I've noticed that, while there are a number of resolutions that are standalones or are about the dispatch of business in the convention itself, or are related to the appointment of people to various committees and commissions, or are courtesy resolutions (recognizing special service between or during Conventions), and there are also a few resolutions that try to address important issues in the life of our Church and the Anglican Communion (like a couple related to the Anglican Covenant—a topic for another time), if we judge such things by volume, the biggest issues this year seem to fall into just a few categories. Two groupings of resolutions in particular stand out to me. Read more...
Monday, July 9, 2012
Grace Notes
JACKALS BASEBALL GAME... Enjoy a fun evening of minor league baseball and fireworks at 6:30pm on Saturday, July 21st at Yogi Berra Stadium at Montclair State College. We will meet at the gate at 6pm. The game will be followed by spectacular fireworks. Tickets are $11 each. Speak with Jim Cloke for more information.
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501. Thank you. Read more...
Sunday, July 8, 2012
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Sung Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Independence Day
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
General Convention Part 2
The deputies from the Diocese of Newark will shortly be on their way to Indianapolis for the 2012 General Convention of the Episcopal Church. I've been looking at the resolutions making their way there. Some I find interesting. Some I find annoying. Some I find seriously problematic. But, ignoring the content of resolutions for a moment, I want to raise a question about the point of resolutions in general.
A number of these resolutions could have real world/real Church effects. But many, I think, even if passed, will have little effect or import in most of our lives. Read more...
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Grace Notes
WEDNESDAY HEALING MASS... Every Wednesday morrning Grace Church offers Morning Prayer at 9am followed at 9:15 by a Mass with Holy Unction—the Sacrament of Anointing and Laying on of Hands, which is for the purpose of offering Christ's healing touch to those who suffer in mind, body or spirit. During the Prayers of the People, there is a brief time offered for those gathered to pray for anyone the Spirit moves them to pray for and the group who gathers regularly for that Mass seems to have a special vocation for praying for those who are sick in and out of our parish. Consider joining us this Wednesday and any and every Wednesday whether you are in need of a healing touch or would just like another opportunity to receive the grace offered in Christ's Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. Read more...
Sunday, July 1, 2012
General Convention Part 1
On July 5th, as Grace Church prepares to offer her service at the Walk-In Dinner and as I mark 44 years of being on this earth, the Episcopal Church officially begins its triennial eight day General Convention.
Even before that day, Episcopal Church staff, volunteers, deputies and interested on-lookers will begin to arrive in Indianapolis, Indiana to set things up, make preparations, register (July 2), get certified and oriented, participate in legislative committees, hearings, and presentations, peruse the vending booths, and visit with old friends. Read more...
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Grace Notes
BUILD A RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP... On Thursday, June 28, 2012 Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program will present a Build a Rain Barrel workshop, sponsored by the Division of Watershed Management of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Borough of Westwood, and the Westwood Environmental Advisory Committee, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Avenue Westwood, NJ 07675. Participants will build their own rain barrel and learn how to install it at home under a gutter's downspout to collect rain water from the roof and save money on water bills, prevent basement flooding, and reduce flooding in local rivers and streams. Deadline for registration is Tuesday, June 26, 2012. The workshop fee is $25. Further information, and an online registration form, can be found here, Or by contacting Sara Mellor.
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children’s nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul’s especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul’s at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you. Read more...
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Sung Mass 10 a.m.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Cornelius Hill, Priest and Chief among the Oneida, 1907
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Sung Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Which is Catholic?
Which is Catholic?
Like last year, Grace Church will switch to what The Book of Common Prayer calls The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two this summer for the 10 AM Mass. This change will take place beginning next Sunday (June 24).
As I wrote last year, the structure of the liturgies of the "new" Prayer Book is, in large part, a return to a more ancient liturgical structure than earlier versions of the Prayer Book—a structure based on the liturgy of Hippolytus from the third century. With the exception of Eucharistic Prayer C (the only completely newly composed prayer in The Book of Common Prayer), all of the Eucharistic Prayers from Rite II come from ancient sources. Eucharistic Prayer A, composed by The Rev'd. Dr. H. Boone Porter, is just a streamlined version of the Rite I prayers (which are translations of the Roman Canon edited for theological content—moving in a more Reformed direction). Prayer B is an edited version of the Eucharistic Prayer found in the third century liturgy attributed to Hippolytus with some parts of a prayer written by sometime Presiding Bishop, Frank Griswold. Prayer D is a modern language version of the Eucharistic Prayer of the liturgy of St. Basil from the fourth century. Which means that much of the so-called "new" Prayer Book—and especially the Holy Eucharist: Rite Two—is at least as ancient than anything in the 1928 Prayer Book or Rite I. Read more...
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Grace Notes
WALK IN DINNER ITEMS AND VOLUNTEER HELP STILL NEEDED... The Walk-in-Dinner is July 5th and, because it is in the middle of summer and a number of people who can usually help out will be away for the July 4th holiday, we still need a few items and probably a little more help. Right now we need two or three more providers of barbeque chicken, one more provider of 4lbs. of macaroni and more paper towels. We may also need help with transportation of the prepared food to the facility in Hackensack. If you are interested and willing, please call Andy Smethurst for details.
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.Thank you. Read more...
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Low Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Solemn Mass, and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament with Adoration and Benediction 10 a.m.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Corpus Christi and Getting Outside
This Sunday the Church will celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Tradition says that this celebration has its beginnings in the vision of a 13th century Augustinian nun named Juliana who, after twenty years, shared that vision with her confessor who in turn shared it with his bishop. By 1312, it was a mandatory feast in the Western Church.
The great theologian and Doctor of the Church, Saint Thomas Aquinas (feast day January 28), chose the readings and composed the propers (the collect, introit, gradual, sequence, etc.) and music for this feast—including the well known Eucharistic Hymn Pange Lingua, which came to be used not only for this feast, but also on Maundy Thursday (as the Most Holy Sacrament is processed to the altar of repose) and at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Read more...
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Grace Notes
FLOWER AND SACRAMENT/SANCTUARY CANDLE DONATION/GIFT OPPORTUNITIES... Did you know that there are a number of ways at Grace Church to offer gifts to God to enhance our worship of him and at the same time to remember a departed loved one or a special event (past, current or future), or to honor the life or work of someone living? Each week (except during four of the five weeks of Lent) flowers are placed on the altar and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Westwood. A suggested donation of $40 is asked for flowers for our altar and of $15 for flowers at the Shrine. In addition, each week a Sacrament or Sanctuary candle burns in the hanging lamp near the altar indicating Christ's sacramental presence in the Tabernacle. The suggested donation for one of these candles is $15. In the case either of flowers or candles, a line can be placed in Grace Notes about the person or event being honored or memorialized.
"DON GIOVANNI" AT GRACECHURCH THIS AFTERNOON...! The Palisades Opera Company will present "Don Giovanni" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Italian with English narration this afternoon, June 10 at 3 p.m. here at Grace Church. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for seniors and children under 12. For reservations call: 203 915-2478. For more information see www.palisadesopera.org or email info@palisadesopera.org. Read more...
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Special Convention
of the Diocese of Newark
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Trinity Sunday
Near the back of The Book of Common Prayer one can find some interesting things. Among these, in a section of the Prayer Book called Historical Documents of the Church (beginning on page 863), are the Articles of Religion as established by the Bishops, the Clergy, and the Laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, in Convention, on the twelfth day of September, in the year of our Lord, 1801. And the first of these Articles reads as follows:
I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Grace Notes
"DON GIOVANNI" AT GRACECHURCH... The Palisades Opera Company will present "Don Giovanni" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Italian with English narration on Sunday afternoon, June 10 at 3 PM here at Grace Church. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for seniors and children under 12. For more information see www.palisadesopera.org or email info@palisadesopera.org. For reservations call: 203 915-2478.
PLEASE REMEMBER FOOD FOR FRIENDS, THIS SUMMER... Summer means that school is out. The kids may like this but parents who cannot make ends meet and who must depend on school breakfasts and lunches for their children's nutrition are pinched harder than ever. We may expect then an increase in the number of parents who must turn to places like St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry, which receives our Food for Friends donations. St. Paul's especially welcomes high protein items, such as beans and canned meats. Otherwise, their wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's Community Development Corporation and marked Food Pantry. Please send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501. Thank you. Read more...
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Westwood Heritage Day
Grace will have a booth at this event in Veteran's Park, 10 to 5
Sunday, June 3, 2012
First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Low Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Procession and Solemn Mass with Solemn Te Deum 10 a.m.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Low Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Procession, Holy Baptism and Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Baptism and Pentecost (Whitsunday)
The Diocese of Eastern Oregon has proposed to this summer's General Convention that the baptismal requirement for receiving Holy Communion be removed from our canons (Resolution C040: Open Table). It has been proposed as a move toward inclusivity and hospitality. But my concern is that this proposal actually reflects the sad reality that, despite Prayer Book revision and good intentions, the power and meaning of Holy Baptism is still for the most part lost on the Church. As it has been for centuries by most, Holy Baptism is at best a baby blessing, and at worst, it is seen as an obstacle to receiving Holy Communion and doesn't mean much at all. The spirit of this resolution suggests that Holy Baptism is an obstacle to full participation in the worship of the Church.
This Sunday is Pentecost. Pentecost is the day (fifty days after Easter) on which the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit and became the Church, the Body of Christ on earth. This gift makes it possible for the Church to carry on Christ's ministry and mission even today. Read more...
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Grace Notes
FOOD FOR FRIENDS, AN EASTER THOUGHT...Easter is the greatest feast of the Christian year and Christians feast in more than one sense. The Easter season lasts for 50 days, and surely during this time we can reach out to include needy persons in our celebration, especially by donating to the Food for Friends food barrel on Sundays through Pentecost, May 27 this year. The Food Pantry wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul's CDC and marked Food Pantry. Send checks directly to St. Paul's at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.
FEASTS THE NEXT TWO SUNDAYS... Next Sunday and the Sunday following are celebrations of some import and will be celebrated with Solemn Processions and other ceremonies at the 10 a.m. Masses on those days: Trinity Sunday on June 3 and Corpus Christi on June 10. Read more...
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Community Hymn Festival
7:30 to 9 p.m. at West Side Presbyterian, Ridgewood. Several Grace choristers participate. All are welcome.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
And Now We Wait...
This past Thursday, Ascension Day, Grace Church gathered at 7:30 p.m. to worship God in celebration of Jesus’ being raised to sit at God’ right hand, where he reigns now in glory. In the words of the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians:
God put [his great] power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:20-23)
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Grace Notes
FEASTS NEAR AND AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE EASTER SEASON... Easter is a fifty day celebration which ends on the Feast of Pentecost. Next Sunday (May 27), following Ascension by about ten days is the second greatest feast of the Church year (after Easter), called Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday for the white garments placed on the newly baptized (Pentecost being the second most appropriate day for Baptism after the Great Vigil of Easter). The two Sundays following, though not in the Paschal Season, are also celebrations of some import and will be celebrated with Solemn Processions and other ceremonies at the 10AM Masses on those days: Trinity Sunday on June 3 and Corpus Christi on June 10.
FOOD FOR FRIENDS, AN EASTER THOUGHT... Easter is the greatest feast of the Christian year and Christians feast in more than one sense. The Easter season lasts for 50 days, and surely during this time we can reach out to include needy persons in our celebration, especially by donating to the Food for Friends food barrel on Sundays through Pentecost, May 27 this year. The Food Pantry wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul’s CDC and marked Food Pantry. Send checks directly to St. Paul’s at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501. Read more...
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Ascension Day
Solemn Mass 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Grace in the Public Square
On Sunday, June 3, 2012 from 10 to 5 p.m., Grace Church will have a booth a Westwood Pride Day. In years past, we've tried, without much success, to sell stuff. This year we're going to try giving stuff away: food and our prayers (kind of like what happens at church on Sundays). The people of Grace will be giving away baked good and soliciting prayer requests from our neighbors. Those requests will then be incorporated in the Prayers of the People during the Masses on Wednesday, June 6 and Sunday, June 10.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The May Crowning and Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
This Sunday we will “crown” Our Lady of Westwood at our shrine after a procession at the end of the 10am Mass. She is actually already crowned (I placed the “crown” on her head and also crowned the Blessed Virgin Mary statue in my office on May Day—May 1), because, since she doesn’t have a fully three dimensional head, it’s too difficult to crown her during the liturgy. We will instead process at the end of Mass, making a station at her shrine and place extra flowers before her image, pray the Regina Coeli and incense will be offered there.
I have a personal devotion to Our Lady. Around the time when the Very Reverend J. C. Michael Allen, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis decided to retire, the bishop of Missouri at the time decided to place a hold on all ordination processes of candidates from the Cathedral until a new Dean was called. Dean Allen had been Dean for 22 years and the rule of thumb at the time was that a congregation can expect to wait a number of months equal to the number of years a previous Dean or Rector has been in place before a new priest is called. In other words, I was looking at an almost two year delay in my ordination process. Read more...
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Grace Notes
FOOD FOR FRIENDS, AN EASTER THOUGHT... Easter is the greatest feast of the Christian year and Christians feast in more than one sense. The Easter season lasts for 50 days, and surely during this time we can reach out to include needy persons in our celebration, especially by donating to the Food for Friends food barrel on Sundays through Pentecost, May 27 this year. The Food Pantry wish list asks specifically for tuna, cereal, peanut butter, rice, coffee, and pasta. Alternatively checks may be drawn in favor of St. Paul’s CDC and marked Food Pantry. Send checks directly to St. Paul’s at 451 Van Houten Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.
CASINO NIGHT AT CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL... Our sister synagogue is holding a Casino night on Saturday, May 12, from 8pm to Midnight. Admission is $45/person in advance and $50/person at the door. This gets you $500 in play money to be used in casino style games with the chance to win raffle prizes and refreshments and noshes. The event is open to those who are 21 and older. For more information, please contact Susan Casper at casinonight@bisrael.com. Read more...
Friday, May 4, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Being Formed by a Different Story—A Different Song
In the world around us, Easter is over. We're moving on to things like Mothers' Day and Memorial Day and something called in stores Dads and Grads. But the Christian year is not the secular year. We're still in Easter for a few weeks yet, and those holidays I mentioned above have nothing to do with the Church calendar—and, in fact, can tend to obscure the celebrations related to the Resurrection of Christ and the Sundays that follow.
Maybe we all know this. But why does it matter? Is it a just a curiosity? Is it just vestigial remnants of the Church of an earlier time? And while we're at it, what about the rest of the traditional Christian practices and disciplines, like reading and studying Holy Scripture, fasting, daily morning and evening prayer, and the celebration of the sacraments, especially Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist? Why do these matter? Doesn't the Christian faith consist in learning what Jesus taught and/or believing in him so we'll go to heaven and not hell? Read more...
Monday, April 30, 2012
Grace Notes
YUMMY OFFER... We have a new neighbor on Westwood Avenue called Twist. Twist serves frozen yogurt and boasts the biggest toppings bar. Brandon, Neil and Charles, the proprietors, in thanksgiving for their new home, are honored to offer Smoothies for $2.00 (regularly $3.99) to churchgoers on Sunday from 11am-4pm. The smoothies are "made with delicious non fat yogurt and are available in 10 fresh flavors including strawberry, mango, cookies n cream etc." All we have to do is mention to the cashier that we are there from the church.
COMMUNITY HOSPICE... The Community Hospice of Bergen County will have their official "Ribbon Cutting" on Tuesday, May 1 at 6:30 PM at their offices located at 105 Fairview Avenue, Westwood. All are welcome! There will be music and refreshments. Read more...
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Bike Bergen
Join and/or support as Team Grace Westwood helps fight homelessness in Bergen County
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Songs of Hope
Benefit concerts for Peace4Paws at 2 and 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Easter Liturgy
Easter is a fifty day feast—a week of weeks/a Sabbath of Sabbaths. In the hymn, "Come ye faithful, raise the strain," (translated by that great nineteenth century priest, scholar and hymn writer/translator, John Mason Neale, from an 8th century text by John of Damascus), Easter is called the "Queen of seasons." This season is the center of the Church year.
A Season this important needs to be celebrated and elevated as much as possible. While we all know about the requirement for Alleluias in certain parts of the liturgy during these fifty days, and all of the great metrical hymns of this season, these are only the tip of the iceberg as far as liturgical enhancements of the season go. Over the centuries the Church has found a great many ways to celebrate the season of Easter. Read more...
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Grace Notes
HELP FIGHT HOMELESSNESS IN BERGEN COUNTY... Please join and/or support Team Grace Westwood on Sunday afternoon, April 29, as we participate in Bike Bergen. Last year, 15 of us walked three miles, or biked 15 or 25 miles, raising over $3000 which was split between Family Promise of Bergen County and Christ Church CDC. See Larry Sunden if you'd like to participate.
SONGS OF HOPE CONCERT... This Sunday Grace Church will host a special benefit concert for Peace4Paws. From 2 – 3 PM there will be a concert by the Palisades Opera Company, featuring selections from Verdi, Rossini and Mozart. A reception and exhibits begins at 3 PM with food, raffles and information about pet rescue and adoption. At 3:30 PM there will be a musical theater concert featuring Broadway show tunes. Tickets for both shows are $30 adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 children under ten. Purchase tickets at the door. All proceeds support sanctuary for retired research animals at Kindness Ranch, the Hudson Valley Humane Society, Beagle Freedom Project and Mylestone Equine Rescue. Read more...
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Service at B'nai Israel in Emerson at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Valuable—Even Irreplaceable
When I arrived at Grace Church, our Parish Administrator—Mary Beth King—was away at CREDO, an Episcopal Church sponsored retreat/conference for clergy and lay employees that focuses on physical, mental, spiritual, and financial health, wellness and balance. I didn't meet her until the following week. When she returned it didn't take long to realize how valuable Mary Beth was to Grace Church and to me.
For starters, Mary Beth knows her way around an office—and a church office in particular. She knows everything from how to deal with phone calls and visitors (including how to handle calls and visitors when I am trying to get work done and need not to be disturbed), how to use a copy machine, computers, and financial programs, how to organize and prioritize things from day to day, week to week, month to month, etc. All the basics for any office she does very well. Read more...
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Grace Notes
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY AT TRINITY / SAINT PHILIP'S CATHEDRAL... Please pray for our confirmand, Noelle Picard and for Randy Scott, who will be received into the Episcopal Church by the Right Reverend Mark Beckwith at Trinity and Saint Philip's Cathedral on April 15 at 3 p.m.
HELP FIGHT HOMELESSNESS IN BERGEN COUNTY... Please join and/or support Team Grace Westwood on Sunday afternoon, April 29, as we participate in Bike Bergen. Last year, 15 of us walked three miles, or biked 15 or 25 miles, raising over $3000 which was split between Family Promise of Bergen County and Christ Church CDC. See Larry Sunday if you'd like to participate.
SONGS OF HOPE CONCERT... Next Sunday, April 22, Grace Church will host a special benefit concert for Peace4Paws. From 2 – 3 p.m. there will be a concert by the Palisades Opera Company, featuring selections from Verdi, Rossini and Mozart. A reception and exhibits begins at 3 PM with food, raffles and information about pet rescue and adoption. At 3:30 p.m. there will be a musical theater concert featuring Broadway show tunes. Tickets for both shows are $30 adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 children under ten. Purchase tickets at the door. All proceeds support sanctuary for retired research animals at Kindness Ranch, the Hudson Valley Humane Society, Beagle Freedom Project and Mylestone Equine Rescue. Read more...
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
"This is the Night," an Interfaith Event
Naomi Weinberg, president of Congregation B'nai Israel in Emerson, supplied this report on the April 3, 2012 event:
Grace Episcopal Church was recently filled with interfaith messages and learning about the connections and distinctions between Easter and Passover. The program, entitled, "This is the Night: What Passover and Pascha (Easter) Teach Us About God, Ourselves, and Each Other" was led by Father Rob Rhodes of Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood and Rabbi Debra Orenstein of Congregation B'nai Israel in Emerson. As the Christian's Holy Week and Passover coincide, almost exactly as they did historically centuries ago, the timing of this program was most appropriate. Read more...
Sunday, April 8, 2012
The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Low Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Procession and Solemn Mass of the Resurrection 10 a.m.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
The Great Vigil of Easter
Lighting of the Great Fire, the Blessing of the Paschal Candle, Holy Baptism (or the renewal of Baptismal vows) and the First Holy Eucharist of Easter
8 p.m.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday
Proper Liturgy of Good Friday with Veneration of the Cross and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament
8 p.m.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday Walk of Faith
The Westwood Clergy Council will sponsor a community Walk of Faith, beginning here at Grace Church at 12 Noon on Good Friday, April 22. The walk then proceeds to several of the other churches in town, concluding at 3 p.m.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Maundy Thursday
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper with Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar and Reservation of the Sacrament on the Altar of Repose
8 p.m.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Interfaith Event
Father Rhodes and Rabbi Orenstein discuss Easter and Passover
7:30 p.m. at Grace Church
Monday, April 2, 2012
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 1, 2012
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Mass with the Blessing of the Palms, Procession and the Proclamation of the Passion Narrative
10 a.m.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Grace Notes
Holy Week—the Center of the Prayer Book and of Our Lives
Holy Week is here. The center of our Prayer Book, of the Church year, of our lives as Christians, Holy Week celebrates the culmination of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Palm Sunday, the Easter Triduum (three days), and Easter Sunday celebrate the Passover (Pascha) of the Lord from death to life.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day in which we celebrate Christ''s being hailed as King by the crowds as we enact his entrance into Jerusalem and then discover what God''s idea of a true King is in the Passion of Our Lord. Read more...
Friday, March 30, 2012
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion
6:00 pm
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Solemn Evensong and Benediction
7 pm
Simple Supper and Fellowship 7:45 pm
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Said Mass with Laying on of Hands and Anointing 9:15
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45
Said Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Grace Notes
Thank You...
On Monday, March 19, I anointed my brother, Christopher Lee Rhodes, and prayed over his body. The next day, at the end of a funeral in his church's tradition, I commended him to God using the Commendation in The Book of Common Prayer (p. 499), sprinkled his casket with Holy Water and then rode in procession to the chapel in a nearby cemetery/crematorium where I committed his body to the elements (BCP, p. 501-2).
Some in my family and in my circle of friends wondered how I could find the strength to offer those rites for my own brother. But not only was it not a matter of finding the strength to do it, it was important for my own spiritual well-being to be able to offer those ministrations for my brother and for those who love him. It was important for my own spiritual well-being to be able to offer the rites of Mother Church—to do what the Church does—at such a time. Read more...
Friday, March 23, 2012
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion
6:00 pm
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Solemn Evensong and Benediction
7 pm
Simple Supper and Fellowship 7:45 pm
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Said Mass with Laying on of Hands and Anointing 9:15
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Forth Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45
Said Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Grace Notes
New Life in Easter?
From the Liturgy for Ash Wednesday in The Book of Common Prayer:
This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.
Lent is the season in which we prepare for Easter and for Baptism and/or the renewal of our Baptismal vows. But since we've all gone through Lent before (many times) and we've all celebrated Easter before (many times) and most everyone reading this has been baptized, we might find ourselves wondering what that actually means, or even pretty confident about who we are in our life as the Baptized. Read more...
Friday, March 16, 2012
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion
6:00 pm
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Solemn Evensong and Benediction
7 pm
Simple Supper and Fellowship 7:45 pm
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Said Mass with Laying on of Hands and Anointing 9:15
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Rabbi Debra Orenstein lecture on Aramaic
7 p.m. at Westwood Public Library
Monday, March 12, 2012
Archbishop of Canterbury on Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Clicking here will link you to a recent sermon by Rowan Williams on the theme of freedom, drawing on the life of the 20th-century Christian martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Third Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45
Said Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Grace Notes
The Weekly Rhythm of the Church
Since the earliest days of the Church there has been a rhythm to the Christian Week.
At its most basic, the Christian week is divided between the Lord's Day and the rest of the Week. Christians never really lost their understanding of Saturday as the Sabbath day. Libraries of books have been written about the Sabbath—its power and its meaning—and Christians do not reject any of it. The Sabbath is the day of rest, but also the day of completion, of perfection. God finished the creation and rested, enjoyment and rest being the true completion and purpose of the work of creation. Morning Prayer in The Book of Common Prayer recalls the continuing importance of the Sabbath in its Collect for Saturdays. Traditionally, on Saturday ferias (free days—days with no feast attached to them), Mass is offered for the Blessed Virgin Mary in whose womb Christ rested before being born and beginning his work to bring about the new Creation. Read more...
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Set your clocks one hour ahead tonight. Aargh!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion
6:00 pm
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Solemn Evensong and Benediction
7 pm
Simple Supper and Fellowship 7:45 pm
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Said Mass with Laying on of Hands and Anointing 9:15
Monday, March 5, 2012
Grace Notes
Evensong and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
As I write this we just finished the first of our Lenten Series Evensong and Benediction. As always, I am amazed at the kind of worship a small congregation like ours is able to offer.
At supper afterward, one vestryperson pointed out the irony of combining that most Anglican of worship (Evensong) with that most Catholic of devotions (Benediction). And I understood this one level. But my first experience of the two together (at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Times Square) seemed a natural enough thing to me: Christ speaks to us in Scripture, we respond in prayer and Christ blesses us with his presence in the Sacrament. Read more...
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Second Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45
Said Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Friday, March 2, 2012
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion
6:00 pm
Friday, March 2, 2012
Morning Prayer
7 a.m., followed by coffee and donuts
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Solemn Evensong and Benediction
7 pm
Simple Supper and Fellowship 7:45 pm
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Mardis Gras Redux
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Said Mass with Laying on of Hands and Anointing 9:15
Sunday, February 26, 2012
First Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45
Said Mass 8 am
Great Litany and Sung Mass 10am
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Grace Notes
Lent has Begun
Lent has begun—that season of preparation on our way to the great fifty day celebration that is Easter. According to The Book of Common Prayer,
The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ash Wednesday
Mass with Imposition of Ashes 9:15 am, Noon, 8 pm
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Shrove Tuesday
6 to 9 pm. Food, Music, Games, Raffles. All are welcome. Click here for flyer.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Grace Notes
ALLELUIAS, MARDI GRAS, LENT AND NEW VESTMENTS
This Sunday is the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. That means that significant changes in the Church's practice in both discipline and liturgy are upon us.
On Tuesday the Church observes Mardi Gras. "Fat Tuesday" is the day before Ash Wednesday when rich, fatty foods (like the eggs, milk, and sugar, used in Pancakes for instance) are consumed the last time before the fasting and abstinence of Lent begins.
This day is also called Shrove Tuesday. Shrove is the past tense of the word shrive, which means to hear a confession, pronounce an absolution, and assign a penance. In the Anglo-Saxon "Ecclesiastical Institutes" translated from Theodulphus by Abbot Aelfric (circa 1000 A.D.), we read "In the week immediately before Lent, everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him as he then may hear by his deeds what he is to do [in the way of penance]." Read more...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Grace Notes
Cyril and Methodius Day
The vestry had its meeting a week early this month. We did so because a few voices at the short organizational meeting held immediately after the Annual Meeting it was pointed out that the February vestry meeting was scheduled for February 14 and attendance at that meeting could prove problematic to the personal lives of some of our vestry members. And, though I didn't argue with the decision, I found myself amazed at the apparently strong devotion to Sts. Cyril and Methodius of at least some of our vestry members.
Cyril and Methodius were two Byzantine brothers born in the beginning of the ninth century to a noble family in Thessalonica. They were ordained priests and went on to become missionaries. In about 863, Prince Rotislav, the ruler of Great Moravia made a request from the emperor for missionaries, who, unlike the Western missionaries who taught only in Latin, would teach in his peoples' native tongue of Slavonic. Ecumenical Patriarch Photius sent Methodius and his brother Constantine, who translated the Liturgy and much of the Scriptures into Slavonic—no easy task since Slavonic had no written form. Read more...
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple: Candlemas
Blessing of Candles, Procession and Solemn
Mass 10 am
Friday, February 3, 2012
Grace Notes
FROM: "RISKING SOMETHING BIG FOR SOMETHING GOOD" - BISHOP BECKWITH'S ADDRESS AT THE 138TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
The assignment from God to the prophet Jeremiah is a tough one. God asks, no God tells Jeremiah, that he has a prophetic sermon to preach: to "pluck up, tear down, overthrow and destroy – in order to build and plant."
Jeremiah is intensely ambivalent about being the mouthpiece for such a harsh message. People didn't want to hear it several thousand years ago, nor do they want to hear it today — but a variation of Jeremiah's dissembling message is just what we have been hearing and seeing for the past several years. Much of the economy was plucked up and torn down four years ago, and while we can now see signs of rebuilding and some new planting, there is a deeper realization that the economic model of continual and consistent growth we have counted on for so long is simply not sustainable. The public education system has become a political football, and various initiatives are being passed around with the intention that we need to overthrow the whole business and build something that works. And it is hard to build and plant in a culture that is wired in 24/7, and which leaves people endlessly distracted and with precious little discretionary time. Add to this the ravages of Hurricane Irene, which swept through the Northeast and damaged 24 of our congregations – two to the tune of nearly a quarter million dollars of damage each; and we have a lot of plucking up and tearing down going on. Read more...
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Diocesan Convention
Friday, January 27, 2012
Grace Notes
Diocesan Convention
As I write this I am anticipating the Convention of the Diocese of Newark which will be held on Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28 in Parsippany, New Jersey.
Conventions and Synods and Councils are nothing new for the Church. The first Church Council is recorded in Acts 15 and was held to settle the a dispute at the highest levels of the Church about whether or not Gentile converts to Christianity were required to keep the Law of Moses, especially regarding kosher and male circumcision. (That first council might also be referenced in Galatians 2, which describes a strong disagreement between Saint Peter and Saint Paul about the same issue). It's interesting to note that the council arrived at something of a compromise: Gentile Christians didn't have to keep kosher or be circumcised, but the consumption of blood or meat improperly killed or prepared was still forbidden. Read more...
Monday, January 23, 2012
Grace Notes
Grace Church Annual Meeting
Today Grace Church holds its Annual Meeting. While most congregations in the Episcopal Church do have their Annual Meetings in January (it's convenient for Treasurers working on a January through December fiscal year and it more or less feels right having it sometime near what most of us experience as the beginning of the year), this is one of the very few Dioceses I've served in which has its Diocesan Convention in the same month that most of its parishes has its Annual Meeting (the most common months for Diocesan Conventions seem to be November and February).
This means a lot of work for a lot of people (including your rector) crammed into a very small window of time. And of course the rest of the Church's usual activities and needs continue. Sundays still come every week. People still get sick. But the work we do in this time is important. Whenever more than a few people work together, some structure is usually necessary to be effective, and the Church isn't immune from that reality. So, though it can sometimes be inconvenient, we gather every so often to make decisions about our common life and mission. Read more...
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Grace Notes
Of Bishops and Baptism
This Sunday, our Diocesan bishop, the Right Reverend Mark M. Beckwith will return to Grace Church for his official canonical visitation. This is an important event in the life of a congregation of the Episcopal Church—a Reformation Church which retains the Catholic practice and theology of the threefold ministry and is named for the order of bishop (Episcopal means "of bishops").
The bishop's canonical visitation is a tradition from the early days of the Church. It had fallen out of practice for centuries, which became an issue at the time of the Reformation (especially in England), but was re-instated in the Church of England at the Reformation and in the Roman Catholic Church at the Council of Trent (both in the 16th century). The purpose of the canonical visitation was for the bishop to inspect the parish life, church goods (related to the building and sacraments), the parish records, and the orthodoxy of the clergy and laity, correcting any of these as necessary. Read more...
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Pontifical Mass
Bishop Mark Beckwith, celebrant
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Baptism of Our Lord
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Grace Notes
EPIPHANY AND BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
January 6 is the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The First Sunday after the Epiphany is celebrated as The Baptism of Our Lord.
One of the key rites of this feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church is the Great Blessing of Water. In it the priest prays a long and amazing prayer over the water that begins: "Great are you, O Lord, and wonderful your works, and no word is adequate to sing the praise of your wonders..." and then goes on
- to recognize the powerful and dangerous and life-giving and cleansing qualities of water;
- to point out the wonder of God the Creator taking flesh and submitting himself to his own creation even as creation itself (given voice by John the Baptist saying, "Who am I to baptize you?") balks at such an arrangement;
- to draw attention to the cosmic dimension of water—that element from which God drew the earth and all the living creatures;
- and finally to plead for God to bless the water in all of these things and make this primal element the instrument through which creation may be purified and so renewed—made a new creation as the first was drawn from those original waters.
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Said Mass, noon
Sung Mass with Hymns, 8 pm
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles
Morning Prayer 7:45 a.m.
Said Mass with Hymns 8 a.m.
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 a.m.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Grace Notes
The Busy Month of January
As I write this we are nearly halfway through the Twelve Days of Christmas and I am looking ahead to the January. As Christmas continues and then gives way to Epiphany-tide, it looks to be a busy month. (Do I say that every month?)
For starters, the Church celebrates several important feasts. On Sunday, January 1 the Church celebrates the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The eighth day after Christmas has been a feast of the Church for many centuries. In the Jewish tradition, on the eighth day after a male child is born, he is circumcised and Jesus was no exception. "After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." (Luke 2:21). January 1 has been celebrated as the Feast of the Circumcision for most of its existence. In 1979, the Episcopal Church renamed the feast The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Different Names, the same celebration. While Sunday takes precedence of most feasts, Holy Name is one of the few that the Prayer Book makes provision for celebration on a Sunday (BCP, 16) and we will take advantage of that provision to celebrate this feast in Morning Prayer and in the Masses on that day. Read more...
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Ninth Day of Christmas
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Said Mass with Hymns, 8 am
Solemn Mass, 10 am
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Said Mass with Hymns, 9:30 am
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Evening Prayer, 4:30 pm
Said Mass with Hymns, 5 pm
Choral Vigil, 10:30 pm
Solemn Midnight Mass, 11 pm
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Grace Notes
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is an Anglican specialty. But Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s take on Anglicans, offered as a friendly criticism, was that we are great about incarnation, but have a thing or two to learn about the cross. Of course they go together. The baby whose birth we celebrate on Christmas is not just baby in general. He is the baby who grows up in such a way, and lives in such a way, and gives himself to the world—to us—in such a way—as a Word spoken on behalf of the poor, the weak, the sinner, the hungry, etc., that the powers of the world who would prefer we not notice all those Jesus said would be lifted up in his Father’s Kingdom, decide he has to be stopped once and for all. And so they kill him. And that baby, not just a baby in general, is God made flesh. Christmas and cross go together. The Incarnation is about God entering into the world and coming alongside those the world would prefer we forget and suffering for it, but in the end, being vindicated by his Father in Resurrection. If the Church can remember this and keep it in mind, it will be a Merry Christmas indeed. Read more...
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Greening of the Church
Following the 10 am service
Sunday, December 18, 2011
The Fourth Sunday of Advent—Interfaith Pulpit Exchange (Part 2)
Morning Prayer 7:45 am Said Mass with Hymns 8 am Sung Mass 10 am—Rabbi Debra Orenstein, Congregation B'Nai Israel, Guest Preacher
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Messy Church
All are welcome, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Grace Notes
Waiting Together
On this Fourth Week of Advent I am very happy to welcome my new friend and clergy colleague, Rabbi Debra Orenstein, from Congregation B'Nai Israel, to preach at Grace Church at the 10 am Mass.
Rabbi Orenstein has taught, and led congregations in Los Angeles and regularly speaks at synagogues, universities and conventions. She is the author or editor of five books, and essays for a number of newspapers and journals. As one who loves movies, I was excited when we met to learn that she "worked her way through rabbinical school" as an actress and has appeared in a handful of films and numerous stage productions. As her bio on Congregation B'Nai Israel's website explains, Rabbi Orenstein is "a seventh generation rabbi," and "an alumna of the first entering class at The Jewish Theological Seminary to include women." Read more...
Friday, December 16, 2011
Interfaith Pulpit Exchange (Part 1)
Congregation B'Nai Israel Erev Shabbat 8 pm The Reverend Robert Rhodes, Guest Preacher
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Third Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am Said Mass with Hymns 8 am Sung Mass 10 am
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Wassail Party
At home of the Okunlolas, 5 pm
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Grace Notes
Rejoice
The Third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. It gets its name from the first word of the traditional introit for the day and it marks the movement from the darkness and urgency of the earlier part of the season—that sense that the Day of the Lord is near and it is darkness and not light, with John the Baptist shouting "Repent!" to get us ready for that day—to the realization that the Lord is at the threshold and the broken and sinful world is about to be set right. John the Baptist, who has been pointing out primarily the wrongness, the sinfulness, of the world and demanding repentance, now says that the one who will put it all to right is finally in our midst. Could there be a better reason to rejoice?
--Father Rhodes
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Grace Notes
Christian Hope in Season and Out
John the Baptist makes his annual Advent appearance this week and next, making way for and pointing to the one who is coming... the Christ. And the coming of Christ is the fulfillment of John the Baptist's work. It's what his whole prophetic ministry has been about: the proclamation of the fulfillment of the hope of Israel.
But what we don't hear this year (we heard it last year on the Third Sunday of Advent) is the question—the hard question—that John the Baptist asked from prison. He sent his disciples to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Can you imagine? He saw Jesus and was sure that his work was complete. He had pointed people to the Messiah. And he was sure Jesus was the Messiah, because he'd seen the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus. But then he runs afowl of King Herod and finds himself in jail and begins to have second thoughts, and to wonder... is this really the guy? Read more...
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Second Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am Said Mass with Hymns 8 am Sung Mass 10 am
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The First Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am Said Mass with Hymns 8 am Sung Mass 10 am
Friday, November 25, 2011
Grace Notes
Advent Begins
This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent. It is the beginning of a new Church year in the West (the Eastern Church's new year begins on September 1). The English speaking liturgical churches of the West, which have, for the most part adopted the same lectionary, begin Year B in the Sunday Eucharistic Lectionary. In Daily Office Lectionary we begin Year 2 (BCP 889 and 936 respectively). If you have never prayed Scripture, or if you have, but haven't in a while, the First Sunday of Advent is a great time to begin.
One option is to praying the Daily Office (various options for praying the Office can be found in The Book of Common Prayer 35-146—and the Year 2 Psalms and readings for the Office can be found in the Daily Office Lectionary, beginning on page 937). Read more...
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving Eve
Sung Mass at 8 pm
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Grace Notes
Thanksgiving, Stewardship and a New Church Year
This Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church year. In The Book of Common Prayer, it is called the Last Sunday after Pentecost. In many churches in the West it is called Christ the King Sunday and the propers (collect and readings) for the Last Sunday after Pentecost in the Prayer Book certainly point to the celebration of Christ's reign over all people and all powers in creation.
The following Thursday is Thanksgiving—a holiday with Puritan roots and only recently raised to the level of major feast in the American Anglican tradition. The Puritans, who had rejected the traditional Church holidays like Easter, Christmas and saints' days (along with things like stained glass windows, altars, and The Book of Common Prayer), replaced those holidays with "public days" of fasting, meditation and supplication to God. Thanksgiving is one of those days. Despite its anti-Anglican roots, Thanksgiving is a great holiday and it fits in nicely with the themes of Christ the King (it is fitting that one should give thanks to the King from whom all blessings flow) and of the annual stewardship campaign usually running at this time of year in most congregations of many denominations. Read more...
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Grace Notes
STEWARDSHIP THAT INTERFERES WITH EVERYDAY LIFE
Terry Eagleton is a philosopher and professor of literary theory who was raised Catholic, trained by Dominicans, and of Irish working-class descent, but who lives and works among elite 'protestant' English in places like Cambridge, Manchester and Oxford Universities. Though an atheist himself, Eagleton has taken up the battle to defend religious belief against those popular and 'evangelizing' atheists like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins (referred to by Eagleton as Ditchens) in recent years (see Eagleton's Reason, Faith, and Revolution: Reflections on the God Debates).
Eagleton claims that in England, the attitude to religion is much like the attitude toward alcohol: When it starts to interfere with everyday life then it's time to give it up. Read more...
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Parish Shopping Day
1 to 4 pm, featuring Predules & Fugues, Avon, and Party Lites
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Sunday After All Saints’ Day
Procession and Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism and Renewal of Baptismal Vows at 10 am
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Daylight Savings Time ends
Turn your clocks back 1 hour Saturday night. Hurray!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Grace Notes
All Saints' and Holy Baptism
This Sunday Grace Church takes advantage of the provision in The Book of Common Prayer that allows for a celebration of All Saints' on the Sunday after All Saints' Day in addition to the celebration on All Saints' Day itself (BCP 15). It is the only feast day for which such a provision is made (certain Principal feasts—specifically All Saints' Day, Christmas Day and the Epiphany—may be observed on Sunday if they fall on Sunday, but other major feasts are supposed to be moved to the following Monday and if another major feast falls on that day it moves to the next and so on—lesser feasts that fall on a Sunday are simply not observed in that year). Read more...
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day)
Said Mass with Remembrance of Faithful Departed at 9:15 am
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Grace Notes
Celebrations, Souls and Saints
There isn't much room to write here this week. Maybe that's a good thing. We have a lot going on. As of this writing I am finishing the Diocese of Newark Clergy Conference that is held each year at this time. It's three days of shared meals, prayer and worship, and program. Though it's held at the Shawnee Inn in Pennsylvania, I'm commuting back and forth (too much to do to stay there) and so have been away more than I've been here. Still, I have had a lot to get done...
On Saturday, October 29, at 10:30am, (if you're reading this for the first time in church on Sunday, it was yesterday), Liza Medina and Ben Martin will be married at Grace Church. Christian weddings are services of worship, and, as such, when celebrated in the church, they are open to the public. The Christian community is always welcomed and encouraged to celebrate the beginning of the new life and vocation of a couple getting married. This case is no exception. And, if you cannot join in the celebration, your prayers are certainly appreciated. Read more...
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Grace Notes
The Word of God and the Bible
Episcopalians who find themselves at Mass on a regular basis hear a lot of scripture. On Sundays and major feasts we hear a lesson from the Old Testament, a non-Gospel lesson from the New Testament (usually called 'the Epistle' in liturgical shorthand whether it's actually from an Epistle or not) and a reading from one of the four Gospels (usually with a Psalm read or sung between the first two readings). In addition, the text of the liturgy itself is largely made up of scripture or scriptural allusions. And Episcopalians who pray the Daily Office every day hear even more. What's more, much of our canticles, anthems, hymnody and other musical texts are paraphrases, inspired by or are taken directly from the Bible. This is a great thing. It's a blessing for us to be so soaked in Holy Scripture. Read more...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Grace Notes
The Confession in the Mass
In 1987, Wendell Berry, a farmer, writer, philosopher, agronomist and conservationist wrote an essay called, "Why I am not going to buy a computer." In this essay he explained a variety of interesting reasons he wouldn't buy a computer, but in short he didn't want to encourage coal mining or consumption by using any more electricity than he needed to use and he explained that his pencil and old typewriter still worked just fine.
Several people wrote angry letters in response to his essay explaining why computers were good writing tools, that Berry's position wouldn't make any significant difference anyway, that he should get with the times because the computer (by facilitating informational websites, etc.) might actually help conservationists keep abreast of the issues Berry cared about and even further the conservation movement and, finally (because of the latter) these letter writers said that would use their own computers with a clear conscience. Read more...
Friday, October 7, 2011
Grace Notes
The Neighborhood Making Its Way into the Church and the Church Spilling into the Streets...
I am excited.
For two Sunday afternoons in a row the boundary between Church and world came crashing down around Grace Church. The world came into the Church and the Church poured out into the world.
Of course this is really happening all of the time, but on these two Sundays we saw it in fun and dramatic ways.
On September 25, our little church opened its doors to the Palisades Opera company as they offered a concert version of "La Boheme." That afternoon over a hundred people came into our worship space to hear the familiar music of this popular opera sung by local singers from our own community. Read more...
Monday, October 3, 2011
Grace Notes
Dedication, the Blessing of Animals and Reaching Out
This Sunday Grace Church will do two things.
First, we will celebrate the Feast of Dedication. The Feast of Dedication of a church (and by church in this case we usually mean the building, but we shouldn't limit our celebration to buildings, which are really means to an end) is a very traditional feast, but that celebration has fallen into disuse over the years. Most parishes in the Episcopal Church do not celebrate a Feast of Dedication, but Anglo-Catholic parishes tend to and Grace Church is no exception. Read more...
Monday, October 3, 2011
Grace Notes
A Pastoral Teaching from the Bishops of the Episcopal Church
[September 20, 2011] The Episcopal Church House of Bishops, meeting in Province IX, in Quito, Ecuador, issued the following Pastoral Teaching:
We, your bishops, believe these words of Jeremiah describe these times and call us to repentance as we face the unfolding environmental crisis of the earth: How long will the land mourn, and the grass of every field wither? For the wickedness of those who live in it the animals and the birds are swept away, and because people said, "He is blind to our ways." (Jeremiah 12:4)
The mounting urgency of our environmental crisis challenges us at this time to confess "our self-indulgent appetites and ways," "our waste and pollution of God's creation," and "our lack of concern for those who come after us" (Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Book of Common Prayer, p. 268). It also challenges us to amend our lives and to work for environmental justice and for more environmentally sustainable practices. Read more...
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Blessing of the Animals
2:30 pm as the centerpiece of Pawsfest 2011—held between 12:30 and 5pm.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Feast of the Dedication of the Church
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Monday, September 26, 2011
Animal Blessing 2010
This year Grace Church's annual Animal Blessing will be the centerpiece of peace4paws PawsFest 2011, which will take place at Grace Church on Sunday, October 4, from 12:30 to 5 pm. There will be pet- and people-friendly activities and food through the day, and the Blessing will take place inside the church at 2:30 pm. The event will also feature adoptable dogs from Last Resort Dog Rescue, cats from Friends of the County Animal Shelter, and rabbits from Hug-a-Bunny Rabbit Rescue. All pets and their support staff are welcome. More information is available by clicking here.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
La Boheme
Concert version presented by Palisdales Opera at Grace Church
2 pm. Tickets $20 or $15 seniors/students
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Grace Notes
Continuing in the Apostles' Teaching and Fellowship, in the Breaking of Bread, and in the Prayers
In the three years I've been here I've spoken and written a lot, formally and informally, about the changing relationship between the Church and the world—especially the center of the world's power—over the centuries—giving a (maybe too) simple timeline that looks something like this:
- Pentecost (ca) 33AD—313 is the Apostolic Age when the Church carried the gospel out from its place of origin into the world (following the pattern set in the Acts of the Apostles).
- 313 AD— (ca) 1963 AD is the Age of Christendom when Empire accepted Christianity as the dominant faith of Empire (saying it this way is probably problematic—My sense is that the Empire wasn't so much converted to the Christian faith, but, by accepting our symbols and some of our language and institutions, Empire tamed the Christian faith to its own purposes—but I'm trying to keep it simple), and, while continuing missionary work around the edges, the Church settled in and got comfortable—building in place rather than moving.
- 1963 AD—?... Well, this is up for grabs, but Christendom is over. Empire no longer supports the Church. Where we're going isn't clear, but at least two options lie before the Church. Either continued decline—even to extinction—OR a New Apostolic Age.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9/11 Anniversary Mass
10th anniversary Mass of the Resurrection for the Victims of 9/11 with Absolution of the Dead, 10 am
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Grace Notes
Prayers for the Dead and September 11
My friend and seminary classmate, Father Alexander (Sandy) Graham, a priest of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, sent me picture via email recently that took me back almost ten years the instant I saw it and at the same time looked almost completely unreal, unfamiliar, even alien to me, even though I'm in the picture.
In the photograph Father Graham is facing away from the photographer (who, I think, was his wife, Mother Heather Patton-Graham). I am next to and a little behind him, also facing away with my hand lifted behind my head. A little ahead of me and to my right, but facing Father Graham and me (and so, sort of facing the camera) is my friend, Father Ollie Rencher. We're crossing 13th Street in New York City making our way to St. Vincent's Hospital. The streets are full of people walking every direction, all of them with lost expressions on their faces (and, though my face is turned from the camera I can assure you that the same lost expression was on my face). In the center of the picture smoke rises into the crystal clear blue sky. The photograph was taken on the morning of September 11, 2001. Read more...
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Grace Notes
Best Laid Plans: Water, Labor, Life
What a weekend...
Hurricane Irene came through last weekend and demanded all of our attention for at least a few days. Each of us was affected differently, but everyone in this area had to at least pay attention to Irene's insistent tantrum.
Morning Prayer's congregation was yours truly. The 8AM Service, also a congregation of one, wound up being a liturgy of the Word with Communion from the Reserved Sacrament since priests in the Anglican tradition aren't supposed to celebrate the Eucharist without a congregation (however small), and it was offered in the dark. The 10AM Mass actually had a congregation of four and we celebrated a very simple service in the rector's study so that we could see what we were doing. Read more...
Monday, August 29, 2011
Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training
Following coffee hour
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Grace Notes
The Simple Way
While walking on Westwood Avenue this week I saw posters for both The Palisades Opera's performance of La Boheme to be offered at Grace Church on Sunday, September 25th at 2pm (Admission $20-Adults, $15-Seniors and students under 12), and for the Pawsfest event that will surround the Blessing of the Animals this year (October 2nd) and include activities for pets and people and the opportunity for pet adoptions. It was great to see these posters (and fun to see a photo of me blessing a dog in the center of the Pawsfest poster). They're all over the place. We're beginning to getting our name out on the street again—beginning to engage the community again. That's a great thing.
Next week Mother Shane Phelan from Saint Luke's Episcopal/Our Savior Lutheran Church in Haworth and I will drive down to Philadelphia to spend a few days sharing the life of the New Monastic community called The Simple Way. I've been trying to arrange a visit there for a while and was finally invited last month. I want to spend time with that community because they, too, are engaging their community, though in a very different way than we are. I want to learn from them. Read more...
Friday, August 26, 2011
A note about Hurricane Irene:
The Rector will be at Grace Church this Sunday, but strongly urges caution and asks you to use common sense when considering whether to come to Mass—even if you are scheduled to serve. Hurricanes are not to be taken lightly. Be safe and pray for one another and for all who are in the path of hurricane Irene.
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, an in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Friday, August 26, 2011
"La Boheme" to be Performed at Grace Church
On September 25 at 2pm Palisades Opera will present a concert version of "La Boheme" by Giacomo Puccini at Grace Church. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students under 12. For more information, see www.palisadesopera.org, the Facebook Page for “Palisades Opera,” email info@palisadesopera.org or call 203 915-2478.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Grace Notes
A Reminder About Reconciliation of a Penitent
Q.What is the Reconciliation of a Penitent? A.Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. (BCP 361)
"Bless me, for I have sinned." (BCP 447)
The Church's business is the business of reconciliation. Christ gave himself to us in order that we may be reconciled with God. We are called to be peacemakers, to forgive, to be hospitable, to care for the sick, the poor and the lonely not because these are nice things to do, but because these are acts that unite us more closely to one another and to God and make concrete God's reconciling love in the world. Read more...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Mass on the Grass
Outdoor Mass with modest lunch, 10 am
Friday, August 5, 2011
Grace Notes
Symbols of Ministry
A new baptismal font has been installed at Grace Church. It is the very generous gift of Jack and Cindy Waneck in memory of Joan Waneck. If you have been in the church in the last week or so you will have seen that a few pews have been removed (we are still working out a plan for the pews that were removed that will honor those who gave those pews in the first place) and our current font and the Paschal Candle have been moved into that space in preparation for the reception of the new font in its permanent new home. What's this about?
One of the results of the Oxford Movement of the nineteenth century (and the various Anglo-Catholic movements that followed it) was a renewed sense of the Holy Eucharist (the Mass) as central to the life and worship of Christians. And this renewed sense of the centrality of the Eucharist wasn't just for Anglo-Catholic parishes. Over time it became the norm for the whole Episcopal Church. Read more...
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Grace Notes
Rethinking Mission and Ministry in Westwood and Bergen County
This I was reading an essay by Ray Mayhew called "Embezzlement: The Corporate Sin of Contemporary Christianity?" The essay raises a hard, but important issue for the Church. Pastor Mayhew writes that in the patristic period the practice of the Church was to give almost everything it collected in offerings not to the upkeep of the clergy or church buildings or program or to the institution of the Church, but to those in need. Today the average church spends about $85 out of every $100 collected for the internal needs of the Church, but in the patristic Church almost all of the money collected was given to the poor.
Pastor Mayhew's big question was, as the title suggests, whether by spending money collected in church for the maintenance of the institution (which really isn't giving it away so much as paying for services since we all get something out of it—pastoral care, pastoral counseling, facilities for Sunday worship and Christian formation, etc., and some of us get job with compensation) instead of using it to support the poor, who are really Christ for us (Matthew 25:40, 45), we aren't in fact stealing something that belongs God. Read more...
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Grace Notes
Invisible?
Tuesday morning I was at the doctor's office for a routine check-up. In between checking my blood pressure and listening to my heart, the doctor said, "Remind me which church you serve."
"Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood," I answered.
"And where is that again?"
"At five corners."
I knew the doctor knew the area. I'd seen her in Starbucks and she sends my prescriptions to the CVS in Westwood Avenue. But she said, "At five corners? I didn't know there was a church there."
I suppose this story might seem sort of funny. Maybe strange‐even unexpected. I mean, we're right on the corner! Except that I hear it way too much. Way. Too. Much. I've heard it from the women who cut my hair. I've heard it from people in Starbucks. I've heard it from way too many people.
Last year we applied for Ward J. Herbert Fund money (a diocesan matching fund to assist in the repair and upkeep of church owned and used buildings) to help pay for a new roof. We ultimately received the money, but there was a bit of a glitch in the process when one of the Ward J. Herbert board members almost missed a meeting because she kept passing Grace Church, driving by it on Kinderkamack several times, and not actually finding it until she called us from her car to let her know where we were. Read more...
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training
Following coffee hour
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Grace Notes
Lay Liturgical Ministries
From An Outline of the Faith: commonly called the Catechism:
Q. Who are the ministers of the Church?(The Book of Common Prayer, 855)
A. The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.
Q. What is the ministry of the laity?
A. The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.
From the Canons of the Episcopal Church:
CANON 1: Of the Ministry of All Baptized Persons
Sec. 1. Each Diocese shall make provision for the affirmation and development of the ministry of all baptized persons, including:
(a) Assistance in understanding that all baptized persons are called to minister in Christ's name, to identify their gifts with the help of the Church and to serve Christ's mission at all times and in all places.
(b) Assistance in understanding that all baptized persons are called to sustain their ministries through commitment to life-long Christian formation.
CANON 4: Of Licensed Ministries
Sec. 1 (a) A confirmed communicant in good standing or, in extraordinary circumstances, subject to guidelines established by the Bishop, a communicant in good standing, may be licensed by the Ecclesiastical Authority to serve as Pastoral Leader, Worship Leader, Preacher, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, Evangelist, or Catechist. Requirements and guidelines for the selection, training, continuing education, and deployment of such persons, and the duration of licenses shall be established by the Bishop in consultation with the Commission on Ministry. Read more...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Church trip to see N.J. Jackals
Baseball and fireworks
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Grace Notes
Depriving the Mass
Music has always been central (even if not technically essential) to Christian worship. It makes sense. Good news, celebration and song go together. If you want to have a really good sense of that truth, try saying (not singing) "Happy Birthday to You," at the next birthday celebration you attend.
But music has been an evolving element of worship for Christians. One has only to browse the Hymnal, paying attention to the notes under each piece of music to get some sense of how things have changed over the centuries.
There have been periods in which almost all texts for singing were either directly taken from scripture (especially the Psalms) or paraphrased. Great hymns and canticles that proclaimed the faith of the Church, like the Gloria in excelsis (probably written in imitation of the Psalms in the second or third century and entering the Morning Office in the Eastern Church in the fourth century), and the Phos hilaron (no exact dating, but already in wide use in Evening Prayer before the third century) have been around since very early on. For much of the life of the Church chant has played a large part in worship music, especially among monastic Christians. There have been times of great simplicity in music and times when congregational singing was de-emphasized in exchange for great choral music (which often even covered important parts of the liturgy like the priest saying the Great Thanksgiving). There have been times when popular music was introduced into the life of the Church (the story goes that Martin Luther wrote deeply theological hymn texts to teach his followers, but set them to tavern songs to make them fun to sing) and times when it was absolutely rejected (many in the extreme Reformed tradition saw any hymn text not directly taken from scripture as something Catholic and so to be rejected for Christian worship). Read more...
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Grace Notes
Just Rite for Summer
Going to Mass while on vacation is always an interesting affair. Using the language found on parish websites or newspaper or phone-book advertisements to figure out what one will experience at a given Episcopal Church often requires the talents of a low-level code-breaker. Different words mean different things to different people and that's especially true in the descriptions one finds of worship.
One summer more than a decade ago Lisa and I were on vacation and I saw an ad for a church relatively close to the airport that simply described one service as traditional and one as contemporary. I interpreted these two words—traditional and contemporary—as Rite I and Rite II and I didn't really care one way or the other about that and decided I'd like a little time to either sleep in and get our luggage ready and go the later service—the one labeled contemporary. Big mistake. After two hours of praise bands, giant video screens, announcements that went on longer than the very long sermon, and claims to special revelations from the Holy Spirit during the liturgy by people in the congregation, Lisa and I were couldn't get out the door fast enough and I had to risk a look back at the sign to make sure we'd been in an Episcopal Church at all. Read more...
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Grace Notes
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
This Sunday marks the end of what is in many Anglo-Catholic parishes unofficially called "Procession-tide." We will celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi this Sunday and for the fourth Sunday in a row our liturgy will feature a Solemn procession (during the 10am Mass), though in this case it will be near the end of the liturgy rather than at the beginning, and lead into Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
While Maundy Thursday celebrates (among other things) the institution of the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, Corpus Christi extends the Maundy Thursday celebration (which is why it is properly celebrated on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday—the first free Sunday after the Easter Season—even if it is usually transferred to the Sunday following) and celebrates specifically Christ’s presence in the Sacrament and our worship of that presence. Read more...
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Solemn Mass, and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament with Adoration and Benediction 10 am
Monday, June 20, 2011
Grace Notes
Trinity Sunday and the Te Deum
This Sunday is the First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday. The Sundays after Pentecost are not 'of' Pentecost, but 'after' Pentecost. In earlier Prayer Books they were called the Sundays after Trinity Sunday but this was changed to highlight the importance of the great feast of Pentecost (a feast second only to Easter) and also the transition from the Great Fifty Days of Easter to the Season that has traditionally (if problematically) been called Ordinary Time.
Our celebration this day will begin with a Solemn Procession and after we receive communion, it will include a Solemn Te Deum in thanksgiving for God revealing himself as Trinity. The Solemn Te Deum has a long history in the Anglican (and the wider Catholic) tradition, especially as an offering of thanksgiving, either at the end of Matins (Morning Prayer), Evensong or the Mass, or even as a separate service for a special occasion like the dedication of a new church building, the coronation of a new King or Queen, the consecration of a new bishop or the election of a Pope. Read more...
Sunday, June 19, 2011
First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass with Solemn Te Deum 10 am
Sunday, June 12, 2011
The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession, Holy Baptism and Solemn Mass 10 am
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Grace Notes
Pentecost, Empowerment and Mission
Pentecost, or Whitsunday, is the fiftieth day of Easter and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles (Acts 2), empowering them for mission and driving them into the world to carry out that mission much as the same Spirit drove Jesus into the desert and throughout his ministry.
For many people Pentecost is known as one of the few days on which the vestments and appointments for Mass are red. Red vestments remind us that the Holy Spirit's descent onto the disciples appeared as tongues of flame. Pentecost is also known as the day on which the congregation is encouraged to wear red as well (the only time I know of when the congregation is encouraged to match the vestments of the sacred ministers). In some places there are ministry fairs on this day. In other places, Pentecost picnics on church grounds. In still others, red balloons are filled with helium and fill the church (if the building has a high ceiling, it's especially important to tie helium balloons down securely!). There are many ways to recognize and mark the importance of Pentecost. Read more...
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Grace Notes
The First Novena, Waiting and Prayer
On Thursday, June 2, on the fortieth day of Easter, the Church celebrated the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A week from this Sunday, on the fiftieth day of Easter the Church celebrates Pentecost. This Sunday, the Church finds herself in an in-between time.
In the lesson from Acts this Sunday we hear that, after Jesus had ascended into heaven, the disciples followed Jesus' command to wait with expectation for the coming of the Holy Spirit who would empower them for a mission that would take them far from the familiarity of the land and practices of their ancestors. They went back to the upper room to wait and to pray. This is often considered the first Novena (nine consecutive days of prayer followed by a feast) of the Church. Read more...
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Ascension Day
Solemn Mass 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Grace Notes
Call and Discernment
If you've been paying attention during the Prayers of the People, you've heard an extra petition in the last few weeks. We have been praying for Ben, our Aspirant, and for his discernment committee. The Ben in question, of course, is Ben Martin who is discerning a call to the Holy Order of Deacon. His discernment committee is a group of people who have been asked to do the holy work of helping Ben get some clarity about his call to ministry. I invite you to pray for this group and for Ben in your personal prayers as well (it is in fact a good thing to pray for all of those for whom we pray in the liturgy in your own personal prayers and encourage you to do so). Read more...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Grace Notes
A Fairy Story for People Afraid of the Dark
When I was in grade school I remember loving the PBS series Cosmos hosted by the late Carl Sagan. I still have the companion book to the show on a shelf in the rectory. It was one piece of the puzzle that is my fascination with the majesty, beauty and grandeur of God's creation. It never bothered me that Sagan himself could only use the word God metaphorically.
Likewise, I read A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking not long after it came out (it's also still on a shelf in the rectory, near Cosmos), and loved the documentary based on it. It's a short book and in it Professor Hawking makes very complicated and subtle ideas much simpler (not simple, but simpler). Through that book, too, Hawking makes reference to God, though the God he mentions is the God of the Deists (that is, the same God as that of the Enlightenment and so also of many of the founding fathers of the United States of America)—a God used to explain why there is something rather than nothing, but who doesn't seem to have much else to do with Creation after making it, winding it up and letting it go. Over the years Hawking would talk about God as a hypothesis or as a possible explanation for the beginning of everything—as something that could perhaps be tested—or proved or disproved. As is usually the case with such a God (god would probably be more appropriate, since such a god bears little resemblance to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and of Jesus Christ at this point), once alternative explanations surface for whatever function such a god would serve, the need for and scope of that god is made smaller. The god who fills the gaps of our knowledge grows smaller and smaller as our knowledge of the universe and its processes grows larger. Read more...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Westwood Pride Day
Grace will have a booth at this event in Veteran's Park, 10 to 5
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Grace Notes
Graduals, Sequences, Alleluias, Tracts and the Victimae Paschali
The current Prayer Book revision is the first to provide for two readings before the gospel (earlier Prayer Books had only an Epistle and the Gospel assigned to each Sunday and Feast Day), a return to the practice of the early Church. The Prayer Book allows for a number of options between the Lessons in the Liturgy of the Word. The rubric reads: A Psalm, hymn, or anthem may follow each Reading. This flexibility allows for a variety of options as may be required by parishes with varying resources and levels of musical ability. It also makes possible a return to certain traditional patterns in the Liturgy of the Word, specifically, Graduals, Alleluias, Tracts and Sequences. Read more...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Grace Notes
Easter Hope and the Holy Eucharist
In the gospel this week we hear what may be among the most heartbreaking words in Holy Scripture: We had hoped he would be the one who would redeem Israel.
The scene takes place on the first Easter Sunday, and, though they have heard some of their fellow disciples say that Jesus was alive, they weren''t yet able to process or accept it. So these two disciples, after having spent the most powerful, transforming, alive time of their lives walking toward Jerusalem with Jesus—their teacher, their Master, their friend—walking toward that holy city, toward hope, toward freedom, toward the enthronement of the new King and the beginning of a new Kingdom, now walked away from it without him. Their hope had been broken when the powers of this world arrested Jesus, tried him, hung him on a cross and killed him. Read more...
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Grace Notes
The Blessed Virgin Mary and the May Crowning
For a long time (since probably around the 16th century—maybe earlier) the month of May has been associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before that there was a tradition (still observed in some places) called the Tricesimum, a thirty day devotion that began on August 15 (the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary). There were also pagan festivals celebrating the leaving behind of winter and the rebirth that comes with spring, often associated with pagan goddesses like Artemis and Flora and held in May. It’s possible that the tradition of a thirty day devotion to the Blessed Mother became associated with the pagan flower festivals in May resulting in the tradition of recognizing May as Mary’s month. Eventually the entire month of May was filled with special observances and devotions to Mary (a similar set of devotions are observed for Jesus in June). Read more...
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass of the Resurrection 10 am
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Grace Notes
The Fifty Days of Easter
Easter, also known as Pascha or the Christian Passover, is the greatest and oldest feast of the Christian Church and it is the center of the Christian Year. On this day the Church celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great act of salvation on which everything in the Church rests and out of which all the power of the Church springs. There is no holier night than the Great Vigil of Easter when Christ is raised from the dead in our midst, and Easter Sunday morning continues that celebration with the announcement of his resurrection.
We have prepared for this feast with that forty-day long season of fasting and abstinence called Lent, and, after the Great Three Day liturgy of Easter, we continue to celebrate Easter for fifty straight days, culminating in the great feast of Pentecost. Read more...
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Great Vigil of Easter
Lighting of the Great Fire, the Blessing of the Paschal Candle, Holy Baptism (or the renewal of Baptismal vows) and the First Holy Eucharist of Easter
8 pm
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
Proper Liturgy of Good Friday with Veneration of the Cross and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament
8 pm
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday Walk of Faith
The Westwood Clergy Council will sponsor a community Walk of Faith, beginning here at Grace Church at 12 Noon on Good Friday, April 22. The walk then proceeds to several of the other churches in town, concluding at 3 pm.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Maundy Thursday
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper with Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar and Reservation of the Sacrament on the Altar of Repose
8 pm
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Mass with the Blessing of the Palms, Procession and the Proclamation of the Passion Narrative
10 am
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Grace Notes
Holy Week—The Center of the Prayer Book and of Our Lives
Holy Week is here. The center of our Prayer Book, of the Church year, of our lives as Christians, Holy Week celebrates the culmination of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Palm Sunday, the Easter Triduum (three days), and Easter Sunday celebrate the Passover (Pascha) of the Lord from death to life.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day in which we celebrate Christ's being hailed as King by the crowds as we enact his entrance into Jerusalem and then discover what God's idea of a true King is in the Passion of Our Lord.
Thursday evening begins the Paschal Triduum, that great and sacred liturgy which takes place over three days. It begins in the Upper Room and ends in a tomb wherein Christ rises from the dead. Some of the most ancient rites of the Christian community are observed these three days.Read more...
Friday, April 15, 2011
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion 6:00 pm
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Lenten Series: Hoping
Evening Prayer 6 pm; Contemplative Prayer 6:20 pm; Simple Supper and Program 6:45 pm
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Grace Notes
IT'S ALMOST HOLY WEEK
We've heard have been pointing us to the culmination of this season and the primary celebration of the Church year. Lent is building to its climax. We are approaching Holy Week and Easter.
On the First Sunday in Lent we heard of Jesus' temptation—to be a king no different than the kings of this world—and his overcoming of this temptation. On the Second Sunday in Lent we heard about being born again—entering into a completely new and different life—by water and the Holy Spirit. On the Third Sunday in Lent we heard of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well and of life-giving water. Last week, on the Fourth Sunday in Lent, we heard of the movement from darkness to light. We hear in the gospel this week the story of the raising of Lazarus. On the eve of Jesus' passion Jesus comes face to face with his nemesis—death itself—and he wins life for his good friend, Lazarus. Read more...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion 6:00 pm
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Lenten Series: Working
Evening Prayer 6 pm; Contemplative Prayer 6:20 pm; Simple Supper and Program 6:45 pm
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Team Grace Westwood and Supporters Have Banner Year
Fifteen friends and members of Grace Church, together called Team Grace Westwood, participated on April 3rd, 2011, in the 18th annual Bike Bergen sponsored by Family Promise of Bergen County. Through the generosity of parishioners, team members, their friends and family, $3250 was raised. The money will be split between Family Promise and Christ Church Community Development Corporation, organizations that provide shelter and permanent housing for the homeless of the county. As reported in The Record, the January 2011 "point-in-time" tally identified 938 homeless people in Bergen County, the second-highest county total in the state. Overall, New Jersey saw a 6.6 percent rise in its homeless population.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Bike Bergen
Join and/or support Team Grace Westwood
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Grace Notes
Rose Vestments, Mothers and Simnel Cake
This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. It’s always had a different character from the other Sundays in Lent. For example, in some places, this Sunday is the only time during Lent in which Christian marriage may be solemnized. It is also called Rose Sunday or Laetare (rejoice—after the first word of today’s introit) Sunday. There is another name for this day that I wasn’t familiar with until I came to Grace Church and heard it from Patricia Landi and that is Mothering Sunday. Read more...
Friday, April 1, 2011
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Lenten Series: Eating
Evening Prayer 6 pm; Contemplative Prayer 6:20 pm; Simple Supper and Program 6:45 pm
Monday, March 28, 2011
Team Grace Westwood Fights Homelessness in Bergen County
At press time, 14 friends and members of Grace Church have joined Team Grace Westwood and will participate on April 3rd, 2011, in the 18th annual Bike Bergen sponsored by Family Promise of Bergen County. The team members are seeking financial sponsors to raise money that will be used to provide shelter and permanent housing for the homeless of the county. As reported in The Record, the January 2011 "point-in-time" tally identified 938 homeless people in Bergen County, the second-highest county total in the state. Overall, New Jersey saw a 6.6 percent rise in its homeless population. Please consider sponsoring and/or Team Grace Westwood.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Grace Notes
The Way of the Cross
Like last year, this Lent Grace Church offers an opportunity to walk the Way of the Cross following the simple form from The Book of Occasional Services. The introduction from that book reads as follows:
The devotion known as the Way of the Cross is an adaptation to local usage of a custom widely observed by pilgrims to Jerusalem: the offering of prayer at a series of places in that city traditionally associated with our Lord’s passion and death.
The number of stations, which at first varied widely, finally became fixed at fourteen. Of these, eight are based directly on events recorded in the Gospels. The remaining six (numbers 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 13) are based on inferences from the Gospel account or from pious legend. If desired, these six stations may be omitted.
The [Way of the Cross] is appropriate either as a public service or as a private devotion, particularly on the Friday’s of Lent, but it should not displace the Proper Liturgy of Good Friday.
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Said Mass at 9 am
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Lenten Series: Praising
Evening Prayer 6 pm; Contemplative Prayer 6:20 pm; Simple Supper and Program 6:45 pm
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Grace Notes
The Annunciation
This Friday is the Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the recent past Grace Church hasn't celebrated this feast unless it has fallen on a Wednesday (or maybe a Sunday?). The Annunciation is not listed as one of the seven principle feasts of the Church: Easter Day, Ascension Day, The Day of Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, All Saints' Day, Christmas Day, The Epiphany (The Book of Common Prayer 15), but it is in the next most important group of feasts which the Prayer Book calls Feasts of Our Lord (BCP 16). It is also singled out as the one feast (besides Sundays, all of which are also Feasts of Our Lord) in which the Lenten abstinence is dispensed. Read more...
Friday, March 18, 2011
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Lenten Series: Listening
Evening Prayer 6 pm; Contemplative Prayer 6:20 pm; Simple Supper and Program 6:45 pm
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Grace Notes
A Few Thoughts on the Purpose of Lent
There are a lot of ideas about what Lent is and what Lent ought to be. I'm pretty traditional in how I observe Lent, but for the most part I think that the underlying purposes for Lent have been misunderstood—especially by the Lent police.
This Sunday we hear about Christ going into the desert to be tempted, but also to get clear about his vocation. He fasts for forty days. As he fasts, the world around him—the powers of the world (the beasts referred to in the story) and what they represent (their temptations)—become clear to him. Both God and the powers that try to draw Jesus away from his Father become clear to him. That clarity—about who God is, and who we (the Church) and the world are in relation to God, is what Lent is about. Read more...
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Set your clocks ahead one hour before retiring. Aargh...
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Shrove Tuesday "Mardi Gras" Party
Grace Church threw open the doors of the parish hall to the community on Shrove Tuesday and offered a Mardis Gras party. Live music, games, door prizes, jambalaya, shrimp creole, corn bread, desserts and libations made for a festive time. Pictures from the event can be viewed by clicking here.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
Mass with Imposition of Ashes 9:15 am, Noon, 5 pm,
8 pm (revised time)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Festive Mardi Gras
6 to 9 pm
Friday, March 4, 2011
Grace Notes
Lent Begins
When I got into the office this week after vacation, I tore the February page from my church calendar and saw March almost completely covered in purple dates. A clear sign that Lent is coming quickly. Lent, like Advent, is a season of preparation. The great celebration Lent prepares us for is the Great Fifty Days of Easter—and especially the Sacrament of Baptism, which is the resurrection in our midst, at the Great Vigil of Easter. This preparation for Easter has traditionally taken the form of increased worship, prayer, and study, but also taking stock of our lives, clearing out what distracts us from the life in Christ (hence the tradition of abstinence from flesh meets on the weekdays of Lent and of ‘giving up' things like sweets this time of year), and re-committing ourselves to a Christ-like life by examining our lives and making good use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Read more...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Grace Notes
Winding Down the Season After Epiphany
This is one of the first times I remember a having an Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany. Next Sunday will be the Last Sunday after the Epiphany for a grand total of nine Sundays after Epiphany. A quick perusal of the Prayer Book reveals that that's as many as are possible in the Church year. This year Easter is one day from the latest date on which it can fall. I like this arrangement because more Sundays after Epiphany means fewer Sundays after Pentecost—a green season that usually seems to go on forever. Read more...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Festive Mardi Gras Event on March 8
Worship Options for Ash Wednesday on March 9
Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood announced today that it will hold a Mardi Gras open house on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 in the church’s Parish Hall at 9 Harrington Avenue in Westwood. The event, which will feature music and dancing, food and drinks, and games and prizes, will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Members of the community are welcome to attend. Costumes are optional.
While Mardi Gras in the United States is not observed nationally across the country, a number of cities and regions in the US have notable celebrations. Beginning on or after the celebration of the Epiphany and ending on the day before Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a sedate French Catholic tradition in the late 17th century. The most infamous modern celebrations are located in New Orleans, LA with similar, festive celebrations found throughout the South.
On Ash Wednesday, March 9, Grace Church will offer a number of opportunities for members of the community to worship, pray and receive the imposition of ashes. Simpler Masses with Imposition of Ashes will be held at 9:15 am, 12 Noon and 5 pm. The main Mass of the day will be held at 7:30 pm.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Grace Notes
Vestry and Mission This week a copy of the minutes of the February Vestry Meeting and a financial report is pinned to the bulletin board in the narthex (we'll include a much simpler summary of the financial information in next week's Grace Notes). This is in response to a request made at the Annual Meeting. That the Church operates on a variety of calendars reminds us that we live in more than one world (we live at least in the Christian world and also the world that doesn't take Christ into account), and this fact makes Church life interesting, though not always convenient. This time of year is usually an exciting one for the Vestry because it feels like a fresh time—new Vestry members and/or Wardens—a new year—new plans. At the same time, it's complicated by being a continuation of the program year of the previous Vestry. Read more...
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Congratulations to New Office Holders
At its Annual Meeting on January 23, 2011, the members of Grace Church welcomed their newly-elected and re-elected members of the Vestry. Christine Scott was selected to be Warden, and Evans Roache and Jim Cloke were re-elected to three-year Vestry terms. At an earlier meeting, the church membership had voted to ratify a By-Laws change recommended by the Vestry: reducing the composition of the Vestry from twelve to nine members. Tom Bisdale was re-elected to a second term as our Deputy to Diocesan Convention. Tom and Anne Tait were elected to one-years terms as Representatives to District Nine. Thanks were offered to Cleta McCormick and Dave Thomas whose Vestry terms were completed.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Grace Notes
"Liturgical Participants" When I was a curate at St. Martin's in Ellisville, Missouri, after the bulletin was put together some or all of the priests (there were three of us at St. Martin's) got a chance to review it and make corrections. On occasion I was known to leave an editorial comment in the margins instead of or in addition to corrections. Read more...
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple: Candlemas
Blessing of Candles, Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Grace Notes
Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple
This Sunday we will observe the Solemnity of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. This feast actually falls on February 2 (40 days after Christmas) and is also known as Candlemas (because we bless the candles used in church, but also those used in the home if you bring them), or the Purifcation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (what it was called in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer), or the Meeting (in Eastern Orthodox Churches). Read more...
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Diocesan Convention
Friday, January 28, 2011
Grace Notes
A Word from the Mission/Evangelism Committee 2:
It's a Question of Motivation
Why should we evangelize? The question of motivation needs to be addressed up front. One of the points Gortner is intent upon making is that much of our Episcopalian antipathy toward evangelism has to do with the question of motivation.
One faulty idea is this: we live in a pluralistic society. Pluralism excludes evangelism. Pluralism means each of us has our own idea about God or the gods, and because this is so, evangelism means my foisting my point of view, my ideas, my beliefs, etc. on you. In our pluralistic society that is a definite "No-No!" Attempts to foist my beliefs on others easily result in emotional and psychological manipulation, brow beating, and intellectual dishonesty. Read more...
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Annual Meeting
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Grace Notes
A Word from the Mission/Evangelism Committee:
Evangelism 101
Where do you start? "It's every Christian's duty!" somebody says, opening his New Testament to Matthew 28:19,20 "It's part of what we mean when we affirm every Sunday, 'I believe [in] one holy, catholic, and apostolic church…'" says another, demonstrating her knowledge of New Testament Greek "In the original," she says, "the word is apostellw is where our word 'apostolic' comes from. Now apostellw just means "I send" (cf. John 20:21 'As the Father has sent me, even so I send you!' So 'apostolic' does not refer so much to matters of polity, but to the fact that the church has also been sent into the world to proclaim the gospel. Read more...
Friday, January 14, 2011
Grace Notes
Annual Meeting Next Week
Next Sunday (January 23) Grace Church will hold its Annual Meeting.
A lot of mythology has accrued to the Annual Meeting over the years (as to vestries, by-laws and the like). But much of that mythology has more to do with tradition than with Canon or New Jersey State Law..
There is nothing in the Constitution and Canons about Annual meetings, for example. There are a few lines about the fact that members of the vestry and wardens must be selected in accordance with State or Diocesan law, but not anything about Annual Meetings as such or even that such elections must take place at something like an Annual Meeting. Read more...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Grace Notes
Epiphany
Christmas is officially over for this Church year. The twelfth day of Christmas was Wednesday, January 5. On Thursday, January 6, Grace Church celebrated (along with the wider Western Church) The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles with a Solemn Mass.
On January 1, the Church celebrates the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ (in the Roman Catholic Church, this day is now called the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, but not so long ago it was celebrated in both churches as The Feast of the Circumcision), eight days after the birth of the baby Jesus when his parents fulfilled the Law of Moses which requires the male children of Israel to be given a name and brought under the covenant through circumcision. Grace Church celebrates this feast with a Sung Mass at 10am, Saturday, January 1. Read more...
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles
Said Mass Noon Sung Mass with Hymns 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Said Mass with Hymns 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Sung Mass with Hymns 10 am
Friday, December 31, 2010
Grace Notes
Christmas Continues and the Season After Epiphany Begins
This Sunday is the Second Sunday after Christmas Day and also the 9th day of Christmas. For the Church, the Christmas season continues for a few days more.
On January 1, the Church celebrates the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ (in the Roman Catholic Church, this day is now called the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, but not so long ago it was celebrated in both churches as The Feast of the Circumcision), eight days after the birth of the baby Jesus when his parents fulfilled the Law of Moses which requires the male children of Israel to be given a name and brought under the covenant through circumcision. Grace Church celebrates this feast with a Sung Mass at 10am, Saturday, January 1. Read more...
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Grace Notes
Deacons, Servanthood and the Christ Child
This week past Deacon Delaney celebrated the anniversary of his ordination to the Diaconate. When I asked how many years he has been a deacon he thought about it, then said, "A few." Monday, December 27 (the feast of Saint John the Evangelist), will mark eight years since I was ordained a deacon. In the Catholic tradition (of which the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion is one stream), from very early on (the second century), ordained ministry has taken the shape of a threefold order: bishops, priests or presbyters, and deacons. Read more...
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The First Sunday after Christmas Day
Morning Prayer 7:45&nbps;am
Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist 8 am + 10 am
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day
Said Mass with Hymns 9 am
Friday, December 24, 2010
Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Said Mass with Hymns 4 pm
Choral Vigil 10:30 pm
Solemn Mass 11 pm
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Said Mass with Hymns 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Friday, December 17, 2010
Grace Notes
Sliding into Christmas
It's a little tricky for me to write this. I'm still in the middle of the third week of Advent as I write. When you read it we'll be on our way to the Fourth Sunday of Advent. But by the following Sunday we'll be on the second day of Christmas (Two Turtle Doves for those who keep track). So—do I write about Advent again or do I write about Christmas knowing that the next Grace Notes will follow our big celebrations? Read more...
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Third Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Said Mass with Hymns 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Friday, December 10, 2010
Grace Notes
Longing and Rejoicing
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice; let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. (Philippians 4:4-6)
This is the traditional introit for the Third Sunday in Advent—and its first word in Latin (Gaudete) gives it its name. "Rejoice" is what we hear and sing on this day and the simplicity and austerity of Advent is lightened in various ways, the most visible being the lighting of a rose candle and the optional use of rose vestments rather than violet. Read more...
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Second Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Said Mass with Hymns 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Friday, December 3, 2010
Grace Notes
John the Baptist and Repentence in Advent
In some ways Advent looks like Lent. We wear purple vestments. The liturgy is subdued with certain parts (the Gloria, specifically) suppressed. It, like Lent, probably developed in some parts of the Church as a preparation for baptism (at the Easter Vigil after Lent, on Epiphany or the Sunday after the Epiphany—the Baptism of our Lord—after Advent and Christmas). In the midst of all of this it's easy to confuse the nature of Advent and think of it as a smaller, less strict, penitential season like Lent. Read more...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The First Sunday of Advent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Said Mass with Hymns 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving Eve
Sung Mass at 8 pm
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Grace Notes
Advent
Happy new year!
For the Western Church, today (the First Sunday of Advent) marks the beginning of a new Church year (the Eastern Church year begins on September 1). We begin two new lectionaries today: Year A in the Sunday Eucharistic Lectionary (last year we heard mostly from the Gospel of Luke—this year we hear mostly from the Gospel of Matthew), and Year 1 in the Daily Office Lectionary (BCP 889 and 936 respectively). The whole season of Advent is about the new—that which is hidden, but just about to appear and to surprise. It's a season about hopeful expectation. Read more...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Grace Notes
Christ the King, Thanksgiving, and the Use of God's Gifts
On the morning of November 21 Grace Church joins the Churches in the Western Catholic tradition in marking the last Sunday of the Church year by celebrating Christ the King. It is a feast in which the Church recognizes and celebrates the lordship of Jesus Christ now, but also looks forward in hope and trust to the revealing of God’s Kingdom at the end of the age—a celebration of both the coming Kingdom, but also of the ways that Kingdom is already at work among us today—bursting into the world in unexpected and surprising ways. We celebrate this feast with a Solemn Mass at 9:15am and a stewardship brunch immediately following. Read more...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Christ the King
Mass at 9:15 am followed by festive stewardship brunch.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Grace Notes
Winding Down the Church Year—and Looking Ahead in Hope
The Church operates on a number of different calendars. Some are practical. Fiscally we tend to operate from January to December (though this isn’t set in stone) along with much of the secular world. Programmatically we tend to operate on something close to an academic calendar, with the program year more or less September through May (I try to tame this to the Church year by thinking more about it more as Holy Cross through Pentecost/Trinity Sunday/Corpus Christi). Read more...
Monday, November 8, 2010
Benefit Wine Tasting
7:30 at Grace Church. $50 per person
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Daylight Savings Time ends
Turn your clocks back 1 hour Saturday night. Hurray!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Sunday After All Saints' Day
Procession and Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism and Renewal of Baptismal Vows at 10 am
Friday, November 5, 2010
Grace Notes
Baptism and the Communion of Saints
This Sunday Grace Church celebrates All Saints. All Saints is one of the very few occasions when The Book of Common Prayer allows for a feast to take precedence of a Sunday, and it is the only feast the Prayer Book makes provision for moving to a Sunday (the usual practice when a feast falls on a Sunday is to move it to the following Monday). There are good reasons for this. Every Sunday is itself a feast day—a celebration of the Lord’s Day—the day of Resurrection and Sunday’s nature as a feast day in its own right shouldn’t be diminished by the multiplication of feasts. Read more...
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day) Observed
Said Mass with Remembrance of Faithful Departed at 9:15am
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Church Social
6 pm at Okunlolas' home
Friday, October 29, 2010
Grace Notes
Halloween, All Saints and All Souls
Last year, when I was making a pastoral call at a local rehab place one of the employees looked at the way I was dressed and asked if I was wearing a costume. I would think it was rare, but I suppose someone might think it was fun to dress as a priest for Halloween, so the question didn't seem too strange. "No. I'm a priest," I said. And the employee got a relieved look on her face and said, "Good. Halloween isn't something Christians should celebrate. It's the devil's day."
That attitude isn't as unusual as it might seem. Saint Matthew's in Bogalusa offered a Trunk-or-Treat—an event at which a few of us decorated the church grounds and parishioners decorated their cars (especially their trunks) for Halloween in the church parking lot, filling their trunks with candy so that kids could come and trick-or-treat in a safe environment. We, along with the local Roman Catholic parish, were the only two congregations to do anything Halloween related. The other churches in town ignored Halloween at best or, at worst, actively campaigned against it as an explicitly pagan festival. Read more...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Shelter in the News
The Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center, where Grace Church members provide dinner several times and year, was featured in a article in The Record on the one-year anniversary of the Center's opening. Grace member Mary Sunden, executive director of Christ Church Community Development Corporation (CCCDC), was prominently quoted in the article. The Center was praised for it's success in finding homes for 102 homeless people in the year since it opened. A link to the full article is available here.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Grace Notes
Licensed Ministers in Worship
I have talked, preached, and written often about ministry. The Book of Common Prayer is clear that all of the Baptized are ministers. Every one of us.
According to the Baptismal Covenant we are all called to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. We are all called to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. We are all called to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves. We are all called to strive for justice and peace among all people. (BCP, 304-305). Read more...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Grace Notes
From the Bishop’s Blog: Stewardship and Our Need to Give
Although Christian stewardship is a year-round enterprise, it peaks in intensity at this time of year. Letters are written, witnesses are given, visits are (sometimes) undertaken — and pledges are solicited. Stewardship is a spiritual discipline, but as the end of the year looms and next year's budget is prepared, there is a tendency to shift the message from our need to give to the church's need to receive. Which is understandable. At every level of life today, there is a lot of anxiety today about money. Read more...
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Grace Notes
Rhythms of Prayer and Worship
It was in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church (supplemented by regular worship at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in Times Square) that I first experienced fully and in community the regular rhythms and cycles of prayer and worship by which the Church has lived for centuries.
Read more...
Friday, October 8, 2010
Church Social
Home of Debbi Geller, 157 Grant Street, Haworth
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Blessing of the Animals
A beautiful October Sunday saw many dogs, and one stoic cat, gather on the lawn of Grace Episcopal Church for the annual Saint Francis Animal Blessing. At the brief service before the blessing, friends and neighbors, together with their support staff, heard this prayer composed by Archbishop Robert Runcie: "O Lord, give us humility to thank You for the creation of animals, who can show affection which sometimes puts us to shame. Enlarge our respect for these your creatures, of whom we are guardians. And give us a sense of responsibility towards all your creation, for Jesus Christ's sake, Amen."
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Blessing of the Animals
Your pets and their support staff are invited for a blessing at noon this Sunday for our annual Saint Francis Animal Blessing.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Feast of the Dedication of the Church
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Friday, October 1, 2010
Grace Notes
Dedication of a Church
According to the certificate on the wall above the stairs in the narthex, the people of Grace Church presented this building to the Right Reverend Benjamin Martin Washburn to be “separated from all unhallowed, worldly and common uses, and solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost” on October 4, 1939. This Sunday we celebrate our thankfulness for our parish community’s physical home.
Read more...
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Grace Notes
Christian Formation as Mission
In the homily I preached at the Mass I celebrated with the Vestry in my interview here I quoted Father Jim Farwell, my Pastoral Liturgy professor at General Seminary, who said more than once, "Church is to mission as flame is to burn." I have been saying something like this (without always using those words) since I arrived at Grace Church. In sermons, in the adult forum, in newsletter articles, in Annual Meeting addresses and pretty much any chance I've gotten in less formal venues. I've never made a secret of the fact that the Church as mission is near the center of my understanding of the Catholic faith. Read more...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Grace Notes
Flowers at the Altar (A note from the altar guild)
Flowers at the altar in Grace Church have special meaning. We may just expect that flowers will be on the altar and at the shrine each and every Sunday. They are pretty and make things nice to look at. Take a close look sometime – the types of flowers, the colors of the flowers and even the arrangements are closely coordinated with liturgical protocol, colors of the season, and the worship at any given time. Your Altar Guild strives to arrange flowers that accent worship. Read more...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Garage Sale
9 am to 4 pm
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Solemnity of the Holy Cross (observed)
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Triumph of the Holy Cross
Holy Cross Day is a weird feast day. It originated in the Eastern Church—in fact its original celebration was more political than theological. Holy Cross Day is the Anglican name for a feast that has been called the "Elevation of the Holy Cross" and the "Triumph of the Holy Cross."
On October 28, 312, two Emperors, Constantine and Maxentius, fought at the battle of the Milvian Bridge. In a dream the night before Constantine had been promised that he would conquer by the sign of the cross, so he took the sign of the cross as his symbol and carried that standard into battle. And he in fact won the battle and Maxentius died leaving Constantine the senior ruler of the Empire (ruling along with Licinius). Read more...
Friday, September 10, 2010
Grace at Walk-In Dinner
On Thursday, September 2, Grace Church served a dinner of ziti with meat sauce, salad, bread, cookies, and beverage at the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Service Center in Hackensack. We served 100 dinners even. Thank you to all who prepared food, contributed items, or went down to Hackensack to serve the meal. By this act of service to others we proclaimed God's unconditional grace. Our next Walk-In-Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, November 4, 2010. It is never too early to volunteer. Those who want to participate should speak to Jim Freeman during Coffee Hour or call him at (973) 742-9009. The main menu item in November will be chili.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Walk-In Dinner
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Assembly At Worship—The Assembly At Work
Who prays the Collect of the Day, or the Prayers of the People, or the Eucharistic Prayer?
I ask this question because on August 29, while I was in St. Louis, I worshiped at Christ Church Cathedral—the place in which Lisa was baptized, we were both confirmed and married and I was ordained both the diaconate and to the priesthood. And after Mass I was talking to someone who told me that he was in the audience at my ordination.
It is always shocking for me to hear the congregation referred to as 'the audience.' It happens more often than one would think and the use of this word gives expression to an unspoken, but deeply felt sense that liturgy is about people 'up there near the altar' (who are the focus of liturgy in this model) performing for people 'down there' in the congregation—thus the mistaken term audience.
But that's not at all what the liturgy is about. The word liturgy means something like 'the work of the people,' or a public work done by a whole group of people for the sake of the community in which they find themselves. Liturgy is the public work of the whole assembled people of God, called together by God, to offer praise and thanks to the Father, as the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. The work of worship is done by all of us. (This is why at the end of this insert we list Ministers of the Assembly rather than Participants as many parishes do—everyone in the room participates in worship and the Ministers of the Assembly facilitate our shared worship).
Many in the Church have advocated various remedies for the mistake of thinking that some people perform the liturgy for the sake of an audience. The reformers insisted on worshipping in the language of the people rather than Latin for instance—a step in the right direction. Recent approaches to dealing with the performer/audience problem usually recommend more spoken parts in the liturgy, an increase in congregational singing, and added ministers like chalice bearers, acolytes, lectors, etc. All of this falls under the general description active participation, and it's fine as far as it goes.
If the larger issue is not addressed, however, active participation can actually contribute to the performer(s)/audience distinction and might become, in fact, audience participation (which is exactly what one woman at a former parish admitted to calling it when she first moved from the Methodist Church to the Episcopal Church). Adding singing and speaking parts might just reinforce the sense of clergy as performers and the congregation as a passive audience that really only participates in the liturgy when the clergy hand over the 'talking stick' (or the 'singing stick' as may be the case). And multiplying the number of ministers (acolytes, lectors, etc.) may simply swell the ranks of the 'performers' and make the 'audience' smaller. In both of these cases, the congregation is still functionally an audience.
What is needed in addition to more active participation is a redefinition of what it means to actively participate. Thus my original question: Who prays the Collect of the Day, or the Prayers of the People, or the Eucharistic Prayer? The answer is the whole assembly. A priest acts as a leader, giving voice to the Collect of the Day and the Eucharistic Prayer, and preferably a deacon or a lay person leads—gives voice to—the Prayers of the People. BUT... we all say Amen because we, as one Body, even if we don't all use our mouths to do so, pray these prayers together. They are the prayers of the assembly, the whole Body of Christ, addressing God our Father.
Does it matter whether the congregation thinks of itself as an audience or not? Yes, for many reasons. One important reason is that the performer/audience model is focused inward, that is, on the performing clergy and other ministers, and on the effect (spiritual, emotional, psychological or otherwise) that they have on those who come to experience the show (which, by the way, encourages a consumer mentality—a topic for a later issue of Grace Notes).
But worship is not a show, and its focus is neither 'performance' nor its subjective effect on an 'audience.' Its focus is God. Worship originates from outside the community (it is God who calls us to worship) and is also directed outward to God for the Life of the World. This is what it means to be a priestly people in worship.
But perhaps the most important reason this matters is that liturgy shows us who we are. The performer/audience model of worship suggests that it is the clergy who are really the Church and that ministry is solely the work of the ordained. Let us be clear: the Church is not divided into ministers and non-ministers. Ordination sets one aside for a particular kind of ministry, but it is Baptism that makes one a minister of the Church, not ordination. All of the Baptized are essential to the liturgy, and all of the Baptized are essential to the whole work of the Church. There aren't performers and audience members either in the church building or out of it.
And so, despite what the person I quoted at the beginning of this piece said, no one was in the audience at my ordination because there was no audience. It was not the bishop laying his hands on me and praying the prayer of consecration alone that made me a priest. The whole congregation prayed that prayer and I was not a priest until the congregation, that particular expression of the Body of Christ in that time and place, said, "Amen."
On Sunday—the day before the day that the secular world calls Labor Day and every time we gather together as the Body of Christ, let's be about worship, which is our work—the work of the people of God—all of the people of God.
--Father Rhodes
Friday, August 27, 2010
Grace Church and the Anglican Parish Model
An Anglican clerical title one doesn't hear much anymore is parson (like Parson Brown in the song 'Winter Wonderland'). A parson is, more or less, what we would call a rector in the Episcopal Church, but the parson has more legal rights and responsibilities than an Episcopal Church rector has.
I have zero interest in such rights, but I still like the term parson because of what it means about the priest, but also because of what it means about the parish and the congregation(s) within it. Parson just means 'person.' The parson is the 'person' of the parish. He or she represents the Church within the boundaries of the parish. And the parson is, in a sense, responsible for the souls in that parish. All of them—not just the Anglican ones—not even just the Christian ones—but all of them.
This model assumes one Church rather than a multitude of denominations. In England there was the Church of England and then a bunch of dissenters. Legally, to belong to the Church meant to be Anglican. This is no longer the case in England and it was never the case in the United States (though some individual states had established churches for a time), so one might wonder what use it has in today's Church.
But along with this model comes a very different sense of what the Church is. There was not the sense that the Church in a given place was a building (or several) from which people escaped the world for a short time, did their religious thing and then re-entered the world. In this model, the Church was the world and the Church/world was divided up into dioceses and parishes and everyone who lived in a parish belonged to the Church of that parish whether they were members or not. And (and here's the important part), the parish church or churches had a responsibility, along with the parson, for the spiritual well-being of everyone who lived within the parish boundary, again, whether they are members or not.
For two years the Vestry, Wardens and I have been struggling with the Vision of Grace Church. I think we're getting close. And a big part of what I have been hearing in this communal discernment is the sense that it is time for us to take back this Anglican Parish Model. We may not know exactly what that means (though we have some ideas and they are becoming clearer as I will be explaining in the coming weeks—especially regarding the Large Parish Hall), but we know that what God has given us here is too important to be kept for ourselves. What God has given us is for the sake of those around us. We have some responsibility for the spiritual life of those in our parish—not the congregation only, but in the whole parish—whether they are members or not.
Part of what I'm hearing in this collective discernment process is a vision in which Grace Church—each of us and all of us together
- starts accepting the vocation God has given us in this time and place;
- starts accepting the responsibility for our spiritual lives, and of those of the people around us;
- starts behaving as if we are here as God's representatives in Westwood—because we are.
And I want to be clear... by this I do NOT mean that we shouldn't work nicely with others or that we should pretend they're not here or steal sheep or stand on the corner and tell people they are going to hell if they don't get themselves through our doors. I am not talking about attacking or undermining the beliefs or lives of those of other denominations or other faiths. I'm not even talking about increasing the membership of Grace Church.
What I mean is that we have to live into our Anglican ethos and BE the Church here and now—BE the spiritual center for this parish. What I mean is that it is time we claim the authority and power God has given us to be the Church of/in this time and this place. God called us and brought us here to be the Church in and for this place—not just for ourselves or our own spiritual needs. God has given us the responsibility for the people here (not an issue of getting more 'customers', but of our mission to those around us)—all of them, whether they are members or not.
There is a deep and real spiritual hunger in the world around us. There are people who are starving without even knowing what it is they hunger for. They are all around us—right here within our own parish boundaries.
And God has given to us—to the Church—the most amazing gifts; the most wonderful food. Many of those who are starving will be suspicious of the food we have to give them. Many of us are (for a variety of reasons) uncomfortable with the idea of sharing what God gives us week in and week out.
But I have been called to be the parson of this parish. And you have been called to be the congregation of this parish. And we have a responsibility for those in this parish who are spiritually hungry, whether they are members or not. Please pray for your Wardens, Vestry and Rector as we learn to lead the congregation of this parish. Please pray for guidance about how God is calling you to take on this vocation to feed all of those around us who hunger, spiritually or otherwise. And pray for God to be in the midst of it all, teaching us what it means to be the Church.
--Father Rhodes
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Morning Prayer, with Hymns and Sermon
8 am and 10 am
Friday, August 20, 2010
Summer Social
7 pm at Chris & Randy Scott's home, 422 Kinderkamack, Westwood
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sunday Morning Prayer and Daily Christian Prayer
(GRACE NOTES—AUGUST 22, 2010) This Sunday we worship in a way that is unusual for Grace Church. It wasn’t always, and for much of the history of the Episcopal Church, it was the norm in most parishes. This Sunday we worship using the liturgy of Morning Prayer rather than that of the Holy Eucharist. We do this because I am in St. Louis visiting family and the supply priest I had originally scheduled for this day had to back out late enough that I could not secure another priest in time (that this may become necessary more often as the culture and the Church continue to change is probably something that needs to be addressed, but I’ll save it for another time, except to say that I will do everything in my power to ensure the regular celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sundays and major Feasts).
It’s not that Morning Prayer itself is an unusual thing at Grace. It’s not. We worship using Morning Prayer nearly every Wednesday and Sunday morning and also, as a rule, on the first Friday morning of the month. And I pray Morning Prayer every day myself and often I do so in the church (a church should be prayed in as often and as deeply as possible). I hope that we will do so even more often (more on that below).
What’s unusual for Grace Church in recent decades is Morning Prayer as the principal act of worship on Sunday morning. We are a parish that has embraced (at least part of) the normative practice of the early Church, the English Reformation, the Oxford Movement and its Anglo-Catholic successors, and The Book of Common Prayer, 1979. Near the beginning of the latter, in the section called Concerning the Service of the Church, we find this normative practice spelled out, "The Holy Eucharist, the principal act of Christian worship on the Lord’s Day and other major Feasts, and Daily Morning and Evening Prayer, as set forth in this Book, are the regular services appointed for public worship in this Church." (BCP 13)
Morning Prayer (and Evening Prayer) are to be prayed every day (including, but not limited to Sundays), but the Holy Eucharist is to be celebrated on Sundays and major Feast days. This is the fundamental pattern of Christian worship since nearly the beginning. The Holy Eucharist was connected to the Lord’s Day (Sunday) since the beginning. Grace Church has enthusiastically embraced the connection between the Holy Eucharist and Sunday.
But daily public prayer in one form or another has also been the norm for the Church since the beginning. Christians inherited the Jewish practice of common prayer offered in synagogues at the time of sacrifice in the Temple: morning and afternoon (evening). The point of this prayer was the sanctification of time and the fulfillment of the instruction to pray at all times. It was the way, the Church believed, that Christ’s High Priestly intercession on behalf of the Church and all of creation, in the presence of his Father in heaven (as described in the letter to the Hebrews), was being exercised by Christ’s Body the Church on behalf of the world right here on earth.
At first this daily morning and evening prayer, also called the Daily Office or the Divine Office, took very simple forms and could be easily prayed by most Christians. Over time the forms of this daily prayer grew more complex, especially in cathedrals and in monasteries. In cathedrals the music and ceremonial grew more complex. In monasteries the Office spread out into anywhere from two to twenty-two offices scattered throughout the day (though the usual Western pattern was seven offices), with the Psalter often being prayed in its entirety once a day. In both cases the growing complexity made it much more difficult for the average Christian or the average congregation to pray the Daily Office. It came to be seen as the extraordinary prayer of the ordained and those in religious orders rather than the ordinary prayer of everyday Christians.
One of the great gains in the English Reformation was a greatly simplified Daily Office: Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer every day, with Psalms, scripture readings and prayer forming the basic framework. That is still the shape of our Daily Office today. The original intent was for this to be prayed by the entire congregation every day. That original intent was probably never completely lived out, but it was and is within reach for most congregations to have a regular offering of the Daily Office—Morning and Evening Prayer—with a real congregation, however small.
Next week Grace Church will return to her usual pattern of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sundays. That is a good thing. But it is only half of the foundational pattern described in the Prayer Book and practiced in some way throughout the history of the Church. The other half of that foundational pattern is daily Morning and Evening Prayer.
Recently I rearranged the Lady Chapel space to be more conducive to the regular offering of the Daily Office and now when I pray Morning or Evening Prayer at Grace rather than in the rectory, I pray it in the chapel. But I look forward to a time in the near future when the Morning and Evening Prayer will be celebrated more often—maybe even every day—by at least some small part of and on behalf of this community. Maybe we can’t all be here for the Office every day (though the Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families found on pages 136ff of The Book of Common Prayer make it possible for all of us to at least take a few minutes out of our lives and join ourselves to the ongoing prayer of the Church in the morning, at noon, in the evening and before bed each day), but perhaps we can offer this worship and intercessory prayer—as Christ’s Body on earth offer Christ’s High Priestly ministry of intercession—on behalf of the world and especially the communities of Westwood and the surrounding area—as a community. Maybe we could find a way for a few of us to gather each morning and each evening to pray the Office. Maybe we could be the prayer for Westwood and the surrounding area.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Style or Substance?
There are a number of marks of Anglo-Catholicism, though there are a great variety of opinions on what those marks are. For some, specific modes of dress (even priestly dress away from the altar) or ritual or linguistic style or devotional practices determine the catholicity of a particular parish or a particular Christian. This is Anglo-Catholicism as style. I can hold my own in that kind of Anglo-Catholicism. I think some of it even matters, but I have to admit to growing weary of it as the years go on.
For other Anglo-Catholics today (and for the original Oxford Movement leaders) the real issue was and is not style—not even liturgical style—but real theological substance. These Anglo-Catholics have from the beginning addressed and taken stands on key fundamental questions like "What is the Church?" or "What is priesthood?" or "What is God doing in the Sacraments?" and so on. And, just as important, taking the answers of these questions further by asking, "How do I live in the light of the answers to such questions?" I count myself in the latter group.
So, for example, such Anglo-Catholics take as one mark of Anglo-Catholicism a high view of the Church as the Body of Christ, as the Bride of Christ, as the Communion of Saints and so on. And the implications of this high view of the Church have to do with the notion that Christian life is life in the Church—one can’t be a solitary Christian; with personal holiness as necessary not just for our own sake, but for the sake of all of those to whom we are joined in the Church; with the great gift and truth that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are in Christ and nothing, not even death, can separate us from Christ or from one another in Christ, which means we can pray for and ask for the prayers of other Christians, even those who have died.
Similarly, Anglo-Catholics take as a mark of Anglo-Catholicism a high view of God’s action in the Sacraments (and this, not matters of style or preference, is the real reason to care about ritual expression like vestments, genuflection, the use of incense, etc.) and of the priesthood of Christ which is shared with the baptized in general and the ordained in very particular ways, which have real implications for how we think of God’s creation (it is fallen, but also redeemed through Christ’s incarnation, and so God can and does act through the everyday things of this world like word, water, bread, wine, oil, touch, etc.) and that ministry and mission are the shape of our lives as Christians and as Church.
Today Grace Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (called simply Saint Mary the Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ in the calendar of the Prayer Book). And since the beginning of the Anglo-Catholic movement in Anglicanism, devotion to Mary has been seen as one of the marks of Anglo-Catholicism. One might ask whether the celebration of this feast is a matter of style (we get to sing wonderful Marian hymns and wear the best vestments and use incense) or a matter of theological substance.
This feast, celebrated since the very early centuries in East and West, is a feast that says that when Mary ‘fell asleep’ she was not cut off from life and communion, but was taken, in the fullness of her being, to her son. As Father Alexander Schmemann wrote, calling Assumption the Summer Pascha (summer Easter) and the deathless dormition (the deathless sleep—the deathless death) in her death there was "not rupture, but union; not sorrow, but joy; and most profoundly, not death but life." (The Virgin Mary: The Celebration of Faith, Volulme 3, p40). In other words, Mary knows now the life of Resurrection opened to humanity by her son, and, though Mary was first, her Assumption into new life is not a unique event just for her, but is the first instance of the new life that Christ has won for all of us at the Resurrection—the life we will share in the Kingdom of God. The power of death is broken.
Style or substance?
Father Rhodes
Friday, August 6, 2010
Discerning Your Spiritual Gifts
A summer workshop
Church of the Annunciation, Oradell
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Church trip to see N.J. Jackals
Baseball and fireworks.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Church Trip to See Jackals
Grace Church is continuing its annual summer tradition and will be going to Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair NJ on Saturday July 31,2010 to enjoy a Jackals baseball game. Come and have some fun, fellowship and Fireworks. Contact the church office for more information or see Jim Cloke for tickets.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Discerning Spiritual Gifts
A summer workshop sponsored by the congregations of District 9 will be offered August 6-7 at the Church of the Annunciation, Oradell. Participants will discover the vast array of spiritual gifts, become more clear about which gifts God has given them, and be empowered to exercise those gifts. For more information contact the Rev. Dr. J. Barrington Bates (rector@annunciationoradell.org, 201 390-8270) or the Rev. Robert L. Shearer (rshearer@att.net, 917 331-5357).
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Solemn Mass, and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament with Adoration and Benediction 10 am
Sunday, May 30, 2010
First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass with Solemn Te Deum 10 am
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday
Morning Prayer 7:45 am Low Mass with Hymns 8 am Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day
Morning Prayer 7 am Low Mass with Hymns 8 am Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Ascension Day
Solemn Mass 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sacrament of Confirmation
3 pm at Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
May Procession
Morning Prayer 7 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Solemn Mass with Procession to the Shrine of Our Lady of Westwood 10 am
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Grace Raises Funds for Homeless Families
Parishioners and friends of Grace Church enabled the church to contribute over $2000 to Family Promise of Bergen County by sponsoring Team Grace Westwood's participation in the 17th annual Bike Bergen, which took place Sunday, April 25, 2010. Chilly, damp weather did not keep our team from their appointed rounds in the three-mile walk and 15-mile bike ride.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass of the Resurrection 10 am
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Great Vigil of Easter
Lighting of the Great Fire, the Blessing of the Paschal Candle, Holy Baptism and the First Holy Eucharist of Easter 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Great Fifty Days of Easter
Easter, also known as Pascha or the Christian Passover, is the greatest and oldest feast of the Christian Church and is the center of the Christian Year. On this day the Church celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great act of salvation on which everything in the Church rests and out of which all the power of the Church springs. There is no holier night than the Great Vigil of Easter when Christ is raised from the dead, and Easter Sunday morning continues that celebration with the announcement of his resurrection.
The importance of the feast is highlighted by the forty-day long season of preparation leading up to it (Lent), the Great Three Day liturgy of Easter, and then the continuous celebration of Easter for fifty straight days, culminating in the great feast of Pentecost.
Grace Church celebrates the full fifty days of Easter with the joy and festivity that is intended for it. This season has historically been celebrated as one, long, extended Lord's day, with no fasting, no abstinences and no kneeling for prayer (the latter, one of the canons of the Council of Nicaea, 325AD, won't be the official practice here, but if you would like to follow the canons of that council which are still binding on Anglicans, please feel free to do so). We will sing Easter hymns throughout the season and Alleluia will be a frequently heard and sung word. Incense will be offered each Sunday, the Baptismal Font will be prominently placed and we will be sprinkled with Holy Water from the font each Sunday to remind us that we, too, as the baptized, have died and been raised with Christ.
Pentecost, or Whitsunday, is the fiftieth day of Easter and celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles (Acts 2:1). It is the second most appropriate day for Baptism after the Great Vigil of Easter and is second only to Easter in terms of importance as a Holy Day (it is a far more important day than Christmas, for example). On this day the color of vestments and appointments is red, for the tongues of flame that appeared on the Apostles when the Holy Spirit descended upon them and it is customary for members of the congregation to wear red on this day as well.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday
Proper Liturgy of Good Friday with Veneration of the Cross and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Maundy Thursday
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper with Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar and Reservation of the Sacrament on the Altar of Repose 8:00 pm
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am Low Mass with Holy Unction 9:15 am
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass with the Blessing of the Palms, Procession and the Proclamation of the Passion Narrative 10:00 am
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Celebrating the Paschal Triduum at Grace Church
Easter, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is the celebration of the central truth, the central reality of the Christian life. Lent is preparation for it and the Easter celebration lasts 50 days.
And the turning point, the center of the center of the Christian year and of the Christian life, is Holy Week—especially the Paschal Triduum—the Three Day Celebration of the Christian Passover: Maundy Thursday, the Proper Liturgy of Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter followed by the Sunday Mass of the Resurrection.
In the Triduum we participate in some of the most ancient ceremonies of the Church. More importantly Christ gives his life to and for us—death become Life for the world—and we experience this reality in the richest and fullest way in this three day celebration.
There are a number of ways each of us can enter more fully into the Great Three Days we call the Paschal Triduum.
First, one might read through the lessons at some point before participating in them—maybe even take them into prayer—and even read through the texts of the rites themselves in order to get a sense of the context and content of this three day liturgy. The lessons may be found in The Book of Common Prayer or online at lectionary sites like: www.io.com/~kellywp/. The Book of Common Prayer itself may be found at websites like: www.bcponline.org/.
Footwashing is one of the key features of the Maundy Thursday rites and everyone is invited to have his or her feet washed on that day (and before you balk at that notion out of hand, remember that Peter did, too, when Jesus wanted to wash his feet. Jesus' reply? "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me"). It is a good idea on that day to wear shoes/ socks/ stockings that are easily removed before the footwashing and easily replaced afterward.
After the stripping of the altar on Maundy Thursday, the congregation is invited to remain with Christ in the Sacrament on the Altar of Repose at some point through the night. A sign up sheet is in the Narthex.
On Good Friday, the congregation is instructed to kneel often and for long periods of time. Remember that worship is not an endurance test and God and the Rector want you healthy. Kneel only as you are able. It is also a fast day, but please don't eat so little that you become sick. Father Rhodes will hear confessions in the Lady Chapel after the Good Friday Liturgy.
The Great Vigil of Easter is a most beautiful conclusion to the Three Days. It will be an especially full and rich celebration this year because we have an opportunity to experience the Resurrection in our midst as we Baptize our candidate for Holy Baptism, Debbi Geller.
One of the more fun aspects of this night’s celebration is when, as the lights are going up and the Easter Proclamation of Christ’s resurrection is made and the Gloria is sung again, bells are rung. This ringing appropriately includes bells that the congregation brings from home. If you bring bells for this purpose, please wrap them in a cloth or secure the ringer in some way (especially if you bring children) so that they are not rung before the appropriate time.
Come prepared for this three day celebration, but most importantly come and participate in these most central and important rites of Christ's Church.
Pax Christi,
Father Rhodes
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Holy Week Schedule at Grace Church
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Mass with the Blessing of the Palms, Procession
and the Proclamation of the Passion Narrative
March 28, 10:00 am
Maundy Thursday
The Mass of the Lord's Supper
with Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar
and Reservation of the Sacrament on the Altar of Repose
April 1, 8:00 pm
Good Friday
Proper Liturgy of Good Friday
with Veneration of the Cross
and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament
April 2, 8:00 pm
The Great Vigil of Easter
Lighting of the Great Fire, the Blessing of the Paschal Candle,
Holy Baptism (or the renewal of Baptismal vows)
and the First Holy Eucharist of Easter
April 3, 8:00 pm
The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass of the Resurrection 10 am
Friday, March 26, 2010
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass with Holy Unction 9:15 am
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Lenten Series
The 4 Practices: Worship, Community, Formation and Mission
Tuesdays in Lent: March 23
Mass: 6 pm
Simple Supper and Program 6:45 pm
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Sung Mass with Choir and Incense and the Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer 10 am
Fellowship and Adult Forum after 10 am Mass
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass with Holy Unction 9:15 am
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Lenten Series
The 4 Practices: Worship, Community, Formation and Mission
Tuesdays in Lent: March 16, 23
Mass: 6 pm
Simple Supper and Program: 6:45 pm
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Sung Mass with Choir and Incense 10 am
Fellowship and Adult Forum after 10 am Mass
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Set your clocks ahead one hour before retiring. Aargh...
Friday, March 12, 2010
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion 6:00 pm
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Lenten Series
The 4 Practices: Worship, Community, Formation and Mission
Thursdays in Lent: March 11, 18, 25
Mass: Noon
Brown Bag Lunch and Program: 12:45 pm
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass with Holy Unction 9:15 am
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Lenten Series
The 4 Practices: Worship, Community, Formation and Mission
Tuesdays in Lent: March 9, 16, 23
Mass: 6 pm
Simple Supper and Program: 6:45 pm
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Sung Mass with Choir and Incense and the Presentation of the Creed 10 am
Fellowship and Adult Forum after 10 am Mass
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Vestry Retreat
Friday, March 5, 2010
Confirmation Retreat
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Lenten Series
The 4 Practices: Worship, Community, Formation and Mission
Thursdays in Lent: March 4, 11, 18, 25
Mass: Noon
Brown Bag Lunch and Program: 12:45 pm
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Healing Mass
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass with Holy Unction 9:15 am
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Lenten Series
The 4 Practices: Worship, Community, Formation and Mission
Tuesdays in Lent: March 2, 9, 16, 23
Mass: 6 pm
Simple Supper and Program: 6:45 pm
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Second Sunday in Lent
Morning Prayer 7:45 am Low Mass with Hymns 8 am Sung Mass with Choir and Incense and Enrollment of Candidate for Baptism 10 am
Fellowship and Adult Forum after 10 am Mass
Friday, February 26, 2010
Way (Stations) of the Cross
Join in this tradition Lenten Devotion 6:00 pm
Friday, February 26, 2010
Way (Stations) of the Cross Cancelled Tonight
Due to inclement weather, The Way (Stations) of the Cross devotion originally scheduled for 6 pm this evening (February 26) is cancelled, but will be offered on Friday, March 12 at 6 pm and Friday, March 26 at 6 pm.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lenten Series
The 4 Practices: Worship, Community, Formation and Mission
Thursdays in Lent: February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25
Mass: Noon
Brown Bag Lunch and Program: 12:45 pm
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Lenten Series
The 4 Practices: Worship, Community, Formation and Mission
Tuesdays in Lent: February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23
Mass: 6:00pm
Light Supper and Program: 6:45pm
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Youth Confirmation Class
Meets in the Living Room at 7 pm. This week: Rule of Life and the Church Year
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lent
The Season of Lent began as a short (perhaps only two or three days) time of fasting before Easter. By the Council of Nicaea (325) a fast of forty days was a fixture of the Church, though it may originally have been the prescribed fast only for those seeking baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter. When the season became more widely established, as the Prayer Book tells us, "Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism," and "a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church." (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 265)
The character of the season of Lent is still marked by the practices of fasting and abstinence. While the Anglican Lenten tradition isn't as strict as that of the Roman or the Eastern Churches, the Prayer Book does list Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as fast days (usually recognized as one light, meatless meal in the day) and says that, along with these two days, the weekdays of Lent and Holy Week are to be observed by special acts of discipline and self-denial (BCP 17—and see page 4 of the current issue of The Dove). In addition it is still customary to "give something up for Lent."
I commend these practices to you this season as well as the traditional practices of increased almsgiving, prayer, worship (a simple Low Mass on the Tuesdays in Lent at 6:00 pm and on Thursdays at Noon before the Lenten series will be offered an opportunity for increasing worship), and spiritual reading (especially of Holy Scripture). The latter could be Lenten devotional books and/or the Gospel of John (traditionally read in its entirety this season) or anything that deepens your spiritual life.
Lent culminates in Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, the Triduum and finally Easter Sunday. The rites of this week are attested as early as the fourth century in the work of Egeria. The Triduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil of Easter) is the great series of ancient rites of the Church (which include such things as footwashing, the stripping of the altar, the watch before the Blessed Sacrament, the adoration of the cross, and the lighting of the Paschal Candle, the movement from darkness to light) in which we participate in the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord.
May we all have a holy and fruitful Lent as we prepare to celebrate the great good news of Easter.
Pax Christi,
Father Rhodes
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday
Mass with Imposition of Ashes 9:15 am, Noon, 5 pm, 8 pm
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Shrove Tuesday
Worship at 6:30 pm followed by dinner and live music
Friday, February 12, 2010
Shrove Tuesday—February 16
Join Grace Church on Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30 pm for worship, food and fun in preparation for the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Worship will be at 6:30 pm with good food (including Shrimp Creole) and live music following. Father Rhodes will make himself available in the Lady Chapel to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation (the Shrive) to those seeking absolution on this traditional day for private confessions. Donations are welcome.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ash Wednesday—February 17
February 17 is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a season of spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter and especially the Sacrament of Holy Baptism (the death and resurrection of Christ in our midst). We begin our observance of a holy Lent, the time of self‑examination and repentance; of prayer, fasting, and self‑denial; and of reading and meditating on God's holy Word, with a special Mass which includes kneeling in prayer, and receiving ashes on our foreheads as a sign of our mortality: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This year Grace Church will celebrate the Ash Wednesday liturgy with a said Mass at 9:15 am (Morning Prayer preceding at 9 am), Noon, and 5 pm and a Solemn Mass that includes music and incense at 8 pm. All are welcome to begin and share the Lenten journey with us.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Youth Confirmation Class
Meets in the Living Room at 7 pm. This week: The Book of Common Prayer and the Daily Office
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Book Club
Theological Book Club 7 pm “Sacrament and Symbol”—Appendix 2 from For the Life of the World by Father Alexander Schmemann
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Vestry Meeting
Mass 7:30 pm/Meeting immediately following
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple: Candlemas
Solemn Mass with Blessing of Candles 10 am
Friday, January 29, 2010
Hungry and Homeless in Bergen County
Two ministries that Grace Church participates in were featured in the news recently: the Walk-In Dinner program and the Christ Church Community Development Corporation's Homeless Shelter and Next Step programs. The occasion of the reporting was the fourth annual Project Homeless Connect, which involves taking a census of the county's homeless. The Record's article can viewed by clicking here, and the broadcast report from NJ1 can be viewed by clicking here.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Diocesan Convention
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Congratulations to Electees
| Warden Class of 2012 | Leslie Bisdale |
| (Two year term) | |
| Vestry Class of 2011 | Evans Roache |
| (One year unexpired term) | |
| Vestry Class of 2013 | Ben Martin |
| (Three year term) | Harry Randall |
| Nancy Sobeck | |
| Jack Waneck | |
| Deputy to Diocesan Convention | Mary Sunden |
| Class of 2013 | |
| (Three year term) | |
| Representatives to District Nine | Tom Bisdale |
| (One Year Term) | Anne Tait |
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
About the Season after the Epiphany
The season after the Epiphany (the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, on January 6) is a season of wonders and water and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and a voice from heaven saying about Jesus,"This is my beloved Son," and of water turned into wine, and the urgency of ministry and mission and Transfiguration. This season is also called the "Ordinary Time" of the Church and it bridges the time between the Christmas/ Epiphany cycle and Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday (this year, February 17).
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Annual Meeting
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Book Club
Theological Book Club 7 pm “Worship in a Secular Age” from For the Life of the World by Father Alexander Schmemann
Friday, January 8, 2010
About the Baptism of Our Lord
In the Western Church the First Sunday after the Epiphany is also called the Baptism of Our Lord. On this day the Church celebrates the first revelation of God as Trinity. When John the Baptist baptized Jesus, Spirit of God descended like a dove upon Jesus and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased."
This feast is one of the five occasions for Baptism (along with the Great Vigil of Easter, Pentecost, All Saint's Day and the visitation of a bishop) and so at the 10 am Mass we will renew our baptismal vows on this day and be sprinkled with water blessed in the font as a reminder of our identity as the baptized.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles
Morning Prayer and Said Mass 9 am
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Nominating Committee Report
| Warden Class of 2012 | Leslie Bisdale |
| (Two year term) | |
| Vestry Class of 2011 | Evans Roache |
| (One year unexpired term) | |
| Vestry Class of 2013 | Ben Martin |
| (Three year term) | Harry Randall |
| Nancy Sobeck | |
| Jack Waneck | |
| Deputy to Diocesan Convention | Mary Sunden |
| Class of 2013 | |
| (Three year term) | |
| Representatives to District Nine | Tom Bisdale |
| (One Year Term) | Anne Tait |
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
About the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles
The word epiphany means manifestation. The Epiphany was originally observed in the Eastern Church as the feast celebrating the manifestation of Christ as God’s Son at his Baptism, the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles (the Magi representing the brightest of the Gentile world) and the manifestation of his miraculous power by turning water into wine. As early as the fourth century, Epiphany ranked along with the two other major feasts of Easter (Pascha) and Pentecost. The feast entered the Western Church at some point in the fourth or fifth century, but its primary focus in the West became Christ's manifestation beyond the people of Israel and to the wider Gentile world in the persons of the Wise Men.
Grace Church will celebrate this feast on Wednesday at the Said Mass with Holy Unction at 9:15 am (following Morning Prayer at 9 am) and with a Sung Mass at 7:30 pm.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day
Said Mass with Hymns 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Sung Mass with Hymns 10 am
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The First Sunday after Christmas Day Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist
8 am and 10 am
Friday, December 25, 2009
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day
Said Mass with Hymns 9 am
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Said Mass with Hymns 4 pm
Choral Vigil 10:30 pm
Solemn Mass 11 pm
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Movie Night
“Malcolm X” Part 1 at 7 pm
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas at Grace Church
The Christmas story is one filled with wonders—angels, a virgin giving birth, shepherds, kings, and God himself coming among us in the form of a helpless baby. As amazing as this wonderful story is, the great miracle that the Church celebrates this day and this season is the miracle of God the Son becoming incarnate—sharing our human flesh, our human nature—in order that we might come to share in his divine life.
The Christmas Season begins with the first evening prayer of Christmas (Christmas Eve), which is December 24 and lasts twelve days—until evening prayer (or sundown) of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ (January 6). The usual Friday abstinence is suspended during the season and Christians are encouraged to make these twelve days a time of celebration and joy.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Worship Schedule
Thursday, December 24
Vigil of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Said Mass with Hymns 4 pm
Choral Vigil 10:30 pm
Solemn Mass 11 pm
+
Friday, December 25
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day
Said Mass with Hymns 9 am
+
Sunday, December 27
The First Sunday after Christmas Day
Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist 8 am + 10 am
+
Friday, January 1
The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Sung Mass with Hymns 10 am
+
Sunday, January 3
The Second Sunday after Christmas Day
Said Mass with Hymns 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
+
Wednesday, January 6
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles
Morning Prayer and Said Mass 9 am
Sung Mass with Hymns 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Dugan's Hooligans
8 pm Benefit Concert
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Serving Mariners
Most of the goods we consume come to us over the world's oceans and waterways, and are brought by mariners from every country. The Seaman's Church Institute serves to meet the medical, legal and spiritual needs of those who pass through the port of New York. In response to the 2009 appeal from Seaman's Church Institute, St. Martha's Guild collected and packaged gifts from the church as well as the guild for Christmas giving to those mariners who will be away from home at the holidays.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Theological Book Group
Discuss “Where God Happens: Discovering Christ in Each Other” (Chapters 3 and 4) by Archbishop Rowan Williams, 7-8 pm
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving Eve
Sung Mass at 8pm
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
About the Season of Advent
The world calls the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas day the Holiday or Christmas season and it's usually about busy-ness, buying and stress.
But the Church knows the season begining on the Sunday that falls on or closest to November 30 and continues to the Evening of Christmas (on the Evening of Christmas—December 24) by the name Advent (from the Latin word, adventus, which means "coming").
Advent is a season of joyful expectation of a two-fold orientation: looking forward to
- the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time when creation is healed and sin, suffering and death are no more, and also to
- the commemoration of Christ's Incarnation, which the Church celebrates during the Christmas season—the twelve days beginning on Christmas Day and continuing through the Epiphany of Our Lord to the Gentiles (January 6).
In a time when the world calls us to be especially busy, God calls us to greater simplicity in our lives in order to make space for the Holy Spirit to breathe in us and to make way for Christ's coming in and through us. To this end, Grace Church's worship in this season embraces silence, simplicity and contemplation.
Why not take a break from busy-ness of the "Holiday Season" and join Grace Church in the quiet simplicity of Advent?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Christ the King
Mass at 9:15 am followed by festive meal
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Movie Night
“Kundun” at 7 pm
Monday, November 16, 2009
An Advent Invitation from Bp. Beckwith
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Walk-In Dinner featured on BBC
A news crew from the British Broadcasting Corporation recently visited the new Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center in Hackensack while filming a segment on the US economy. The story featured video of the Walk-In Dinner program run by the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless, which Grace Church participates in six times a year. The Center is also the new home of Christ Church Community Development Corporation, whose shelter and Next Step program Grace Church supports financially. Click here for a link to the BBC video.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Theological Book Group
Discuss Where God Happens: Discovering Christ in Each Other (Chapters 1 and 2) by Archbishop Rowan Williams, 7-8 pm.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Commemoration of All Faithful Departed
(All Souls’ Day)
Said Mass with Remembrance of Faithful Departed at 7 pm
Sunday, November 1, 2009
All Saints’ Sunday
Procession and Solemn Mass with Blessing of the Font and Renewal of Baptismal Vows at 10 am
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Daylight Savings Time ends
Turn your clocks back 1 hour Saturday night. Hurray!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
All Saints' Day
It is believed by many scholars that the feasts of All Saints on November 1st originated in Ireland, spread from there to England, and then to Europe. Documentary evidence attests to its celebration as early as the ninth century. However, the desire of Christian people to express the intercommunion of the living and the dead in the Body of Christ by a commemoration of those who, having professed faith in the living Christ in days past, had entered into the nearer presence of their Lord, and especially of those who had crowned their professions with heroic deaths, was far older than the Middle Ages.
All Saints' Day is classed, in The Book of Common Prayer, as a Principal Feast, taking precedence of any other day or observance. Among the seven so classified, All Saints' Day alone may be observed on the following Sunday, in addition to its observance on its fixed date. It is one of the four Holy Days (in addition to the Bishop's visitation) recommended in the Prayer Book for the administration of Holy Baptism.
This year All Saints' Day falls on a Sunday. Grace Church will celebrate All Saints' Day with a Solemn Mass and either Holy Baptism or the renewal of our Baptismal vows at 10am on November 1.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Commemoration of All Faithful Departed
(Commonly called All Souls Day)
In the New Testament, the words 'saints' is used to describe the entire membership of the Christian Community, and in the Collect for All Saints' Day the word 'elect' is used in a similar sense. From very early times, however, the word 'saint' came to be applied primarily to persons of heroic sanctity, whose deeds were recalled with gratitude by later generations.
Beginning in the tenth century, it became customary to set aside another day-as a sort of extension of All Saints-on which the Church remembered that vast body of the faithful who, though no less members of the company of the redeemed, are unknown in the wider fellowship of the Church and it served as a day for particular remembrance of family members and friends.
Grace Church will celebrate All Souls Day with a simple Mass on Monday, November 2 at 7pm. It is on this day that the names of our loved ones will be read aloud and prayed for. If you would like a loved one remembered at the altar on this day, please fill out a form found in a bulletin or in the narthex or email the office by clicking here.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Oktoberfest Benefit
At Cornerstone Restaurant, 7 pm
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Theological Book Group
Discuss What is the Point of Being a Christian? by Timothy Radcliffe, OP, 7-8 pm.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Oktoberfest to Benefit Hospice
On Monday, October 19th at 7 pm, Grace Church will be partnering with The Cornerstone Restaurant in offering an Oktoberfest to benefit the Community Hospice of Bergen County. The 'fest will include a selection of hand-picked beers and ales together with authentic German cuisine. Tickets are $55. For more information, or to reserve tickets, click here.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Fall Vendor Fair Benefits Westwood Cares
Grace Church is sponsoring a Fall Vendor Fair on Saturday, October 17, from 10am to 2pm for the benefit of Westwood Cares. A diverse group of vendors has committed to coming, including those selling candles, jewelry, high quality silver, leather goods, custom cloth handbags, Italian cookies, and more. Westwood Cares aids persons in serious immediate financial distress in Westwood and Hillsdale. A portion of all vendors' proceeds will go to helping the organization. Please come and support this outreach effort and let others know about it.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Theological Book Group Starts
The Theological Book Group has an intimidating name, but you don't have to be a theologian to enjoy it. The books will be good, but not too difficult. The group will read each book before the meeting and then gather with the Rector to discuss it. The first book will be "What is the Point of Being a Christian?" by Timothy Radcliffe, OP, and the group will meet to discuss it on October 14 from 7 to 8 pm.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Movie Night
View and discuss the second half of Gandhi, 7 pm.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Feast of the Dedication of the Church
Procession and Solemn Mass at 10 am
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Blessing of Animals
Your pets and their support staff are invited for a blessing at noon this Sunday for our annual Saint Francis Animal Blessing.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Movie Night
View and discuss the first half of Gandhi, 7 pm.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Church School Begins
Adult Forum: What is Anglo-Catholicism? Part I
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Job Search Workshop
Interview Skills 7 pm, Holy Trinity, Hillsdale
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Church School Registration
Adult Forum: The Seaman’s Church Institute
The Reverend Marge Lindstrom, Port Chaplain
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Job Search Workshop
Resume Writing 7 pm, Holy Trinity, Hillsdale
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Solemnity of the Holy Cross
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
The Reverend Marge Lindstrom, Port Chaplain-Seaman’s Church Institute
Celebrant and Preacher
Friday, September 4, 2009
Saint Francis of Assissi and the Blessing of Animals
Saint Francis was a wandering preacher in the late twelfth and early thirteenth century who experienced Christ’s call to give up everything and follow him (Matthew 10:7-19) as a personal call. Saint Francis is known for many things. He lived a life of strict poverty in solidarity with lepers and the poor; he arranged for the first Christmas crèche to be made; he received the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ); and he loved nature, composing a hymn (the Canticle of the Sun) that emphasized God’s glory in it. The stories of his love of nature, including such unusual activities as preaching to the birds, is why he has become the patron saint of, among other things, animals. For this reason, in many places, it has become customary to follow Francis’ lead and honor animals on or near his feast day (October 4) by blessing them.
Grace Church invites you to bring your favorite of God's creatures great and small to receive a blessing at Noon on the Feast Day of Saint Francis, October 4.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Holy Cross Day
September 14 is Holy Cross Day (in the Western Church also known as the Exaltation or Triumph of the Cross, or Roodmas, and in the Eastern Church as the Elevation of the Holy Cross), the celebration of the Cross of Christ by which he triumphed over sin and death and redeemed the whole world.
The date for Holy Cross Day was chosen because of a miracle and the dedication of a church building. Early in the fourth century, Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, went to Israel to locate the sites of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The story is that she not only located the sites, but through divine intervention also discovered the True Cross itself on September 14, 326. The Emperor constructed the Church of the Holy Sepulcher over the site and it was dedicated on September 14, 335.
Holy Cross Day is not another Good Friday. It is a feast at which the Church celebrates the Holy Cross as a symbol of triumph, a sign of Christ's victory over death, and a reminder of his promise, "When I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself." (John 12:32)
This year Grace Church celebrates this feast on Sunday, September 13 with a Procession and Solemn Mass, and is pleased to welcome Mother Marge Lindstrom, Seaman’s Church Institute Chaplain, as Celebrant and Preacher.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Worship at Grace Church
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8
At first glance Anglican worship might seem strange: the foundation of our life and worship together is a bath and the principle act of worship that sustains us Sunday after Sunday is a shared meal—simple, decidedly material, acts.
But the belief that God became human—flesh and blood—in Jesus Christ, and that even today he who
- took flesh in the womb,
- was bathed in the Jordan,
- healed a blind man using spit and dirt,
- touched so many with simple words and with healing hands,
- shared meals with friends and also with those at the margins of society,
- died in the body and was raised in the body
continues to dwell among us in the life of the Church through simple, material acts, is at the very heart of Anglican Christian life and worship. And so, Anglican worship involves the whole person: heart, mind, soul and body.
In our worship
- Christians join as one Body to pray and sing in forms that date from the earliest days of the Church;
- every-day objects like word, water, bread and wine, oil, touch, light and time become the medium through which God in Christ gives his life to us; and,
- by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is Christ himself in the gathered Body who offers prayer, praise and sacrifice to his Father in heaven for the life of the whole world.
The Book of Common Prayer, the gift of the English Reformation to the Church, is the standard for Anglican/Episcopal worship. It enables our worship to be less about what a priest does for a congregation, than what we do together, as Christ’s Body, and what Christ does in his Body, for the life of the world.
The rhythm and content of Anglican life worship is the same as that followed by the Church through the centuries, sanctifying (making holy) time through the Daily Office and the Church year, and sanctifying life and creation through the Sacraments—the Holy Eucharist (also known as the Mass, the Holy Communion or the Lord’s supper) being "the principle act of Christian worship on the Lord's Day and other major Feasts..." (The Book of Common Prayer p.13).
It is a rhythm that may not be obvious at first, but rewards faithful participation and is supplemented and enhanced by acts of corporate and private devotion.
Come to Grace Church. Worship with us. Try it for yourself. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Church trip to see N.J. Jackals
Baseball and fireworks.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Job Search Help
Holy Trinity Church Parish Hall 326 Hillsdale, Ave, Hillsdale, NJ 7:30 pm
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Episcopal Church Meets in Convention
The triennial General Convention of the Episcopal Church gathers from July 8-17 in Anaheim California to discern the will of God for the Episcopal Church for the next three years. News and information about the Convention may be found here. Please pray for the Church and for those gathered at General Convention.
"Almighty and everlasting Father, who hast given the Holy Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we beseech thee, with his grace and presence, the bishops and the other clergy and the laity now assembled in thy Name, that thy Church, being preserved in true faith and godly discipline, may fulfill all the mind of him who loved it and gave himself for it, thy Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen." (Book of Common Prayer, 204)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
General Convention 2009
The Episcopal Church meets this year in Anaheim, CA. Online coverage here.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Celebrating our First Year Together
It is a happy time here at Grace as we celebrate the 1st anniversary of the arrival of the The Rev'd Rob Rhodes and his wife, Lisa Copland in Westwood. Last year as Fr. Rhodes became the seventh rector of Grace Church, he began the sometime complex tasks of "learning the congregation" and adjusting to life in northern New Jersey. It has been a year full of introductions, getting acquainted, prayer and worship while we establish the foundations of our ministry. It truly is a happy and exciting time as we move on to the next phase of our shared ministry and determine where we are being led in God's world--together.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Job Search Help
Grace Church and Holy Trinity, Hillsdale are co-sponsoring a job-search coaching session on Sunday, July 12 at 7:30 PM at Holy Trinity Church in Hillsdale. Bill Belknap, Master Career Coach will discuss job-search strategies, answer questions and provide resources. RSVP to wcbelknap@mindspring.com. There is no cost for this informative session.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Solemn Mass, and Procession of the Blessed Sacrament with Adoration and Benediction 10 am
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass with Solemn Te Deum 10 am
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Grace Church supports work in South Africa
Did you know. . .
* South Africa is a little less than twice the size of Texas
* There is 25% unemployment
* 6 million people have AIDS
* 60% have HIV/AIDS and no treatment.
Into these desperate circumstances came Pam Jamison, an Episcopal nurse, and in the year 2000, the Carryou ministry was founded. As she puts it, ". . .with no resources--just sick people and a strong faith," she began the work that today has grown to a full time staff of 10, and 62 caregivers who address the needs of the sick with TB, AIDS and other debilitating diseases. The organization also helps many orphaned children, feeding, supervising and educating them, obtaining birth certificates and ID documents, and has helped 10 orphans with higher education, including university, college and teachers' training college.
Carryou has built, and will soon open its own "drop in center" where children can be fed, do homework, get counseling and other services in a safe and protected environment.
In early May of this year, Sue Heywood addressed an adult forum at Grace Church introducing parishioners to this ministry. Within a matter of days the people of Grace raised $220, which is enough to support a child for six months.
If you would like to know more about Carryou, visit their website at www.carryouministry.co.za.
You can contribute directly to Carryou by mailing your check to St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo, 10 Fox Hill Road, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987. Be sure to mark the memo line on your check with "Carryou." All monies collected are wired to Carryou by Sue Heywood, and no administrative costs are deducted from your contribution.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day
Low Mass with Hymns 8 am
Procession and Solemn Mass 10 am
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ascension Day
Solemn Mass 8 pm
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Flowers at Five Corners
Fund-raising plant sale on church lawn from 10 to 3
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Grace Church in the News
The April 29, 2009 issue of Community Life includes two articles that feature Grace Church. First, there is an article and photograph reporting on St. Martha's Guild annual "baby shower" for North Porch, an event already publicized in this space. Second, there is article on a recent fundraising dinner for Westwood Cares at which a table-full of Grace parishioners could be spotted. Father Rob Rhodes was quoted as saying "[Grace Church] wants to see what the needs of the community are, throw the doors open, and see what we can give back." Our own Cindy Waneck, together with the mayor and other Council members, helped cook and serve the dinner. A highlight of the evening was seeing Cookie Smethurst and Father Tom Norton tearing up the dance floor. To see the Community Life article, click here.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Blessing of the Bikes
On April 26, 2009, to honor our unofficial patron saint, Our Lady of Grace, who is also one of the patron saints of motorcyclists, Grace Episcopal Church, Westwood sponsored a Blessing of Motorcycles. Over a dozen riders showed up for this maiden effort on a beautiful spring day. Monies and food collected that day were taken to St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in Paterson and delivered to them by some of the riders following the blessing.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Doves Strike Again
On Sunday May 3 the Grace Doves enter their 13th season competing in the Pascack Valley Church Softball League, seeking to regain the championship after falling short last year. All games are played at the George White School fields in Hillsdale at 1:30 on Sundays through the end of June except Mothers' Day and Memorial Day Sunday. Men and women 25 years and older are eligible to play plus up to three younger persons to push the elders around the bases. Other churches participating are Hillsdale Methodist, Westwood Methodist and Parkside Community. Anyone interested in playing may contact Tom Bisdale.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Motorcycle Blessing
Motorcycle blessing after the 10 am Mass.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Blessing of the Bikes
On April 26, 2009, to honor our unofficial patron saint, Our Lady of Grace, who is also one of the patron saints of motorcyclists, Grace Episcopal Church, Westood will offer a Blessing of Motorcycles immediately following our regular 10 am Mass (ca 11:15 am). A collection will be taken that day for the St. Paul's Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in Paterson and delivered to them by some of the riders following the blessing.
If you ride please come to Grace Church this Sunday for Mass at 10 am and/or for the blessing afterward. If you know someone who rides, please pass on the word that they are welcome to worship with us Sunday and to bring their motorcycles for a blessing.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Archbishop of Canterbury's Easter Message
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day
Low Mass with Hymns 8am
Procession and Solemn Mass of the Resurrection 10am
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The Great Vigil of Easter
Lighting of the Great Fire, the Blessing of the Paschal Candle, Holy Baptism (or the renewal of Baptismal vows) and the First Holy Eucharist of Easter 8:00 pm
Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
Proper Liturgy of Good Friday with Veneration of the Cross and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Maundy Thursday
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper with Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar and Reservation of the Sacrament on the Altar of Repose 8:00 pm
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Mass with the Blessing of the Palms, Procession and the Proclamation of the Passion Narrative 10:00 am
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday Lent Programs
Thursdays in March
Holy Eucharist 6 pm
Light Supper 6:45 pm
Program 7:15 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Great Three Days at the Center of Our Worship and Our Lives
As the Prayer Book teaches, the purpose of Lent is to serve as a time of preparation for the celebration of the rites of Holy Week, particularly the Three Days, or the Triduum: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil of Easter (this year at 8pm each night on April 9, 10, and 11). These liturgies (or better, this liturgy, singular, since they are really one liturgy spread out over three days) form the centerpiece of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, and rightly so, because everything else we do as Church—Baptism and Eucharist especially, but also, by extension, every sacrament, every liturgical act and our entire life as Christians—find its home, its source, its meaning, in what happens in the those three days.
In an age in which worship is marked by the desperation of continual innovation, much of worship has become talk or presentation or drama about Christ. So, in or near Holy Week, many churches will offer some sort of passion drama or symbolic presentation of the events of the last days of Jesus' pre-resurrection life. There is nothing wrong with such presentations, per se. It is a good thing to know about Christ and the events of this life.
But the Triduum - the Great Three Days - is much more than a presentation or a drama about Christ and those last days. In the Triduum Liturgy, the Church's claim is that those events are made present, really present, in our midst. And, even more than that, inasmuch as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we are made one with them and transformed by them into the likeness of Christ. Of course this is true about Baptism and Eucharist generally, and the transformation these sacraments offer is ongoing, not to be finished in this lifetime. But the proper home of these sacraments is the Triduum and we can only really know Baptism and Eucharist at other times by knowing them in their proper home.
It is a profound mistake to think of the Holy Week liturgies as "special services" - as opportunities for extra worship and devotion. I cannot emphasize strongly enough that, as the setting in which the foundational events of our faith are made present again in their fullness and join our lives to those foundational events, the Triduum is the center around which everything else turns - the Triduum is the center of our life as Church.
I strongly encourage you to take your proper place in the celebration of these great, central, foundational rites of the Church.
Father Rhodes
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Solemn Evensong & Benediction
5 pm at St. Mary the Virgin,
New York City
Father Rhodes will preach
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Set your clocks ahead one hour before retiring. Aargh...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Learning to Pray in Lent
Lenten Series: Thursdays in Lent: March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2 Mass: 6:00pm Light Supper: 6:45pm Program 7:15pm Most people, including most Episcopalians and most Christians in general, think of prayer almost exclusively in terms of petition or intercession - that is, "God, please give me (or someone else) _______ (fill in the blank)." But prayer is much more than our asking God to do things for us. The real point of prayer is communication, even communion with God, and so it goes two ways. More than just being what we say to God, prayer begins with God's reaching out to us and drawing prayer from us. More than our talking to God, prayer, perhaps most importantly, has to do with our listening to God. Luckily for us, we are not on our own in learning how to do this. Since the beginning of the Church, mystics (as early as Saint Paul himself), monks/nuns and many others have discovered a variety of ways to pray, to listen, even to be made one with God, in Christ, through the power of the Spirit. To ignore the experience of these great pray-ers would be poor stewardship of the Church's resources. The Grace Church Lenten Series this year (Thursdays in Lent - March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2, Mass at 6pm; light supper at 6:45; program at 7:15) will focus on these varieties of prayer. Each week, after worship, the series will begin with some lecture/discussion about why and how to pray and the theology of prayer. Then a particular form of prayer will be presented which those present will be invited to try out for themselves. Afterwards there will opportunity for discussion about the experience and, as needed, some suggestions for how to continue prayer on your own or in small groups. Father Rhodes
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Archbishop's Lenten Reflections
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ash Wednesday
Mass with Imposition of Ashes 9:15am, Noon, 5pm, 8pm
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Shrove Tuesday Jambalaya Dinner
6:45 pm Eucharist 7:15 to 8:15 pm dinner / $15 sug. donation
Monday, February 23, 2009
St. Martha's Guild Outreach
Members of Grace Church's womens' guild have been working together to knit afghans for Shelter Our Sisters, ad organization dedicated to sheltering Bergen County women and children who are victims of domestic violence. SOS provides care and service to help women and their dependants attain safety, build a strong foundation for healing and gain self reliance. Click here to learn more about this important ministry.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Mitchell Installation
Church of the Advent, Cape May, 3 pm
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Pictures from a Convention
Steve Boston's pictures from the 2009 Diocese of Newark convention can be viewed by clicking here. If you look deep enough, you'll see photos of Mary Sunden presenting the budget and Fr. Rhodes being presented along with other priests new to the Diocese of Newark.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Grantees in the News: Apostles House
On Sunday, January 25, 2009, Regina Miller and two clients of Apostles House in Newark joined the people of Grace Church at their 10 o'clock service. After Coffee Hour, Regina and her friends were able to describe to parishioners the work of Apostles House, including the Christmas "adopt-a-family" program that Grace Church participated in. On Tuesday, February 3, the Newark Star-Ledger reported that Oprah Winfrey, the noted talk-show host, had donated $250,000 to Apostles House, as part of a larger grant of $2 million to charitable organizations in Newark. A link to the Star-Ledger story can be found here.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple: Candlemas
Solemn Mass with Blessing of Candles 10am
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Diocesan Convention
Monday, January 19, 2009
Congratulations to Our New Officeholders
On a snowy and cold January 18, 2009, Charles Keil become Grace Church's newest vestry member when he and others were elected by the unanimous consent of those gathered for the church's Annual Meeting. Current vestry members Warren Hirstius, James Freeman and Larry Toppin were all re-elected to three-years terms. John Schneider graciously agreed to stand again as Warden, and Ben Martin will represent Grace at the Diocesan Convention starting in 2010.
Earlier that day Grace was honored to have Fr. Tom Norton as a guest preacher on the first Sunday of the Octave of Christian Unity.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Second Sunday After Epiphany
Annual Meeting 11:30am
Sunday, January 11, 2009
First Sunday After Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord
Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism or Renewal of Baptismal Vows 10:00 am
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Sung Mass with incense 8:00 pm
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Archbishop's New Year's Address
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Feast of the Holy Name
Solemn Choral Eucharist 10:00 am
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The First Sunday after Christmas Day
Christmas Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist 8 and 10 am
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Christmas Day
Christmas Day Eucharist 9:00 am
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve
Family Eucharist and Christmas Pageant 4:00pm
Traditional “Midnight” Solemn Choral Mass 11:00 pm (music begins at 10:30)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Fourth Sunday of Advent - Episcopal Visitation
Pontifical Mass at 10am
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wassail Party
6 pm at home of Andy and Cookie Smethurst,
166 Lexington, Westwood
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Outreach
This year, Grace Church adopted four Newark families in The Apostles House adopt-a-family program. The people of Grace donated over 31 gifts that will be delivered to the needy mothers and children at Christmas. Of the eleven people served in the ministry, one is shortly to be born. Thanks to all who shared of their own fullness, so that others too may be full.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Archbishop of Canterbury's Advent Reflections
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Christmas Outreach
At this time of year when want is most keenly felt, Grace Church will be partnering with Apostles House in Newark to provide gifts to needy families at Christmas time. Apostles House, an Episcopal ministry to single mothers and children, will coordinate and distribute the gifts that the people of Grace Church donate to these families. Thanks to all who signed up on November 23 for this annual outreach ministry. Presents should be brought to the church by Sunday, December 7, 2008.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving Eve
Sung Mass at 8pm
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Solemnity of Christ the King
Procession and Solemn Mass at 10am with the Ingathering of Pledges.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Grace Celebrates New Ministry
On Saturday, November 1, All Saints' Day, the Right Reverend Mark Beckwith presided at a Celebration of New Ministry, instituting Father Rob Rhodes as the seventh rector of Grace Church and charging the rector, wardens, vestry, congregation and the wider church to support each other in being the Body of Christ given for the life of the world. In his sermon, Bishop Beckwith spoke of the institution of Father Rhodes as the occasion for celebrating, reflecting on and renewing the mission and ministry of Grace Church. The bishop emphasized the Communion of Saints (which includes all of the Baptized) and the distinction between the world's understanding of power and the Church's understanding of power as described by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. Besides Bishop Beckwith, the new rector, and the members and leadership of Grace Church, representatives of the Diocese of Newark and local community joined in the celebration and the reception which followed.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
All Saints’ Sunday
Procession and Solemn Mass with Blessing of the Font and Renewal of Baptismal Vows at 10 am
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Daylight Savings Time ends
Turn your clocks back 1 hour Saturday night. Hurray!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
All Saints’ Day and Celebration of a New Ministry
Pontifical Mass at 10 am
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wine-Tasting Dinner fundraiser
7 pm at Crossroads in Hillsdale
Monday, October 20, 2008
Gifts for Mariners
In response to an appeal from the Seaman's Church Institute, an organization that serves world-wide mariners, the women of St. Martha's Guild have collected and wrapped gifts to be distributed during the Christmas season. If you would like to know more about this very vital organization, plan to attend the Guild meeting on Monday, November 3rd, at 8 p.m. to hear Chaplain Marjorie Lindstrom, who has a most interesting presentation about the work of The Seaman's Institute for people who work on the oceans and rivers of the world to bring us nearly all the food and goods we use.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Stewardship Sunday
Monday, October 6, 2008
Animals Seek Blessing
Early morning showers and overcast skies were not enough to dampen the spirits of the dogs and cat that came out for their St. Francis blessing on Sunday, October 5th, 2008. After the people celebrated The Dedication of the Church at it's 10 am Mass, parishioners, friends, neighbors, dogs and cats gathered on the front lawn for this annual event. More pictures can be viewed by clicking here.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Blessing of Animals
Your pets and their support staff are welcome at noon this Sunday for our annual Saint Francis Animal Blessing.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Dedication of the Church
Procession and Solemn Mass at 10 am
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Dugan’s Hooligans in Concert
8 pm in church hall
Monday, September 22, 2008
Grace Youth Raise Funds for Needy Children
The youth of Grace Episcopal Church, together with CVS, raised over $1000 worth of school supplies for needy children and families. On Sunday, September 21, 2008, our youth staffed a table at the entrance to the CVS store in Westwood, and encouraged passersby to purchase school supplies for donation. Shoppers, as well as the CVS store, generously responded.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Dugan's Hooligans in Concert
"Halfway to St. Patrick's Day" parties are becoming increasingly popular. This is because there is always a good reason for a party, and an opportunity to celebrate Irish music, culture and food. Grace Church, Westwood, NJ, is pleased to host an evening of live music and Irish dance by Dugan's Hooligans, a Celtic ensemble, on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 at 8 p.m. Two sets of music, and refreshments are included in the ticket price of $20.00.
Call 201-664-0407 for tickets.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Anglo-Catholics in the Diocese of Newark
The September 2008 issue of The Voice, Newark's diocesan newspaper, includes an article by William Zanders which discusses how Anglo-Catholicism is understood and practiced in the Diocese of Newark. In addition to quotes from Bishop Beckwith and The Reverends J. Carr Holland, Brian H. Laffler and William Thiele, Graces Church's rector, The Rev'd Rob Rhodes, is liberally quoted. In the article, Fr. Rhodes said this: "For Anglo-Catholics, worship and sacramental life is not creative self-expression about God. Liturgy is not an audio-visual aid to understanding or inspirational feelings. In worship, in the liturgy, Christ is truly present and active, giving himself to the world, as an offering to the Father, through the Holy Spirit. We participate in worship by virtue of our being baptized into Christ's self-offering and giving our lives over to the ongoing work of being reshaped by the Holy Spirit into the shape of Christ's life and self-offering in prayer, devotions and the sacraments, especially in the Holy Eucharist."
The full article can be found on page 9 of The Voice, which can be downloaded by clicking here.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Holy Cross Day
Procession & Solemn Choral Eucharist
10:00am
Sunday School Begins
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Sunday School Registration
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Fr. Rhodes Profiled in Community Life
An article that appeared in the August 27, 2008 issue of Community Life about Fr. Rhodes, and the journey that led him to Westwood, can be viewed by clicking here.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Grace Church Supports St. Peter’s Haven Backpack Program
For the second year in a row this summer, Grace Church has supported the backpack program located at St. Peter’s Haven, an outreach ministry of St. Peter’s Church in Clifton, NJ. Members of the church donated four backpacks, along with many school supplies. The four backpacks were sent to St. Peter’s full of the requested items. Three were for grade school age children and the fourth for a junior/senior high student. We sent many additional school supplies to St. Peter’s also. We are happy to participate in this ministry to our friends in need, widening the circle of inclusion for children who might not otherwise have the supplies they need for school. St., Peter’s aims to distribute over 300 backpacks at a special Saturday lunch late in August.
Friday, August 15, 2008
St. Mary the Virgin
Father Rhodes con-celebrates at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in NYC at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Transfiguration of our Lord
9 am Mass
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Church trip to see N.J. Jackals
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Mitchell Celebration Dinner
7 pm at Iron Horse
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Congratulations to Fr. John Mitchell
On July 6, 2008, the Wardens of Church of the Advent and St. John's Chapel, Cape May, New Jersey, announced that Fr. John Mitchell had been elected to be their 14th Rector. The people of Grace church are delighted that God has brought Fr. John and Advent together, and we send our assurances to the people of Advent that you have called a talented, compassionate, smart, humble, prayerful and loving man to be your shepherd.
Father John reports: "Dot and I are excited about becoming a part of Advent, a vibrant and engaged parish, and the broader Cape May community. Cape May is seaside community with deep historic roots and a real treasure throughout the year. From Grace to Advent will mean a move from one of the most northerly parishes in New Jersey to the most southerly."
Friday, July 11, 2008
Grace in the Public Square
On May 18, 2008, Grace Church sponsored a booth at the Westwood Heritage Day event in Veterans' Park. Parishioners staffed the booth throughout the day, where we handed out literature on the church and Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Through direct contributions of fair attendees, and a silent auction of goods provided by parishioners, we were able to raise $200 for ERD to use in its Myanmar relief efforts.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Treasures of the East
Fundraising bazaar
Noon to 5 pm
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Pentecost Six
Fr. Rob Rhodes's first Sunday Mass
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Transitions
“Are you settled in yet?”
This is the question I have been asked most since Lisa and I arrived in Westwood last Friday night—a reminder, if we needed one, of the transitions we have been moving through in the last few months: the move from southern Louisiana to the northern New Jersey, the move from a small, isolated mill-town to the tightly packed towns of Bergen County, the move from simple spoken celebrations of the Holy Eucharist with hymns to decidedly Anglo-Catholic worship, and many more transitions, some of which I am aware and others which I am sure Lisa and I will only discover in the months and years to come.
I don’t know how long it takes to settle in, or what “settled in” entails exactly, but I think, in the practical ways at least, we’re getting there. If settling in requires that all of our boxes be empty and all our books on shelves, it will probably be months (or years) before we’re settled in. If it means that I can get up in the middle of the night and find my way downstairs to get a glass of water without turning on lights, I think I’m there already. But “settled in” probably means more than that.
The boxes scattered around the house in various states of unpacking are an ongoing reminder that we’re in transition, and times of transition can be both challenging and joyous. Lisa and I are still learning our way around Westwood and Bergen County. On Wednesday I celebrated my first Mass at Grace as your rector. On Sunday, June 22, I will celebrate with the wider Grace Episcopal Church community for the first time and hope to meet many more of you. Lisa and I look forward to begin the process of exploring the life of Grace Church and getting to know each of you. In and around getting boxes unpacked and out of the rectory, and besides worship, this will be my primary work in the next few months, so expect to hear from me.
I look forward to meeting you on Sunday and settling in to this community.
Pax Christi,
Father Rhodes
Monday, June 16, 2008
Interim Concluded
On Sunday, June 15, 2008, the people of Grace Church saw the active ministry of The Rev'd John P. Mitchell draw to a close. The 10 o'clock service was well attended, and the parish was honored to have Father Tom Norton concelebrate with Fr. John.
At the end of his sermon, Fr. John exhorted the people of Grace Church with these words:
"Beloved in Christ, my prayer to God and my petition to you in this place are the same. Step out joyously in fear and trembling. Step out into the unknown with confidence in yourselves and God, with the assurance of God's abundant grace, God's insistent love. Hunger and thirst after righteousness. Build and welcome the Kingdom. Be peacemakers. Fill the hungry with good things. Bring the healing presence of Christ to those who suffer. Lift up the lowly. Comfort those who mourn. Care for the desolate. Do justice. Love kindness. Claim and teach the promises of the Gospel, of God's reconciling love, of the promise of life everlasting. Praise his holy name. Make your holy thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. Abide in and be nourished by the presence of Christ. In confidence and joy, even in fear and trembling, share the harvest, give thanks, do faith, and claim the abundance of God's love. AMEN."
Addressing the crowd at a celebratory Coffee Hour after the service, Churchwarden Leslie Bisdale said this:
"We are entering an exciting time here at Grace . . . a new phase in our journey together. The hard part is, as with any transition, comes change. I--we--don't want this man to leave! And yet--we--must be ready for him to leave. We must be ready for him to leave because we have called a wonderful man and priest to be our 7th Rector. We must be ready for him to leave because he is too good of a priest not to allow him to grow more fully in his vocation, and to share with others those gifts he so graciously shared with us. We must be ready for him to leave because he has taught us to trust in God's will and call to us. It can be risky and it can be difficult when we listen to God, but it is always right. It is with tremendous gratitude and deep, deep affection--and genuine sadness-- that we can say to you, Fr. John Mitchell, because of your time here with us--we are ready. Thank you so very much."
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Pentecost Five
Fr. John Mitchell's last Mass
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Bidding Father John forth
| "Not fare well, but fare forward . . ." -- T. S. Eliot, The Dry Salvages |
On Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the 10 o'clock service, the people of Grace Church will witness the close of Fr. John Mitchell's active ministry as our Interim Priest, as we prepare to welcome our next Rector. Fr. John's watchcare over us will be long remembered by Grace's parishioners.
At its June meeting, the Vestry of Grace Church unanimously passed this resolution of thanks:
The Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood expresses its sincere thanks to the Rev. John P. Mitchell for the two and a half years of his ministry as Priest of this parish. He has been a healing presence among us when this parish needed healing. He has helped this parish to discern and reaffirm its identity. He has faithfully led us in worship and has enriched our liturgical practice from the beginning of his ministry. He has been a pastor to us in both happy and difficult times, and during his tenure the bonds of affection in this parish have been strengthened. He has supported and strengthened our ministry to those in need. We shall long remember with great affection his gentle ways and sense of humor. Our parish is distinctly better for his ministry with us and we pray that soon the future direction of his ministry will be clear.
Pray for Fr. John in the days ahead as he seeks to discern how God will next make use of his considerable gifts.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
In anno domini MMVIII,
Kathryn MacCourt,
magistrae organi et chori,
ad suam ecclesiam usque hodie reverenti,
per quinque et viginti annos semper fideli,
artificiorum musicorum et multorum et gloriosorum victori,
ex animo gratulantur
Ecclesiae in Westwood Nostrae Matris Gratiae
rector, custodes, curatores, populus, et animales.
In the year of our Lord 2008,
to Kathryn MacCourt,
organist and choir master,
even to this day selfless to her church,
through twenty-five years always faithful,
victor in musical pursuits both many and glorious,
the rector, wardens, vestry, people, and animals
of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Westwood
give their profound thanks.
Such were the sentiments inscribed on a plaque presented to Kathryn MacCourt on Sunday, June 1, 2008. Family, friends, and well-wishers from all over the country joined the parishioners of Grace Church on that day to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the start of Ms. MacCourt's music ministry in Westwood.
Several clergymen who have worked with Ms. MacCourt at Grace Church wrote tributes to her that were read at a luncheon attended by 70 people.
The Rev'd H. Gaylord Hitchcock, fifth rector of Grace Church, wrote: "you have provided consistently superb music-both from the organ console and in your leadership of the choir, whose love and respect you have earned and maintained unflaggingly. In the Catholic tradition of Christianity, music is an element essential to the ideal of offering to God the most beautiful worship of which we are capable. To that enterprise you have continuously brought artistry, skill, dedication, and a commitment to technical excellence that truly marks you as an exemplary organist and choirmaster. Moreover, through it all, you have consistently displayed warmth and love for clergy, choristers, and parishioners alike that have made your presence at Grace Church these twenty-five years not only a matter of musical excellence and beauty, but a priceless gift that has touched hearts deeply in ways you can but dimly imagine."
The Rev'd E. Perren Hayes, friend of the parish, wrote: "Kathryn MacCourt has blessed this congregation with her ministry of music for 25 years. Her skill and knowledge of music and conducting choirs is far above the average. But far more important is the fundamental love of the Lord Jesus that shines through her life. This spiritual life of hers deeply enriches the music far beyond correct tempi. It flows down through her hands and feet to make the organ nor only beautiful, but a deeply moving support to the spirituality of all those who hear it. And the choir also sings not just correctly - and they do - but with the conviction of the meaning of the texts. Kathryn's spirit enriches their spirituality - and 'their sound goes out into all lands' as each of us moves through our week. When the Body of Christ is created each week at Grace Church, one of its strongest elements is the life and work of Kathryn MacCourt."
The Rev'd John P. Mitchell, current interim priest, wrote: "Your love for this place is expressed in a certain fierceness for the dignity of what we offer by way of praise and thanksgiving in our music. It is found in patience and a willingness to engage with the variety of liturgy. It is for the concern and attention which you lavish on the members of the choir and this parish family. It is not just professionalism as a musician, although you are a skilled, creative and conscientious musician. It is about your love for this place and its people. It is in your care for our sacramental life. It is in your love of God that is consistently expressed in your ministry to us. It is in all of these. "
Sunday, June 1, 2008
MacCourt Anniversary Event
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Greetings from the Rector-Elect of Grace Church
A letter from Father Rhodes to the people of Grace Church can be downloaded here.
Father Rhodes is currently the Rector of St. Matthew's Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The Search Committee and Vestry discerned in Fr. Rhodes a deeply spiritual man with considerable liturgical, preaching, teaching and pastoral skills. He is anxious to begin his ministry with us, and we rejoice that God has called us together.
He and his wife, Lisa Copland, will be moving into the rectory in mid-June, and his first day as our Rector is scheduled to be Monday, June 16, 2008.
Father Rhodes is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and a graduate of General Theological Seminary in New York. While in New York he was Seminarian and then Assisting Deacon at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Before being Rector at St. Matthew's, he served as Curate at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Ellisville, Missouri.
Please raise up Rob and Lisa in your prayers as they prepare to move to Westwood.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Trinity Sunday
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Seventh Rector of Grace Church Announced
On Sunday, May 11, 2008 it was announced that after a long and fruitful interim God has prepared for Grace Church a Rector in the person of Father Robert R. Rhodes.
Father Rhodes is currently the Rector of St. Matthew's Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The Search Committee and Vestry discerned in Fr. Rhodes a deeply spiritual man with considerable liturgical, preaching, teaching and pastoral skills. He is anxious to begin his ministry with us, and we rejoice that God has called us together.
He and his wife, Lisa Copland, will be moving into the rectory in mid-June, and his first day as our Rector is scheduled to be Monday, June 16, 2008.
Father Rhodes is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, and a graduate of General Theological Seminary in New York. While in New York he was Seminarian and then Assisting Deacon at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Before being Rector at St. Matthew's, he served as Curate at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Ellisville, Missouri.
Please raise up Rob and Lisa in your prayers as they prepare to move to Westwood.
A letter from Father Rhodes to the people of Grace Church can be downloaded here.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Pentecost
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Fund-raising Plant Sale
10 am to 2 pm on church lawn
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Rosaries for Seamen Ministry
Every day we use goods, products and food transported to us across the oceans and in-land waterways of the world, probably without a thought for the hard and lonely lives of the seamen who make this possible for us.
Since 1834, the Seamen’s Church Institute, affiliated with the Episcopal Church, has been attending to the spiritual and physical needs of merchant seamen. A recent visit from Mother Marjorie Lindstrom, a Chaplain for the Institute at Port Newark, prompted Kathryn MacCourt to ask her if she ever gets requests for rosaries. When the answer was “Yes!” Kathryn generously contributed her time and obtained the needed materials that resulted in an evening of rosary making by the St. Martha’s Guild. When the project is finished, 50 rosaries will be donated to the Seamen’s Church Institute as part of the outreach efforts of the Guild.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Solemnity of the Ascension
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Ascension
Sung Solemn Eucharist. All are welcome
8:00 pm
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Fr. John's Easter Five Sermon . . .
can be viewed by clicking here.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
(Mighty) Doves of Grace start 12th Season
On Sunday May 4 the Grace Doves enter their 12th season competing in the Pascack Valley Church Softball League, opening the defense of their third championship against rival Hillsdale United Methodist Church. All games are played at the George White School fields in Hillsdale at 1:30 on Sundays through the end of June except Mothers’ Day, Memorial Day Sunday and June 1. Men and women 25 years and older are eligible to play plus up to three younger persons to push the elders around the bases. Other churches participating are Westwood Methodist and Parkside Community. Anyone interested in playing may contact Tom Bisdale at (201) 666-0763.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Grantees in the News
Episcopal Community Development, which is financially supported by Grace Church, was featured in a televised newscast on Channel 12 News on Saturday, April 26. Click here to download the broadcast on ECD's efforts forestall foreclosures in Newark, and to rehabilitate those properties that have been foreclosed. Our own Mary Sunden is past president of the ECD board and is currently its treasurer.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Search Committee Honored
Members of the Search Committee gathered at the altar rail on Sunday, April 27, where they were publicly thanked for their hard work and dedication in seeking candidates for the position of Rector of Grace Church. This opportunity to acknowledge their work concluded with this prayer:
Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to reconcile the world to yourself: We give thanks to you that in all parts of the earth, but especially in this place, a community of love has been gathered together by the gift of your Spirit and the prayers and labors of your servants, a community called to proclaim your good news of love and redemption.
We give thanks to you for setting us at tasks which demand our best, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us. This day we give you our thanks for calling those who have willingly and tirelessly worked, and guided by your Spirit, prayed to discern a priest called to this parish community as a teacher, a leader, a counselor, companion in the way to which you call all of us, one who will pray with us and celebrate the presence of Christ among us.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
GraceTube? Grace Makes YouTube Debut
Father John P. Mitchell's sermon on Sunday, April 13, 2008 can be viewed by clicking here.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
"They that go down to the sea in ships . . ."
- Psalm 107:23
On Sunday, April 6, Grace Church welcomed Mother Marge Lindstrom as preacher and celebrant at its 8 and 10 am services. Mother Lindstrom's ministry is with The Seamen's Church Institute where she is one of three full-time Chaplains at Port Newark. After the Coffee Hour, she was able to update us on the work of the Institute, a ministry that Grace Church has supported as part of its Outside Giving for the past several years. Our St. Martha's Guild has also supported them through the donation of knitted goods and personal hygiene items.
The Seamen's Church Institute advocates for the personal, professional, and spiritual well being of merchant mariners around the world. The Institute promotes safety, dignity, and improved working and living conditions for millions of men and women serving in the maritime workplace. Founded in 1834, the Institute is a voluntary, ecumenical agency affiliated with the Episcopal Church.
If you are interested in learning more about the Institute, you can email Mother Marge at mlindstrom@seamenschurch.org, or go to http://www.seamenschurch.org.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Search Committee Completes its Work
On Maundy Thursday, with great hope and expectation, the Search Committee recommended four priests of the Episcopal Church for the Vestry’s consideration in calling the seventh rector of Grace Church. All are extraordinary priests who have the strong support of the Committee.
Since receiving its charge in March of last year, the Committee sent letters to approximately 220 priests whose profiles appeared to be possible matches with Grace Church as they appear on the computer matching program maintained by the national Church Deployment Office (CDO). In response to these letters, Grace’s posting on the CDO site as well as on personal recommendation, it received over 50 applications, each of which was considered by the entire Committee. From these candidates, 29 from across the nation and as far away as Australia were interviewed by telephone (or computer video) by rotating teams of Committee members. After discussion of each of these interviews by the entire Committee, 13 were invited to Grace to meet over dinner with the Committee as well as to tour the church, rectory and community. Five of these were subsequently visited remotely, for the most part in their home parishes, where they were observed preaching and celebrating Mass and the visitors had an opportunity to meet further with them and their spouses, where applicable.
The committee now prays for the Vestry as it embarks on its part in the discernment of our next rector:
Almighty God, Giver of every good gift: look graciously on your Church, and guide the hearts and minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 818)
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Day
8:00 a.m. Said Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Procession and Festal Eucharist
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Holy Saturday
8:00 p.m. Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday
12 noon. Westwood Walk of Faith begins at Zion Lutheran Church
4:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross
8:00 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Maundy Thursday
4-5:30 Reconciliation, Prayers for Healing and Anointing
8:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar and Procession to the Altar of Repose
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Eastertide at Grace
Easter is not over. In a real sense we celebrate Easter everyday and especially on each Sunday of the year. But there is also an Easter season. For the seven weeks following Easter Day we continue to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection. We continue to be in Easter white and to hear stories of those first days. The fiftieth day is Pentecost Sunday when we celebrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit and beginning of the work of the earliest apostles and the church.
Come join us. It is not over yet. It is just beginning. You are always welcome at Grace in Westwood. Sunday services are at 8 and 10 am. with Sunday school and child care provided at 10am. We look forward to seeing you.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wednesday in Holy Week
9:00 am Morning Prayer
9:15 am Holy Eucharist with Anointing and Prayers for Healing
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday
8:00 a.m. Blessing of Palms and Said Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Liturgy of Palms, Procession and Solemn Eucharist
Friday, March 14, 2008
Grace Episcopal Church Celebrates Holy Week and Easter
WESTWOOD, NJ – March 5, 2008 – Grace Episcopal Church will celebrate the solemn days of Holy Week and the joyous days of Easter beginning with Palm Sunday on March 16 and continuing through Easter Sunday, March 23. All members of the community are invited to join the congregation for these services.
On Palm Sunday, March 16, there will be the Blessing of Palms and Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and a Blessing of Palms, Procession, and Solemn Choral Eucharist at 10 a.m. Palm Sunday begins with the celebration of Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem and ends with the story of his Passion. Holy Week continues with the Maundy Thursday mass at 8 p.m. on March 20. This service commemorates the Last Supper, the final meeting Christ had with his disciples. As part of this service, there will be the washing of the feet, stripping of the altar, and a procession to the Altar of Repose -- acts which combine narrative from scripture and ancient tradition. . The service concludes with an all-night watch at the Altar of Repose, commemorating the night in which Jesus went to the garden to pray before he was betrayed and handed over to the Roman soldiers. The watch answers Christ’s biblical question to his disciples: “Can you not watch with me one hour?”
Services continue on Good Friday, March 21, with the Good Friday Walk of Faith, an annual program of the Westwood Clergy Council. This interfaith event will begin at the United Methodist Church in Westwood at Noon. A traditional service of the Stations of the Cross will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the formal Good Friday liturgy begins at 8 p.m. The Good Friday service commemorates Christ’s walk to Calvary where he is nailed to the cross, crucified, and dies. This service includes veneration of the cross.
On Saturday, March 22, Grace Church will celebrate the first mass of Easter with the Easter Vigil. Perhaps one of the most dramatic services of the year, the liturgy begins in darkness with the kindling of the first light of Easter. A festive reception follows this beautiful service. On Easter Sunday, March 23, Easter Sunday will be celebrated with a Said Mass at 8 a.m. and a Procession and Festal Choral Eucharist at 10 a.m.
During the week, the Sacrament of Reconciliation,, Anointing and Prayers for Healing will be offered Thursday, March 20 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. and by appointment. On Wednesday morning, March 19 at 9:15 a.m., there will be a Holy Eucharist with Anointing and Prayers for Healing.
All are welcome to join us in observance and celebration. Grace Church is located in Northern New Jersey at 9 Harrington Avenue at the Five Corners in Westwood. For more information on Holy Week and Easter Services, or for more information on Grace Church, please call 201-664-0407.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Set your clocks ahead one hour before retiring. Aargh . . .
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Rose Sunday
Simnel Cake served at Coffee Hour
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tuesday Lent Programs
February 19
February 26
March 4
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ash Wednesday
Imposition of ashes at 9:15 am, 5 pm and 8 pm services
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Shrove Tuesday
6:45 pm Eucharist
7:15 to 8:15 pm Jambalaya Dinner / $10 sug. donation
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Transfiguration Sunday/Last Epiphany/ Candlemas
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Pictures from Our Diocesan Convention
Attended on our behalf by Fr. John, Rev. Delaney, Tom Bisdale, Andy Smethurst and Mary Sunden. Click here for pictures.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tuesday Soup and Prayer
On three Tuesday evenings in Lent, February 19th and 26th and March 4th, we will come together for prayer and meditation followed by a light supper of soup and reflection. The evening will begin with an informal time of prayer and meditation at 7:00 pm, followed at 7:45 pm by soup and bread provided by different members of the parish. Feel free to come for any part of the time of prayer or just for supper. The prayer time is designed for those whose trains or buses run late or who just have busy schedule. Bring your own sandwich as well or just enjoy the soup. If you have a neighbor or friend who you think might enjoy this quiet time be sure to bring them along. All are welcome.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Youth in the Season of Lent
Lent is a season for reflection. This year there will be a special time for the younger set. We will meet late Tuesday afternoon for a time of reflection, conversation and a snack. Planned meetings are for February 19 and 26 and March 4 and 10. This is a program designed for a range of ages. All are welcome. Meeting time will be 4:30 pm or as soon as you can make it. We will gather in the lounge downstairs. See you then.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Congratulations to Our New Office Holders
Following are the names of those elected to Grace Church offices at the Annual Meeting January 27th.
Warden
Leslie Bisdale for a two-year term
Vestry
Theresa Okunlola for an unexpired two-year term
Cleta McCormick for a three-year term
James Cloke for a three-year term
Katie Landi for a three-year term
Dave Thomas for a three-year term
Deputy to diocesan convention
Thomas Bisdale for a three-year term
Alternate deputy to diocesan convention
James Davidson for a two-year term
Anne Tait for a three-year term
Representative to District Nine
Mary Sunden for a one-year term
Anne Tait for a one-year term
Iyiolu Okunlola for youth representative
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Annual Meeting
11:30 am
Friday, January 25, 2008
Diocesan Convention
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Nominnees for Election at the Annual Meeting January 27th, 2008
Following are the names of nominees for election to Grace Church offices at the Annual Meeting January 27th.
Warden
Leslie Bisdale for a two-year term
Vestry
Theresa Okunlola for an unexpired two-year term
Cleta McCormick for a three-year term
James Cloke for a three-year term
Katie Landi for a three-year term
Dave Thomas for a three-year term
Deputy to diocesan convention
Thomas Bisdale for a three-year term
Alternate deputy to diocesan convention
James Davidson for a two-year term
Anne Tait for a three-year term
Representative to District Nine
Mary Sunden for a one-year term
Anne Tait for a one-year term
Iyiolu Okunlola for youth representative
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Baptism of Our Lord
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Nominating Committee Report
| Warden Class of 2010 | Leslie Bisdale |
| (Two year term) | |
| Vestry Class of 2010 | Theresa Okunlola |
| (Two year unexpired term) | |
| Vestry Class of 2011 | Cleta McCormick |
| (Three year term) | James Cloke |
| Katie Landi | |
| Dave Thomas | |
| Deputy to Diocesan Convention | Thomas Bisdale |
| Class of 2011 | |
| (Three year term) | |
| Alternate Deputy to Diocesan Convention | James Davidson |
| Class of 2010 | |
| (Three year term) | |
| Class of 2011 | Anne Tait |
| (Three year term) | |
| Representatives to District Nine | Mary Sunden |
| (One Year Term) | Anne Tait |
| Iyiolu Okunlola | |
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The Epiphany
Holy Eucharist 8:00am
Procession & Solemn Choral Eucharist 10:00am
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Feast of the Holy Name
Solemn Choral Eucharist 10:00 am
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Christmas Lessons and Carols
8 and 10 am
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Holy Eucharist
With anointing and prayer for healing
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Morning Prayer
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Day
Christmas Day Eucharist 9:30 am
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve
Family Eucharist and Christmas Pageant 4:00pm
Traditional “Midnight” Solemn Choral Mass 11:00 pm (music begins at 10:30)
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Advent 4
Greening of the Church following services
Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas Outreach
Despite icy roads, Sunday, December 16th saw an inrush of wrapped Christmas gifts from parishioners to be distributed to children of prisoners. Each year since 1999, Grace Church's participation in Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program has been a vital part of the church's celebration of the Nativity. On Saturday the 22nd, volunteers will be distributing the gifts of clothing and toys, mostly to youngsters in the East Orange, New Jersey, area.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Wassail Party
7 pm at the Sundens’ home
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Church School Pursues Outreach Projects
The children in our Church School have been involved in various outreach projects that are worth noting: in the autumn they helped beautify our grounds by planting mums; in October they put together candy bags that were distributed to disadvantaged children in Fair Lawn; in November they held a Bake Sale that raised $117 for the Ramapo Animal Reserve in Oakland; and in December they will be making Christmas ornaments to brighten the lives of those in need. The Journey To Adulthood (J2A) curriculum they are using encourages the students to identify, develop and manage their own outreach projects. Let them be an example to us all.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Dove
The latest issue of our parish newsletter can be viewed or downloaded by clicking here.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Feast of Christ the King
Festal Choral Eucharsit 10:00 am
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving Eve
Holy Eucharist 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 10, 2007
District Nine Pot Luck Supper
We‛ll be hosting the third Episcopal community potluck dinner from 6 until 9 pm. Many of us had a great time at the first two dinners held in Oradell. Please plan on attending.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Feast of All Saints Observed
7:45 am Morning Prayer
8 am Said Holy Eucharist
10 am Sung Solemn Mass and Holy Baptism
Monday, October 29, 2007
Wine Tasting Fund Raiser
Grace Church will host a benefit Wine Tasting on Monday, October 29th at The Cornerstone Restaurant in Hillsdale. This will be a sit-down event featuring tasting of five winds artfully paired with delicacies from the Cornerstone kitchen. The cost is $45 per person. The wines will be provided by Leonard Kreusch, Inc. All are invited to this fun and educational evening. Reserve at gracewestwood@gmail.com or call John Schneider at 201-666-0548. The restaurant is at 84 Broadway in Hillsdale, NJ.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Stewardship Sunday with Potluck Luncheon
In addition to our every member canvas, we‛ll be having a Potluck luncheon that day. Look for details to come.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Feast of Dedication
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Garage Sale
Grace Church is hosting a benefit garage sale in its large parish hall on Saturday, October 13th from 8 am until 3 pm. All summer the good people of the church have been collecting together treasurers and trinkets to offer for sale, and advance peaks reveal a wide range of merchandise. Fresh, home-made baked goods will also be offered for sale. Come early and often!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Giant Garage Sale
Grace Church is hosting a benefit garage sale in its large parish hall on Saturday, October 13th from 8 am until 3 pm. All summer the good people of the church have been collecting together treasurers and trinkets to offer for sale, and advance peaks reveal a wide range of merchandise. Fresh, home-made baked goods will also be offered for sale. Come early and often!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Benefit Wine Tasting
Grace Church will host a benefit Wine Tasting on Monday, October 29th at The Cornerstone Restaurant in Hillsdale. This will be a sit-down event featuring tasting of five winds artfully paired with delicacies from the Cornerstone kitchen. The cost is $45 per person. The wines will be provided by Leonard Kreusch, Inc. All are invited to this fun and educational evening. Reserve at gracewestwood@gmail.com or call John Schneider at 201-666-0548. The restaurant is at 84 Broadway in Hillsdale, NJ.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Blessing of Animals
Your pets (or stuffed surrogates) and their support staff are welcome at noon this Sunday for our annual St. Francis Animal Blessing.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Search Committee Continues Discernment Process
Please keep the Search Committee in your prayers as they continue interviewing priests who have shown interest in being our next rector. In the initial phase of its search, the committee received applications from a good number of diverse and interesting candidates and interviewed many of them, but so far has been unable to present any candidates to the Vestry due to withdrawals and other factors. The Committee has resumed its task to discern candidates who God might be calling into ministry with us and who will join us in seeking and serving Christ in all people through:
| - | Worshiping together in the rich prayer book liturgies in the Anglo-Catholic tradition |
| - | Strengthening the bonds that unite us |
| - | Telling the Gospel story to the world and |
| - | Serving those in need by both our care and prayers |
A copy of the Profile of Grace Church can be downloaded by clicking here. Further queries related to the search process can be made to search@gracewestwood.org or by phone at (212) 399-7121.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sunday School Registration
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
St. Mary the Virgin
Monday, August 6, 2007
The Transfiguration of our Lord
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Search Committee Continues Discernment Process
Please keep the Search Committee in your prayers as they begin interviewing priests who have shown interest in being our next rector. The Committee's task now is to discern candidates who God might be calling into ministry with us and who will join us in seeking and serving Christ in all people through:
| - | Worshiping together in the rich prayer book liturgies in the Anglo-Catholic tradition |
| - | Strengthening the bonds that unite us |
| - | Telling the Gospel story to the world and |
| - | Serving those in need by both our care and prayers |
A copy of the Profile of Grace Church can be downloaded by clicking here. Further queries related to the search process can be made to search@gracewestwood.org or by phone at (212) 399-7121.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Church trip to see N.J. Jackals
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The (Mighty) Doves (of Grace) Triumphant
Capitalizing on a combination of youth and, shall we say, experience, the Grace Doves softball team completed the six games of the regular schedule undefeated and clinched its third league championship since 2002. All of the games were hard fought, including one 10 inning marathon. The season was blessed with consistently good weather and the good fellowship and sportsmanship of competitors Hillsdale Methodist, Westwood Methodist and Parkside Community churches. The championship trophy will reside at Grace for the next year once it is repaired of flood damage suffered this spring while with last year's champions, Hillsdale Methodist.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Trinity Sunday
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Pentecost
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Solemnity of the Ascension
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Ascension
8:00 pm
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Search Committee Begins Discernment Process
Please keep the Search Committee in your prayers as they begin reviewing materials supplied by priests who have shown interest in being our next rector. The Committee's task now is to discern candidates who God might be calling into ministry with us and who will join us in seeking and serving Christ in all people through:
| - | Worshiping together in the rich prayer book liturgies in the Anglo-Catholic tradition |
| - | Strengthening the bonds that unite us |
| - | Telling the Gospel story to the world and |
| - | Serving those in need by both our care and prayers |
A copy of the Profile of Grace Church can be downloaded by clicking here. Further queries related to the search process can be made to search@gracewestwood.org or by phone at (212) 399-7121.
Monday, May 7, 2007
The Dove
The latest edition of the parish newsletter can be viewed or downloaded by clicking here.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Easter Day
Said Mass, 8 am Procession and Festive Mass, 10 am
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Holy Saturday
Great Vigil and First Mass of Easter, 8 pm
Friday, April 6, 2007
Good Friday
Town-wide Walk of Faith beginning at Methodist Church, 12 noon
Stations of the Cross, 4:30 pm
Good Friday Liturgy (Mass of the Pre-Sanctified, Veneration of the Cross), 8 pm
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Maundy Thursday
Sacrament of Reconciliation, Anointing and Prayers for Healing, 4 to 5 pm
Mass of The Lord's Supper, Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar and Procession to the Altar of Repose, 8 pm
All-night Vigil in the Garden, 10 pm to 11 am
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Wednesday in Holy Week
Morning Prayer, 9 am
Holy Eucharist with Anointing and Prayers for Healing, 9:15 am
Monday, April 2, 2007
Monday in Holy Week
Sacrament of Reconciliation, Anointing and Prayers for Healing, 3 to 4 pm
Benediction, 8 pm
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Palm Sunday
Blessing of Palms and Said Mass, 8 am Liturgy of Palms, Procession and Solemn Mass, 10 am
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Tuesday Lent Programs
February 27
March 6
March 20
March 27
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Rose Sunday
Simnel Cake served at Coffee Hour
Monday, March 12, 2007
Grace Church Seeks Rector
During the faithful and continued committed leadership of our interim priest, Father John Mitchell, Grace Church has prepared itself to welcome a new rector. We are now actively searching to call our next pastor. Mindful of to what we are called in the First and Great Commandment and in our Baptismal Covenant, we seek a priest to join us in seeking and serving Christ in all people through:
| - | Worshiping together in the rich prayer book liturgies in the Anglo-Catholic tradition |
| - | Strengthening the bonds that unite us |
| - | Telling the Gospel story to the world and |
| - | Serving those in need by both our care and prayers |
If you are a priest who feels that God may be calling you to join us in our ministry, please download our Profile by clicking here. The chairman of our search committee is Earl Hedin and the secretary Thomas Bisdale. You may contact them by email at search@gracewestwood.org or by phone at (212) 399-7121. Applications are being accepted through May 15, 2007.
Friday, March 2, 2007
A Profile of Grace Church
You can download a copy of our recently produced profile by clicking here. If you are a priest and interested in more information, please contact search@gracewestwood.org
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Ash Wednesday
Imposition of ashes at 9:15 am and 8 pm services
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Tuesday Soup and Prayer
On four Tuesday evenings in Lent we will come together for prayer and meditation followed by a light supper of soup and reflection. This program will be held on February 27, March 6, 20 and 27. The evening will begin with an informal time of prayer and meditation at 7:00 pm, followed at 7:45 pm by soup and bread provided by different members of the parish. Feel free to come for any part of the time of prayer or just for supper. The prayer time is designed for those whose trains or buses run late or who just have busy schedule. Bring your own sandwich as well or just enjoy the soup. All are welcome.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Shrove Tuesday
6:45 pm Eucharist
7:15 to 8:15 pm Jambalaya Dinner / $10 sug. donation
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Transfiguration Sunday/Last Epiphany
The Rev. Dr. James Pain Drew University preaching
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Candlemas
Monday, January 29, 2007
Photos of a Consecration
Photographs taken Saturday, January 27, 2007 at the consecration of the 10th Bishop of Newark can be viewed by clicking here
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Consecration of the Tenth Bishop of Newark
All are welcome
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Search Committee Update
The Search Committee will shortly begin its very important task of finding and then presenting a minimum of three highly qualified candidates for Rector of Grace Church to the Vestry for final selection. The Committee had its kick-off meeting with Canon Echols here at Grace Church on Tuesday, January 16th. We will be consulting with the Vestry throughout the process and we also endeavor to keep the congregation apprised of the Committee's progress as well; however, we will not be able to talk about any specific candidates.
The members of the committee include three vestry members and nine other members from the congregation. The Search Committee members are:
Tom Bisdale, Jim Freeman (Vestry), Mickey Hafemann, Earl Hedin, Elaine Martin, Aki Okunlola, Evans Roache, Cookie Smethurst (Vestry), Nancy Sobeck, Daisy Toppin, Jack Waneck (Vestry)and Maureen Wandell.
The Chairman of the Committee is Earl Hedin and Tom Bisdale will serve as Secretary.
The first steps are to work with the Office of the Bishop and the members of the congregation to develop the largest possible list of potential clergy that match as closely to the Profile and "Position Responsibilities and Related Skills" section of the Parish Search Request that is approved by the Vestry.
The Vestry as set side money for this search process as part of a Search Committee budget, thanks to the generous support of all the members of the congregation.
We ask for your prayers and guidance from the Holy Spirit as we search for the best potential candidates that will lead Grace Church in God's work in the years to come.
Earl Hedin,
Chairman of the Search Committee
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Dove
The latest edition of the parish newsletter can be viewed or downloaded by clicking here.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Diocesan Convention
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Photos of Luncheon with Fr. Hitchcock
On Sunday, January 7th, 2007, Fr. Gaylord Hitchcock, the fifth rector of Grace Church, was our guest celebrant on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Other special guests included Fr. Alan Chisholm and Fr. Thomas Norton. Click here for photographs taken that day.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Congratulations to Our New Office Holders
Following are the names of those elected to Grace Church offices at the Annual Meeting January 14th.
Warden
Larry Sunden for a two-year term
Vestry
Cleta McCormick for an unexpired one-year term
Ben Martin for a three-year term
Leslie Bisdale for a three-year term
Harry Randall for a three-year term
Deputy to diocesan convention
Mary Sunden for a three-year term
Alternate deputy to diocesan convention
Anne Tait for a three-year term
Representative to District Nine
Mary Sunden for a one-year term
Anne Tait for a one-year term
Iyiolu Okunlola for youth representative
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Annual Meeting
11:45 am
Sunday, January 7, 2007
The Solemnity of The Epiphany and The Baptism of Our Lord
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Nominnees for Election at the Annual Meeting January 14th, 2007
Following are the names of nominees for election to Grace Church offices at the Annual Meeting January 14th.
Warden
Larry Sunden for a two-year term
Vestry
Cleta McCormick for an unexpired one-year term
Ben Martin for a three-year term
Leslie Bisdale for a three-year term
Harry Randall for a three-year term
Deputy to diocesan convention
Mary Sunden for a three-year term
Alternate deputy to diocesan convention
Anne Tait for a three-year term
Representative to District Nine
Mary Sunden for a one-year term
Anne Tait for a one-year term
Iyiolu Okunlola for youth representative
Monday, January 1, 2007
Feast of the Holy Name
10 am
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Day Mass
10 am
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Christmas Eve
Morning Prayer 9:15 am
Advent IV Mass at 9:30 am followed by Greening of the Church
Christmas Eve Mass including Pageant of the Christmas Story at 4 pm
Midnight Mass of Christmas Eve at 11 pm, preceded by Christmas Music
at 10:30 pm
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Wassail Party
Starting at 7 pm at the home of Jack and Joan Waneck
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Caroling
Meet at church at 5:30 pm
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Search Committee Announced
The Wardens and Vestry are pleased to announce the formation of a search committee to seek, evaluate and recommend candidates to be the seventh Rector of Grace Episcopal Church. Earl Hedin will chair the committee, and Tom Bisdale will be the secretary. Other committee members are Jim Freeman, Mickey Hafemann, Elaine Martin, Aki Okunlola, Evans Roache, Cookie Smethurst, Nancy Sobeck, Daisy Toppin, Jack Waneck, and Maureen Wandell. Please keep these people and this committee in your prayers.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Christ the King
Solemn Mass with Procession 10 am
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thanksgiving Eve Service
7:30 pm
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Ingathering Sunday
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
The Dove
The latest edition of the parish newsletter can be viewed or downloaded by clicking here.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
2006 Individual Survey
Download a copy of the Individual Survey. We will be using the data gathered about Grace Church in the survey, to help us write a Profile of the parish. All parishioners, high school aged and up, may fill out a survey. You can email the completed survey back to GECsurvey@gmail.com or return a printed copy to the church office.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
On Stewardship
AS WE SEEK to grow in grace and love, making God our heart's desire, we naturally ask ourselves what God seeks from us. The Biblical witness is clear that the call to love our Lord includes a response on our part: returning time, talent, and treasure to the One who gives us so much.
More...
Wednesday, January 5, 2000
Movie Night
“Malcolm X” Part 2 at 7 pm
Thursday, February 22, 1912
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, December 5, 1900
Clement of Alexandria
Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.
Said Mass with Unction 9:15 a.m.
9 Harrington Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675
Telephone: +1 (201) 664-0407 | Email: info@gracewestwood.org
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