2017 Annual Report 154Th Annual Meeting of Grace Church Parish

2017 Annual Report

154th Annual Meeting of Grace Church Parish

February 4, 2018

Grace Episcopal Church Amherst, Massachusetts

2017 Annual Report Grace Church Parish

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Order of Business 4 II. Membership 5 III. Minutes from the 153rd Annual Meeting 10 IV. Rector’s Report 12 V. Vestry and Committee Reports 16 Senior Warden 16 Junior Warden 17 VI. Commission Reports 19 Liturgical Commisstion 19 Christian Formation and Education 22 Parish Life Commission 23 Pastoral Care Commission 28 Outreach Commission 29 Stewardship Commission 33 VII. Treasurer's Report 33 VIII. Membership Information 34

154rd Annual Meeting of Grace Episcopal Church Amherst, Massachusetts 4 February 2018

I. Order of Business

Celebration of the Holy Eucharist 9:30 AM in the Church Brunch prepared by the Brother Lawrence Guild 11:00 AM in the Parish Hall Call to Order Marion Rosenau, Clerk of the Vestry Acceptance of Roll of Membership Reception of Minutes of the 153rd Annual Meeting, February 5, 2017 Recognition of Retiring Vestry Members Christopher Freitag, Senior Warden Report of Nominating Committee and the Election of New Vestry Members and Delegates to Convention Report from the Stewardship Committee Tom Dougherty, Chair Planned Giving Doug Adler, Chair St. Michael's Fellowship Doug Adler, Chair

Reception of Reports from Officers and Commissions Treasurer's Remarks Bruce Stebbins, Treasurer Remarks of Wardens and Rector Christopher Freitag, Senior Warden Jeffrey DeSantis, Junior Warden The Rev. Thomas Synan, Rector Other Business

Closing Hymn and Prayer

O God our Creator, make the door of our parish church wide enough to receive all who need human love, fellowship, and care, and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride, and rancor. Here may the tempted find succor, and the sorrowing receive comfort; here may the careless be awakened to repentance, and the penitent be assured of thy mercy; and here may all thy children renew their strength in three and go on their way rejoicing; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

II. Membership 2017

Hannah Abbott Elizabeth Baker Liam Brown Erik Abdow Joey Baker Malcolm Brown Jessie Abdow Kate Baker "Max" Luke Abdow Nancy Baker Nate Brown Steve Abdow Samantha Baker Karen Bryant Sue Abdow Tom Baker Cecelia Buckley Doug Adler Jeanne Balcom Kerry Buckley Barrett Allison Jacob Balderston Matthew Buckley Benjamin Allison Toby Barnes Nathaniel Buckley Caroline Allison Bodhi Barnes-Bernal Jane Buckloh Donald Allison David Barnett Don Buckloh Edith Allison Sharon Barnett Anna Bull James Allison Tamara Barnett Mary Bull Gordon Anderson William Barnett Lynne Byler Gordon Anderson Ruth Barrett Patricia Callard "Gordy" Steve Barrett Tim Callard Lydia Anderson Emelyn Bashour London Cannon- Jess Andrews Gabrielle Bashour Eckerle Patricia Appelbaum Andy Beall Tanzania Cannon- Cyrus Arwade Charles Beall Eckerle Sanjay Arwade Eileen Beall Melvin Carlson Jonathan Ash The Rev. Jane Beebe Wendryn Case Raiden Ash Bill Berenson Kathleen Casey Sophie Ash Mary Kay Berenson Marlaina Cataldi Tori Ash Angelica M. Bernal Sebrina Cataldi Chandler Atkinson Beatrice Blain Harry Chadwick Hillary Atkinson Rachel Blain Sarah Chadwick Katherine Atkinson Kerry Blanchard Veronica Chapman "Kate" Myrtle Blanchard Matthew Charity Richard Atkinson Jack Blay Andrew Chase Rollin Atkinson Maria Jose Botelho Calla Chase Stephen Atkinson Sarah Boy Lucy Chase David Averill Paul Bracciotti Samuel Chase Julianna Averill Dee Brace Annie Cheatham Elihu Ayers Emily Breon Deborah Christakos Jim Ayers Shirley Brodigan Mary Clancy Emma Ayers Beth Brown Margaret Clardy Andrea Baird Beth Brown Casey Clark Cameron Baird Catherine Brown Emily Coleman Ian Baird David Brown, III Jack Coleman John Baird Georgianna Brown Jeremy Coleman Mackenzie Baird Gillian Brown Juliet Coleman Chris Baker Gregory Brown Carolyn Collette

Marie Constantine Anne Ditzler Ann Gibson Amy Correia Nancy Dole Anna Gilsdorf Dennis Costa Jackie Dougherty Benjamin Gilsdorf Brendan Coughlin Kellen Dougherty Sean Gilsdorf Kevin Coughlin Kitty Dougherty Andrew Glace Lauren Coughlin Stewart Dougherty Mya Glace Marie Coughlin Tom Dougherty Kathy Glime Cara Crandall Elizabeth Duda Andrew Gnatek Patricia Creaser Gillian Duda Dan Gnatek Cecil Currin Jessica Duda Gail Gnatek Lou Currin Jim Duda Jack Goodell Duane Dale Maria Dye George Goodwin, Jr. Beth Damon Joseph Eckerle Mary Goodwin Dick Damon Christophe Enhstrom Alice Goodwin- Cecily Dann Jeanette Erard Brown Chelsea Dann Michael Erard Matthew Gregory Jennifer Dann Rami Eskelin Susan Haff O'Keefe Dann Alpha Etinde Andrew Haight Jaime Davila Annie Etinde Charles Haight Gabriel Davila- Lokangu Susan Haight Bustamante Floribert Etinde Amy Hampson Brenda Davis David Eve Carter Hampson Elizabeth Davis Kira Eve Liza Hampson The Rev. Davis Max Eve Quinn Hampson Fletcher Tomi Eve Tim Hampson Eva de Beauvais- Suzannah Fabing Sarsh Hanke Dominique Fairchild Kent Faerber Loy Harris Angelique deBeauvais- Scottie Faerber Marian Hartblay Dieudonne Fairchild Martha Favre Charlotte Hathaway Harry DeCuir Danielle Federa Bob Hawley Juanita DeCuir Prunella Fiddian-Green Bennett Hazlip Lucas Denit MJ Fowler Ilona Hazlip Lyle Denit The Rev. Frantz-Dale Joseph Hazlip Jeffrey DeSantis Heidi Lorie Healy Karen DeSantis Ellie Fraser Dorothy Hertzfeld Donna Devine Christopher Freitag Carlton Ho Carol Dick Melanie Freitag Jonathan Ho Charlie Dickinson Melissa Freitag Linda Ho Emma Dickinson Rebecca Freitag Marissa Ho Will Dickinson Elizabeth French Mary Hocken Daniel Dineen Barb Fukushima Anne Hoffmann Denise Dineen June Gaeke Chris Hoffmann John Dineen Greyson Garrett Sarah Hoffmann Matthew Dineen Sophia Gergely Willy Hoffmann Patrick Dineen Gretchen Gerzina

Margaret Holladay Maria Konieczny Arlene Manning (Meg) William Konieczny Bill Manning Ann Holland Erik LaMotte Kevin Marino Anne Homme Kirsten LaMotte Nathan Marino Adam Honig Betty Lange Sharon Marino Charlotte Honig Jennifer Lapis Tyler Marino James Honig Isaac Lavine Elizabeth Markovits Jefferson Hunter Louise Lavine Mark Marshall Pamela Hunter Michael Lavine Erin Martineau Caleb Ireland Noah Lavine Mary Martini Emily Ireland Amanda Lawall Betsy Mathews Michael Ireland David Lawall Cindy Mathews Ruthie Ireland Sophia Lawall James Mathews Valerie Ivy Joan Leavitt Philip Mathews Adam Jacobson Diana Lemly Mary Matthews Adrienne Jacobson Bill Leonard Gianna Mattrey Deborah Jacque Deborah Leonard Jack Mattrey Ronald Jacque Katherine Leonard Jada Mattrey John Jenkins Margaret Leonard Ruby Mattrey Miriam Jenkins Samuel Leonard Stephanie Mattrey Tony Jewell Andrew Leonas Amory Maxey Cheryl Johnston Mark Leonas Henry Maxey Kimberly Jones Helen Leung Libby Maxey Sharon Judge Ann Lewin Trent Maxey Charlotte Kelly Sandra Lillydahl Mary McCarthy Janine Kelly Elija Lillydahl- David McFerrin Patrick Kelly Schroeder Catherine McGraw Robert Kelly Hosanna Lillydahl- Bridget McKelvey L. Finley Keneally Schroeder Ciara McKelvey Brown Kennedy Catherine Linberg Diane McKelvey Gabriel Kennedy Richard Lovelace Stephen McKelvey Costa Susan Lowance Margo McMahon Michael Kennedy Ann S. Lowell Amelia Mead Costa Bridget Lowry Jim Mead Margaret King Fiona Lowry Kimberly Mead Benjamin Klock Janet Lowry Karen Merrill Laura Klock Nancy Lowry Katherine Messina Lynn Klock Samuel Lowry Audrey Miller Suzanne Klock Susannah Lowry Georgann Mirick Elizabeth Klug Lisa Lukas Peter Mishkin Stephanie Klug Tillman Lukas Glenn Miskovsky Caseem Knight Kristen Luschen Martha Mitchell Kelley Knight Brianna MacKinnon Jessica Mix Alan Konieczny Sheila Mammen Barrington Jo-Ann Konieczny Fiona Mangan Emily Anne Moner Joseph Konieczny 7

Meriel Moner Carlton Pickron Katie Schendel Douglas Moore Antonio Polino Stephen Schreiber Janet Moore Francesca Polino James Scott Bette Moriarty Gemma Polino Nina Scott David Moriarty Joseph Polino Amanda Seaman Dorothy Morse Maria Polino Harry Seelig Tony Morse Donovan Pollitt Sharon Seelig Castor Moss Krystal Pollitt Phebe Sessions Natalie Moss Jane Price Anna Seterdahl The Rev. Eliot Moss Catherine Quinlan Elsa Seterdahl Marilyn Munn Victoria Quinlan Peter Seterdahl Sandy Muspratt Virginia Ramos- Trudie May Seterdahl Anthony Muszynski Velazquez Sudha Setty Hannah Muszynski Jean Rankin Mira Setty-Charity Joey Muszynski Larry Rankin Mohan Setty-Charity Samuel Muszynski Jennifer Read Mary Ellen Shaughan Julie Nelson Matthew Read Eugene Sheehan Kathleen Nelson Rick Read Marcia Sheehan Dee Dee Niswonger Karla Reed-McNally Peter Sikowitz Gary Niswonger Linus Reed-McNally Angela Silvia Jeffrey O'Brien Maureen Reed-McNally Bjorn Silvia Joan O'Brien Rudy Reed-McNally Teghan Silvia Catherine Obbard Melinda Reid Jeremy Sites Jale Okay Andre Ricard Bryn Siudzinski Annabel Olankapo Laura Ricard Margaret Bethany Olankapo Robert Rice Madeline Siudzinski Florence Olankapo Chris Riddle Meghan Siudzinski Olusoji Olankapo DeAnne Riddle Robert Siudzinski Sally Olankapo Emily Riddle Anna Smith Erika Olson Matthew Riddle Betsy Cannon Smith Isolda Ortega- John Robinson Donovan N. Smith Bustamante Lucy Robinson Ellie C. Smith Edward Owaki Patricia Rogalski Kevyn Smith Kenneth Page Stephen Rogalski Lucy A. Smith Amy Palaia Nancy Rose Randall P Smith Alice Ann Partridge Marion Rosenau Randall P. Jr. Smith Douglas Peavey Mindy Rosengarten Peter Snedecor Heidi Peltier Peter Rosengarten James Soper Jane Pemberton Carolyn Samonds Jennifer Soper Alex Perry Ken Samonds Joshua Soper Evan Perry Gaylord Saulsberry Katherine Soper Fred Perry Janet Elias Saulsberry Cynthia Spell Thomas Perry Anne Scarff Catherine Spence Janice Peterman The Rev. Schaeffer George Spence Mark Peterman Susan Jack Spence

Rob Spence Frederick Treyz Reynolds Winslow Caroline Spurgin Justin Treyz Gregory Wobst Diana Spurgin Mary Sidney Treyz H Martin Wobst Kate Spurgin Peter Treyz Judith Wobst Richard Spurgin Margaret Turgeon Natalia Wobst Richard Spurgin Sarah Turgeon Barbara Wogrin Sarah Grace Spurgin Aidan Van Cleef Ann Wood The Rev. Stair Bryce Van Cleef John Wood Adrian Ann Van Dyke Nancy Wood Emily Starkweather Elizabeth Van Dyke Arline Wright Bruce Stebbins Archie Velazquez Jonathan Wright Jeannette Stebbins Bonnie Vigeland Meg Wright Owen Stebbins James Wald Andrew Zamora Mary Steigner Jane Wald Helen Zatyrka Sara Stelzner Marianne Wald Enhua Zhang Barbara Sternau Natascha Wanninger Chris Zobel Doug Stewart Sebastian Wanninger Katie Zobel Ericka Stewart Tatjana Wanninger Noah Zobel John Stifler Eve Webster Sydney Zobel Joel Stoneham The Rev. Webster Luke Stoneham Raymond Pete Stoneham Chuck Weeber Elise Stromgren Andrew Wells Brendan Sullivan Nicholas Wells Brooke Sullivan Sharon Wells Cornelia Sullivan Charlotte Westhead Kyle Sullivan Ethel White Thomas Sweeney Adam Wilburn Paul Swem Aidan Wilburn The Rev. Synan Emma Wilburn Thomas Jeanette Wilburn Pat Szumowski Pam Wilkinson Bernice Taylor Dani Williams Warren Taylor David Williams Charles Tebbetts Elia Williams Walter Tebbetts Fox Williams Janet Teng Isabel Williams Colin Thompson Kate Williams Zachary Thompson Keith Williams Jane Thurber Kevin Williams Kate Thurber Marion Williams Patricia Tillona Owen Williams Zina Tillona Sophie Williams David Todd Thomas Williams Eric Treyz Cheryl Wilson

III. Minutes of the 153rd Annual Meeting of Grace Church Parish, Amherst, Massachusetts convened on February 5, 2017 On February 5, 2017, following a brunch provided by Brother Lawrence Guild, the 153rd Annual Meeting of Grace Church Parish was called to order by the Clerk, Marion Rosenau. The Rev. Tom Synan, Rector, opened the meeting with a prayer.

The Role of Membership 2017

A motion to approve the Role of Membership was made and seconded. There were no additions or corrections and the motion was approved by unanimous vote.

Minutes of the 152nd Annual Meeting The minutes of the 152nd Annual Meeting were reviewed. There were no additions or corrections. A motion to approve the minutes was made, seconded and approved.

Retiring Vestry

Senior Warden, Chris Freitag, recognized the Vestry members who have completed their terms: Jane Buckloh, Charlie Tebbetts, Tim Hampson, and Cas Moss. Chris presented each with thanks and a gift.

Report of Nominating Committee

Members of the Nominating Committee are the retiring Vestry members, Senior Warden, Chris Freitag, and the Rector, the Rev. Tom Synan. After conversations and discernment with interested parishioners, the committee presented a slate of candidates to the Vestry. Following approval by the Vestry, the slate of candidates was included in the Sunday Bulletins.

The candidates for Vestry, Officers of the Vestry and Delegates to Diocesan Convention are: Vestry (each for a term of three years) Gail Gnatek Laura Klock Trent Maxey Vestry Youth (a term of one year) Katie Brown Officers of the Vestry (each for a term of one year) Senior Warden – Chris Freitag Junior Warden – Jeff DeSantis Treasurer – Bruce Stebbins Clerk – Marion Rosenau Lay Delegates to Convention Jessica Mix-Barrington, Jack Mattrey, Jane Buckloh (alternate), Emma Wilburn (youth).

The Rev. Tom Synan asked for nominations from the floor. No nominations from the floor were offered. Tim Hampson made a motion to close the nominations and to direct the Clerk to cast one vote for the slate of candidates as presented. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The candidates, as presented in the slate, were elected and welcomed.

Report of Stewardship Committee Tom Dougherty presented the report of the Stewardship Committee, giving special thanks to Mark Peterman and Jean Rankin for their assistance. As of today, $457,000 in pledges has been received, an amount which is close to the goal of $470,000. Pledges have been received from 176 families.

2016 Annual Report A motion to accept the reports printed in the 2016 Annual Report, 153rd Annual Meeting of Grace Church Parish was made, seconded and passed.

Treasurer's Report

Bruce Stebbins presented the Treasurer's Report. This is the 9th consecutive year in which the year ended with a positive balance in the operating budget. Pledges fulfilled as well as careful spending contributed to this result. The surplus, of just over $8,000, has been allocated $3,768 to staff and clergy bonuses and the balance to the Contingency Fund.

Bruce extended thanks to Rich Spurgin for preparing monthly and annual reports, to DeAnne Riddle for preparing the budget, and to the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee members are Rich Spurgin, Kitty Dougherty, Bob Kelly, DeAnne Riddle and Mark Leonas. Bruce also thanked the weekly counters, our bookkeeper Jaana Cutson, as well as Jim Scott who reconciles the monthly bank statements.

Thanks to the management of our endowment by the Trustees of the Diocese, distributions from the endowment have continued at 5%. Bruce Rockwell conducted an audit of our financial records and confirmed the accuracy of the records.

Senior Warden's Report

Chris Freitag thanked the Parish for the opportunity to serve as Senior Warden. He expressed thanks to Tom and the Executive Committee of the Vestry as well as the current Vestry for their work. He thanked the Parish for their support both financially and with the time and talents of parishioners, all of which contribute to the vibrant community of Grace.

Chris referenced his report in the 2016 Annual Report drawing attention especially to the work of the Long Range Planning Committee which studied the strengths and weaknesses of our church and compiled a report addressing the steps which should be taken to sustain the strengths as well as to address the weaknesses over the next five years. Members of the committee were Chris, Mark Leonas, Jeffrey DeSantis, Kitty Dougherty, Suzannah Fabing, Jessica Mix Barrington, John Robinson, Kent Faerber, David Williams, and the Rev. Tom Synan.

Chris also expressed thanks to the Sesquicentennial Committee which has been focused on planning a series of creative events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Grace Church. Noting that many hands make light work, Chris invited anyone who would like to become more involved at Grace to speak with a Vestry member as more involvement by parishioners is always welcome.

Junior Warden's Report

Jeffrey DeSantis referenced his report in the 2016 Annual Report and highlighted two projects which were of special significance. The first of those projects was the repair of the Bell Tower's interior walls which had deteriorated and were causing an accumulation of dust everywhere including the workings of the clock.

The second important project was an energy audit of the entire campus done by Eversource Energy Utilities at the request of Greening Grace and Jeffrey as Junior Warden. The result of this review indicated that Grace could save $5,500 - $6,000 per year on electric costs if recommended changes were made. The changes in light bulbs and fixtures were done. The total cost of the project was $16,000 and our portion (after rebates) is $6,840 which will be paid monthly over 24 months at no interest.

The Rector's Report

The Rev. Tom Synan referenced his Sermon and Address in the 2016 Annual Report. As part of the sesquicentennial celebration, a number of clergy who have been associated with Grace Church in the past will return to preach. A tentative schedule has been arranged to include the Rev. Hilary Bogert- Winkler, the Rev. Alan Kittleson, the Rt. Rev. Rob Hirschfeld, the Rev. Paul Twelves, the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas and the Rt. Rev. Doug Fisher.

The Amherst Historical Society has decided to give the President's Award to Grace Church at the Society's Founders Day celebration. Jane Wald and her husband will also receive awards.

Among some upcoming events are Jane Beebe's ordination which could take place as early as June, and a summer trip to Navajo Nation by recent confirmands. Only God knows what we will be doing in this year, but we will be up to whatever God calls.

Questions and Remarks

A parishioner expressed the thought that we should be sure to intentionally name President Trump in the prayers.

Vestry member Isolda Ortega-Bustamante reported on a recent event focused on education and parenting issues for immigrants in the area. It was well attended and a heart warming event since some immigrant families are fearful of attending public events. Another gathering will take place in April.

The meeting concluded with a hymn and a prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Marion Rosenau, Clerk

IV. Rector’s Sermon and Address, February 4, 2018

Jesus came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. What a contrast we have this morning between our first lesson and the Gospel. Isaiah proclaims a message about the magnificence, the majesty, the splendor of God Almighty. Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? What is it that we are supposed to know? That there is nothing as awesome and as powerful as God. God is above all things, and in comparison to God, all of creation is miniscule, insignificant, and trivial. The oceans, the Himalayans, the vast expanse of interstellar space, sea monsters, the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles – all grasshoppers. It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in; who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.

There is nothing above God. There is nothing better than God. God is unbeatable. To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? Says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing.

Such language and such drama, you expect drums beating and trumpets blaring as this message goes forth. Isaiah was writing to a people who questioned whether God was still with them after their defeat at the hands of the Babylonians. Some Judeans probably believed that Babylonia’s gods defeated their God; but Isaiah insists that in fact no other being in the universe could do so. The Judean exiles lament that God no longer pays attention to them, but Isaiah reassures them that God is still listening to them, and that God never grows tired of them, which is Good News for them and for us. God is still listening and God never grows tired of us. So, compare the grandeur Isaiah describes of God with the reality of Jesus, God incarnate, coming among us. Jesus’ ministry comes with no fanfare, no spectacle. His approach is much more subtle. It’s downright ordinary. As we see throughout the Gospel of Mark, Jesus repeatedly meets people where they are – fishing, in the local synagogue, in their homes and places in town. He makes no demands, he doesn’t hold court, and he doesn’t expect people to come to him. He goes to them and meets them where they are. And when an encounter with Jesus is over, more often he doesn’t command that people go and blow horns on his behalf. His instruction is to tell no one, which though, most people find hard to do. They can’t control themselves and so they have to tell others the Good News about Jesus. His behavior in the Gospels is quite different from what he could possibly be like, according to Isaiah. In today’s Gospel, there is a lot going on. Jesus visits the home of Simon and Andrew, and heals Simon’s mother-in-law. Word spreads there is a healer among us. Suddenly the whole city is at the front door, and Jesus finds himself working through the night, curing many who were sick with various diseases. Right there is a lesson that sometimes we have to deal with what’s put before us. Jesus might have preferred to go to bed at a reasonable hour and Simon’s family might have preferred everyone to get out of their front yard and go home, but people kept on coming. We can’t always choose what it is we would like to do, sometimes God chooses for us. And then Jesus runs away. How do we know Jesus runs away? Mark tells us that in the morning, Simon and his companions hunted for Jesus. They didn’t just look around for him. They hunted for him. That’s a dramatic choice of words. But why has Jesus run away? He needs clarity, if not help, because he may be fighting temptation. After all, people are astonished at his teaching. The whole city has come out to him. His fame is growing. Such success can get the better of him. It can get the better of any of us. He goes to the mountain to pray; to seek from God and from deep within himself who he is and what is he supposed to be doing? Who am I? What does it mean that I am the Son of God? What is my life to be about? What is my purpose? Lots to consider, but for us today, the day of our annual meeting, I want us to go back to the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law. Mark tells us as soon as they got to the house they told Jesus about her, that she was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus immediately goes in, takes her by the hand, and lifts her up. The fever leaves her and she begins to serve them. I know that can sound a little troubling. The poor woman gets better and immediately she’s off to the kitchen to serve the men. What we need to remember is that this is a miracle. Yes, a miracle. And her response is not unusual. Others in her situation have done the exact same thing. Who? Johnny Cammareri’s mother in the film classic Moonstruck. A little backstory: Johnny is engaged to Loretta, played by Cher, and Johnny returns to Sicily, where his mother is dying. While he is away, Loretta falls in love with Johnny’s estranged younger brother Ronny. Toward the end of the film, Johnny surprises

13 everyone by coming home. What happened to his mother? She was supposed to be dying and Johnny was supposed to be in Palermo, not back in Brooklyn. Johnny explains: There’s been a miracle! My mother’s recovered from death. The breath had almost totally left her body. She was as white as snow. And then she completely pulled back from death and stood up and put on her clothes and began to cook for everyone in the house. The mourners. And me. And herself! She ate a meal that would choke a horse! I think that’s what happened when Jesus gave Simon’s mother-in-law her life back. What else was she going to do, having been given new life? Stay in bed? No. She got up, she put her clothes on, she cooked for everyone in the house – the mourners, her son-in-law and daughter and their children, their guests Andrew, James and John, and especially Jesus. And she herself, having been given new life and a true and honest appreciation for it, ate a meal, like Johnny Cammareri’s mother that would choke a horse. Why? Because that’s not just Italian, that’s life with Christ! When Christ calls, he does not call us so we can stay in bed. When Christ calls, he calls us to get up and to serve. That’s life with Christ and that’s life at Grace Church. Together, we are called to get up and serve, and this parish, God bless it, does so, in so many ways. Let’s start with our worship, otherwise known as “services”. The beauty of our services is that our liturgy truly is a work of the people as an act of love, love for God and love for one another. So many people play integral roles, seen and unseen, to make this happen: altar guild, acolytes, lectors, lay Eucharistic ministers and visitors, our choirs, Beth and Dick – our music director and organist, greeters and ushers, counters, flower guild, coffee hour hospitality, and every single person in the pew. It is a beautiful thing when we come to together and worship. Among the liturgical highlights in 2017, Holy week at Grace as always is second to none. And then starting with our Easter Vigil and moving all the way through to the egg hunts in the Garth, my soul is renewed with the joy that the Lord indeed is risen and is living and breathing here among us at Grace Church. Vicki Ix’s ordination to the priesthood was another grace-filled special event. Again, a beautiful event brought about by the coming together of this parish. And can any of us forget Pentecost Sunday and our grand procession through the town, with prayerful stations at points of interest that played a role 150 years ago in our founding? Lord, that was a day that could have gone on forever. On June 4th, you gave me a glimpse of heaven and for that I thank you. In terms of getting up and serving, there was activity aplenty for the celebration and commemoration of our 150 anniversary. A beautiful stole and spectacular banners were lovingly made and dedicated, along with timelines, a logo, posters and paintings and historical presentations, tours of the church and the tower. Ken Samonds’ monthly historical reports for Grace Notes: Ithamar Francis Conkey, Founder and Vestry member, Chairman of the Building Committee – I feel like I know him personally. We brought our founders back to life, which perhaps is the first phase of the resurrection – resurrection 1.0. There were so many activities too many to name, but who can forget the Concert of Grace Church composers – so much praise, inspiration, and talent, welling up from among us, all dedicated and offered up to the greater glory of God. Talk about people getting up to serve. And speaking of serving, let me give a giant affirmation to the children and youth of this parish. This year ten of our finest were confirmed, together with four adults, during our Pentecost extravaganza, and then they traveled to the Navajo Nation to offer themselves as helpful and faithful servants of Christ. I am still blown away by your stories and experiences, particularly hearing that one of the most challenging parts was learning to find come ground with the other youth group you worked with. Well done, good and faithful servants! I have said it before and I will say it again, that Grace Church, in the Town of Amherst, in the year of our Lord 2018, has the most wonderful young people I have ever met in my years of ordained ministry. Ever! God bless you for being who you are and for being part of this parish. Always remember: this is your church as much as it is anybody else’s and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. A shout-out from Amherst to Sarah Dunn in Lake Tahoe in grateful appreciation for all the good work she had done. All I have to say is that they better be 14 treating her nicely out there. And a shout-in to Jane Beebe and Rachael Essing for the good work they are doing this year, as well as blessings to our dedicated Sunday School teachers, to parents, grandparents, godparents, and to all who in whatever way get up and serve Christ through our children and youth ministries. Jesus lifts people up to serve. In terms of outreach and mission, this year he lifted us up to new heights. In 2017, this parish donated almost 1500 pounds of food to the Amherst Survival Center, and that is not including the 523 packages of bread stuffing we provided the food pantry at Thanksgiving. Once again, we partnered with Books Through Bars, a worthwhile prison ministry, donating hundreds of books for people who are incarcerated. We provided school supplies and backpacks for children going back to school. In the spring, we collected nineteen box-loads of food and clothing for Valley Syrian Relief, to be shipped to Syrian refugees. When people are in need, you are always ready to serve. When Lucio Perez moved into First Congregational Church seeking sanctuary so he can remain in this country with his family, members of this congregation immediately got up to help and are still serving – some providing meals and others accompaniment. Following the devastating hurricanes this year, Grace Church in the span of a few weeks sent $8000 to the Disaster Relief Fund at Episcopal Relief and Development, and at the end of the year through the Outreach Commission we sponsored and sent a water filtration system to Puerto Rico, which can provide clean drinking water to an entire community. Jesus was once asked: “And who is my neighbor?” Here, the question is more: “And who is not our neighbor?” because the answer is that our neighbors are both near and far away. Our neighbors are in Amherst. This year we adopted 40 families at Christmas so that deserving children might have a wonderful Christmas. We also donated $800 to Amherst Family Outreach to further that cause. Once again we also gave out 1000 care packages for college students during final exams. I still say the most important item in those packages is the note of encouragement written by many of you, that let’s stressed out students know that the good and faithful servants of Christ at Grace Church are thinking of them, praying for them, and care about them. With the simplest of actions and gestures, you may be changing lives. Who else is our neighbor? Our neighbors are in Holyoke. In response to the number of families relocating from Puerto Rico because of Hurricane Maria, this year we donated several hundred pairs of socks, gloves, and hats for children, so that they can be warm this winter. And Lord knows, it’s been cold this year! Our neighbors are in Haiti and Ramallah. This year, every student at St. Mathieu, all 167 of them, got a new school uniform thanks to Grace Church, and we sponsor the education of Amir Wahhab at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center, through the monthly selling of Palestinian olive oil at coffee hour. And monetarily, this congregation generously gave away almost $35000 to agencies near and far to help neighbors in need – from the Cot Shelter and Craig’s Doors to Doctors Without Borders. This parish is without borders when it comes to helping neighbors. And lastly, I want to highlight a special moment helping our neighbors. In a world that at times seems more and more intolerant, it was a beautiful gathering this fall, when so many of the houses of worship joined together to help our Muslim sisters and brothers open their Mosque. The benefit held for them was glorious and it was an honor for us to lend our aid. When God sees his children behaving so well, serving one another, you know that with such, God is well pleased. May we continue to serve together and may others take notice of what we can do in Amherst and go and do likewise. Service in the name of Christ is done in so many ways here. God bless our Mutual Care team, Sunday morning hospitality, the St. Nicholas Bazaar, Archives, the Over 60’s Gathering, Funeral Reception, the Brother Lawrence Guild, Iconography, the Men’s Group, the Garden committee, Planned Giving, Raising the Questions, the Sunday morning Bible study, our Adult Christian Education programs and presentations, and Tea and Titles.

Many blessings to Greening Grace and our Peace Fellowship for raising awareness and bearing a prophetic witness. Social justice is part of the service Christ calls each of us to. Now, of all times, is not the time to answer God’s call to serve by staying in bed. Many thanks also to the Stewardship Committee and to each and every one of you for your generous outpouring of financial support for Grace Church. The church budget is not just pages of numbers. It is a tangible and physical manifestation of a congregation’s faith, hope, and charity. God bless you for your faith in God and your faith in God’s Church – a wonderful and sacred mystery – and thank you for all the ways you get up and serve. As the hymn says: No arm is too weak to do service here. This was a year, for me personally, when there were many grace-filled moments; moments, which if I had the ability, I would have liked to have paused. Hit the pause button on the remote in order to just bask in those moments for awhile. Turning to the Scriptures, I can only find two incidents involving pauses. In Joshua, the sun stands still during a battle, thus helping the Israelites win. It’s a story that I don’t think made it into the lectionary, so I’m going to skip that one. The other, we will hear next Sunday as part of the story of the Transfiguration, and there it’s Peter who wants to pause and stay awhile in the bliss of what’s happening on the mountaintop. The lesson of course is that there is no pausing when it comes to Christ. There is no reason to stay in 2017. Our life, the life Christ calls us to is up ahead. Like Simon’s mother-in-law, Christ comes in, takes us by the hand, and lifts us up for new life, new beginnings, and to send us out to do the things we are meant to do. Who knows what the future holds, but together we will go on serving in the name of the Lord. I am so incredibly honored and humbled to be your rector. Thank you for letting me be among you. Have you not known? Have you not heard? Yes, later today there is the national high holy day event, which many of you will partake of. But go forth today, remembering that God is still listening. God is not tired of Grace Church. And is ever ready to gently take us by the hand, lift us up, so that we may continue to serve. God bless Grace Church and God bless each and every one of you!

Amen. The Rev. Tom Synan

V. Vestry Reports

Senior Warden: I would like to begin my report by thanking the Parish for the privilege of allowing me to serve as your Senior Warden for a third year. Time has passed quickly and we have accomplished many things. I would like to thank Tom for his guidance and leadership, as well as the Executive Committee, Jeffrey, Marion, and Bruce for their individual work in keeping our Parish strong and vibrant. I would like to give a special thanks to Jeffrey, our Junior Warden, who has once again done an excellent job managing several projects and for his dedication in keeping this wonderful place in great shape. Among other things, all of our lighting around Grace has been upgraded to LED’s, which will save us money on our electric bill. I also would like to mention that we have joined a consortium for our power and this is derived from solar energy, so we have furthered our support of being as green as possible. We will miss Jeffrey in this role that he has performed so well, but after six years, he deserves to have someone else take the reins. Our Vestry has also done a great job working on key issues of the Parish and made this year a fruitful one. We began the year with a Vestry retreat, which was combined with the annual Leadership Day, held in Springfield by the Diocese. The Vestry spent some time getting to know each other, so we could better serve the parish. We discussed the need for updating our rental

16 policies and procedures and now that we have a new kitchen, we anticipate additional rental income. I am happy to say the rental policies and procedures have been updated and I am sure that as we move forward with rentals we will be glad to have these new documents. I thank the Committee that worked on this project, Diana Spurgin, Trent Maxey, Jim Duda, Jeffrey DeSantis, and Tom. We said goodbye to Sarah, our Associate Priest, and wished her well as she took a position as Rector of Saint Patrick’s in Incline Village, Lake Tahoe. We welcomed Vicki Ix as our Deacon. We supported Jane Beebe in her ordination and then welcomed her as our interim Associate Priest. We had a beautiful ordination for Vicki here at Grace and we really pulled out the stops. After Christmas, we wished Vicki well, as she moved on to take a position at St. John’s, Ashfield. Both Vicki and Jane took on various responsibilities here at Grace and we have been blessed to have them with us. This year we will be focusing some attention on finding a new full time Associate Priest to help Tom in moving us forward. Having implemented our new nominations process two years ago, we again used this process and had another successful time finding new leaders for Vestry and Diocesan Convention. Our nominations process is more open and accessible to the Parish. The Nominations Committee consisted of Isolda Ortega Bustamante, Diana Spurgin, Flori Etinde, Tom Synan and me. Members of the Nominations Committee gave testimonials as to why they served on Vestry as well as the benefits of serving. Multiple bulletin inserts were used to request nominations and provide opportunities to meet with the committee and potential nominees. Potential nominees were invited to vestry meetings to see what the Vestry does first hand and then discern if they were interested. I am happy to say that again this process provided a good list of names and three nominees were selected. We ended up needing a fourth vestry nominee for a term of one year, as one of our members has decided to take on the role of Junior Warden. I want to thank Isolda, Diana, and Flori for their service on Vestry and for their help on the nominations committee. I encourage everyone to think about how you can best serve Grace. We are always looking for people with special talents to share. This past year has also been very exciting as we celebrated our Sesquicentennial with wonderful, fun activities, and celebrations. These included tours of our facilities, walking tours in town, monthly archival notes in Grace notes that Ken Samonds put together for us to learn about the founding and members of Grace. We also had wonderful musical performances and sermons given by returning rectors and clergy who have been a part of Grace through the years. All of these events culminated in a celebration with service and lunch with Bishop Doug that enabled us to honor our beginnings and our 150 years at Grace. Banners flew and again we showed the spirit that is alive here at Grace. In closing, I would like to thank all those who are currently involved in some ministry here. I know that we will be forming a property committee this coming year to help our new Junior Warden with the work of caring for our facilities. In addition, there are other committees that could use some additional helping hands. If you would like to become involved, feel free to speak to me or any member of the Vestry. Chris Freitag, Senior Warden

Junior Warden: This year was a very busy one around the Church’s campus. There were some twenty plus projects during the year. Electronics and electrical items seem to help us so much until they have problems - that was the case for printing at our central printer. I would like to thank Jaana’s husband Paul for his assist in debugging the problem. We had motion detector lights that did not come on so they were fixed, and at the same time we had additional lights added for safety. We have a continuing problem with the sidewalk lights on Spring Street being vandalized and needed them repair three times during the year.

The lower sacristy off the Chapel had a sink that overflowed often and it was found that the outflow pipe just goes under ground out just past the wall. (Tree roots are there) We now have Roto Router coming a couple times per year…problem solved. The Columbarium had some plantings added around the new fencing as well as around the AC unit, thanks to both David Williams and Michael Erard for their help. Additionally a new blue slab walkway that goes along the new fence and out to the walkway was added. David and Paul also put in solar lights around the columbarium walkways Pew maintenance continued with 10 pews requiring gluing and reinforcement, 8 book holders also needed to be repaired. In addition repairs were required of the railing walls of the front pews to stabilize them. The front door of the Church needed to be jacked in place and the screws loctited in place because someone tried to ”jimmy” the front door open…David was a great help in repairing the door. The front door was also in need of additional protective coating since this was done 3 years ago and Dick Damon was there helping put on the new coats of protection. To complete the energy reduction in the Old Rectory we had gotten three estimates for window replacement, two were very high and the third was for the Church to purchase the windows and have Bill Rock (did Chapel) put them in, but winter came and it will have to be looked at in 2018. We were written up by the Amherst Board of Health for having cracked ceilings in the Parish Hall kitchen and the bathroom on the second floor of the Old Rectory. They were repaired and approved by the Amherst Board of Heath. The Amherst Board of Health also wrote us up during the St Nick Bazaar for selling rolls that were homemade… no fine was assessed. It was five years ago that all the outside doors and windows were painted so this summer they were scraped and painted. I could not reach the upper windows and so I employed Flori Etinde to do those windows as well as the large window in the rear of the Church. Scrapping and painting was also done on the portico of the old Rectory. While there we (Austin Paczkowski-grandson) scraped and painted the entire front of the Old Rectory. Also the door and entrance sign to the Parke House was scraped and painted. David Ulen scraped all the window sills in the Church, filled all the holes and painted the sills in the Church. The spring clean-up of the grounds went very well as did the spreading of mulch and compost in the Garth. A big shout out to all that helped, it was a combined effort with the Garden Ministry to pull it off. Larger stakes where used to hold in place the trim boards between the gravel and mulch that seem to magically flow up each spring. The Altar steps were completely redone with the help of Cecil and Louise Currin, as well as Sheila Mammen. They were sanded down, cleaned then clear coated. The same process was done a second time to complete the job. Removal of the dying crab apple tree in the front corner of the kitchen on Spring Street was performed this summer as was the removal of the tree stump (Warner Tree). We also did some trimming of one the large trees in the Garth at the same time (Warner Tree). Trimming of other trees such as one near the entrance of the bell tower were also carried out. The lower connector saw the addition of four new memorial bricks added to the walkway this summer. The kitchen flat roof was checked out to make sure all the tarring was in good share around the various vent pipes, the tarring needed renewing, which was done. The connector windows on the inside were completely washed (Austin Paczkowski was very helpful). The outside of the windows were washed as well but presented some issues as to getting to them…saved by Flori again.

David Ulen and I repaired the rope to bell with a new piece of rope (100 feet or so) and attached it to the bell with a metal attachment device that should make it last for some 50 years or so. A new katsura tree was transplanted from David and Marion Williams home to the middle of the “L” formed by the kitchen and the Parke House by Jacob Murphy a tree transplant specialist. Jacob also transplanted a second katsura tree to the upper part of the Garth. He also added additional stone work to reduce the wash off on the bank in the Garth. I would like to thank the Garden Ministry for all the help deciding where the trees should be located. The walkway from the sidewalk to the steps of the Old Rectory were pitching inward and caused water accumulation and icing. Dick Damon, his daughter and her boyfriend and I spent a Saturday morning removing the 250 pound slabs from their settings. We then removed the various bricks, slates, etc. from the bed and placed a level of gravel to improve the bed the slabs rest upon. We replaced the slabs and put gravel around them for drainage during rainy days.

Jeffrey DeSantis, Junior Warden

VI. Commission Reports

LITURGICAL COMMISSION

Altar Guild: Janet Teng retired as Director of the Altar Guild after serving most ably for 15 years. All of us owe a huge debt of gratitude to Janet for her selfless dedication to this significant service at Grace Church. Gail Gnatek and Sheila Mammen took over as co-Directors of the Altar Guild in 2017. Fortunately for us, Janet has continued to serve as a member of the Altar Guild and she provides us with support, guidance, and wisdom as we find our way. Thank you, Janet. We would like to express our gratitude to several other individuals who lovingly tend to the many activities of the Altar Guild. First, Georgann Mirick who continues to do the scheduling of setup and cleanup crews for every service and makes sure we are well-stocked with supplies. A special note of appreciation is extended to Veronica Chapman who washes Acolyte and LEM albs. The squeaky-clean appearance of Acolytes and LEMs during every service is due to Veronica’s special ministry. In recent years, the Altar Guild has adopted a team-based approach to prepare for special seasons of the Church Year including Advent, Lent, and Holy Week. We would like to thank the many members who have stepped forward to assist with these. In addition, we are grateful that members of the regular 8 am and 10:30am clean-up crew have willingly taken on additional cleaning and other responsibilities – a task that, for years, Cindy Spell and, before her, Janet had done single-handedly. We would also like to acknowledge the work done by members of the Flower Guild led by Lou Currin. Their efforts help lift our spirits every Sunday. We thank them for their time as well as for the beauty they create at the altar. Finally, a special note of appreciation to Meghan Siudzinski who is responsible for the monthly Liturgy in the Chapel, as well as to all members of the Altar Guild. Gail and Sheila would like to invite you (men and women, singles and couples) to join the Altar Guild. This ministry is a rewarding and meditative experience. Grace Church is our sacred space and it takes many hands to make this special place. Gail Gnatek and Sheila Mammen

Acolytes: Acolytes (ages eight through high school) assist in all aspects of liturgical life at Grace Church; they join the ranks as Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, and bell ringers for the Consecration as they express

19 interest in expanding their liturgical roles. Youngsters younger than eight participate in workdays, assist as crucifers to lead the food basket procession to the altar at the Offertory, and serve in the monthly Liturgy in the Chapel services. This year 12 acolytes had the privilege of serving at the ordination of Vicki Ix to the priesthood.

Acolytes work with Sheila Mammon, Gail Gnatek, Janet Teng, Veronica Chapman, and others of the Altar Guild in many aspects of liturgical preparation such as assisting in preparing the sanctuary for Advent and Palm Sunday. Tom Synan and other clergy take an interest in the acolytes, support them at the altar, and meet with them when appropriate.

Chris Freitag, Kent Faerber, Deb Leonard, Trent Maxey, Amanda Seaman, Sharon Morino, and assorted senior servers and their families have helped shepherd acolytes on Sunday mornings. Calla Chase trains acolytes at Eaglebrook and they serve at the Sunday 8:00 services. Veronica Chapman ensures that we start each week with a rack of vestments washed, pressed, and carefully arranged by size.

Joe Hazlip and Jada Mattrey joined the acolyte crew in 2016. We had six long-standing acolytes graduate this year: Lydia Anderson, Ben Gilsdorf, Alex Perry, Thomas Perry, Archie Velazquez, and Noah Zobel.

Acolytes learn quickly and take their liturgical jobs seriously. They are wonderful about helping each other out, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to work with this wonderful group of young people.

Acolytes by grade (Current): 11: Gordy Anderson, Wade Atkinson, Mackenzie Baird, Georgie Brown, Katie Brown*, Caleb Ireland*#, Emma Wilburn*, Sydney Zobel*; 10: Hillary Atkinson, Sebrina Cataldi, Walter Tebbetts; 9:, London Canon-Eckerle, Evan Perry, Aidan Wilburn; 8: Liam Brown, Max Brown, Alpha Etinde, Quinn Hampson, Emily Ireland, Katie Leonard**, Francesca Polino; 7: Anna Gilsdorf, Lucy Smith; 6: Tyler Marino, Amory Maxey, Gemma Polino, Catie Spence; 5. Liza Hampson; 4. Maggie Leonard, Nathan Marino; 3. Joe Hazlip, Jada Mattrey, Henry Maxey Visiting acolytes: Mollie Jenkins (Minnesota), Rose Warner (Eastern Massachusetts). Hadley Goar (Arizona), Jake Goar (Arizona)

* Lay Eucharistic Minister # Lector ** Bell ringer Nancy Lowry

Music: The celebration of Grace’s Sesquicentennial made for a uniquely busy but jubilant musical year in 2017. In addition to our weekly work of providing organ music and anthems for weekly services and holy days, we prepared and performed a concert in September, celebrating the music of Grace Church composers. This project was unique – I can’t imagine many, if any other, churches which could present such a rich and varied program of home-churchgrown compositions over 50 years, all inspired by the beauty of worship and liturgy at Grace. A packed Sanctuary listened to music by Horace Boyer, Dick Damon, Lloyd Craighill, Randall Giles, Karen Guthrie, Ann Kearns, Kaisa Kindgrove, Sam Lowry, Christopher Marcus, and me. The sizeable audience’s response was jubilant and their appreciation of the event was deeply gratifying for all involved. I want to thank all who composed, all who sang, all who came to listen, and especially Dick Damon for his loving support and encouragement through all of the work involved in putting this event together. Another out-of-the-ordinary musical event was Dick’s being asked to play an organ concert on an historic organ in Great Barrington, MA. The invitation came from Randy Wilburn, who was serving as an interim at the Congregation Church there. The concert, made up of pieces which Dick has played for us as postludes at Grace over the years, went beautifully, and several diehard Grace Church folk braved a very rainy and long drive to come and hear it, for which he and I were hugely grateful. It was a delight to have these special projects to work on this year. I’d like to mention, as well, our annual special services -- Advent Lessons & Carols in December (which this year, to our surprise and delight, was sung 20 to a completely packed church!), and our musical offerings for Holy Week services, which include special music for Tenebrae and anthems for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday morning. We give thanks for the deep joy we derive from our work at Grace, and look forward to continuing to fulfill what I consider our job descriptions to be: to make liturgy more glorious.

Beth Damon, Director of Music

Young People’s Choir: A wonderful group of young people of ages 3 - 18 sang several times during the year at Easter and on Christmas Eve when they sang new pieces by Dick Damon. There were some 15 - 20 or so young people singing in the group each time they sang. The young people also sang at the Pentecost service which was the highlight of our sesquicentennial celebration on June 4th and for the wonderful Grace Church Composers’ concert on September 24th when they sang pieces by Ann Kearns and Sam Lowry who both wrote several pieces for the Angel Choir over the years. Heartfelt thanks to all who wrote for the Angel choir in the past 19 years: Horace Boyer, Beth Hart, Ann Kearns and Sam Lowry.

As always Dick Damon so willingly and sensitively accompanied the young people. Thank you Dick!

Mary Hocken

CHRISTIAN FORMATION & EDUCATION - ADULT

2017 was a productive year for adult education at Grace Church. Two study groups that were initiated during Lent have continued to prosper. There is now a lively Bible Study, facilitated by the rector, on Sunday morning between the two services. We discuss the lessons for the following Sunday, with a prayerful boost from the collect appointed. On Thursday mornings we offer “Raising The Questions”, a group, chaired by Nancy Lowry, to “question, explore, and discuss core Christian beliefs and practices from non-traditional perspectives”.

Another highlight of 2017 was the continuation of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Grace Church. Ken Samond’s tireless work in the archives, his tours of church and neighborhood, his study of the Gibson windows, helped us understand and appreciate the Grace Church story. The culmination of festivities came on June 4. Bishop Fisher presided over our “ Salute to Founders” procession with banners, puppets, and drummers followed by a festive all-parish picnic.

Wednesday evenings in Lent were dedicated to Christian prayer practices, including sessions on the labyrinth, prayer beads, and chant.

We had several stand-alone presentations during the year including two by parishioners. Patricia Applebaum spoke on A.J. Muste, pastor and major figure in the labor movement and civil rights. More recently, Don Allison gave an illustrated talk on his pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. We also had interesting guest speakers in 2017. Professor Karl Donfried commemorated the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther with “Reformation 500: the Quest for Unity”. In December our representative at the statehouse, Solomon Goldstein- Rose, spoke on the problem of climate change, beginning with a psalm and continuing with a call to action.

Eve Webster

CHRISTIAN FORMATION AND EDUCATION COMMISSION - CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children: Children: Christian Formation and Education for our children continues to be a lively part of our life at Grace. Regular Sunday School classes are offered for ages pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade between the 8 o’clock and 10:30 services by a dedicated team of volunteer teachers. We are following the second year of the curriculum “Weaving God’s Promises.” In the fall we learned about some key prophets from the Hebrew Bible. In the spring we will learn about Jesus’s interactions with some key disciples from the Bible and contemporary life—helping us learn what it is to be disciples ourselves. I have had great fun on the holiday weekends with “intergenerational” Sunday School offerings. Once a month we offer the Liturgy in the Chapel service with singing and an interactive interpretation of that day’s lesson. The children participate actively in the prayers and at the altar. I am grateful to the parents who support this program in a variety of ways: dropping off and picking up their kids, joining in the classes, and participating in the Liturgy in the Chapel. I will never forget this year’s Christmas pageant—with goats! The Rev. Jane A. Beebe

Youth: Youth Group continues to regularly meet every other Sunday throughout 2017. In the spring, Rev. Sarah Syer had planned and led these events. Confirmation class remained until May when 10 youth were confirmed. Throughout the summer, Grace sent a handful of high school youth to travel to Oklahoma City to participate in Episcopal Youth Event (known as EYE), the largest gathering of Episcopal Youth, to connect with fellow Christian peers. Our recent confirmands traveled to Navajo Nation for a week of worship, fellowship, spiritual as well as personal growth. The youth who went to Navajo Nation presented in October on their journey about how they met with youth from Maryland, worked to create a ditch to collect rain and mud on the reservation, and helped in a food pantry. In September, Rachael Essing joined the staff as Youth Ministry Coordinator. The joy of the biweekly meetings for 6th through 12th graders continues and grows further. The age groups are split into two youth groups: junior (6th-8th) and senior (9th-12th), each meeting for two hours. This time spent together includes fellowship, prayer, eating, and dialogue. Various topics are discussed such as selfhood, what it means to be Christian in today’s world, the masks we wear, scripture study from the church service, joys & thanksgivings. Youth group members are encouraged to voice any ideas for themes, projects, and events. These ideas and hopes are being incorporated into the planning for 2018. Our themes for the meetings will steadily stretch, challenge, and mold us individually and collectively. During Lent, the youth groups will gather every Sunday as a Lenten practice. Plans are being made to come together with youth from two other churches in the Pioneer Valley. An alternative meeting time is being discerned to account for busy schedules. Another formulating idea is regarding an outdoor worship trip. The Spirit continues to guide this ministry as we deepen our faith, welcome each other and new members, strengthen our community, and serve in this parish. Rachael Essing

Campus Ministry: This last fall our student group met on a semi-monthly basis. Thanks to the efforts of a few devoted parishioners, we are able to offer our students home cooked meals during their time of fellowship. These same students have also become integral members of the Grace Church community, serving as Sunday school teachers, youth ministers, lectors, etc. Another aspect of our campus ministry efforts is the college care package ministry. Parishioners have supported this service through contributing food and financial donations, stuffing the packages, and writing notes of encouragement. Once again we were able to give out 500 care

22 packages both semesters during reading week and finals. Our most recent campus minister, Eduardo Samaniego, withdrew from the Lawrence House Service Program at the end of December. In the coming year, we will explore how best we should move forward in this important area of ministry. The Rev. Thomas N. J. Synan

PARISH LIFE COMMISSION

The mission of the Parish Life Commission is to spread the joy of Christian fellowship and hospitality throughout Grace Church and the larger community. Many committees and events strive to maintain a strong, social connection throughout our membership. We participated in these events of fellowship:

Our Annual Meeting, preceded by the BLG Brunch Newcomers Brunch with the Rector Shrove Sunday Pancake Coffee Hour The annual Pentecost Picnic The annual St. Michael’s Picnic The annual Stewardship Feast of Grace The annual St. Nicholas Bazaar

Our Parish Life committees continue to serve our members in many important ways. The Hospitality Committee provides coffee hours after our services, schedules ushers, and welcomes newcomers. The Brother Lawrence Guild provides delicious cuisine at various gatherings. The Funeral Committee provides support in planning and executing funeral receptions. The St. Nicolas Bazaar Committee not only provides a community event but also raises money that is crucial for our budget. The Garden Ministry continues to maintain our gardens and to address areas of need.

The Parish Life Commission would like to thank all these committees for their continuing donation of their time and talents. Your dedication and support of Grace’s programs and projects is most sincerely appreciated. Great may your reward be in heaven.

Archives Commission: The Archives Commission has been active since 2014. We have completed the first sort of our historical materials. Work in 2018 will focus on the final organization of materials and the formation of a finder’s guide. We will pursue another meeting with the head archivist at Jones Library. We would like to house our most valuable materials there.

During 2017 we spent time combing through our materials to provide information for the 150th Anniversary Committee. Our thanks to Ken Samonds for his informative articles and displays of our early history. Heidi Franz-Dale worked with us and researched the role of women clergy at Grace Church. Karen DeSantis assisted with displays. Jeffrey DeSantis aided us in the sorting of all of the building and renovation drawings and documents. Nancy Lowry continues as our photo history expert. We would also like to thank Terrie Korpita, Parish Administrator, for her ongoing collection of yearly materials.

If anyone has any expertise in using or developing a finder’s guide, please contact us. Your help would be valuable. Anne Homme and Janine Kelly

Funeral Reception Committee: What we need: New volunteers! Why we need: Many on the FRC have served since before I joined Grace Church, and they need to be able to retire! What we do: The mission of Grace Church's Funeral Reception Committee (FRC) is to provide hospitality as desired to those in our church/community who are bereaved. How we do it: We work in coordination with the rector, parish administrator and any local caterers, florists, funeral directors, etc. with whom the bereaved family has made arrangements. When do we do it: The FRC usually (but not always) operates on short notice, and if your schedule allows you any flexibility to be available for a few hours for even just one or two receptions per year, PLEASE consider joining our committee. When we did it this year: There were several receptions (compared to one last year): The Rev. John Balcom, Ingeborg Freitag, Ruth Hooke, Lois Dickson, Paul Vasconcellos, Patricia Peters and Jeffrey Wood Why we do it: It is a great group of people to work with, and a very important part of the ministrations of our church. Please join us, we need YOU! Respectfully submitted, Diana Spurgin, chair, for FRC members: Kay Berenson, Sarah Chadwick, Karen DeSantis, Mary Hocken, Sheila Mammen, Jane Pemberton, Lucy Robinson, Jeannette Stebbins, Sara Stelzner, Pam Wilkinson, and Reynolds Winslow.

Saint Nicholas Bazaar: Thanks to everyone who participated, the bazaar raised close to $11,000 dollars. This event continues to bring together so many parishioners for work, fellowship and fun, on top of raising needed funds for the church. Everyone who participated in any way contributes to, and shares in, the bazaar’s success. In appreciation, Joan O’Brien

Garden Ministry: 2017 was a quiet year for the Garden Ministry. We decided not to hold a spring plant sale and our only new permanent plantings were daylilies from our own gardens in the fall. Unfortunately we are finding that our small band of gardeners is aging and less physically capable of maintaining the plantings we have developed in recent years. Plants need to watered and deadheaded or pruned regularly. Garden beds need weeding. A major problem is the slope in the Garth from the Town Hall parking lot down to the stone wall. Tree roots absorb all the moisture and hand-watering results in more run-off than positive help to the roses and perennials as well as the shrubs we planted there. We are now investigating a simple drip irrigation system for the slope. We are actively seeking new members for the Garden Ministry and have scheduled a planning meeting on Saturday, March 3, at 9:30 a.m. in the Connector. We will hold a plant sale on Saturday, May 26, and welcome any plant donations. In addition, there are plans for a dedication of the gardens on Rogation Sunday, May 6. We hope this spring to involve Sunday School children in planting and maintaining the gardens. We are especially grateful to Mary Hocken for her steadfast maintenance of the Goodwin Garden on Spring Street, Michael Erard for pruning the Princeton elm and the Seven-Son-Flower tree in the Garth, and for designing, planting and maintaining the Columbarium gardens. Michael and Jane Pemberton planted the pots 24 outside the Connector. Maria Dye designed and planted the Parish Hall Window Garden. Sherry Johnston has done more than her share of work. Martha Favre, Miriam Jenkins, Charlotte Hathaway and Meghan Siudzinski have also worked hard on the gardens. Jeff DeSantis and his crew helped with mulch and other projects, and planted two katsura trees donated by David Williams. David Ulen helped with storing hoses. Thank you all.

Sherry Wilson, chairperson, Garden Ministry

Sesquicentennial Committee: The committee was formed in the late summer of 2015 to look at ways in which to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Grace Church, Amherst, MA Much brain storming took place in the early meetings with ideas coming from the committee and the congregation. Gradually the committee selected events that took place throughout 1916 and 1917 and continued until June 4th at Pentecost 2017, the culminating event of the Sesquicentennial year. Ken Samonds, delved into the history of Grace Church in extraordinary detail. He came up with some delightful and surprising facts and wrote essays every month in 1917 for Grace Notes about our history, from the first meeting, design, building, windows, and places of interest in town and areas that are pertinent to Grace. These will eventually be made into a book. We are greatly indebted to Ken. Timelines both local and worldwide were created by Reynolds Winslow and Anne Homme in cooperation with the archives’ committee. Janine Kelly was a key link for this project. Lisa Lukas, in collaboration with Angela Battle, designed a logo which was used as the bulletin heading and for a banner which was displayed on the lawn throughout the sesquicentennial. It was also used for letter head. Heidi Frantz-Dale researched and made a beautiful poster of all the women clergy of Grace Church. A calendar to display all the events was created by Gillian Duda. She painted a beautiful water color rendition of the church around which were printed the dates of events. The original was framed and was dedicated a week before Pentecost 2017 and now hangs in Tom Synan’s office. Four gorgeous banners were made in time for the walk through the town in October 2016. They were designed and planned by Lisa Lukas, Hannah Abbott and Marion Rosenau. A group of needle designers, including Hannah Abbott, Ann Lewin, Lisa Lukas, Marion Rosenau and Miriam Jenkins met in the spring of 2017 to embellish these beautiful banners. At Pentecost they were presented to the congregation in procession that day, along with some of the banners that Grace owns and enjoys. The banners were dedicated at both services two weeks before Pentecost. June Gaeke made a gorgeous stole for use by the clergy as a part of the sesquicentennial celebration year. The following events made up part of 2016 continuing until Pentecost 2017 when we brought the excitement of celebrating 150 years of Grace Church, Amherst, to a joyous conclusion or almost! Two events were postponed until September 2018 and the spring/summer of 2018. On March 6th, 2016 we celebrated the first history service with the first part of the service as it would have been in 1866 and the second half of the service as we know it in 2116. At the coffee hour we had treats with recipes from the 1800s and 2016.

June 5th, 1916 the Altar Guild displayed a gorgeous array of treasures including fair linens, textiles, sets of communion vessels, a very old King James Bible, chasubles, Baptismal bowls, and aspergillum, after both services. September 9th 2016, Ken Samonds kicked-off the luncheon series of the Amherst Historical Society with a talk about the founding of Grace Church. September 10th, Ken Samonds led a wonderful talk and walk throughout the town, starting at the West cemetery where 22 of the early worshippers are buried. Roses were placed at each of the stones and Ken talked about two or three of the founders. From there we stopped at Mary Jones ’ house where the first meeting was held, at the Strong house which was the first idea for the church site, then at what was the Academy where the parking lot is next to the Amherst Cinema where the first sermon was preached, followed by the Baptist Church now owned by Amherst college, near Collective Copies and then to the common and back to the church for a reception. 28 September, 2016 Ken Samonds gave a presentation to the Wednesday Adult Education Group…attended by roughly 40 parishioners and members of the public. 14 October, 2016 Ken and Steve McKelvey taped a 1 hour radio broadcast at WHMP about the founding of Grace Church. 4 December, 2016 and March 12th, 2017 Ken led a tour of the stained glass windows 22 January, 2017 Ken led a tour of the history of the inside of the church with a display of some of the artifacts from before changes were made. 30 March, 2017 Jim Mead talked about the restoration and led a tour of the tower clock. 27 May, 2017 there was to be a visit to the Porter Phelps Huntington house/museum in Hadley where we would learn more about our heritage and enjoy picnic lunches before going on to the Hadley cemetery for more history pertaining to Grace. This event has been postponed until Spring/summer of 2018. From the beginning music at Grace has always being an important part of the worship. Horace Boyer, (1935- 2009) always gave to the congregation his extensive knowledge and talents. He would lead gospel services once or twice a year until his death. A PBS video of his life was shown in November, 2016 with gospel singing and talk by Beth and Dick Damon. 21 May, 2017, there was to be a concert by Grace Church composers. This event took place on September 30th 2017 with nine ”Grace Church Composers” represented in this really extraordinary concert. Many thanks to Beth and Dick Damon who worked so hard to make this very special concert happen. Former clergy preached once a month in 2017: Sunday, February 12th - Hilary Bogart-Winkler Sunday, March 19th – The Rev. Alan Kittelson Maundy Thursday, April 13th – The Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld Sunday, April 30th – The Rev. Paul Twelves Sunday, May 14th – The Margaret Bullitt-Jonas

Sunday, June 4th Pentecost and re-dedication of Grace Church - The Rt Rev Douglas Fisher A celebratory lunch followed the service Superb publicity was overseen by Steve McKelvey throughout the Sesquicentennial celebrations. Many thanks to the committee and to each person who has contributed to the many events of the Sesquicentennial year, making it a special landmark in the life of our church and the Amherst Community. Below is the description that Tom Synan sent out for the order of events on Pentecost 2017 PENTECOST JUNE 4TH, 2017 Grace Church will be celebrating its Sesquicentennial year and Confirmands with a procession, world music, special visitors and an elegant lunch.

THE PROCESSION: Four new Banners and the puppets that represent some of the early worshippers at Grace will lead the procession. Drummers will escort.

At 10 am the Procession will start at Mary Jones’ house on Amity St., with the Bishop, altar party, choir and the 150th committee. Mary Jones was the person who had the idea of forming an Episcopal Church in Amherst.

Then it will move across the road to the now parking lot where the Amherst Academy was and where the first Grace Church sermon was preached. The Confirmands will join the procession.

Finally the procession will stop in front of Hastings near where Grace Church’s first home was which is now owned by Amherst College.

At any point members of the congregation may join the procession and at each stop a prayer will be said by our Bishop, Doug Fisher.

PENTECOST EUCHARIST will start at 9:30 am with music being played as the congregation enters the church. Drummers will accompany the procession into the church and world music will be sung and played throughout the service.

LUNCH in the Parish Hall following the service. Each table will be named for one of the early worshippers. There will be tables especially for the younger members of the congregations where they can draw and create! Servers will be some of our really wonderful young adults and teenagers.

SCAVENGER HUNT for anyone who wishes to play will follow lunch.

************************* The puppets mentioned above were made by children in the Sunday School with Gordon Anderson’s guidance.

The decorations for the superb lunch catered by “The Black Sheep” were created by Gillian Duda and Lisa Lukas. Gillian made paper “flying” doves on the top of tall sticks that were placed in pots of herbs by Lisa. Symbolism here! Diana Spurgin aided by some young helpers and the Brother Lawrence group made the lunch the special event that it was.

The final meeting of the committee met for a pot luck dinner at Mary Hocken’s house on October 1st 2017 and decided to arrange a visit to the Porter Phelps Museum in the spring of 2018. The committee hopes that a booklet/pamphlet of the history of the church and the stained glass windows will soon be published for use by visitors and congregates alike.

It was a full 18 months of events. How thrilling it was to delve into so many aspects of Grace Church history and to celebrate is so many different ways. The “Pentecost“ banners will be a delightful reminder every year of the Grace church’s sesquicentennial year - 2017! Mary Hocken (chair), Anne Homme, Janine Kelly (note taker), Sheila Mammen, Steve McKelvey (publicity), Ken Samonds (historian), Diana Spurgin, (food events), Tom Synan, Reynolds Winslow.

PASTORAL CARE COMMISSION The Pastoral Care Commission at Grace Church is a group of ministries offering support and assistance to parishioners and their families who need some extra help during a crisis, illness, loss or other circumstance. The Pastoral Care Commission is coordinated by Jeannette Stebbins. Requests for assistance may be made directly to Jeannette or through the clergy or main office. Jane Buckloh coordinates the Card Writing Ministry. Jane shares this role with 2 or more other parishioners who send notes celebrating a special family event, or those suffering pain, loss or difficulty in their lives. In the past year this ministry sent our 50 or more notes. Jane is in touch with the Parish Administrator and clergy to receive updates on parishioners who would appreciate a note of support or celebration. As always, donations of cards to support this ministry are always appreciated and can be left with Terrie in the Parish office. The Prayer Circle is coordinated by MJ Fowler. MJ receives requests for intercessory prayer on behalf of oneself, family and friends. Requests for prayers from the Prayer Circle are held in confidence and not shared outside the Circle. If you have permission from the person for whom you are requesting prayers, you may call or write to MJ and she well let the Prayer Circle know. Feel free to contact MJ if you feel called to join the Prayer Circle. The Mutual Care Commission is guided by Jeannette Stebbins. Mutual Care members offer services to parishioners including meals, visits, phone visits, and rides to appointments and also to church. With the exception of rides, these services are to provide a short term solution or break to individuals or families in need. This is an active ministry with many contacts with parishioners to offer support and to check in with offers of meals, rides or other short term assistance. Requests for assistance will often come from the clergy, but Jeannette is happy to hear from anyone with a neighborly pastoral concern about a parishioner. Offers of help in Mutual Care would be greatly appreciated! Karen Desantis is our ride coordinator. Many individuals have been so helpful in getting folks to church who otherwise would be unable to attend. If you are able to provide rides to Grace, either on a one-time, occasional or even regular basis, Mutual Care would love to hear from you! Lay Eucharist Visitors, (LEV’s), take Communion and visit parishioners who are unable to worship in Grace Church due to illness or other concerns. LEV’s visit parishioners who are homebound, hospitalized or nursing or rehabilitation facilities. If you or someone you know would welcome a LEV visit or visit from the clergy, please let the clergy or Jeannette Stebbins know. Requests for any services provided by Mutual Care or Pastoral Care can be directed to Jeannette Stebbins. Her phone and email are published weekly in the Church Bulletin.

The tremendous support from all parishioners in serving their Grace Church family is truly remarkable! We serve to further the healing ministry of Jesus Christ through this ministry, and I am so grateful to all who have shared their gifts to serve those in need. Jeannette Stebbins, Chair

OUTREACH MINISTRIES COMMISSION

In 2017, a year of numerous natural disasters and increasing global needs due to armed conflicts, your Outreach Offerings distributed an amazing total of over $32,234 to groups outside of Grace Church and $1,474 to the Rector's Discretionary Fund. We are all grateful for the continuing generosity of the congregation. Your Easter Offering was $8,386, Christmas was $9,474 and the 4th Sunday Offerings totaled $14,300. Organizations supported by the Outreach Offerings included both local groups and global groups. The local groups included: Interfaith Cot Shelter, Craig's Doors, Amherst Family Outreach, Center for New Americans, Amherst Community Connections, Amherst Committee for a Better Chance, Amherst Survival Center, and Welcome Home Northampton Resettlement Fund. Global groups included: American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center in Ramallah, NuDay Syria, St. Matthieu's School in Haiti, El Hogar Ministries, Episcopal Relief and Development for the Disaster Response Fund, and Doctors Without Borders. The collection jar for the “Change the Babies” project collected spare change to help support children living at the Mampong Babies Home in Kumasi, Ghana. In addition to money collected as Outreach Offerings, parishioners contributed time and treasures to those in need in countless ways. Just a few of the many: Volunteers for “Adopt-a-Family” bought and wrapped gifts for 40 families at Christmas and in addition donated $800 to Amherst Family Outreach; Nineteen boxes of food and clothing were collected for Valley Syrian Relief, to be shipped to Syrian refugees; Care packages for college students were delivered during exam periods; A parishioner personally delivered a community water filtration system to Puerto Rico; A collection of mittens, hats and socks continues for Enlace de Familias, an organization assisting families displaced from Puerto Rico and resettled in Holyoke; Grace parishioners are assisting with food and presence as First Congregational Church provides sanctuary to Lucio Perez; Many parishioners donated volunteer hours at shelters and meal programs. The children at the 10:30 service carried the food basket each Sunday which totaled hundreds of pounds of food donated to Amherst Survival Center, and in addition 500+ packages of stuffing at Thanksgiving were delivered to the Survival Center. Part of the Mission Statement of the Outreach Ministries Commission says the mission is “to sustain outreach ministers through offerings of prayer, practical support, and opportunities to share the joys and challenges of their work as God's hands in the world.” We urge parishioners who are involved in charitable work, locally or globally, to contact us to see if we can provide support in any way. We thank all of you for your donations of time, talent, and treasure to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ outside the walls of Grace Church. Chris Hoffmann, Marion Rosenau, Co-chairs

Haiti Ministry:

2017 has been another banner year at St Matthieu’s School, Bayonnais. A former “goat shed” on the school’s campus was transformed in the spring into the appealing “petite maison,” providing three breezy rooms and a storeroom for food for the school lunch. The three rooms function as two classrooms and an office for the school director during the academic year, but for two weeks in summer 2017 they provided comfortable accommodation for the visitors from Amherst who were staffing this year’s summer camp. We used the remaining funds from our 2016 building campaign for this project and had enough left over to pay for

29 upgrading the school’s latrines with tile, new plaster and paint, and even a ceramic toilet fixture in the teachers’ latrine.

In the classroom there have been some ups and downs. The “ups’’ include two new teachers from Anseye pou Ayiti,(“Teach for Haiti”) a two-year program that trains Haitian college students to teach and then mentors them in their placement. The Anseye-trained teachers, Hoates Lyra and Kesnel Decius, taught fifth and sixth grades and were well-liked by everyone at the school. One of the “downs” has been attrition during the year. Children who have not grasped the basic skill of reading become discouraged and tend to drop out. . In 2017-18, in addition to fifth and sixth grade teachers, there is a new first-grade teacher from Anseye pou Ayiti,. We hope that she can give the children a better foundation, especially in reading. We are actively exploring other avenues for strengthening the quality of education at St. Matthieu with the priest in charge, Père Joseph Tancrel Diegue. The Haitian Board of Education has recently redefined elementary education as continuing through Grade 9, rather than Grade 6. Although there is real interest among our Haitian partners in adding three more grades to the school because of this change, we feel that we cannot take on this considerable extra expense in staff and facilities under current circumstances. We have, however, agreed to fund scholarships to enable the top graduates from our school each year to continue on to the three higher grades at other schools in the area.

Père Diegue continues to be caring and diligent about areas of change and improvement as well as making sure the teachers are given raises. The teachers didn’t receive a raise mid-year as we had proposed, but they received an 18% raise in September (though their salaries are still very modest).

We agreed to send $300 a month toward lunches during the spring semester and to buy propane in 2017-18, so that the cooking can be done in a more ecologically sound manner, even though propane is more expensive than charcoal. Otherwise, the lunch program continues to be funded by the NGO Food for the Poor.

In August we held the fourth summer arts camp for the children of St. Matthieu. Veronica (Nica) Israel and Fynta Sidime co-directed the two-week camp for 40 children, along with John Stifler from Grace Church, who took a break from hiking the Appalachian Trail to participate. Nica and Fynta are both students at Hampshire College and have a great interest in dance and theatre. Three of the teachers from St. Matthieu also took part in running the camp. Funding came from our Diocese and from the Emily List Fund for Performing Arts Therapy, founded in memory of Emily List, a dancer and actress who loved children. Fynta and Nica gave a delightful report to the congregation on November 12, in which John Stifler participated by video. Suzannah Fabing, Laura Klock and Brown Kennedy were the driving forces who made the camp happen, but we also owe a deep debt of gratitude to the many area merchants who contributed supplies and snacks that were taken to Haiti.

Our partnership with St. James’s in Indian Head, Maryland, continues to flourish. This wonderful group of folk has committed to contributing $1000 every month, which almost fully funds the teachers’ salaries. We meet twice a year to discuss the partnership, visits that have proven very helpful and productive. A group from Grace went down to Indian Head in May, and they sent a group to Amherst in October. Because St. James has taken on major responsibility for teacher salaries, Grace Church has been free for the first time to think about how to improve the school’s sustainability over the long term. We held a retreat in February to discuss this topic, and we have set aside some funds that can be used as seed money for an initiative our Haitian partners may define that can make the school more financially self-supporting. Several ideas are under discussion.

Fundraising is always on our agenda! A change in the ground rules meant that we are no longer eligible for Valley Gives Day, the online giving day sponsored by the Community Foundation of Western New England. That event had provided a major financial boost in 2016, when we were raising funds for the new classroom building. We are sorry to lose that opportunity, but we turned our energies to other efforts.

We staged a “Caribbean Dreaming" supper on Feb 10, which was great fun. Kitty Dougherty, Gillian Duda and Lisa Lukas created magnificent decorations - gorgeous parrots and spectacular flowers on the walls for starters, along with surfboards and a view of blue skies over white sand and surf, just what we needed during the depths

30 of an Amherst winter. Seashells and sand decorated the tables. The food, inspired by Caribbean island cuisines, was superb.

In September we held a “Victorian Tea,” Scones with clotted cream, cucumber and Marmite sandwiches, Coronation chicken salad, and other English delicacies were served, along with an assortment of teas. China cups, hand-embroidered linens, and silver spoons carried on the theme. The guests got into the spirit, many adding a Victorian touch or two to their attire.

Our most successful fundraiser was not an event at all—just a steady campaign over the summer to raise donations to buy new school uniforms for the 167 children at St. Matthieu. With amazing generosity, the congregation met and even slightly exceeded the $7,000 goal. Kitty Dougherty designed a big poster on which we were able to track progress toward that goal week-by-week.

Jess Andrews has resigned from the committee, but two new members have joined, Trish Callard and Jeremy Sites, whom we warmly welcome. Thank you, Jess, for all that you have given in time, ideas and effort to this ministry. We are sorry to see you go but know you will continue your support as always.

Many thanks go to this wonderful congregation that continues to support our partner school and to the extraordinary “Haiti Ministry” committee. Each person is so committed and is always willing to step forward to do whatever is needed, whether it is to help with a reception, write notes of thanks to donors, give parties, share ideas and then carry them out, correspond with the team in Haiti, and of course give generously of money and time and on and on. Special thanks go to Sandy Muspratt, who keeps the books and is the main liaison with the priest and teachers at the school, and to Suzannah Fabing, who is the chief minute-taker.

What an exciting ministry this is. We are truly making a difference in the lives of these children. If interested, please contact Sandy Muspratt or Mary Hocken (co-chairs) [email protected], [email protected] to see how you can help. We need short-term project-based assistance as well as longer-term commitments. We can match your availability!

Committee members: Jess Andrews, Patty Applebaum, Trish Callard, Gillian Duda (note writer), Suzannah Fabing, Mary Hocken (co-chair), Meg Holladay, Brown Kennedy, Laura Klock, Sheila Mammen, Sandy Muspratt (co-chair and treasurer), DeeDee Niswonger, Joan O’Brien, Mark Peterman, Jeremy Sites, John Stifler, Martin Wobst. 2018 marks the tenth anniversary of this partnership, and we are looking at various ways to celebrate. Stay tuned! Suzannah Fabing, Mary Hocken

Brother Lawrence Guild: Brother Lawrence was a seventeenth-century Carmelite monk who experienced the presence of God while cleaning pots in the scullery of his monastery. Accepting what he’d been given to do, Brother Lawrence spent his life attempting to live in God’s presence. We hope that we, like Brother Lawrence, may practice the presence of God in the act of preparing meals for our fellow parishioners – and newcomers – at Grace Church. We are grateful for this opportunity BUT always welcome those who would like to join us in this hospitable endeavor! Our merry band of men, women and the occasional teen helpers serve the parish by preparing and serving food for most church events, including the planning, shopping, setting up and cleaning up. Our mantra is "Many hands make light work!" In 2017, the BLG served at the following events: Annual Meeting, the Pentecost and St. Michael's picnics, the Stewardship In-Gathering Potluck, and the St. Nicholas Bazaar Cafe, our one for-profit event. We also helped with the Sesquicentennial gala finale luncheon, and prepared pancakes for the Sunday coffee hour in lieu of the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, which in recent years attracted more firefighters than diners (OK, almost!) 31

Serving as a member of the BLG is a great way to get involved at Grace Church – we are pretty relaxed, frequently zany and always in good taste! We recognize God’s presence among us in serving food and promoting fellowship in the congregation. When we at Grace Church meet, greet, and eat with each other, God is with us … and those times are joyful occurrences! Respectfully submitted, Diana Spurgin and Mark Leonas, for Members in Service: Steve Atkinson, Sarah Chadwick, Jeffrey DeSantis, Tom and Kitty Dougherty, Tony Jewell, Margaret King, Steve McKelvey, Doug Moore, Jeannette Stebbins, Janet Teng, Virginia Ramos, and Reynolds Winslow.

Greening Grace/Peace Fellowship Our combined committee has engaged in a great number of actions and presentations this year. In our commitment to the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Center (EYVTC) in Ramallah, we have sold enough fair trade Palestinian olive oil to be able to fund a scholarship for one student. Students are taught skills in areas where they can find employment, most recently in computer programming, installation and repair. Our students this year were Rimon Musallam, who graduated from the two year program in June, and Amir Wahhab, who started this fall. We sent a congratulations card to Rimon with many good wishes from parishioners. Giovanni Anbar, the director, is deeply appreciative of our support. Funds are sent through the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ). In our church community we helped parishioners to send more than 80 postcards to the White House for Climate Change issues to be addressed by our government. We also sponsored "I Care About the Earth Because ..." poster making and then sent some to the White House and displayed many at the town Sustainability Fair. On the day of the fair for Earth Day many Gracies joined more than 1,000 who marched to the town common in the March for Science. At noon we joined many churches affiliated with Interfaith Power and Light by ringing our church bells for one minute, followed by prayer and singing songs celebrating God's creation. We also hosted a beautiful meditation night in a Scared Prayer Circle in April. And we showed the film Before the Flood on climate change issues at the Parish Hall. A number of members attended a conference on Climate Change and the Threat of Nuclear War and worked with members of the peace team who 3 weeks later won the Nobel Peace Prize - quite a thrill. Many members attended hearings at the Statehouse on the carbon fee and rebate system proposed for our state. Solomon Goldstein-Rose addressed a joint meeting with the Adult Education group on climate issues and his championing that rebate system in the legislature. And church members have worked diligently on the Mothers Out Front's Light Up the Map initiative on getting more citizens to ask their own legislators to support that issue. Greening members also participated in demonstrations local, state and national at the Women's Marches in January. And the group supported and were delighted when the town pledged that all new public buildings would be net zero energy. Our group received its biggest Christmas present when the church signed up in December to join Co-Op Power and receive much of our power from solar arrays in the area and in the Berkshires, a move that will save money each year and also take a stand on greening power possibilities. We welcome anyone who is interested in any of these topics, and more(!), to join us every second Sunday of the month when we meet in the Parker Room after the 10:30 service.

Lucy Robinson, Bob Hawley and DeAnne Riddle

STEWARDSHIP COMMISSION Our 2018 Stewardship Campaign began in October with an “envelope stuffing party” Janet Teng, Jean Rankin, Tom Sweeney, Mark Peterman and myself collated and had ready to mail 262 pledge cards. In mid-November the Reverend Tom Synan tailored his sermon extolling the virtues of pledging, this was followed by testimonials at the 8:00 and 10:30 A.M. services from; Peter Sikowitz and Karen DeSantis. 121 parishioners/families presented their pledges for Commitment Sunday 11/19/18 also called an “In Gathering” that was preceded and celebrated with a potluck luncheon after the 10:30 PM service. As our Stewardship campaign continues to date we have received 170 pledges (eight of the 170 are new pledges) totaling $463,626.00. We are still contacting households who have yet to pledge. Our goal is to raise $470,000.00 to meet our 2018 budget and we are well on our way. Stewardship Commission; Jean Rankin, Mark Peterman and Tom Dougherty

Planned Giving: The Planned Giving Committee, comprised of Doug Adler, Kent Faerber, Jale Okay and Jean Rankin, provides information to parishioners on ways to include Grace Church in their estate plans in conjunction with advice from their legal counsel. Doug, Kent, Jale and Jean can discuss the opportunities to support the long-term needs of Grace through a will or living trust, a designation in an insurance policy or retirement plan, or a life income gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust. The St. Michael's Fellowship, established in 2004, recognizes those who have included Grace in their estate plans and parishioners are encouraged to alert the Rector or one of the committee members of such plans. The members of the St. Michael’s Fellowship are Steven and Susan Abdow, Doug Adler, Patricia Andrews, Stephen and Jeanne Armstrong, Steve and Kate Atkinson, Jane Buckloh, Tom and Kitty Dougherty, Suzannah Fabing, Kent and Scottie Faerber, Hertha Haensel *, Charlotte Hathaway, Bob Hawley and Mary McCarthy, Mel Heath *, Royster and Kathryn Hedgepeth, Rob Hirschfeld and Polly Ingraham, Mary Hocken, Ann Holland, Anne Homme, Dorothy Ives *, John Lemly and Catherine Melhorn, Mark Leonas, Karen Lowe, Sheila Mammen, Mark Marshall and Helen Leung, Margo McMahon, Roberta Morel *, Eliot Moss and Hannah Abbott, Marilyn Munn, Priscilla Parke *, Larry and Jean Rankin, Nancy Rose-Weeber, Jim and Nina Scott, Phebe Sessions, Eugene and Marcia Sheehan, Bruce and Jeannette Stebbins, Mary Steigner, Mary Steinway *, Sara Stelzner, Zina Tillona, Charlotte Turgeon *, Paul Vasconcellos *, and Reynolds Winslow. * deceased Doug Adler, Chair

VII. TREASURER’S REPORT 2017 is the tenth year in a row in which we ended with a positive balance in our operating budget. Your generous pledges and faithful fulfillment of them, along with the thoughtful monitoring of expenses by many staff and committee chairs, have contributed to these results. A great strength at Grace Church is the time and talent that is freely given by members of our parish. We are blessed to have the service of Rich Spurgin, who prepared the monthly and annual financial reports, and DeAnne Riddle, who prepared the budget for 2018. The Finance Committee, composed of Rich, along with Kitty Dougherty, Bob Kelly, DeAnne Riddle and Mark Leonas, has provided sound advice on a range of issues to aid the Vestry in making financial decisions. Our faithful counters have scrupulously accounted for all the cash and checks donated each Sunday. We are all thankful for Jaana Cutson, our Parish Bookkeeper, who has done a wonderful job of keeping our complex

33 financial system running smoothly. I also want to recognize Jim Scott for his service in reconciling our monthly bank statements, and, of course, Tom Dougherty and the Stewardship Committee. Partially due to Sarah Syer leaving us half-way through the year, and filling that position on an interim basis, we saved some money on salary and benefits, and our surplus came to $17,501. The Finance Committee recommended, and the Vestry approved, using this year’s surplus to pay down principal on our restoration project loan. In addition, we again allocated $3,768 in bonuses for staff and clergy. The Trustees of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts managed our endowment funds well and continued to make 5% distributions, providing a valuable addition to our operating budget. The Vestry authorized our parish audit to be conducted by the Diocesan recommended auditor for 2017 as an additional measure to insure that our methods and procedures are strong. Bruce Rockwell conducted a thorough review and confirmed that our financial records were accurate. I will be passing the Treasurer’s baton to Mark Leonas for 2018. Thanks to Mark! I want to thank you all for honoring me with this position over the past three years. I appreciate the opportunity it has given me to meet and work with many of you. Bruce Stebbins, Treasurer

VIII. MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Baptisms

Cecily Price Dann Linus Patrick Reed-McNally Samuel Anthony Muszynski Rudy Emmanuel Reed-McNally Connor Thomas O’Reilly Xavier River Jacque Waldrip Jacob William Peterman

Marriages

Jamie Leigh Moody & Andrew Broderick Byler Ericka Winslow & Douglas Stewart, Jr. Mia Lovechio & Jeffrey Keedy Stephanie Lynn & Jean-Francois Jacquier Danielle Simoneau & Bryan Tierney Dawn Marie Rivet & Stacy Alfred Gilman Emily DeVaul & Matthew Monteiro Kirsten LaMotte & Garrett Redfern Tori Cassandra Marozzi & Jonathan Ray Ash

Confirmands

Gordon Edwin Anderson Samuel Lee Leonard Sarah Chadwick Richard Wade Atkinson Antonio Dante Polino Kathryn Mae Kurcychelk Catherine Myrtle Brown Walter Ticer Tebbetts Hannah Louise Muszynski Rocco Jacob Cataldi Emma Jane Wilburn Maria Jose Botelho Ayres Caleb Scott Ireland Sydney Eberle Zobel

Requiem

The Rev. John M. Balcom Pamela Gordon Donald Robert Progulske Lynne Baker Ruth Ferguson Hooke Janet Crozier O’Rourke Raymond Breton, Jr. John Raymond Paul Joseph Vasconcellos Lois Murcell Dickson McCullough Conrad A. Wogrin Ingeborg S. Freitag Patricia Jean Peters Jeffrey Renouf Wood

Added - New members/Reactivated

Jonathan & Tori Ash Jennifer & Chelsea Dann Elise Stromgren Jack Blay Rami Eskelin Thomas Sweeney David D. & Gillian G Lorie Healy Margaret Turgeon Brown Sharon Judge Bonnie Vigeland Anna Bull Liberty Lyn Ethel White Deborah Christakos Angela & Bjorn Silvia Cara Crandall Jeremy Sites

Transferred/Moved

Al & Diana Cram Chris Potter