NOVEMBER 2016
RECTOR’S MESSAGE
The Sun will come out tomorrow...
Who knew that Broadway’s Annie was a prophet?
focus on what lies ahead for us all.
Although this may sound idealistic, simplistic, and utopian, what
other choice to we really have? Yes, we can choose further and
ongoing dystopian division, conflict, and ideological entrenchment.
We can continue to war with one another in perpetuity and see
where that gets us (the devil would love that!), but the fact remains,
we are all still here and part of the human fabric, part of God’s
family. In short, we are stuck with one another. Parenthetically, I
am reminded of St. Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, where he
writes to that struggling community that was overwrought with
conflict and division.
In his letter he writes, “Now if the foot should say, “Because I am
not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that
reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say,
“Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would
not for that reason stop being part of the body . . . As it is, there are
many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t
need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you”.
. . But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the
parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body,
but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one
part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every
part rejoices with it.” (1 Cor 12:15-26)
Indeed, Paul was and is on to something! He speaks to the
blessed fact that God created us for each other, not to be divided,
but united in common purpose and common identity within our
beautiful and splendid diversity! This is God’s dream and God’s
vision for us. Yes, we can lose sight of it (and have!). Yes, the
world often seems at times to be more of a nightmare for many.
Yet, Holy Scripture reminds us of the promised hope of God’s
dream and vision which shall come to pass. Scripture talks about a
time when God’s radiant love will cover the whole earth “as the
waters cover the sea;” a time when the “crooked paths will be made
straight, the rough places made smooth, and valleys made low; a
time when the former things will have passed away.” This poetic
and prophetic imagery speaks to a time when pain will be no more,
suffering will be no more, hatred will be no more, war will be no
more. There will be no more republican and democrat, us against
them, no more racism, sexism, no more homophobia or
xenophobia, no more brokenness, fear, and division, violence and
oppression, just the reigning power of God’s love. Oh, what a day
and a time it will be! In God, with God, and through God, the sun
will certainly come out tomorrow, and our role is to hold fast to
God’s love in Christ, and in doing so continue to work for, strive
for, and pray for that dream and that vision.
And one thing Jesus showed us is that God’s dream isn’t some
far off ethereal reality, relegated to the cosmos for a distant time
and place. No. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is at hand . . .” It
is here and now unfolding in our midst, and through faith, hope,
and love we are able to experience it and see it even if others
cannot. So on November 9th let’s show the world/community what
that kingdom looks like. We will still be here. The world will still
need the witness of the Church, the healing, reconciling, liberating,
servant-body of Christ in the world. Martin Luther King Jr. said it
1
best, “Either we learn to live together as brothers and sisters,
or we
perish together as fools.”
For several months now, we, as a national body, have been
caught up in the torrent of the political back and forth between the
“warring” factions of the political-left and the political–right, which
as some have argued, has left our nation more polarized than in
recent memory. In October, ABC news dot com and Cosmopolitan
magazine had articles that spoke about how families, co-workers,
neighbors, and friends have been torn asunder by the vitriolic tone
of the 2016 campaign, each respectively aghast as to why the other
(s) would support their candidate of choice. Even after the election
concludes on November 8th there has been ongoing talk about
“violent revolution and retribution” if a preferred candidate is
chosen over the other. Indeed, there is a pall of despair and concern
that has enshrouded many if not all of us. All of this has left me
personally, along with many people that I know, emotionally
exhausted and worried about our collective state as a nation.
In September, I was co-officiating at an offsite wedding of a
good friend here in Nyack . Prior the start of the ceremony, I met
the other officiant, a pastor from Philadelphia, who also happened
to be a renowned phycologist and bestselling author, and a regular
on the Oprah Winfrey show, Dr. Robin Smith. Needless to say, I
was in awe and thrilled that we were not only sharing in the liturgy
together, but were also seated together during the reception. In the
midst of all of the revelry, we talked about the psychological effects
of this election season and the toll that it has taken on so many
people, myself included. She told me that one thing we have to
remember is that the country will still be here, that we are all going
to be here on November 9th and we are going to have to learn to
work together and live together if we are going to go forward as a
nation.
Her words resonated with me then as they do now, because she
is exactly right! The country is still going to be here. The sun will
rise on November 9th and we must give thought to how we are
going to live our lives thereafter. And if we want to move beyond
the pain and divisiveness then we are going to have to commit
ourselves to the goal(s) and task(s) of learning how to work
together and move forward together as a nation, as families, coworkers, neighbors, fellow citizens, and as human beings. It is the
only way to move from hurt to healing, from despair to hope, from
division to unity, from negativity to positivity, from this fear-laden
stagnation to reconciliation. And we all must be willing to do so
because this is the country we all share together. We travel the
same roads (even if we don’t live in the same neighborhoods.) We
breathe the same air. The sun rises and sets on us equally. For
many people moving to Canada is not a realistic option or true
desire. And thusly, if we are to solve the myriad of problems that
plague our nation and our world (i.e. economic injustice, stagnant
wages, systemic racism, open borders, poverty, trade,
environmental justice, etc.), those problems that have contributed to
and in many ways undergird our current impasse, then we need to Let the Church say, “AMEN!” Owen+
GRACE CHURCH SCHOOL
For Church School updates, Calendar, and lots of extra resources, make
sure to check out our website: Gracekidsnyackcs.org
NOVEMBER 2016 MESSENGER
We have a busy November!
We have PIZZA WITH A PURPOSE and NIGHTWATCH on Friday November 4th.
We are having our ALL SAINTS PARADE on November 6th and everyone is invited to pick a Saint that
they want to represent.
And lastly, we are hosting the INTERFAITH SERVICE at Grace on Tuesday November 22nd. It is always
an inspiring service and we need help with the youth event that we are having prior to the service. All
Middle School and High School kids are encouraged to attend the Youth Community Service event
prior to the service. The Youth event starts at 6pm on Tuesday November 22nd. Please let Annie
know if you can volunteer to help at the youth event.
December is quickly approaching! We will be doing a community service activity for Nyack Manor
Senior Center. Anyone with lightly used scarves, ties or costume jewelry are encouraged to donate
them for the effort. We will be wrapping and giving them to the seniors when we have our Christmas
Caroling event at the center. There is a donation box in the main office. We will also be conducting
our famous Grace Church School Christmas pageant on December 18th. Look out for more details.
THANKS!!
Annie Hekker Weiss, Church School Coordinator ([email protected])
UPDATES FROM THE SENIOR YOUTH GROUP
We had a busy October,
with our annual hike and
of course the always
fabulous Haunted House,
which this year raised
almost $1200 towards
our summer mission trip
next year. Thank you to
everyone who help and who came to be scared!
This month, we’ve got a paintball outing on November 19, and our
first “CYSM” mission trip fundraising breakfast of the season on
Sunday the 20th — Please be in touch if you need details.
2
Saturday, December 3 will our first Midnight Run into the city. We will be
accepting donations of men's clothing, blankets, jackets, new socks and
underwear, and toiletries to deliver. I will be setting up a collection box at
Grace, however, people can also email me for alternative drop off
arrangements.
Joe Paskowski ([email protected])
3
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
10:30am Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Patterson)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
6:00pm Healing & Wellness Service (Bradley Chapel)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
7:00am Grace’s Kitchen (Memorial Hall)
12:00pm Brown Bag & A Bible (Patterson Hall)
7:30pm Choir
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
8:00/9:30 /11:00am Holy Eucharist
Senior Youth Group fundraising breakfast
to support summer mission trip
10:10am Church School/Confirmation Classes
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21
7:00pm Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Bradley Chapel)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4
5:00pm Pizza With A Purpose (Memorial Hall
7-10:00pm JYG Nightwatch
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
10:30am Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Patterson)
6:00pm Interfaith Thanksgiving Youth Program
7:30pm Nyack Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER Head Shot Day
8:30—5:00pm Patterson Hall
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
6:00pm Healing & Wellness Service (Bradley Chapel)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 – All Saints Day
8:00am/9:30/11:00am Holy Eucharist
10:10am Church School /Confirmation
10:15am—1:00pm Newcomer Welcome Brunch
4:00pm First at Four – Evensong
6:30pm Senior Youth Group (Fenton Room)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7
7:00pm Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Bradley Chapel)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Election Day Polling
10:30am Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Patterson)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24—Thanksgiving Day
7:00am Grace’s Kitchen (Memorial Hall)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
6:00pm Contemplative Prayer (Bradley Chapel)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10
7:00am Grace’s Kitchen (Memorial Hall)
7:00am Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Patterson Hall)
12:00pm Brown Bag & A Bible (Patterson Hall)
7:30pm Choir
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11
1:30pm AGC! Girl Scout Workshop (Memorial)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12
10:00am Midnight Run (Memorial Hall)
7:00pm Havana Nights
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
8:00/9:30 /11:00am Holy Eucharist
10:10am Church School Classes
4:00pm GraceMusic presents: Transit Chamber Ensemble
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14
7:00pm Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Patterson)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
10:30am Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Patterson)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
6:00pm Healing & Wellness Service (Chapel)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
4
7:00am Grace’s Kitchen (Memorial Hall)
12:00pm Brown Bag & A Bible (Patterson)
7:30pm Choir rehearsal (Choir room)
6
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 - First Sunday of Advent
8:00/9:30 /11:00am (baptism) Holy Eucharist
10:10am Church School Classes
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28
7:00pm Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Bradley Chapel)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29
10:30am Holy Hope Bereavement Group (Patterson)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
6:00pm Contemplative Prayer (Bradley Chapel)
GRACE
MUSIC
2016 - 2017
Opening
“Cabooret”
October 28
Up Next:
Transit
November 13
5
6
PARISH HIKE 2016
Photos: V. Becker
GRACE’S KITCHEN
Welcome to Teams 4 & 5
Some dates to save in December
Friday, December 1 - Sunday, December 3 - Helping Hands Overnight Shelter Sunday
December 4 –4:00pm—GraceMusic presents: MESSIAH SING!
Wednesdays December 7 and 14 - Advent Home Gatherings
Sunday, December 18 - Christmas Pageant and Parish Party
Saturday, December 24 - Christmas Eve - Services at 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 10:30pm
Sunday, December 31 - Christmas Morning - Service at 10:00am
7
FROM THE THRIFT SHOP
SHIFTS AVAILABLE
As we head into the busy holiday season, we can always use your help in the Shop. We’ve got regular shifts waiting
to be filled, and can use names to fill up our substitute list as well. Please consider lending a hand!
REMEMBER TO SHOP LOCAL DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The Thrift Shop has an eclectic and unique array of gift items, and our proceeds support Grace Church and many local charities. This year, why not shop the Thrift Shop first and see your dollars do double-duty?
For more information, contact Theresa or Kickie at the Thrift Shop: 845-358-7488
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 — PLEDGE SUNDAY
Thank you to everyone who has
made their pledge for 2017.
We’re getting there — but we need to be ALL IN!
Please make your pledge by next Sunday, November 13, so that we can count
you in and budget responsibly for 2017.
Barbara De Francis
Hilda De Loatch
Diane Deveau & Kevin
Fletcher
PLEDGES FOR 2017
James & Virginia Dillon
AS OF Nov. 1, 2016
Daphne Estwick
Gerald & Marjorie Federico
Pledged amount
George & Ruth Fee
Barbara Fleischer
$189,148
Vickie & Fred Frelow
Friesen Family
87 Pledgers
James & Peggy Gilbert
Rod Greenwood & Vicky
Betty Abajian-Seaman
Hertz
Barbara Atwell
Michael & Betsy Growney
Theresa Bergen & Katharine Harold & Eleanor Hafstad
Fulmor
Jennifer Hausler
Wendy & John Brown
Leigh & Sondra Holt
John R. Burger
Patty & Jimmy Hyland
Larry & Stephanie Campbell Myria Jean-Gilles
Laura & Kerry Cavazzi
Rudolph & Kimberly Knight
Ed & Mary Ceccolini
Rod & Linda Langdon
Shirley Chalke
Amy Lehman
Kate Chisholm & Peter
Mia Leo & Dick
Foley
Kuczkowski
Sally & James Cochran
John & Ejane MacCartney
John & Beverly Colgan
Orville & Sally Mann
Patricia Cose
Joe & Jennifer Marraccino
Cindy Cox
Steven P. Marsh
Olive Crone & Dave Prouty Mac & Judy Martin
Charles & Barbara Cross
Stan Martin
Judy8 & Bob D’Errico
Valerie L. Mathews
Nils Mathsen
Carol McGregor
Debbie & Bob McGuinness
Jennifer & Patrick
McLaughlin
Sally Ann Mock
Emily & Jacob Nevill
Mary O’Donoghue
Jim & Cindy O’Gorman
James O’Toole, Gregory
Birchertt & Abraham
Alvarez
Bonnie & Robert Parsekian
Beth & Joe Paskowski
Thomas & Dalila Perry
Wayne & Karen Phelan
Merle Porter
The Quigley Family
Charles & Judy Reynolds
The Rock Family
Roberta Sarvent
Sally & Roger Seiler
Fran and Semo Sennas
Anna Shalom
Robert Sorensen
Arthur & Donna Soyk
Paula Spruck
Joe Stennett & Margie
Winslow
Carol Streichert
Sarah Styles
Charles & Lori Tauken
Jean Conner Tierney
The Rev. Owen and Jonna
Thompson
Jeanne Treat Tozer
Claudia Uccellani
Edward Van Saders & Paul
Shusterman & Family
Nancy & Dietrich Waack
Barbara & Homer Wanamaker
Liz, Greg & Samantha
Weber
Tracy, Paul & Blake White
Bruce & Thayer Woodcock
3 Anonymous
YOUR
PLEDGE MATTERS!
Please
look within your hea
and give
as you are able.
ALL IN!
FUN(d) RAISER: Clearwater Sail
Photos: V. Becker
9
O. Thompson+ gave the rector’s report.
Will attend diocesan Renewal Works workshop with P. Cose.
Sees continued promise for cathedral model, with Grace offering a
Present: Debbie McGuinness, Pat Cose, Theresa Bergen, Laura Cavazzi, D.
wide variety of programs. One particular focus is opportunities for misDeveau, Leigh Holt, R. Knight, Candice Lewis-Warner, Joe Marraccino,
sion; in continued discussion with community leaders for ways Grace
Terence Rock, Owen Thompson Absent: Sarah Styles
can be a presence, responding to needs such as serving as disaster relief
hub, focusing on needs around homelessness & mental health. ImDebbie McGuinness presented senior warden’s report
pressed by how parishioners respond to requests; suggests ongoing
September SCOF minutes and financials were reviewed. As usual at this time
vigilance in channeling newest members to active roles & continued
of year, income appears down and expenses up, but should resolve with
planning for transitions .
return to regular fall schedule; everything is basically in line. Figures reflect
•
Narthex appearance being addressed – culling tables, adding banners,
the usual summer/seasonal decline in income.
ceiling options. – Child friendly play space re-established.
• Backlog of credit card pledge payments being resolved.
•
Ministry Fair went well. Sign-ups for REALM (up to roughly 80 mem• Some expense to be moved from maintenance into capital expense;
bers) continue; continued efforts to attract/educate to programL.
• Will be taking new approach to 2017 budgeting, with each line/expense
•
Murrell has begun discernment process to become deacon; another
item being considered from the ground up. Also, for coming year, each
parishioner has also voiced preliminary interest in discernment.
budget line will need to justify expenses. Bookkeeper will print detailed
• Diocesan Convention approaching (November 4/5).
expense reports for budget areas to be reviewed.
• Pastoral concerns were reviewed.
• As agreed previously, will move forward in contacting Quick Books consultant to discuss options for upgrading to current version per auditor
• Enthusiasm continues re youth programs. Erik Johnke has returned as
confirmation leader. Program to include “Church in the World” aspect
recommendation, with reminder that going forward Vestry decisions to
be implemented as soon as realistically viable.
that will involve field trips to sites where confirmands can see faith in
action, such as Seamans Church Institute, Trinity soup kitchen, etc.
• T. Bergen made request that bookkeeper produce regular reports of
“functional” funds in regular use: Music, Flower, Grace’s Kitchen, Garden, • Newcomer brunch to be scheduled soon. Reminder to invite people;
CYSM. Motion: Going forward, when special offerings are taken at Christengage newcomers. D. Deveau noted that LGBT group that has recently
mas and Easter, wording on envelopes will be amended to request donaacquired space in Nyack (moved from VCS) and that our programs and
tion for flowers and music to increase flexible use of flower fund. ALL
welcome should be made known to them.
AYES following discussion of specifics.
Stewardship & Fundraising
• Will open columbarium account as per previous approval as soon as
changeover from First Niagara to Key Bank has taken place.
• Pledge update – J. Marraccino report that the Pledge campaign “All In”
has gone out, speakers being lined up by Kim Cross. Personal stories
• Reminder that all vestry pledges should be submitted.
are critical -- statistics say it takes up to 18 months for newcomers to
• Grace’s Kitchen – there has been SCOF concern/discussion re source of
become contributors; it is our job to make sure that we do what we can
money for project. There is $4000 in account, but significant expenses
to gently move that forward . Vestry may be asked to make some folremain. Discussion re volunteer organization and responsibility for weekly
lowup calls . Target date for pledge response is November 13.
costs—each team will responsible for planning and execution of meal and
a system will be in place for reimbursement/tax statement. Submission of • Fundraising committee in place to assess/plan/vision for future efforts. Elizabeth Starling is onboard to help coordinate effort & provide
all receipts will be encouraged so there is realistic record of expenses. A
guidelines and support to commissions doing fundraising.
variety of reimbursement strategies were discussed; a system will be clarified and formalized.
• Havana Nights - D. Deveau stressed need for vestry members to help
with submission/solicitation of auction items of all sizes
Junior Warden Pat Cose reported for SCOP
• New Efforts L. Cavazzi updated on two efforts: Head Shot Day - Novem• SCOP minutes and projects completed were reviewed;
ber 5 fundraiser with professional photographer taking headshots –
Appointments available every 10 minutes. $35/per person; photogra• Accessibility project update – the curb ramp portion of the accessible
pher gets 20%. Designer Purse Bingo possibility – has been very effecpathway was approved by the Village Planning Board; the pathway protive elsewhere. . Date tbd with caveat that November has enough fundject is currently underway, with anticipated completion within week. R.
raising activities at this point.
Derven returned to reassess necessary glassdoor work which should
also be underway shortly.
• L. Cavazzi also circulated draft message, targeted to 9:30 service community people who have raised their kids through the parish and then
• Grace’s Kitchen health inspection passed; minor drain repair comdrifted off, inviting them back and possibly suggesting 8am service as a
pleted. Two CPR kits will be purchased. Defibrillator will be considquick alternative to 9:30 or 11. T. Rock suggested also offering specific
ered .Four people have taken Food Service Handing safety course.
opportunities for involvement like Grace’s Kitchen.
• Followup on energy audit with O&R will be scheduled.
Grace Episcopal Church
Vestry Minutes: September 27, 2016
•
•
•
•
•
Several major projects -- the rectory fire escape, water line work, rectory stove top – totaling close to $12,000 --will be moved from maintenance to capital expenses.
A new community chorus will be using choir room on Tuesday nights;
there will be no charge to them for weekly rehearsals, but appropriate
rental fees for any performances will be charged.
Trying to track down 2009 roof survey in advance of setting meeting
with diocesan representative Michael Rebic.
Kudos to Len Yaniga for cleaning of kitchen in advance of health inspection, and he was commended for his dedication and attitude in support
of numerous special projects.
10
L. Holt reported that the Columbarium fund raiser was successful and
enjoyable, netting $1400+. Musicians were wonderful and low cost. It
was suggested that families of those interred be invited to events.
•
•
Grace’s Kitchen
Kitchen will open on October 6; will be promoted more widely after a few
weeks of experience. Initial teams scheduled; more teams will be added. T.
Bergen announced that the Thrift Shop; after discussion with Grace’s Kitchen
leadership, is pledging to underwrite Grace’s Kitchen in the amount of $260/
month beginning October 1. The Shop had previously been given a $300/
month rent reduction which kicked in as of June 2016 and has been mindful
of that amount as a gift to be used appropriately; Theresa noted her pride
and gratification in the membership of the Thrift Shop who enthusiastically
voted to give their support and approval for the project.
The meeting closed with prayer and was adjourned.
11
NOVEMBER 2016
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Parish Office: (845) 358-1297
The Rev. Owen C. Thompson, Rector - ext. 11
Brandon Beachamp, Organist/Choirmaster – ext. 13
Annie Hekker Weiss, Church School Coordinator – 917-331-7166
Thayer Woodcock, Parish Administrator – ext. 10
Virginia Kosloff, Facilities Administrator- ext. 14
GraceMusic – ext. 16
Grace’s Thrift Shop: (845) 358-7488
Grace Church Website: www.gracechurchnyack.org
Grace Church E-mail: [email protected]
Newsletter Submissions: [email protected]
GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH NYACK
130 First Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960
The Rev. Owen C. Thompson, Rector (9/15/13)
Assisting Clergy:
The Rev. Alan Chisholm, The Rev. Suzanne Hope Graham
The Rev. A. Meigs Ross
Office Hours Mon-Th 9:00 – 4:00pm
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sundays
8:00am (Rite I)
9:30am (Family Service, followed by church school)
11:00am (Rite II, senior choir)
4:00pm First at Four: Choral Evensong (1st Sundays)
Wednesday (1st & 3rd)
6:00pm Healing & Wellness service (Bradley Chapel)
12