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RECTOR’S WORD November 2019

I trust that like me you grew up saying grace before meals. I remember the prayer we said before every meal in my household, “God is great. God is good, and we thank thee for our food. Amen!” Well, as we prepare ourselves to sit at table with our beloved family and friends this Thanksgiving, I for one will be saying grace, giving thanks for Grace (Church that is). Words cannot adequately describe how grateful to God I am that I have been called and chosen to serve as your priest and pastor. Each day I rise with the knowledge that I am part of this beloved community, a place where the love and spirit of God are in abundance, fills me with a deep and abiding joy and comfort. Indeed, during these challenging, corrosive, divisive, and troubling times, knowing that there is shelter from the storm, a place of quiet from the noise, a place of respite from the exhaustive demands of day to day life is a blessing from which I can only say, “thank you lord!” Grace Church truly is a special place, a beacon of light and a place of welcome for all of God’s people. And this thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do and have done to support, build up, and sustain the life, ministry,

and witness of this parish, as together we build for the Beloved Community. I thank you for the ways, large and small, known and unknown that you have given of yourselves; impacting lives and affecting positive change in this community and beyond. Your dedication, giving your time, giving your financial resources (via your pledges), lending and channeling your varied skills, has enabled this parish to truly be the Body of Jesus Christ in this community and beyond. As I give God thanks for the turkey (that I will no doubt be cooking), the candied yams, collard greens, cornbread stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, mom’s mac and cheese, buttermilk biscuits, and pumpkin and apples pies, I will also being giving God thanks for the hope, light, and life that I am able to know and share in this special, God-filled place, known in this community and beyond as Grace Church Nyack! Thank you! Fr. Owen+

COMMUNITY INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Tuesday, November 26

at 7:00pm

First Reformed Church 18 S. Broadway, Nyack

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YOUR PLEDGE MATTERS - MAKE YOUR 2020 PLEDGE TODAY!

Grace Church touches the lives of hundreds of people every week of the year. Because of people like you, Grace is able to provide a creative church school & meaningful programs for our youth and young families; to welcome 12-Step and other community groups for meetings here; to offer pastoral care & a variety of worship opportunities within our beautiful sanctuary, and to support outreach programs like Midnight Run, People to Peo-

ple, and our new Grace’s Kitchen breakfast program. Your financial pledge — whatever the amount — allows our vestry to plan for the short and longer term. Your pledge lets leadership know the amount of predictable funds available to support our programs, staffing, ministry, and growth. Pledge packets are available today at the entry to the church. Please look within your heart and give as you are able — and thank you for being part of this place we call

Grace. May God’s grace continue to sustain us all. YOU make Grace happen!

Pledge cards available at the entry to church, or use the QR code to go to our electronic

pledge form. Thank you!

ARE YOU ON THE LIST? IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

You Make GRACE happen

THANK YOU To Everyone Who Has Already Made A 2020 Pledge Commitment

As of 10/30/19 — 105 pledges, $270,463 total pledged

Ruth & Dan Baliotti Nigel Bark Jordan Becker Verne Becker Yvonne Brown John (Jack) Burger Larry & Stephanie Campbell Shirley Chalke Alan Chisholm Kate Chisholm & Peter Foley Diane Churchill Sally & James Cochran Jean Conner-Tierney Pat Cose Cindy Cox Olive Crone & Dave Prouty Charles & Barbara Cross Zara & Steve Crowley Alison Crowther Barbara De Francis Judy & Bob D’Errico Hilda De Loatch Joe & Suzie Devoe James & Virginia Dillon Honor & Richard Fagan Kevin Faherty Bob & Kate Fallon

Gerald & Marjorie Federico Nigel & Tammy Fraser Katharine Fulmor & Theresa Bergen Peggy & James Gilbert Jennifer Giunta Rod Greenwood & Victoria Hertz E. Michael Growney Harold & Eleanor Hafstad Heider Family Susan Hendricks Heidi Hill Fred & Monroe Hodder Sondra & Leigh Holt Harriet Hudson & René Pacheco-Arana John & Donna Hugh Judith Humeston Patty & Jimmy Hyland Myria & Daniel Jean-Gilles Roy & Carol Kepler Rudolph & Kimberly Knight Deborah Laliberte Rod & Linda Langdon Amy Lehman

John Loftin & Mitch Pfenning Molly MacQueen Orville & Sally Mann Steven Marsh James & Lynnette Marshall Judy & Mac Martin Valerie Mathews Nils Mathsen Jeffrey McDowell Debbie & Bob McGuinness Cheryl McNeil McNeill Family Sally Ann Mock James & Wendy Monaco Sam Monroe Brian & Lainie Murrell Emily & Jacob Nevill Mary O’Donoghue Keith & Moriah Olsen James O’Toole and Gregory Birchett Bonnie & Robert Parsekian Beth & Joe Paskowski Tom & Dalila Perry Winston Perry Karen Phelan John & Lori Quigley

Charles & Judy Reynolds Alma Richmond Roberta Sarvent Schnalzer Family Roger & Sally Seiler Fran & Seno Sennas Robert (Chris) Sorensen Arthur & Donna Soyk Paula Spruck Carol Streichert Elisabeth Sydor Charles & Lori Tauken

Jeanne Treat Tozer Claudia Uccellani Jan & Robert Valentine Edward Van Sanders & Paul Shusterman Barbara Wanamaker Annie & Paul Weiss

Thayer & Bruce Woodcock Nancy & Dietrich Waack Deanne Yaklin Christine & Erik Young 4 Anonymous

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

11:00am Memorial Service for Marjory B. Cook 12:00pm - 6:00pm Private rental (Memorial Hall)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3—MOVE CLOCKS BACK ALL SAINTS SUNDAY/PLEDGE SUNDAY 8:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 9:30am Holy Eucharist (Family Service) 10:10am

11:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite II w/choir) 2:00pm SYG Hike 4:00pm Choral Evensong

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5—Election Day 6:00am—9:00pm Polling in Memorial Hall

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 6:00pm Healing & Wellness service (Bradley Chapel) 6:30pm ASF present: Who was Mary Magdelene

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 7:00am Grace’s Kitchen (Team 4) (Memorial Hall) 12:00pm Brown Bag & A Bible (Patterson Hall) 6:00pm Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Diocesan Convention—Westchester Marriott

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Diocesan Convention—Westchester Marriott 10:00am Midnight Run (Memorial Hall)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 8:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 9:30am Holy Eucharist (Family Service) 10:10am Refreshments/Adult Bible Study 11:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite II w/choir)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Office Closed for holiday

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 6:00pm Contemplative Prayer (Bradley)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 7:00am Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Patterson Hall) 7:00am Grace’s Kitchen (Team 5 ) (Memorial Hall) 12:00pm Brown Bag & A Bible (Patterson Hall) 7:30pm Choir (Choir Room)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 10:00am Memorial for Fritz Kreiger

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 SYG Fundraising Breakast—French Toast 8:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 9:30am Holy Eucharist (Family Service)

11:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite II w/choir) 4:00pm GraceMusic: Choir Concert 6:30pm Senior Youth Group (Fenton)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 7:00pm Boy Scouts (Memorial Hall) 7:00pm Vestry (Patterson Hall)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 6:00pm Cub Scouts (Memorial Hall) 6:00pm Healing & Wellness service (Bradley Chapel)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 7:00am Grace’s Kitchen (Team 6) (Memorial Hall) 12:00pm Brown Bag & A Bible (Patterson Hall)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 8:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite I) 9:30am Holy Eucharist (Family Service)

11:00am Holy Eucharist (Rite II w/choir) 6:30pm SYG Thanksgiving Potluck

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 6:00pm

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Office Closed for the holiday

7:00am

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Office Closed for the holiday

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 9:30am Women’s Spirituality Group (Bradley Chapel)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 7:00pm Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

First Reformed Church, Nyack

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FROM THE CHURCH SCHOOL

What amazing October weather we had this year! The kids took full advantage of the warm Sundays and we tried to stay outdoors as much as possible. We kicked it off October with a Blessing of The Animals. The kids brought in all types of animals from lizards to birds and we even had a donkey (a fan favorite). We had a pet parade around the block and made sure to stay clear of the donkey droppings along the way. We also had our first Super Hero Sunday. The kids spent one Sunday talking about the Super Heroes in their lives and decorating capes and masks. The following Sunday, the kids (and their parents) threw on their capes for a special Super Hero Sunday Service complete with a Super Hero score (thank you Brandon!). It was truly a Super Sunday Service. And a HUGE bravo to the Senior Youth Group with a big shout out to Joe and Beth Paskowski for the amazing Haunted House this year. There was a line around the block to get in and everyone (kids and parents) came out to make it a fright-filled success.

Upcoming events include: 11/26 Interfaith Thanksgiving service & children's program (First Reformed

Church, 18 S. Broadway, Nyack) 12/1 Christmas Pageant Roles are assigned 12/15 Christmas Pageant We are still registering for Church school, Confirmation (8th-12th graders) and Bread For Life (1st-5th graders) so please contact Annie Hekker Weiss at anniehekker@me.com to register if you haven’t already!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

SENIOR YOUTH GROUP FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST

French Toast!!

Throughout the morning in Memorial Hall Proceeds go to support the SYG summer mission trip.

COME HUNGRY!

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THE ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION COMMISSION

PRESENTS:

Parish Hike 2019 Photos: V. Becker

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PARISH HIKE 2019 Photos: V. Becker

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GraceMusic: Harvest Cabaret

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Featuring The Grace Church Choir

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We shuck oysters at Thanksgiving every year. Here's why.

By Liz Johnson

Published originally in the North Jersey Record Published 7:35 a.m. ET Oct. 29, 2019 | Updated 4:16 p.m. ET Oct. 30, 2019

If we didn’t start new traditions for Thanksgiving, we’d all still be eating Jello salads and green bean casseroles.

I, for instance, always fancied the idea of having oysters at Thanksgiving

We’d wear shaggy sweaters, and shuck the oysters outside, because it would be chilly. We’d drink Bloody Marys, throw a few logs on the fire pit and rub our hands together to keep warm.

Once the oysters were shucked, we’d place them on a platter of crushed ice, and enjoy them with cham-pagne, and be happy.

This fantasy is sort of like the one where you play touch football on a Cape Cod beach. It sounds nice, but probably isn’t going to happen.

Until one year, it did. We made it happen.

We ordered my favorites — Pemaquids from Maine — from a lovely little company called Real Oyster Cult. They arrived packed with ice packs in a mesh bag, free oyster knife included.

My husband shucked them. In the kitchen. Wearing a dress shirt.

We placed them on a sheet pan with crushed ice, and enjoyed them with martinis, and were happy.

That happened to be the first year we spent Thanks-giving with some dear family friends: Suzanne and her daughter, Alice. Suzanne’s husband had died that year, and we hoped that changing their routine — and holiday table — would make Thanksgiving a little easier.

The oysters, which are among their favorite foods, certainly didn’t hurt.

That February, Suzanne had a stroke. She spent weeks in ICU, months in the hospital, and more months at a rehabilitation facility.

Thanksgiving came around again, and we invited Suzanne and her family back. Alice and her hus-band, John, helped Suzanne navigate our stairs with her wheelchair.

It was the first time she’d been out and about since the stroke.

My husband, again, shucked the oysters and shook the martinis. We served Suzanne in the living room. She held the martini, and Alice helped her eat, hold-ing a saucer under the oyster so it wouldn’t spill.

When we saw Suzanne’s joy, we were overwhelmed with joy ourselves. We were reminded of how quickly life can change, and how we can persevere.

We also were reminded of how much pleasure sim-ple things can bring.

Now, oysters have become a new family tradition. We'll serve them every year. And when we do, re-member fondly how the tradition began.

And we’ll drink something, and be happy.

Our thanks to vestry member Liz Johnson for allowing us to share this timely story celebrating gratitude, the season, and the importance of rela-tionship.

Liz Johnson's father, Leigh, and family friends Alice and Su-zanne. (Photo: Liz Johnson)

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QUILTS BY POSEY KRAKOWSKY Last year we announced our ongoing Artist-In Residence program, loosely modeled after one sponsored by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Since its founding in the 1970s, the program there has woven living art and artists into the fabric of the Cathedral. We hope that such collaboration between local artists and Grace Church will enable us to develop ongoing relation-

ships and bring mutual aware-ness to the beauty of their work and that of our sacred space.

Over the past month we have been featuring work by artist Posey Krakowsky an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of New York. Krakowsky has been blending her love of the arts and religion her entire life. She is an award winning fiber artist and was a guest lecturer at Union Theological Seminary, where she co-taught Art & Interfaith Dialogue -- a course which took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She is com-mitted to finding ways to bridge the divides between different faith tradi-tions through art and dialogue. Her art website can be found at http://www.quilts.contemplativegaze.org. We hope you take a moment to look closely at the quilts displayed at the front of the church in order to appreciate and explore the detail and complexity of the pieces.

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, December 14

from 2-4:00pm First annual Christmas wreath-making party

benefiting the Garden and Columbarium Trust. It

You’ll go home with a beautiful wreath for your front door.

Watch the weekly bulletin for details.

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Grace Episcopal Church Vestry Minutes: September 17, 2019 Present: P. Cose, J. Marraccino, O Thompson+; Liz Johnson, J. Nevill, K. Olsen, J. O’Toole, B. Paskowski, T. Perry, C. Pullen, E. Star-ling Absent: LM Schnalzer Following prayer and Sacred Space, the calendar was reviewed.

COMMISSION REPORTS Thrift Shop – C. Pullen Twice a year sale is coming up. All per usual; still not able to accept donations until after sale and seasonal turnover. Music - J. Nevill Evensong will be starting in October and will again feature recitals following the service. GraceMusic season posters will go out shortly. A music review meeting was held recently with further discussion re invigorating the 9:30 music pro-gram. Both communications and coordination of busy sched-ules continue to be a problem in moving forward, but some strides have been made in doing long term planning. It was suggested that it might be helpful to revisit having parishioner musicians gather interested kids in preparing a piece of music for performance at service monthly. Youth Ministries – T. Perry 9:30 services returned 9/15 with Blessing of Backpacks and ice cream social for church school registrations. Midnight Run with SYG in December – a reminder to save warm clothing for them to bring into city. Graceful Friends/Graceful Rainbows – C. Pullen/J. O’Toole Graceful Friends does not really exist at this point, and there was no feedback from other area parishes in coordinating any efforts – thankfully the group is not needed as it was in the past. There will be a “pop up” celebration in June in coordina-tion with Pride Month. Graceful Rainbows will again do their cookie exchange in December. Fellowship – K. Olsen Looking for more volunteers to assist with Newcomer Brunch and specifically more Sunday greeters. Scouting Troop 2 will participate in cardboard shelter fundraiser – camping out in Memorial Park to raise funds/awareness re homelessness in area – proceeds to Nyack Hunger Coalition. Adult Spiritual Formation – L. Johnson Close to getting monthly Wednesday schedule in place; will be announced soon. Discussion continues re topics of interest to adults with children. Green Team – T. Perry The group met on September 15. They discussed preparing a list of environmentally friendly suggestions for outside groups using our spaces. Our cleaning service will also be ap-proached re using more responsible cleaning supplies and recyclables. There is a community climate summit at Nyack Library on November 13.

RECTOR’S REPORT Pastoral care concerns of the parish were reviewed. Stewardship committee has not had actual meeting, but

launch is underway electronically in an effort to cut down on paper/postage. Pledge cards are available at church

and educational forums in discussion to support the drive efforts. Still looking at ways to be more quickly responsive to lag in pledge payments, as well as to streamline/modernize the pledge system.

Has growing awareness of the aging of our parish and considerations of how to better support the needs of this demographic and better communicate resources for end of life planning. Leadership transitions are also an ongo-ing consideration. Vestry members were again urged to pass along suggestions re any potential upcoming leaders.

Offered regret that within community there are some who drop out of sight without giving reason. B. Paskowski related experience of running into former parishioner who expressed regret that no one had reached out when they stopped attending – vestry members were urged to communicate with those they realize are not around, or to let Fr. Owen know so that he can follow up.

SCOF REPORT and FINANCIALS were reviewed by P. Cose. Report is slightly amended from circulated statements

due to a balance transfer adjustment. Continue to be significantly under on pledge receipts. It is

hoped that these figures will be significantly better in the coming period with the return of fall attendance patterns and the pledge statements that went out.

Information regarding the possibility of flower memorials has been circulating; price of permanent memorial will increase in January.

There has been discussion in SCOF (and SCOP) re updating the language regarding building rental guidelines and the rate structure will be discussed at the October SCOF meeting. There are occasional problems with the imple-mentation of time rules. It was noted that there are some concessions given to parishioners renting. There was gen-eral discussion of possible ways to increase outside rent-als and how to price them.

SCOP REPORT was distributed and reviewed by J. Marraccino It has been busy month for property as noted in report. A request from columbarium committee to remove ivy-

covered tree in garden and replace with a smaller bark maple tree to open up the space and provide improved privacy to rectory was reviewed and discussed. Ivy will be preserved.

Committee would like to move quickly to coordinate as memorial to Linda Chisholm offered at the Garden fund-raiser on September 22. A vote regarding the request passed with ALL AYES.

Len Yaniga has resigned as sexton, and O. Thompson is filling in for the interim. A list of chores parishioners can help with will be available soon. The apartment Len had been renting will be available within next month or two.

A recent inspection at the rectory indicated that there may be some asbestos to be removed. The situation will be further assessed but is not expected to be major issue.

Tower bells again not working; the out of state company

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will be returning to assess within the next few weeks. T. Rock will look at the sound system proposal that we

have received and will help in getting a second proposal. The Shakespeare door is again broken, once again raising

the issue of possible vandalism and the need for better security and/or cameras at that location.

OLD BUSINESS

Owen+ updated on ongoing issues with Family Connec-tions. There has been criticism voiced regarding manage-ment of the Family Connections program and fulfillment

of responsibilities outlined in Episcopal Charities grant

Grace sponsors. O. Thompson+ met with K. Cross/Nyack Center/Episcopal Charities and current employee respon-sible for the program and reviewed ongoing issues and

oversight to ensure we are in alignment with respect to

our responsibilities to grant, which is funded through ear-

ly 2020. After that program will either be taken on by Bridges or by another local parish. Concerns were voiced that situation had gone on for so long before being ad-

dressed (it was explained this was in part because some

of the issues were being litigated and could not be dis-cussed), and regret that our connection will be lost, alt-

hough the church will still be able to support as requested

via special drives etc. C. Pullen suggested that going for-

ward, a vestry person be assigned to verify the program is being run responsibly and appropriately until grant cycle is over. It was agreed that a liaison be appointed to serve

similarly to liaisons to other commissions, checking in and reporting. C. Pullen offered to serve in the role. It was further decided that going forward the liaison be in com-munication with all programs Episcopal Charities is fund-

ing that are sponsored by Grace Church.

T. Perry reminded of the importance of planning towards

a sabbatical for the rector.

J. O’Toole reiterated the importance of preparing a list of concrete ways parishioners can help take on some of the duties open in wake of sexton’s departure.

P. Cose suggested we be in touch with local police re se-

curity review.

The meeting was adjourned.

DON’T MISS ANYTHING SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY EMAIL UPDATES

There’s so much coming up as we move into the busy holiday season and every Friday morning we send out an update with announcements, reminders, calendar up-

dates and more. Send your email to parishoffice@gracechurchnyack.org

— we’ll add you to the UPDATE list, and send you an invitation to join REALM, our online directory where you’ll be able to keep in touch with fellow parishioners, join church groups and find out

what’s happening.

DATES TO SAVE IN DECEMBER:

Sunday, December 1 Lessons & Carols at 4:00pm Wednesdays, December 4 & 11 Advent Home Gatherings from 7-9:00pm Friday, December 6 Graceful Rainbows Cookie Exchange at 7:00pm

Sunday, December 8 Messiah Sing at 4:00pm Saturday, December 14 Wreath Making Workshop at 2:00pm Sunday, December 15 Christmas Pageant at 2:00pm

Saturday, December 21 Parish Advent Party(pending)

Tuesday, December 24—Christmas Eve Services at 4, 6:30, 10:30pm

Wednesday, December 25— Service at 10:00am

GIFT CARDS NEEDED

Occasionally individuals and families come to us for help with very basic immediate needs, like food and diapers. There are also several families with disabled children/grandchildren who rou-tinely need help, and even more so during the holidays. When possible we try to help with small gift cards for stores like ShopRite, Target, or Walgreen’s. We welcome donations of gift cards so that we are prepared when the need arises — just bring them to the office or drop in the plate on Sundays.

NYACK HOMELESS PROJECT

We’re again helping the Nyack Homeless Project in its efforts to collect food and warm clothing to be distributed locally by area young people and student groups. You’ll find a collection bin outside of Memorial Hall. Please help as you can!

More about the Nyack Homeless Project at nyackhp.org

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GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH NYACK 130 First Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960

The Rev. Owen C. Thompson, Rector

Brandon Beachamp, Organist & Choirmaster

Office Hours Mon-Th 9:00 – 4:00pm Resumes 9/9

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Full Sunday Schedule Resumes 9/16

8:00am (Rite I)

9:30am (Family Service, followed by church school)

11:00am (Rite II, senior choir)

4:00pm Choral Evensong (1st Sundays Oct—May)

Wednesday (Bradley Chapel)

6:00pm Healing & W ellness service Resumes 9/11

6:00pm Contemplative Prayer (2nd & 4th) Resumes 9/18

NOVEMBER 2019

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: par ishoffice@gracechurchnyack.org

Newsletter Submissions: twoodcock@gracechurchnyack.org

Wardens

Pat Cose

Joe Marraccino

Treasurer

John Quigley

Assistant Treasurer

Sally Ann Mock

VESTRY

Retiring Class of 2020

Jacob Nevill

Beth Paskowski

Lynn-Marie Schnalzer

Retiring Class of 2021

Keith Olsen

Caran Pullen

Elizabeth Starling

Retiring Class of 2022

Liz Johnson

Jim O’Toole

Tom Perry