Waffle breakfast – March 18, 2018 9:00 AM

Mmmmm. Waffles! Join us between services for a $5 waffle breakfast.

Mardi Gras Jambalaya Dinner – February 13, 2018 5:00- 7:00 PM

To benefit the VFW Post 153 Veterans Food Pantry. Tickets $9:00, with a nonperishable food item, $8.00. Kids 5 and under free. Mildly spiced Jambalaya (no seafood), corn bread, Mardi Gras cake and beverage. Questions? call 315 635 3214 or email office@graceepiscopalbaldwinsville.org.

Annual Meeting – January 21, 2018

Elected to vestry: Peter Coyne – Junior Warden, Phyllis Brown, Jeannie LaMere & Linda Savacool, Vestry Members.

Passed resolution (for the second parish meeting) to amend our bylaws to elect two vestry members per year, for a vestry of six. (reduced from nine). This will begin to take effect with the next annual meeting and be fully implemented with the 2021 election.

International Foods Cook Off results – January 20, 2018

Winners are 1st place Ann Makowiec’s Irish soda bread, 2nd place , 3rd place Doug Claprood & Denise Miller’s Indian Butter Chicken.

Parish Life Survey – it’s not too late!

If you have not already done so, please complete a Parish Life survey and return it as soon as possible. Copies are available in the Welcome Area or take the survey here.

First Friday Films

Join us April 7, May 5 and June 2 for our First Friday Film and discussion of God at the movies. If you wish, RSVP by 5 PM for pizza at 6 pm (donation requested), or just come at 6:30 for a classic movie. Popcorn provided, bring your own beverage. Past films included M. Night Shyamalan’s 2002 Signs starring Mel Gibson, and the classic 1944 To Have and Have Not starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, and the 1971 musical Fiddler on the Roof. Designed for middle-school through adult viewers, parents’ guide can be viewed on IMDB or contact the parish office for a printed copy. For more information or to RSVP email Rector@GraceEpiscopalBaldwinsville.org

Calling all Singers – Easter Choir

Rehearsals have begun for Palm Sunday and Easter. 9:00 AM Sundays in the Music Room or contact Easter Choir director Doug McCall

Wednesdays in Lent 5:30-7:00 PM

Join us for a brief celebration of the Holy Eucharist, followed by soup, bread and discussion of spiritual practices.

Mardi Gras Jambalaya Dinner

Join us on Tuesday, January 28th for a Mardi Gras Jambalaya Dinner! Menu includes Jambalaya (mildly seasoned, but you can add extra spices!), cornbread, dessert, and beverage. Tickets are $8.00 per person available at the door. Children 5 and under are free. Proceeds to VFW Post 153 Veterans Food Pantry.

Grace Church is seeking a Church Music Director

Grace Episcopal Church in Baldwinsville New York seeks a part-time music director to lead, contribute and collaborate in the broad tradition of Episcopal church music. For more information, see Music Director Search.

Our December Outreach project is collecting games for the Baldwinsville Christmas Bureau. Board games for families (older kids and adults) are especially needed (Young children’s games such as Candy Land are not needed at this time). Unwrapped tems may be brought to the Welcome Area. The last Sunday to drop off items is December 11^th. The Outreach committee will be transporting items to the Christmas Bureau on Tuesday the 13^th.

Memorial Bricks surrounding the flag pole will be dedicated following the 9:00 AM service on September 11.

Flu shot community clinic Wednesday September 28^th, from 11 AM-2 PM. Rite Aid pharmacists will be available to give flu shots here at Grace Church in the accessible Welcome Area. Most insurance covers flu shots, or $32.99 regular/$69.99 high-dose for self-pay. (Medicare Part B pays for the high-dose version). The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Having the vaccine before the flu season is in full swing gives you a better chance of avoiding the flu, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

September Outreach

During September is “Pet Project” — our Outreach project collecting donations of materials and money for HumaneNY. Shopping lists of needed items are available in the Welcome Area. Join us for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing on Saturday October 8^th at 4 PM., when pets and donations will be blessed, followed by treats for all (2- and 4- legged).

Startup Sunday… Back to church at 8 and 10:30 AM September 18^th! Our academic-year service schedule includes Sundays 8 & 10:30, Tuesday noon, First Saturdays 4 PM.

New Beginnings, Potluck lunch and Farewell – September 23-25

This weekend our church buildings will be full of 6^th-8^th grade students for New Beginnings! Sunday September 25^th at 10:30 AM the young participants will do just about everything for the service including the sermon. Following the service is a potluck lunch for parish, youth participants and their families. Bring a dish to share, and come enjoy fellowship with our young friends! September 28^th we will also bid farewell to Music Director Susan Sady who has accepted a position much closer to home in Utica. Thank you Susan for sharing your gifts with us for so many years, (despite the sometimes terrifying hour-long drive in bad weather!) After the service join us for cake and the opportunity to say goodbye to Susan

Nine-Fifteen Forum 9:15 Sundays – beginning October 4^th. Are you someone who has been a Christian for a long time, but sometimes still wonders about the basics? Or are you someone new to God and the Church who wants to get a better idea of what this Christianity thing is really all about? Then come join us Sundays at 9:15 AM beginning October 4^th for Transforming Questions. In this class, we will seek to move into deeper life in Christ by engaging in some of faith’s most basic questions: Who is Jesus? Does God answer prayer? How do I read the Bible? Why bother with Church? What do I have to do to be a Christian? Each week we will gather, hear a talk on one of the central questions of the Christian faith, and join in small-group discussion. Through both listening and sharing, we will wrestle with these foundational questions in the context of faith and in the company of fellow seekers. As we do so, we will learn more about ourselves, one another, and the Jesus we are seeking.

Can you hear me now? Thanks to a generous memorial donation from the family of Pat and John McFall providing seed money, we are beginning work on obtaining bids for a new sound system for the church. Our current system is at least 35+ years old and many components are obsolete (and cranky!) . More news to follow as plans develop and costs are determined.

Coming this fall…Education for Ministry

What is EfM? Education for Ministry (EfM) is a program for adult Christian formation through theological education and reflection. For over forty years, EfM has provided a four-year curriculum that develops a theologically informed, reflective, and articulate laity who are prepared to listen for and respond to God’s call.

How does EfM work? Participants sign up for EfM one year at a time. Six to twelve participants meet weekly over the course of 36 weeks for 2 ½ -3 hours with trained mentor(s). Weekly reading assignments give perspective on the entire sweep of Christian tradition. There are no tests or grading, and the group mentor(s) function as facilitators of the group’s work, rather than as teachers. The focus of EfM is life as ministry, and the development of discipline in theological reflection to sharpen skills and effectiveness in a variety of ministries.

What does it cost? Because the Diocese of Central New York is a “sponsoring agency” the fee is $350 (regularly $460) for each program year. Fees pay for all required books and study guide, seminar supplies, and mentor honorarium. Fees must be paid entirely at the time of enrollment. The participant provides their own Bible, preferably an annotated New Revised Standard version such as The Oxford Annotated NRSV or the Harper-Collins Study Bible NRSV.

When will it meet? Scheduling depends on the members of the seminar group. Vacation times, conditions for weather-related cancellations, and other scheduling issues will also be negotiated.

Are there scholarships?

Partial subsidies may be available. Speak with the rector.

Can my Lutheran (Presbyterian, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Other, None) denomination friends sign up too?

Absolutely! Although EfM is from the School of Theology at the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee, an Episcopal institution, seminar groups are often enriched by the interchange between those of differing religious backgrounds.

Why do EfM?

“Lay persons face the difficult and often subtle task of interpreting the richness of the church’s faith in a complex and confusing world. They need a theological education that supports their faith and helps them to connect that faith to their daily lives. The EfM program provides people with an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service and carry out their ministries”. — from the EfM information brochure

Got questions about EfM? Speak with co-mentors Carla Wiemers or Mother Cathy Carpenter.

For more information…

Brochures are available, or go online to efm.sewanee.edu to read more and see sample lessons.

Interfaith Works – New American/Refugee Resettlement household goods drive

Bring new or gently-used sheets, blankets, towels and silverware to benefit new Americans arriving in the Syracuse area. Interfaith Works Center for New Americans resettles over 500 New Americans/refugees each year. Through the month of May you may bring items from home (or garage sales) to our Welcome Area. All sizes are needed. Please, NO stains, NO holes, NO tears in the bedding and towels. Silverware does not have to match. Contact the parish office with questions.

Larger items may be picked up for delivery to Interfaith Works Center. Contact Daryl Suzanne Files, Volunteer and Donor Coordinator at dfiles@interfaithworkscny.org or call her at 315-449-3552, x-208

April 24th – This Week at Grace

Delegates to Diocesan Convention wanted

Are you interested in serving as a delegate representing Grace Church for the election of our next bishop on August 6 and our annual Diocesan convention November 11-12? See the rector or contact the parish office if interested.

Bottle and Can Drive

Help Jenna raise money for her Mission Trip with Lafayette Presbyterian Church at the end of July. The cost is almost $400. A large garbage can has been placed in the Welcome Area for your redeemable bottles and cans. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed!

Make and serve coffee, a cold drink and treats after the 8:00 or 10:30 Holy Eucharist. Can’t do it alone? Ask a friend to help or call the parish office. Sign up in the Welcome Area at the church entrance.

A Prayer for the Confirmation Class

May Almighty God bestow upon Sharon Ney, Maggie Wiegand, Pat Farrance and Stephanie McCall the blessing of his mercy and give them an understanding of the wisdom that leads to salvation through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Parish Clean-up Day May 1

Following the 9:00 AM service we will clean the building and grounds with lunch to follow. Bring your work clothes and yard tools. We have light jobs for those who are unable to do the heavier work.

Sing a New Song…or Old Favorite

Grace’s own songbook containing items not included in Hymnal 1982 or Wonder Love and Praise is in preparation now! Please submit requests for your favorite Christian songs that you would like to have available for our use to the request box in the Welcome Area or the collection plate.

April 3rd – This Week at Grace

Congratulations !

Sandy Baker has been named Baldwinsville Volunteer Center’s Woman of the Year.

Erik Ferrari made Dean’s List at SUNY Binghamton for fall semester 2015.

Spaghetti Supper

Please join us Saturday April 16th from 5-7 P.M for our Spaghetti Supper. Proceeds will be used towards our 50th Grace Church BBQ Celebration. All are welcome; invite friends, family and neighbors!

Samaritan Center Meal April 24th

Three times per year member of Grace Church serve lunch at Samaritan Center in Syracuse. Participants shop, prepare and serve a meal to approximately 350 guests, and clean up afterward. Additional volunteers are always needed, as are monetary contributions to buy food. Next date is Sunday April 24th. For more information contact the parish office.

Good Samaritan Awards Dinner

The Good Samaritan awards dinner to benefit Samaritan Center will be held Friday April 29th at the Syracuse Doubletree Hotel. Tickets are $75/$125 patron level. Make reservations by April 14th. Contact Samaritan Center for more information.

Instructed Holy Eucharist April 17th

Ever wonder about what we’re doing on Sunday morning and why? At both 8:00 and 10:30 AM April 17th we will have an instructed Holy Eucharist. Readers will outline each section of the liturgy before we pray it. The narration will take the place of the sermon.

The Bishop is coming

Mark your calendars for June 5th. This will be Bishop Skip’s last visit before his retirement. We will have a single service at 9:00 AM with a baptism and confirmations, followed by a festive reception to honor those making and reaffirming their commitment to follow Jesus.

Easter Communion

If you or a family member is in assisted living, nursing home or home bound and would like receive Easter Communion, please contact the parish office to schedule a date and time.

THANK YOU!!

To the Altar Guild, Choirs, Flower Arrangers, Musicians, Lectors, Passion Readers, Liturgical Ministers, Banner-hangers, Property work group, Hospitality providers and everyone who contributed to make our Holy Week and Easter events beautiful and meaningful: THANK YOU!!!

March 27th – This Week at Grace

The Christians at Syracuse Stage

Join Grace Church folks on Sunday April 10 for a 2:00 PM matinee performance of The Christians at Syracuse Stage. Enjoy this entertaining and thought-provoking new play, complete with full choir (drawn from community singers), then return to Grace for crock-pot supper and discussion. If we have sufficient interest, a discounted group rate is possible. Tickets are $32 adult/$15 for 18 and under. We will arrange carpools to the performance. Friends are welcome! Please note our deadline for ticket purchase is March 28, and payment is due at that time.

Community Outhouse Results

890 rolls of toilet paper, paper towel and other paper goods were donated to our local food pantry, thanks to generous Grace! Thanks to all who contributed, counted, delivered and moved the outhouse.

Advance notice – Pentecost May 15th

If you liked Easter you’ll love Pentecost! Fifty days after Easter (“Pentecost” means “fiftieth”) Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the church. Wear red and come and celebrate the church’s birthday!

100th Birthday Celebration

Grace member Carol Mercer turns 100 this weekend! Join the party Saturday or send a card. Contact the parish office for address and details.

Safe Church Training

Safe church training will be held Wednesday March 30th 6:00-8:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Liverpool To register email stmatthews_office@verizon.net

Easter Invitation

March 6th – This Week at Grace

50th Annual Chicken BBQ – June 4th

Planning has begun! The BBQ ministry will meet Sunday March 13th at 9:15 AM. All are invited to come help make preparations for this historic event! Contact Events@GraceEpiscopalBaldwinsville.org with subject “BBQ” or the parish office.

Community Outhouse Challenge

Bring your rolls of toilet paper and other paper products. Let’s fill the “Outhouse” in the Welcome Area by Palm Sunday! The last time we did the challenge in 2013, we collected 1,820 rolls of toilet paper and other paper products. Thank You!

Deadlines soon…register now!

Happenings (Grades 9-12) and New Beginnings (Grades 6-8) registrations for spring events are coming up. Register by March 14 for Happening April 15-17 and by March 25 for New Beginnings April 15-17. For more information, see Youth and Young Adult Ministries on the diocesan website.

Lenten Soup Suppers continue Wednesdays in Lent 5:30-7:00 PM

Soup, bread, a table celebration of Holy Eucharist and discussion. Join us!

Baldwinsville Lenten Luncheons

Church Women United organize community Lenten services at the Methodist Church on Fridays in Lent. The services begin at 12:05 pm with a meal to follow at 12:25 pm.

February 28th – This Week at Grace

Looking for a few good folks!

Some of our parish ministries are actively seeking new members. Please consider these opportunities to serve in and beyond our church. Contact the parish office for more information or to volunteer:

Altar Guild prepares the church for all services. Teams of two are scheduled each month and training is provided.
Bell Choir & Choir practice weekly and enrich our worship each Sunday at the 10:30 AM service and on special occasions. Contact music@GraceEpiscopalBaldwinsville for more information.
Outreach Ministry meets monthly to coordinate monthly outreach efforts such as Samaritan Center meals, Christmas Bureau, and Food Pantry donations.
Memorials Committee is appointed by the vestry. Meets 2-3 times per year to administer funds given in memory of parishioners and others.

There’s still time!

Preparation for Confirmation, Reception into the Episcopal Church & Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows begins March 6th at 9 AM. Contact catechist Carolyn Smith or Mo. Cathy Carpenter for more information or just show up!

February 14th – This Week at Grace

Samaritan Center Meal next Sunday February 21

Contributions are still needed to purchase food for next Sunday when Grace prepares and serves a meal at the Samaritan Center in Syracuse. Approximately $500 is needed, and as of Sunday the 14th, we still need about $150 more.

Baldwinsville Lenten Luncheons

Church Women United organize community Lenten services at the Methodist Church on Fridays in Lent. The services begin at 12:05 pm with a meal to follow at 12:25 pm. Grace Church has been asked to prepare and serve lunch the second Friday in Lent (February 19th) and Mother Cathy will lead worship beginning at 12:05. We will need volunteers beginning at 10:00 am to prepare and set up; volunteers to serve the meal and to clean up. We will be joined by others from the Presbyterian church. Signup sheets for volunteers and to bring food are in the Welcome Area. See Joy Pople for more information, or contact the parish office.

Soup Supper Wednesdays in Lent 5:30-7:00 PM

Soup, bread, a table celebration of Holy Eucharist and discussion. Begins February 17. Join us!!

Ash Wednesday, February 10th services at noon and 7:00 PM

Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper this Tuesday

Pancakes, Sausage, beverages and great company! Tuesday, February 9th, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. in the church undercroft. Open to one and all. Tickets at the door. Adults $6, kids 10 and under, $3, family maximum is $18. Mmmmm…Pancakes!

February 7, 2016 – This Week at Grace

Confirmation

It’s not too early to consider confirmation (for those baptized youth and adults who have not been confirmed), reception into the Episcopal Church (for those who have already been confirmed in another Christian tradition), and reaffirmation of baptismal promises (for those already confirmed/received, but who wish to make a public reaffirmation of baptismal promises. This year’s regional confirmation will be held June 5th when the Bishop visits Grace Church. Preparation will begin in Lent– speak with Mo. Cathy or catechist Carolyn Smith for more information, or contact the parish office.

Calling All Youth: Winter Skating and Overnight Event

Youth in grades 6-12 are invited for a free weekend of fun hosted by the Diocesan Youth Council. Activities will include open-air skating at the Clinton Square Ice Rink, a talent show, a sleepover at St. Paul’s Church in Syracuse, and Sunday morning worship. Saturday February 27th 2:00 PM to Sunday February 28th at 11:40 AM (Rain date is March 5– 6). Weekend is free however there is a $3: ice-skating admission cost and $3 to rent skates. (Adult volunteers with Safe Church certification also needed to chaperon youth.) For more information or to sign up, go to Skating Weekend on the Diocesan website.

January 31, 2016 – This Week at Grace

Congratulations & Thank You!!

CONGRATULATIONS to the newly-elected Senior Warden Susan Allen, Junior Warden Brad Pettit, Vestry Members Paul Diller, Blaine Fleming and Ruth Frey. THANK YOU to outgoing Senior Warden Peter Coyne, Vestry Members Diane Bowes, Bob O’Brien & Ted Houck. Also thanks to Vestry Clerk Heather Hudson for her service, and welcome to new clerk Stacy Wolf.

…and the Chili Cook Off winners are!!

(from left) 1st place – Team Wolf/Harper, 2nd place Joy Pople, 3rd place tie Mo. Cathy Carpenter & Barb Reeves. Thanks to all the chili-makers, volunteer judges, and Parish Life for a fun event!

January 24 2016 – This Week at Grace

Grace leads worship at Syracuse Home next Sunday afternoon

Help needed Sunday January 31 to lead 3 PM worship for residents of Syracuse Home at McHarrie Place. Contact Mother Cathy to volunteer.

BBQ Planning Meeting

The first meeting to plan the 50th annual Chicken BBQ will be held Sunday January 31 at 9:15 am in the Undercroft on the lower level. All interested in helping plan this event, please attend!. Contact Allen Wolf with questions.

Embracing Forgiveness

Five-session study Embracing Forgiveness DVD with Barbara Cawthorne Crafton can be repeated if there is interest. Perhaps a weekday or evening series during Lent or Eastertide? Contact Mother Cathy about days/times that might work for you if you missed the first iteration of this series.

January 17, 2016 – This Week at Grace

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 24th will be our Annual Meeting following a 9 AM service. Annual Report Booklets are available in the Welcome Area located at the front of the church.

Chili Cook-Off!
Saturday, January 23rd 6:00 PM Parish Life’s Annual Chili Cook-Off. Start looking through your recipes or developing new ones!

Christmas Communion

During (and after) Christmastide, Mother Cathy will be bringing Christmas communion to members of the parish who are unable to get to church. Please contact the parish office if you would like a visit.

Tuesday noon Holy Eucharist will continue (except when Mo. Cathy must be elsewhere). Please check the online calendar on our web site for the latest information.

Embracing Forgiveness

Five-session study Embracing Forgiveness DVD with Barbara Cawthorne Crafton. If you would like a personal copy of the accompanying workbook for $10.00, please let Mother Cathy know as soon as possible so they may be ordered. Sessions will run Saturdays 10:00 AM to noon through February 6. If there is interest, a weekday session will be scheduled during Lent. Speak to Mother Cathy about days/times that might work for you.

Vestry Clerk Needed

The clerk of the vestry’s duties are as follows: Take minutes at monthly vestry meetings. Provide an immediate synopsis of motions to the rector and wardens, and full minutes to them, vestry members and parish office for approval at the next meeting. Participate as requested in other vestry activities such as vestry day diocesan training or vestry retreat. Maintain confidentiality of vestry deliberations. Execute any necessary documents as clerk of the vestry (secretary of the church corporation). You could do this! See the rector or wardens if interested.

Safe Church and Church Keys.

The locks will be changing soon! If you currently have or need a key to the building and have not had Safe Church training within the last 5 years, you will not be able to receive a new key. Contact the parish office as soon as possible so we can help find a Safe Church training session you can attend.

Bishop’s Epiphany Retreat for Laity: “All God All the Time”

Saturday January 23rd, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Trinity Episcopal Church Fayetteville. Cost $30 per person, includes morning refreshments and luncheon. Please register on or before January 15th at Event Registration on the Diocesan website.

January 3 – This Week at Grace

Please note: Due to IRS requirements all 2015 contributions must be received in our office by December 31, 2015. The office will be open until 3 pm on December 31st.

December 27 – This Week at Grace

Nominations for the next Bishop of Central New York due soon

December 31 is the deadline for nominations for the next Bishop of Central New York. Nominate online at the CNY Bishop Search website.

Please note: Due to IRS requirements all 2015 contributions must be received in our office by December 31, 2015. The office will be open until 3 pm on December 31st.

Listen to Christmas Eve 7:00 PM Holy Eucharist service with Bells of Grace prelude.

Christmas Blessings from your friends at Grace Church!

Christmas at Grace

December 20 – This Week at Grace

Christmas Eve Services

7:00 pm – Holy Eucharist with Choir

11:00 pm – Holy Eucharist with Hymns

Sunday December 27 at 9:00 am

Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist

Please Join Us after the 10:30 service this morning to Green the Church for Christmas.

Wait on the Lord

Grab a cup of coffee and join us each Sunday in Advent from 9:15 to 10:15 AM in the Conference Room on the lower level for Advent meditation and discussion.

Tuesday noon Holy Eucharist will continue through Advent. Join us for a brief, quiet interlude with no homily in the busyness of the pre-Christmas season

Safe Church and Church Keys.

December 6, 2015 – This Week at Grace

Many Thanks!

To all who helped decorate, set up, staff, clean up, bake, run Grace Cafe, provided music, and/or purchased cookies and made the 10th Annual Cookie Walk a success THANK YOU!

Christmas Outreach Project

Help the Baldwinsville Christmas Bureau collect gifts for teenage boys; a group that is often overlooked. Bring an unwrapped gift by next Sunday, December 13. A list of needed items may be picked up in the welcome area at the church entrance or click here.

Sprucing up the Church

Altar Guild and anyone else who would like to help: We will be polishing the brass and tidying up this Saturday, December 12 at 9 AM, in preparation for the “Greening of the Church” on December 20th.

“This Week at Grace”

We are now printing weekly announcements separately from bulletins. Bulletins are available online, and most announcements, with the exception of schedules and prayer list, will be posted on our website. Please contact the parish office if you don’t get to church regularly and would like “This Week at Grace” mailed to you each week.

10th Annual Cookie Walk – December 5th

The 10th Annual Cookie Walk will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 5th in the church undercroft, located at 110 Oswego Road (Route 48) in Baldwinsville. The event is open to the public. This unique experience for the holiday season will begin at 10:00 am and run until 1:00 pm (or until the cookies are sold out). Come early for the best selection! Guests “walk” through aisles of holiday cookies, and then purchase their goodies by the pound. There is also a café where a light lunch and holiday sweets will be available. Live holiday music will be enjoyed throughout the day. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be used for outreach programs in the community. For further information, please contact the church office at 315 635 3214 or office@graceepiscopalbaldwinsville.org

November 29, 2015 – This Week at Grace

We need lots of cookies, keep on baking!

Keep baking for Cookie Walk December 5 from 10-1!! Bakers may drop off items Friday, December 4th, 9 AM to 6 PM. Please sign your goodies in on the list for that purpose. All are invited to bring baked treats for the Cookie Walk.

Decorating the Undercroft for the Cookie Walk will begin Thursday evening, December 3rd and continue Friday December 4th. Come and help anytime!

Know a priest who would make a good bishop?

The Bishop Search Committee of the Diocese of Central New York is now accepting nominations. Any Episcopal priest or bishop may be nominated to become our next bishop. Nominations are accepted through December 31. For more information or to nominate, go to www.BishopCNY.org.

Wait on the Lord

Grab a cup of coffee and join us each Sunday in Advent from 9:15 to 10:15 AM in the Conference Room on the lower level for Advent meditation and discussion.

Tuesday noon Holy Eucharist will continue through Advent. Join us for a brief, quiet interlude with no homily in the busyness of the pre-Christmas season

Vestry Clerk Needed

Sprucing up the Church

Altar Guild and anyone else who would like to help: We will be polishing the brass and tidying up on Saturday, December 12 at 9 AM, in preparation for the “Greening of the Church” on December 20th.

November 22, 2015 – This Week at Grace

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

Make and serve coffee, a cold drink and treats after 8 & 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist. Can’t do it alone? Ask a friend to help or call the parish office. Please sign up in the welcome area at the church entrance.

November 15, 2015 – This Week at Grace

Thanksgiving Outreach

Thanks to all those who signed up to bring food for our Thanksgiving Outreach. As usual, Grace Church parishioners have outdone themselves in generosity. The lists are just about full! Several people have asked me If there is anything else we could use, and the answer is YES! We would love some $10.00 gift cards to any local supermarkets. These cards would enable the families we are helping to buy some fresh produce not on the lists, or might be given to families not receiving baskets. Gift cards may be given to Margaret in the church office, or to any member of the Outreach Ministry. Thanks so much for your generosity and please remember to bring in your food items or gift cards by MONDAY NOVEMBER 16.

Decorate the Cookies Sunday November 22

Bring a batch or two of pre-baked sugar cookies to decorate, frosting, “sprinkes” at 9:00 AM to the Undercroft on the lower level to decorate for Cookie Walk.

Volunteer for Cookie Walk

Volunteer sign-up sheets are posted in the Welcome Area. Sign up to be part of our festive family day!

Altar Flowers

The flowers at the altar help make our worship space more beautiful and remind us of the blossoming life we have in Christ. Please consider making a donation to the flower fund in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate your thanksgivings. Contact the parish office for more information.

Grace Notes deadline

All articles for the December issue of Grace Notes are due Tuesday November 16th.

November 8, 2015 – This Week at Grace

Foyer Dinners

Foyers are a monthly social gathering of adults over a meal in the home. Each month the members of the group will be changed somewhat to allow for intermixing of group. Foyers groups begin with a kickoff party, and meet November/December, January, February and March, with May reserved for catching up due to weather or scheduling difficulties. May also marks the final Foyer end of year celebration. Sign up for Foyers in the welcome area.

Men’s Bake Night

On Tuesday evening, November 10th at 7 PM, the Men of Grace will baking cookies for our Annual Cookie Walk in December. All men are welcome to join in the fun. Bring a friend.

Decorate the Cookies Sunday

Sunday, November 22. Bring as many prebaked cut out sugar cookies as you wish. Feel free to being along frosting and decorations. We will set up in the undercroft beginning at 9:00 AM. Please join us in this “sweet” undertaking. For more information, contact the parish office.

Trivia Night – Saturday October 17th, 7-9 pm

Grace Church is hosting our first annual TRIVIA NIGHT! Come as a team of four, or join a team for an evening of fun and fellowship. Prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. Compete for the Grand Prize while enjoying beverages and popcorn, followed by a sweet treat — Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream! Sign up in the Welcome Area at the entrance to the church or email parishlife@graceepiscopalbaldwinsville.org.

Serve at Samaritan Center – September 27, noon

For 34 years, Samaritan Center has worked toward the goal, No One Goes Hungry.

Grace Church’s Sunday lunch at Samaritan Center needs volunteers and contributions! Samaritan Center is now operating in their beautiful new and dignified space in the former St. John the Evangelist Church on the north side of Syracuse. The greatly-expanded space allows 30-50 percent more people to have a free hot meal. More volunteers and more money are needed to support Grace’s meal with the increased capacity. Checks to support this effort can be put in the offering plate, mailed, or delivered to the parish office. Mark the memo line “SAMARITAN FEED”. To volunteer email Outreach@GraceEpiscopalBaldwinsville.org or call the office.

Annual pet blessing benefits homeless companion animals – October 3, 4:00 pm

All life is interwoven. All life is a gift from God. – From Rites and Prayers for the Care of Beloved Animals

Grace Episcopal Church will bless companion animals and donations to the Humane Society of Central New York at the annual Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing, Saturday, October 3 at 4:00 PM. The brief service will be held in the outdoor chapel (indoors in case of bad weather) and followed by treats for animals and their human companions.

Grace Church’s September Outreach is “Pet Project”; a collection of materials and money to be donated to the Humane Society of Central New York. Items may be brought to the event or dropped off at the church during September.

Items needed include:

Bleach
Hand soap
Laundry detergent
Trash bags
Paper towels
Cat litter (nonclumping preferred)
Dog food, bags and cans
Cat food, bags and cans
Rabbit food
Dish soap
Kitten and puppy food
Toys for cats or dogs
Towels (used but clean)
Sheets (used but clean)
Blankets (used but clean)