The Seventh Annual Meeting of GRACE...

an Episcopal Community in the Southern BerkshiresGR AC E CHURCH

The Seventh Annual Meeting of

GRACE CHURCHan Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires

January 20, 2019Crissey Farm, 426 Stockbridge Road,Great Barrington, Massachusetts

GRACE CHURCH, an Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires Seventh Annual Meeting January 20, 2019

The Five Marks of Mission

A unifying commitment of The Anglican Communion and The Episcopal Church

The Mission of the Church is the Mission of Christ …

To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom

To teach, baptize and nurture new believers

To respond to human need by loving service

To seek to transform unjust structures of society

To strive to safeguard the integrity of creationand sustain and renew the life of the earth

Q. What is the mission of the church?A. The mission of the church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.The Book of Common Prayer, p. 855 (Catechism)

GRACE CHURCH an Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires

Seventh Annual Meeting - January 20, 2019

AGENDA

Call to order

Opening Prayer (all say)

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, as we begin our seventh year together as Grace Church, hear our prayers. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reflections on conversations from the tables.

Old Business

Minutes of the 2018 Grace Church Annual Meeting ( January 21, 2018).

New Business of Grace Church

Vestry and Convention Delegate Nominations and Elections Presentation of the Ministry Budget of 2019

Remarks from the Rector

The Blessing

May God give you grace to never sell yourself short, grace to risk something big for something good, and grace to remem-ber that the world is now too dangerous for anything but truth, and too small for anything but love. (William S. Coffin) And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen

The Dismissal

People’s response “Thanks be to God.”


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GRACE CHURCH an Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires

Fifth Annual Meeting - January 20, 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REPORT PAGEMinutes of the Sixth Annual Meeting of Grace Church 5REPORTS FROM THE RECTOR AND OFFICERSRector 6Senior Warden 7Junior Warden 8REPORTS FROM MINISTRIES/COMMITTEES/GROUPSAltar Guild 8Adult Christian Formation 8Books and Bread 9Convention 10Church School 10Gideon’s Garden 10Grants & Scholarship 12Healing Ministry 13Hospitality & Coffee Hour 13Lee Food Pantry 13Men’s Group 14Third Sunday Suppers 15Tuesday’s Child 15Welcoming & Ushering 16Wisdom 16Worship 17Year Round Stewardship 18Berkshire Immigrant Center 192018 Budget, 2018 Actual, and 2019 Operating Budget 20Balance Sheet 22Liturgical Rites Celebrated 232019 Vestry, Officers, Convention Delegates 23

GRACE CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING MINUTESJANUARY 21, 2018

GRACE CHURCH at CRISSEY FARM

Kathy Clausen, Senior Warden, opened the meeting with twenty-six parishioners in attendance. All were thanked for donating their time and effort to Grace Church.

The Rev. Dr. Janet Zimmerman led us in an opening prayer. People then gathered at tables for lunch and conversation. Questions around where hope and gratitude can be found were provided to guide discussion. A reflection followed on conversations from the tables.

Old Business: The minutes of the 2017 Annual Meeting were accepted as written.

New Business: Election of new vestry members: Dindy Anderson with term expiring 2020 and Dutch Pinkston with term expiring 2021 were unanimously accepted as new vestry members. Mary Anne Grammer was unanimously accepted as Clerk.

The balance of the slate accepted was:Senior Warden: Kathy ClausenJunior Warden: Rick GoreTreasurer: Sue GoreVestry members with term expiring 2019: John Cheek, 2020: Sarah Sieber, 2021: Anne AndrewsRick Gore was elected Vestry Delegate, Lee Cheek was elected Lay Delegate, John Cheek was elected Vestry Alternate and Doreen Hutchinson was elected Lay Alternate. No other nominations were received from the floor.

Presentation of the Ministry Budget of 2018. Sue Gore presented the 2018 budget. The following items were discussed:

Gideon’s Garden, The People’s Pantry, Lee Pantry, Berkshire Immigrant Center, Multi Cultural Bridge and Construct.

Remarks from Rev. Janet: Janet thanked all who give to the community and the world, the Choir, the Altar Guild, the Welcome Team and Ushers, Acolytes, Lectors and Intercessors, and the Healing Ministers. Janet thanked Sue for her hard work as treasurer, Kathy Clausen for her devotion and commitment as Senior Warden, Rick Gore as Junior Warden, Virginia Vogel-Polizzi as Deacon and Lee Cheek for her musical contributions to our choir.

Janet gave thanks for the new sound system and the new Yamaha Clavinova piano/organ. She spoke about our giving to the Berkshire Immigrant Center, Gideon’s Garden, the Lee Food Pantry, the People’s Food Pantry, Multi Cultural Bridge and Construct. She gave thanks for the visit from Bishop Douglas Fisher, the ordination of the Rev. Virginia Vogel-Polizzi and the welcoming of five babies into our church. The following adults were also welcomed into the Episcopal Church: Stacey Thomas, Meredith Haider and Linda White.

As a church we also remember the passing of Ada Hastings and the moving away of the Rev. Don and Charlene Peet.

The meeting adjourned at 1:00 P.M. after a blessing from Janet.Respectfully Submitted,Mary Anne Grammer, Vestry Clerk


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REPORT FROM THE RECTOR

Thank you for all you have given and been for Grace Church this year. I am so grateful for all of you who have offered your generous spirits, your active and engaging hearts, and your compassionate actions so that this loving community continues to thrive doing the good work that God has given us.

In the beginning of 2018 we actively engaged in study and worship preparing for an early Lenten Season. Together with our sister churches, St. Paul’s in Stockbridge and Christ Trinity in Sheffield, we met to learn together in Lent and enjoy simple meals. Holy Week worship was shared with our sister churches, each offering services unique to our own settings. Working with the Rev. Sam Smith and the Rev. Erik Karas was a great joy.

It was also a time of beginning the great plans for the Revival that would bring the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Reverend Michael Curry to the Diocese of Western Massachusetts in mid-October. Members of churches up and down the Berkshire Corridor gathered to lay out the project and divide up the many tasks. There was much enthusiasm. Even when we learned that the Presiding Bishop would not be able to join us for the whole day and therefore one of the corridors would have to join with another rather than host their own event, spirits and energy was at a high level. Our Senior Warden, Kathy Clausen served as a member of the Planning Committee. I was asked to co-lead the efforts in the Berkshire Corridor and invited Claudia Ellet, Senior Warden at St. John’s Church in Williamstown to work with me. Several members of Grace Church volunteered to plan worship, logistics, and opportunities for prayer and learning. We approached Pastor Ralph Howe, minister of the United Methodist Church in Pittsfield to use his building which was capable of seating 1100 people. He graciously offered his space and his generous cooperation. We were delighted because we knew that with the new celebrity of the Presiding Bishop, a venue this large would be needed. And it was!

Grace Church had its own big anniversary to plan for and celebrate. On June 2, we Blessed and Planted Gideon’s Garden in its 10th Year. From its simple beginning as the idea of a few children in our Sunday Morning class to provide healthy food for hungry people to its current status as a two-acre garden that provides fresh produce for eight community agencies, Gideon’s Garden has provided nourishment in body, mind, and spirit for children, youth, and adults. This year, Gideon’s Garden, managed by Youth Supervisor, Kyle Gangell and Assistant Youth Supervisor, Fisher Riiska; Adult Mentors Pennie Curry, Sue Hayden, and Dutch Pinkston welcomed middle schoolers from Monument Valley Middle School who came and designed projects to increase the garden’s visibility. Campers came to learn about growing healthy food and caring for the land. Local children spent a day playing and working in the garden and learning about the importance of butterflies while enjoying an ice cream party. And the requests for opportunities to learn in the garden continue to grow.

At a Wisdom Group meeting in June, it was decided that we were ready for the next step in the life of Gideon’s Garden. It was decided and approved by the Vestry to hire a full-time Agrarian Youth Mentor and Supervisor for the garden for three years. In the fall, a job description was developed and advertised through Episcopal and youth ministry websites. In October and November, we received several applications from highly qualified women and men. In November and December, we interviewed the top six applicants and then invited three to visit us in the Berkshires. By March 1, we plan to welcome our first Agrarian Youth Mentor and Supervisor who we hope will lead us into an even more exciting and inspired ministry in Gideon’s Garden. The work on this project has been massive. I am so very grateful for the prayerful and diligent work of Kathy Clausen, Pennie Curry, and Dutch Pinkston. Thank you also to members of the Wisdom Group and Vestry who met with our applicants.

While the ministry of Grace Church has continued forward with great love and resolve, I found it necessary to take a time away following the sudden death of my beloved husband, Louis Seymour Zimmerman in July, 2018. Sey was an active part of the ministry of Grace Church and was the love of my life. I am grateful for the love, prayers, and support of this faith community. I am thankful beyond words for the way you have continued to offer worship, pastoral care, times of fellowship, and ministry in the community in my absence. I am beginning my return to service as your Rector with God’s help. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

by the Rev. Dr. Janet Zimmerman, Rector

REPORT FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN

It is a special community that creates “church”. We proclaim together our faith and we celebrate that faith each week as we praise God. When we experienced the death of Sey Zimmerman, our community came together to sustain itself through the next months while Janet took the time she needed to grieve. Yes, the community grieved also and we acknowledged that grief learning more about how individual grief and community grief are similar. We could hold the joy of having known Sey along with the profound sense of loss knowing we would see him no more. We were held by each other and by God’s tender touch.

During the time Janet was away, the responsibility of keeping the church functioning fell to the vestry. We were able to continue to have Sunday and Thursday services, and gathered for Centering Prayer every week. A successful Fall Stewardship campaign was organized and executed. It is not possible to express the profound gratitude I feel for each and every person who stepped up to take part of this enormous responsibility. Bulletins were edited, visits to the homebound were done, and everyone allowed for this time of waiting and praying for Janet. Two very special clergy stepped up to carry us through many weeks. We offer a huge thank you to the Rev. Virginia Vogel-Polizzi and the Rev. Dr. Steve White. They were flexible and caring as they led us through services, inspired us by their sermons, and comforted us in our grief.

Members of our church played active roles in the planning of Revival 2018-2019, the Episcopal Church initiative which brought revivals to many parts of the country. The Berkshire County component featured a glorious Eucharist at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsfield which was held on October 21. From our excellent musicians, with Chris Clark helping to shape the service itself, to Pennie Curry who helped to plan the follow up for those who met after the actual service, Grace Church’s contribution was robust. Additionally, Grace’s office was the location for a five-week study series on Crazy Christians a book by Pres. Bishop Michael Curry. Members of other south county Episcopal churches joined together to study as prepared for the actual day of revival.

It was also during this period of time that the Wisdom Group continued the project of searching for an Agrarian Youth Mentor and Supervisor. Working with determination we placed ads in national job search websites and received 23 applicants. We interviewed a top tier of them and finally, prayerfully, called one to be our first ever AYMS. Fortunately, Janet was able to participate in the steps of this process. It could not have happened without her as she will be the mentor for our new head of Gideon’s Garden.

The Vestry’s work was accomplished with efficiency. We sometimes find communication can happen through an email chain and that helps in between meetings. Our work each month is grounded in prayer and in the sure knowledge we do what we do because God is already at work in the world. As a vestry we attended the Parish Leadership Day in March which is produced by the Diocese of Western Massachusetts. The theme this year helped prepare us for the Revival in October. We also supported Pennie Curry in any way needed to accomplish a wonderfully successful and joyous Tenth Year Party for Gideon’s Garden. In deep appreciation for all that Doreen Hutchinson does in the community, we placed an ad in the Fairview Hospital Gala program and organized a table full of guests to attend the gala at which Doreen was honored.

Reflected in our budget is the decision we made we support the Berkshire Immigrant Center by making a contribution to their work of $5,000 in 2018 and the same in 2019. In this time and place, the work they do to aid those who are strangers here reflects our commitment to Christ and our mission. Additionally, with the Wisdom Group guiding us, we will begin to identify other partners in our community and establish a community grant program. After studying and praying on this idea we have decided to fund these grants from a percentage of our investment earnnings.

As we say so long to Sarah Sieber this year, I want to thank her for her faithfulness, thoughtfulness, and wonderful humor. Again, I extend an open invitation to anyone who would like to attend a Vestry meeting. The date and time is always listed in the bulletin.

by Kathy Clausen, Senior Warden


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REPORT FROM THE JUNIOR WARDEN

This past year we purchased a portable sound system. We used it at Gideon’s Garden during the 10 year anniversary celebration and also at the Christmas Eve service at Taft Farms.

We had a leaky roof at the office that damaged some ceiling tiles and left a stain on the wall. The building owner had a new roof installed and replaced the tiles and painted over the stain. This did not cost Grace Church anything. We have renewed our lease for the office for another 5 years. With the addition of the Agrarian Youth Mentor and Supervisor we will be converting a storage room at the office into her office space. Also for 2019 we are planning on removing the remaining items still stored at Stevens & Finnerty.

by Rick Gore, Junior Warden

ALTAR GUILD

The Altar Guild Teams of Sarah Sieber, Margaret Layton, Cathy Haywood, Lynn Walker, Meredith Haider, Monique Kirchoff, Viola Bagnaschi, Linda White and Susan Happ continue to make sure the Altar is set up each Sunday. Setup is challenging at times but very rewarding.

We welcomed two new members this year; Monique Kirchoff and Meredith Haider. We had to say goodbye to Ed Hutchinson, as he decided to retire. His services were much appreciated and are missed. New members are always needed and welcome. If anyone would like to just fill in as needed and not commit to one Sunday a month, that would be wonderful.I thank everyone for their commitment

by Debbie Holmes

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION

Bible Study continues to be central to our formation as disciples of Jesus Christ. Every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 PM we pray and study scripture together, closing with a service of Compline. This year we studied the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary and the Gospel according to Mark. We have a committed and thoughtful group who gather and are always excited to welcome others who would like to add the study of scripture to their spiritual practices.

We also gather to read both fiction and non-fiction books in our Books and Bread Group that meets once a month in member’s homes. This year we read and discussed books to help us walk our faith as we try to understand our complex, beautiful, and broken world. The conversation was always engaging and rooted in our faith. It is a wonderful opportunity to listen, learn, and share through great literature as we walk together on this journey.

In Lent, we partnered with our sister churches, St. Paul’s in Stockbridge, Christ Trinity in Sheffield, and the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington to offer a series of classes on Building a Community of Love: Pray, Learn, Act. Each week we met at noon and then repeated the session at 6:30 pm. Soup and bread was offered and there was lively conversation about ways we can share our gifts in serving the community. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know people from other churches and find connections that support our common ministry.

We had a special treat in April when Anna Brooke, Sally Brooke’s daughter, offered a teaching around oils, their healing properties, and spiritual symbolism in the Bible. Anna taught us about the oils that figure prominently in scripture and provided us with much distilled samples to inspire our imaginations.

The Bible Challenge began on Pentecost Sunday. Several members of our community are faithfully reading the daily texts online or guided in their own personal Bibles. There is a Facebook group that facilitates discussion of the passages read each day. This has been an illuminating experience for those participating. It has given the participants the chance to see the breadth and complexity of our holy book.

Several women of Grace Church again went on an overnight retreat at the Wisdom House in Litchfield Connecticut on September 14 and 15. The theme was Come Away with Me: A Retreat of Rest and Renewal. It was led by the Rev. Jennifer Gregg. It offered our community a time of restoration, reflection, and fellowship. This has become an annual retreat which nourishes the people who attend, including the leaders.

Crazy Christians Book Study offered the opportunity for members of the four south county churches to read together and discuss Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s book Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus. It was a great way to get to know Bishop Curry prior to his participation in the Revival Service in our Diocese. It conveys his passion for following Jesus in our contemporary age. The classes met at our Grace Church office.

by the Rev. Dr. Janet Zimmerman, Rector

BOOKS & BREAD

The grid below captures all the important information for the 2018-year. As shown, we met to discuss books on seven occasions with a meeting on January 10 devoted to planning. The March meeting had to be cancelled because of snow. Five of the seven meetings involved dinners and started at 6:00 pm. The other two meetings started at 7:00 pm with the food restricted to appetizers and desserts (A&D). Whether the meeting was “long form”, beginning at 6:00 pm, or ”short form”, beginning at 7:00 pm, was determined by the host. Discussion at all meetings began at 7:45 pm which allowed enough time for social interaction before the start of discussion. All meetings ended promptly at 9:00 pm. Attendance is guesstimated to have averaged in the 10-12 range for the seven meetings.

Sey Zimmerman and Valerie Smith, a long time member, were organizers for our book group. Both are sorely missed, to say the least. A planning session for 2019, led by Peter Kirchoff, was held on January 9.

by George Raymond

Grace Church----Books and BreadBook List--2018 As created January 10, 2018 and updated on January 9, 2019

Date Book Title Author Pages Host and/or Venue

Discussion Leader

Start Time

Food

February 7

Summer Edith Wharton

137 Cobden Sally Brooke 7:00 pm

A&D

March 14 Meeting cancelled--snow

April 11

In Order to Live Yeonmi Park 288 Anderson Sey Zimmerman

6:00 pm

Dinner

May 9

The Souls of Black Folk

W.E.B. Du Bois

176 Katz Lee Cheek 6:00 pm

Dinner

June 13

A Gentleman in Moscow

Amor Towles 462 Zimmerman Martha Katz 7:00 pm

A&D

September 12

Hero of the Empire Candice Millard

416 Garretson Peter Kirchoff 6:00 pm

Dinner

October 10

Small Great Things Jodi Picoult 480 Kirchoff Monique Kirchoff

6:00 pm

Dinner

November 14

A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in a Conquered City

Anonymous 311 Raymond & Fletcher at Kimball Farms

Ginny Fletcher 6:00 pm

Dinner


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CONVENTION

The Diocese of Western Massachusetts 117th Convention held on October 26-27 was a two day affair held at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. I attended two afternoon workshops, one on Hispanic Ministry led by the Rev. José Reyes and the other on the continuation of the revival led by the Revs. Libby Wade and Sam Smith.

Eucharist was held at Christ Church Cathedral, and the dinner following featured guest speaker the Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlon, bishop of Central Pennsylvania who spoke on the theme of our revival, Rekindling Hope,Sharing Light, Loving Jesus.

The Bishop’s address, his seventh, continued with the theme and energy of the revival and of the importance of prayer. Several videos were shown about ministries in the diocese including one about Grace Church and the Berkshire Immigrant Center. In the midst of all this we learned of the horrific attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Rabbi Mark Shapiro, our rabbi in residence, was scheduled to speak but had to greatly revise his address. He spoke about the Hebrew word hineni which means “I am here.” This word spoken by Abraham to the Angel as he was preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac has a much deeper meaning than the simple translation above. He used it to express our solidarity with the congregation in their terrible suffering and loss. We then wrote personal notes to be sent to them. There were also short addresses from the Rev. Kenneth Young from the Massachusetts Council of Churches and from Dr. Mohammad Saleem Bajwa representing the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts.

An election was held and our own Rick Gore will be taking my place on Diocesan Council as Berkshire lay representative. A resolution was proposed by the General Convention Deputies asking that all parishes complete an energy audit; this in response to a workshop held this summer at convention in Austin on Climate Change. The Deputies then spoke about our experiences at General Convention this summer. The resolution passed.

by John CheekCHURCH SCHOOL

Church School continues to be available every Sunday. We use a story-telling felt board curriculum called the Beulah Land Curriculum. This curriculum involves Bible stories followed by “wondering” questions. Children also participate in an art/craft activity or can play with the story.

There are always activities and books at the table behind the congregation. When children are present, they love to participate in the prayer for children.

by Dindy Anderson

GIDEON’S GARDEN

We celebrated Gideon’s Garden Tenth Year Anniversary in 2018! So many blessings came our way this past year. Our wonderful Youth Supervisor Kyle Gangell graduated from the garden to continue his college education at University of Massachusetts, Amherst in the Stockbridge Agricultural Program. Kyle will travel to Peru with his professor from Berkshire Community College along with six other students to learn about plants growing in the rain forest and how climate change is effecting that environment. Grace Church presented Kyle with a new banner for the Butterfly House that reads KYLE’S BUTTERFLY HOUSE which will be permanently mounted on front of the house.

Fisher Riiska is now our new Youth Supervisor for the garden. Fisher’s father, John Riiska, helped supervise the garden this past summer and was a strong mentor for his son Fisher. John helped identify several areas where the garden needed more attention and organization. One big improvement was creating a daily log of what and how much is harvested from the garden. Many of John’s notes will help our new Agrarian Youth Mentor and Supervisor when she comes aboard.

Yes, Grace Church has blessed our garden with the commitment of hiring a full time, year round manager for everything at the Garden. As well this person will be able to work year round to promote the mission of Gideon’s Garden, recruit new members for the summer crew, and discover other ways Grace can positively impact the youth in our area. Our new Agrarian Youth Mentor and Supervisor will be able to help plan the blessing of the garden, blessing of the animals and network to bring more youth into our garden. We interviewed the qualified applicants and finalists visited Taft Farms, Gideon’s Garden, Grace Office, and Crissey Farm. They met with members of the Vestry, Wisdom Group and staff of Taft Farm. Please hold all who work in the garden in your prayers.

The Butterfly House saw a big increase and interest from our community. Kyle and Fisher conducted educational tours for local camps, school groups that met in the summer, and visitors new to the garden. One of Fisher’s hopes is to have a good brochure for Gideon’s Garden and Kyle’s Butterfly House.

To mark the Tenth Year properly, Grace and Gideon’s Garden hosted a cook out with music after the Annual Blessing and Planting of the garden in June. This celebration brought volunteers who planted the garden as well as representatives from groups who have benefitted from the delivery of the fresh vegetables. Some had never seen the Garden and were so impressed by its beauty. The garden was planted in record time and everyone enjoyed the catered BBQ and great music. Grace Church worshiped next to Gideon’s Garden the Sunday after the Ten Year Celebration. This worship service means so much to our youth and congregation.

Kyle added The Salvation Army to our list of organizations we now take fresh produce to every Saturday in Pittsfield. We continue delivering produce to Guthrie Center, Construct, Peoples Pantry in Lee, Great Barrington Food Pantry, Community Health Program as well as Multi Cultural Bridge families in August. Our garden hosted eight middle school students from Monument Middle School in Great Barrington for one week who worked on various projects to help plant, organize and develop ideas for a webpage. Thank you to Jake and Dutch Pinkston for organizing this for our youth to meet and work together in our garden.


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HEALING MINISTRY

Each Sunday during the administration of Holy Communion an opportunity for healing prayer is offered at a station in back of the congregation. One may come for healing for oneself or for another. Prayer is offered in the assurance of Christ’s ever-present care and power of newness of life.

Members of the healing ministry are Pennie Curry, Kathy Clausen, Sue Gore, Peter Feltman and Ted Cobden.

by the Rev. Ted Cobden

HOSPITALITY & COFFEE HOUR

Hospitality is strength for Grace Church. Coffee hour continues to be a welcoming, tasty, and well-attended event. Food is plentiful along with many conversations. Special events continued throughout the year including Grace’s birthday on Epiphany, baptisms, and celebrating Gideon’s Garden. Of course, its success is dependent on all the people who willingly participate in set-up, cleanup, coffee making, and the providing of amazing food. Thanks to all who contribute to the life of Grace Church’s.

by Dindy Anderson

LEE FOOD PANTRY 1/1/2018 Beginning Balance $14,442.79 Income: 2018 Donations $16,581.03 Expenses: Food Purchase $15,782.87 12/31/18 Ending Balance $15,240.96 TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS SERVED TOTAL INDIVIDUALS SERVED 2018 . . . . 1513 2018 . . . . . 3808

2019 will be our 28th year serving families and individuals who are residents of Lee, Otis, Becket, Monterey, W. Stockbridge, Stockbridge, Tyringham and Lenox Dale.

We continue to offer financial support to the Healthy Snack Program offered at Lee Elementary School for children unable to bring snacks. Weekend bags are also provided for students to bring home. The pantry also offers diapers through the Berkshire County Diaper Project and pet food through Irie’s Pet Pantry.

Thank you to all at Grace Church and the people in our community who make this pantry a success. by Susan Gore

Gideon’s Garden Sunday in October is a big event for us. Our youth and their families hosted an upscale coffee hour and informed the congregation of all that has been happening during the summer and their future plans. We thanked Kyle for his service and welcomed in Fisher Riiska. The Scholarship Committee awarded Fox Riiska an educational scholarship to go towards his expenses for Berkshire Community College. We displayed twelve photo boards showing Gideon’s growing over ten years.

I thank Grace Church and all its members from the bottom of my heart for the last ten years. Your generous support and love for our youth has been overwhelming. We now grow into the future expanding in so many ways. It is very exciting for me personally to know we will soon have our Agrarian Youth Mentor and Supervisor to help in our garden and under Janet’s guidance, develop a Youth Ministry. God is good all the time.

In Thanksgiving for the many gifts of God’s love, by Pennie Curry

GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIP

The Scholarship Committee had one meeting this year.The following grants & scholarships were recommended to and approved by the vestry out of the available $8,000.

Mary Mayorga, office secretary, to attend Northwestern Conn. Community College $2,000Fox Riiska, Gideon’s Garden Assistant Youth Supervisor – Berkshire Community College $2,000Kyle Gangell – Gideon’s Garden Youth Supervisor – Berkshire Community College Books $ 500

Total Disbursed $4,500Remaining Balance $3,500

by Doreen Hutchinson


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MEN’S GROUP

The purpose of the Grace Church Men’s Group is to provide fellowship and to enrich the faith of all who participate. Although we do not meet every month, when we do meet, it usually on a Wednesday evening. Generally speaking, we meet at a residence from 6-9 for supper and discussion focused on specific topics. All men of the parish and their guests are invited. There are no attendance requirements or attendance expectations. Now and then someone can come to a particular meeting that interests him or he can become a “regular” by attending most all the meetings. At the evening meetings we average about 10 although there are about 20 on our mailing list. We meet at 6:00 pm for soft drinks, wine and cheese followed by supper. Our discussion begins at about 7:45 pm and we adjourn promptly at 9:00 pm.

During 2018, we had four meetings:

We feel God at work in our fellowship and care for one another. We are strengthened when we share our life stories and feel the support of the other men. This year we are once again thankful for the fellowship the Men’s group provides.

The mainstay of our Men’s Group was Sey Zimmerman. We will try to carry on as best we can without him.

If you would like to monitor the group’s activities by being on the mailing list or would like to attend a particular evening meeting, please contact George Raymond (413-637-7224)

Committee: John Cheek, Ted Cobden, Peter Kirchoff, George Raymond, by George Raymond

THIRD SUNDAY SUPPERS

Each month, parishioners are invited to join together on a Sunday evening at a local restaurant for some fellowship and dining. Since inception in May 2013, we have had 68 suppers at 24 different venues.

What we did in 2018:

Although the suppers are always held on Sunday evenings, occasionally we have to hold them on a Sunday other than the third. Father’s Day in June is a good example. We do not visit restaurants that refuse to give us separate checks.

The program has been successful and apparently well received. The current intention is to have a supper during each of the months of 2019. The first supper is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 20 at the Brick House Pub.

Sey Zimmerman was a big booster of the Third Sunday Supper program. He and Janet came every time their schedule would allow it, which was often. We will miss Sey, a lot.

by George Raymond

Date Dining Venue Cuisine Location

January 21 Brick House Pub American Housatonic

February 18 Fiesta Mexican Great Barrington

March 18 Frankie’s Italian Lenox

April 22 Koi Chinese Great Barrington

May 20 Alpamao Peruvian Lee

June 10 Donaji Mexican Lee

July 15 Stockbridge Golf Club American Stockbridge

August 19 Cork N’ Hearth American Lee

September 16 Aegean Breeze Greek Great Barrington

October 21 Morgan House American Lee

November 18 Public House, 20 Railroad Street

American Great Barrington

December 16 Timothy’s Italian Lee

Date Presenter Topic/Program Venue

February 21 Parishioner John Horan, Medical Researcher, Emery University, Atlanta GA

Sickle Cell Research Zimmerman

April 25 Peter Dillon, Superintendent of the Berkshire Hills Regional School District

My personal history in the field of education and Challenges and Opportunities facing the Berkshire Hills Regional School District

Cheek

May 30 Bishop Doug Fisher Various Topics Cobden

August 29 Tim Geller, Executive Director of Community Development Corporation (CDC)

What’s going on at CDC? Annual BBQ at Tom Doyle’s new home in Pittsfield

TUESDAY’S CHILD NEWSLETTER

Elizabeth Holland, who began Tuesday’s Child five years ago, moved to Mérida, Mexico this fall. Fortunately Monique Kirchoff has taken the reins and Tuesday’s Child continues to be a great source of weekly updates, links to items of interest and a way to stay in touch with Grace when out of town.


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WELCOMING & USHERING

Two or three members of the committee come early each Sunday to set up the welcoming table at the door with bulletins, programs, publications and name tags. As attendees enter, they make themselves available to answer questions, help with coats, etc. Once the service is underway, they count how many are in attendance and take their seats with the rest of the congregation.

Loose plate collection is the next duty. The team brings up the plates to the altar with a slip of paper bearing the number of attendees that morning. After the choir goes up for the Eucharist, the ushers let parishioners go up row by row, and then receive the Eucharist after everyone else is done. After the service they pack up the contents of the welcoming table to be taken upstairs until the next week. Serving on this committee is a wonderful way to greet newcomers and old friends right at the start, to make sure everyone is supplied with programs and a name tag, and to get the service off to a warm and friendly start. Members of the team are: Debbie Holmes, Viola Bagnaschi, Sally Brooke, Anne Andrews, Sue and Rick Gore, Doreen Hutchinson, George Raymond, Sarah Sieber and Marcia Doelman.

by Sally Brooke

WISDOM GROUP

The committee met three times this year and formed a task force which met once.Our goals for 2018 were as follows: 1. Research a formal mentoring for Kyle. 2. Continue with our implementation of ideas given us to improve sustainability of Gideon’s Garden. 3. Explore applying for a Year 2 Ministry Development Grant for Gideon’s Garden sustainability. 4. Continue to listen to community needs and discern what we can realistically do.We applied for a Year 2 Ministry Development Grant for Gideon’s Garden. We secured a $6,000 grant to hire an adult mentor to formally mentor Kyle. The second focus was to develop a role for an agrarian/youth mentor to ensure and expand the future of Gideon’s Garden.Ideas we followed through on that we learned from our consultant in 2017: • Securedaformalmentorforthesupervisor. • Hadmeetingwithguidancecounselorswhohaveappreciatedoursupport. • Wewereabletosecuremiddleschoolstudentswhocametothegardenfor3days.Theywentbacktoschooland gave presentations and posters. • Secured2campstocomewithcamperstoworkinthegarden.Wehad38campers. • Ajobdescriptionforanagrarian/youthcounselorwaswrittenusingthe informationwehadresearchedabout a variety of programs visited and called. • Thejobdescriptionwascompletedandsenttovestryforapproval.Compensationgarneredfromdonatedfunds to Grace. • AtaskforceofJanet,Kathy,PennieandDutchmettocomeupwithquestionsforapplicants.OurDiocesangrand partially funded advertising and travel for top three applicants. • WewereaskedbytheDiocesetofilmavideoaboutourworkwiththeImmigrantCenter.Weorganizeda group of immigrants who agreed to tell their stories on the video along with members of Wisdom. It was a powerful conversation among the group. The participants felt safe and supported. The video was shown at the Diocesan Convention.

Other needs met in the community: • BacktoschoolteengiftcardsweredistributedamongLee,MonumentandMountEverettHighSchools. • Christmasteengiftcardsalsoallowedustogivecardstoteensatthethreeschoolsystems.(Combinedbothprograms resulted in $1,000 in cards given out.) • WesupportedtheMulti-CulturalBridgeSummerCamp.Therewere27campersforatwoweekcamp.Two days were spent at Gideon’s Garden. Grace contributed $1,500. • TheMampongBabyHomedonationequaled$3,328overthelasttwoyears.

The goals for 2019: 1. Help with hiring and onboarding of agrarian/youth mentor. 2. Support Chris Herron presentation on addiction for students during the day and parents in the evening at the Mahaiwe in the Spring. Grace partnered with Fairview Hospital for this. Grace is paying Chris Herron and Fairview will pay for Mahaiwe. 3. Create community grants program funded by using up to 10% of our investment earnings.

by Doreen Hutchinson

WORSHIP

On Sundays at 10:00 am we gather at Crissey Farm for a service of Holy Eucharist Rite II with Healing to worship God and join together to recommit ourselves to service in God’s name in the world. This is the principle activity of the followers of Christ as it is in this time that we find renewal for our life and our work. Through beautiful music, ancient prayers, reading and reflection on Holy Scripture, and gathering at the table of thanksgiving to receive the bread and the wine we are made new and prepared once again to participate in the coming of God’s kingdom here on earth. An important part of our time together in worship is the opportunity to receive prayers for healing. A group of faithful ministers, led by the Rev. Ted Cobden, listen to the particular petitions and offer prayers to strengthen and encourage those in need. In 2018, the Healing Team consisted of Ted Cobden, Sue Gore, Pennie Curry, Kathy Clausen, Elizabeth Holland, and the Rev. Virginia Vogel-Polizzi. People who receive healing prayers find peace in this sacred practice.

On Thursdays at noon we offer a service of Holy Eucharist Rite I and Healing in our Grace Church Chapel. This is a less formal service where the homily includes information about holy men and holy women of the Episcopal Church who serve as examples of a life well lived in service to God. In October we moved this service to Wednesday.

Centering Prayer is an ancient Christian practice that allows one to rest in the stillness and love of God. Every Thursday, we gather at 5:00 pm to pray, to reflect on our spiritual practice, and to share our challenges and joys in deepening our relationship with God. It is a time of beauty, silence, and openness. Those who join reflect that it supports their ability to see God everywhere.

Before worship can be offered, there is much planning that takes place to ensure that music, liturgy, prayers, and setting support our desire to turn our hearts to God and to be sent back into the world refreshed and renewed. Thanks to the prayerful and creative work of the Worship Committee: Chris Clark, Lee Cheek, John Cheek, and Debbie Holmes, each liturgical season is planned to allow us to experience anew God’s activity in our lives.

We are particularly blessed at Grace Church with an exceptional group of devoted and gifted musicians. Each week they come early to practice and prepare hymns, anthems, chanting, and bells that not only support us, but allow us to pray through our singing. Thanks especially to Chris Clark, who plans our music and prepares the choir for our worship together, and Sara Keene and Lee Cheek, who serve as our keyboardists. Week after week we are blessed to receive the great gifts of John Cheek, Mary Anne and John Grammer, Dutch Pinkston, Annie Macheski, Doone Marshall, and in the summer and fall, Nancy Fishell, Howard Seip, and Fred Hollman, with an occasional visit from our beloved, Susan Gray. In addition to singing every Sunday morning, our choir also sang at The Easter Vigil. Chris prepared a large choir consisting of the members of three churches to celebrate our time together. Lee Cheek graciously offered her keyboard gifts on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Our choir master and choir were instrumental in providing glorious music for our WMA Revival on October 21. Many hours of planning and rehearsal led to a beautiful presentation of anthems and hymns inspiring a beautiful day of worship.

Our Altar Guild arrives early to create a beautiful and welcoming space to offer worship. No matter where we gather, their love is evident. This devoted group includes Debbie Holmes, Viola Bagnaschi, Sue Happ, Cathy Haywood, Elizabeth Holland, Margaret Layton, Sarah Sieber, Lynn Walker, and Linda White. We are very grateful for Pam Drumm who serves as Altar Guild for our Thursday Eucharist.


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Acolytes are essential in leading our worship. They offer final preparations before worship begins, lead us in procession, and assist at the altar during the Holy Eucharist. We are very grateful for the services of our acolytes: Kathy Clausen, Cathy Haywood, Linda White, and Peter Kirchoff.

Chalice Bearers serve at the Altar and administer holy communion to our community. Thank you to Rick Gore, Elizabeth Holland, Dutch Pinkston, Lynn Walker, Viola Bagnaschi, and Kathy Clausen.

Lectors bring alive our readings from scripture every Sunday. Each week Dindy Anderson, Anne Andrews, Tom Doyle, Sue Gore, Meredith Haider, and Pennie Curry faithfully prepare so we may enter fully into the sacred text. Intercessors pray on behalf of the people. Thank you to John Cheek, Kathy Clausen, Tom Doyle, and Doreen Hutchinson for preparing a space for us to offer our petitions and thanksgivings to God.

Those who serve at the Welcome Table, are the first to offer hospitality in our community. By their welcome, people who enter know that they are in a place where grace is possible. We are grateful for the service of Anne Andrews, Viola Bagnaschi, Sally Brooke, Marcia Doelman, Sue Gore, Rick Gore, Debbie Holmes, Doreen Hutchinson, and Sarah Sieber.

Special worship services offered this year included two Ash Wednesdays services and a service for Good Friday at the Grace Chapel, Stations of the City on Good Friday where we offered public prayers for our community on the streets of Great Barrington, Easter Vigil with St. Paul’s Stockbridge and Christ Trinity Sheffield, the Blessing and Planting of Gideon’s Garden, Worship at Gideon’s Garden and a Blessing of the Animals, and the WMA Revival. Each of these services invited the larger Berkshire community to participate. This year we will again offer opportunities for worship with our sister communities in Sheffield and Stockbridge.

Our Christmas Eve service at Taft Farms welcomed many to our service of simplicity and joy. This year, we welcomed 108 people to celebrate the birth and the promise of Jesus in songs, prayers, and gathering at the Eucharist. Many new people continue to join us at this service. We pray that their spiritual lives were enriched. Thank you to Sue and Rick Gore for opening our service with the lighting of candles, Magali Davila who read in Spanish from Isaiah, and Tom Doyle who led us in the Prayers of the People. Thank you to Sally Brooke and Tom Doyle who welcomed people to our service and Kathy Clausen who served as acolyte. The Rev. Virginia Vogel-Polizzi served as Celebrant and the Rev. Dr. Janet Whaley Zimmerman preached. Thank you to Chris Clark, Courtney English, Courtney Clark, John and Lee Cheek who led us in singing the glorious Christmas hymns. Thank you also to Maria Mayorga who provides priceless assistance in translating our worship bulletin for this service.

Preachers who offered their voices to our worship this year include: The Rev. Virginia Vogel-Polizzi; Lee Cheek, licensed lay preacher; The Rev. Dr. Jane Tillman; The Rev. Dr. Steve White; The Rev. Peter Elvin; The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, and the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, Bishop of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

Every time we gather to worship, we are grateful for the bulletins that allow us to fully participate in the service. We are very grateful for those who proofread the text and music each week. I am particularly grateful for the meticulous work of Maria Mayorga who helps me create a document that adds to our worship. Thank you also to Chris Clark who brings the bulletins to worship every Sunday.

by the Rev. Dr. Janet Zimmerman

YEAR ROUND STEWARDSHIP

The stewardship committee for 2019 was composed of Tom Doyle, Mimi Alford and Mary Anne Grammar. On the four Sundays in November, we decided to honor four ministries of Grace Church, the choir, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Acolytes, and Welcomers, by having people from each group speak at the gratitude moment about what their ministry meant to them personally. In addition we placed the materials from the Episcopal Network for Stewardship in the bulletin each week. The

BERKSHIRE IMMIGRANT CENTER & GRACE CHURCH: A BEAUTIFUL PARTNERSHIP

Cultural and ethnic divisiveness is one of the most significant challenges humans face. Sadly, suspicion of people who may be different from ourselves in some way seems to be on the rise in America. Here in the Berkshires, we are blessed to have a community that is, for the most part, very supportive of cultural diversity. In part, that’s because nearly everyone in our small corner of Massachusetts understands that immigrants playing a critical role in making in local economy strong. We all know health care providers who were born in another nation, be they doctors, technicians or staff in our senior care homes. We know that restaurants, hotels and our world-renowned cultural attractions all depend on immigrants to fill labor shortages. Immigrants fill key jobs in education, agriculture and property care as well. There are more than 10,000 foreign-born Berkshire residents. Immigrants are the only growing segment of the Berkshire County population. Berkshire immigrants make our community stronger. They bring a welcome addition of cultural diversity. They are our colleagues and neighbors, our family and our friends.

The Berkshire Immigrant Center is the only organization in the region that provides comprehensive services to our important -- and valued -- immigrants. The Center saw 694 clients in our offices during our last fiscal year (ending 6/30/18); 70 percent of our clients were low-income. We provide low-cost accredited legal services – something that is of utmost importance at a time when the already complex and broken immigration system is rapidly changing. We also offer free citizenship preparation classes, helping foreigners become citizens by improving their English literacy and teaching them American civics. By aiding immigrants to become American citizens, we welcome them fully and empower them.

When BIC helps those who have resettled in the Berkshires from other countries, we are supporting social action to heal rifts in the world by making our own region more welcoming and inclusive. Our work supports “the other” who has chosen to join our community, moving to a new land to seek a better life for herself and her family – an impulse that goes back to the beginnings of human history. BIC’s work directly addresses an important unmet need in the community, one that we must address if we are to heal divisions.

Beyond our hundreds of in-office clients, the Center also serves many immigrants, as well as their allies and employers, through multiple workshops and presentations each year. The community and the press look to us for guidance on immigration issues. With a 21-year strong record of service in the county, we have established ourselves. Yet our long-term existence is not a given. The Center is only able to accomplish our work due to the generous support of many in the community, year after year. We are very grateful to call the members of Grace Church our supporters. Your generous grants these past two years have gone a long way to supporting our work. We thank you, and hope we will continue to work together to support all Berkshire people, no matter where they were born.

by Sheryl Lechner, Berkshire Immigrant Center, Development Coordinator

subject of these was “Shining the Light.”

Tom Doyle prepared a letter for us to send out along with pledge cards and information about how to give electronically, a first for Grace. We met to stuff envelopes with pledge cards, address and mail them. The committee thanks the congregation for their generous response.

by John Cheek


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Income 2018 2018 Actual 2019 BudgetWeekly Collection

Pledge $ 151,530 $ 161,763 $ 154,800 Loose Plate $ 1,500 $ 2,169 $ 1,500 Special Offering $ 1,200 $ 998 $ 1,200

Investment Income

Trustees $ 85,903 $ 101,169 $ 96,678 Crane Trust $ 3,560 $ 4,231 $ 3,800 Nancy Cobden Memorial AYMS $ 56,500

Other Income

Flowers $ 1,680 $ 1,400 $ 1,400 Gifts In Memory $ 14,386 Lenten Program $ 884

Total Income $ 245,373 $ 287,000 $ 315,878

ExpensesWorship

Flowers $ 1,680 $ 1,400 $ 1,400 Liturgical Equipment $ 600 $ 838 $ 600 Special Services Expense $ 2,000 $ 5,016 $ 2,500 Music Supplies $ 200 $ 613 $ 200 Musicians - Special Services $ 800 $ 1,200 $ 1,000 Supply Clergy $ 1,400 $ 5,295 $ 5,000

Benevolence - Mission - Outreach

People's Pantry $ 2,200 $ 2,200 $ 2,200 Lee Food Pantry $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 Gideon's Garden $ 4,650 $ 3,679 $ 3,575 Crane scholarships/grants $ 1,700 $ 4,500 $ 1,700 Assessment for Common Ministry $ 24,281 $ 24,281 $ 25,447 Wisdom Group $ 1,000 $ 229 $ 1,000 Clergy's Discretionary Fund $ 800 $ 800 $ 800 Multi Cultural Bridge $ 1,500 $ 1,500 Berkshire Immigration Center $ 5,000 $ 5,000 UTO $ 1,000

Expenses continued 2018 2018 Actual 2019 BudgetChristian Nurture

Adult Education $ 1,000 $ 2,171 $ 1,000 Church School $ 150 $ - $ 150 Vestry Formation $ 350 $ 595 $ 350 Coffee Hour $ 300 $ 464 $ 300 Special Receptions $ 500 $ 1,402 $ 500 Greeters Table $ 250 $ 19 $ 250

Office and Administration

General Supplies $ 1,000 $ 1,505 $ 1,400 Postage and Box Rental $ 200 $ 162 $ 200 Printing and Duplicating $ 3,500 $ 2,685 $ 3,500 Advertising $ 2,000 $ 1,275 $ 2,000 Web/Constant Contact Expenses $ 400 $ 529 $ 600 Software $ 1,380 $ 1,265 $ 1,400 Office Cleaning $ 910 $ 770 $ 910

Rent, Utilities and MaintenanceOffice Rental $ 19,200 $ 19,200 $ 19,600 Crissy Farm Rental & Set-up $ 19,720 $ 19,530 $ 20,000 Storage Rental $ 2,100 $ 1,750 $ 2,100 Electric $ 1,800 $ 1,268 $ 1,800 Gas $ 1,600 $ 1,532 $ 1,800 Phone $ 2,600 $ 1,812 $ 1,900 Insurance/Workers Comp $ 1,747 $ 1,330 $ 1,850

Personnel ExpensesClergy, Secretary, Choir DirectorSalary and Benefits $ 133,661 $ 132,746 $ 135,946 Agrarian Youth Mentor $ 56,500 Accountant Expense/Audit $ 1,800 $ 2,186 $ 2,000 Organist $ 5,400 $ 5,600 $ 5,400 Clergy Sabatical $ 500 $ 500 $ 500 Clergy Expense Reimbursement $ 1,000 $ 2,149 $ 1,000

Total Expenses $ 243,859 $ 260,096 $ 315,878

Net 2018 Budget $ 26,904

Unbudgeted IncomeCongregational Development Grant

Income - Gideons Garden $ 6,000 Total Unbudgeted Income $ 6,000

Unbudgeted Expense

Sundries $ 1,631 Grant Expenses - Gideons Garden $ 6,000

Total Unbudgeted Expense $ 7,631

Net Budgeted + Unbudgeted $ 25,273

Pass Through IncomeRetreat Formation $ 900 Gideon's Garden $ 3,000 Construct $ 100 Change the Babies $ 920 Elizabeths Mexico Church Fund $ 630 Kyle's Peru Trip $ 1,405 Teen Gift Cards $ 1,000

Pass Through ExpenseRetreat/Formation Expense $ 1,255 Gideon's Garden $ - Construct $ 100 Change the Babies (2 years) * $ 3,328 Elizabeth's Church Expense $ 630 Kyle's Peru Trip $ 1,405 Teen Gift Cards $ 1,000 Lee Pantry pass through expense 2017 * $ 815

TREASURER’S REPORT



Investment Income


Other Income


Total Income $ 245,373 $ 287,000 $ 315,878

ExpensesWorship







TREASURER'S REPORT



Investment Income


Other Income


Total Income $ 245,373 $ 287,000 $ 315,878

ExpensesWorship










Total Expenses $ 243,859 $ 260,096 $ 315,878

Net 2018 Budget $ 26,904



Unbudgeted Expense








Investment Income


Other Income


Total Income $ 245,373 $ 287,000 $ 315,878

ExpensesWorship










Total Expenses $ 243,859 $ 260,096 $ 315,878

Net 2018 Budget $ 26,904



Unbudgeted Expense







Page 22 Page 23




Investment Income


Other Income


Total Income $ 245,373 $ 287,000 $ 315,878

ExpensesWorship










Total Expenses $ 243,859 $ 260,096 $ 315,878

Net 2018 Budget $ 26,904



Unbudgeted Expense






Assets 10/31/18 12/31/17 12/31/16 12/31/15 12/31/14Banking $ 121,419 $ 74,691 $ 101,359 $ 61,570 $ 244,306 Trustee Account (3rd qtr figures) $ 2,366,010 $ 2,337,020 $ 2,000,459 $ 1,966,521 $ 1,777,137

Total Assets $ 2,487,429 $ 2,411,711 $ 2,101,818 $ 2,028,092 $ 2,021,443

LiabilitiesAccounts Payable/Vendors $ - $ 1,200 $ 1,000 $ -

Fund BalancesOperational Funds $ 832,608 $ 771,093 $ 715,316 $ 662,843 $ 291,578 Building Funds $ 1,237,104 $ 1,221,465 $ 1,154,762 $ 1,135,189 $ 1,194,163 Mission Funds $ 119,494 $ 120,836 $ 117,820 $ 117,342 $ 14,099 Memorial Funds $ 279,593 $ 287,013 $ 104,954 $ 103,227 $ 516,437 Columbarium Fund $ 974 $ 641 $ 550 $ 782 $ 783 Rector's Sabatical $ 2,673 $ 2,649 $ 2,031 $ 1,997 $ 2,000 Gideon's Garden $ 9,155 $ 6,155 $ 3,780 $ 5,280 $ 2,357 Congregational Development $ 1,557 $ (2,760) $ (500)Lee Pantry $ 815 $ 815 $ 315 $ 99 $ 13 Teen Christmas $ 75 $ 100 $ 75 Multicultural Bridge Pass Through $ 76 $ 76 $ 76 Change the Babies Fund $ 3,186 $ 2,408 $ 1,521 $ 234 $ - Total Funds $ 2,487,308 $ 2,410,491 $ 2,100,700 $ 2,026,993 $ 2,021,430

Total Liabilities and Funds $ 2,487,308 $ 2,411,691 $ 2,101,700 $ 2,026,993 $ 2,021,430

9-Dec-2018

2

BALANCE SHEET

LITURGICAL RITES CELEBRATED

Sunday/Saturday Night Holy Eucharist 53Mid-Week Eucharist 40Private Communion 18Burial Service 5Baptisms 2Blessing of a Marriage 1Garden Blessings 1Animal Blessings 1

Those who have died this year:Lillian Forrest 2/9/18Kenneth Gordon Frye 9/7/2018Louis Seymour Zimmerman 7/9/18Valerie LeBrun Smith 12/4/18

SLATE OF OFFICERS, VESTRY MEMBERS, DIOCESAN DELEGATES

OFFICERS (1 year)Senior Warden Kathy Clausen Junior Warden Rick Gore Treasurer Sue Gore Clerk Mary Anne Grammer

VESTRY - AT LARGE (3 year terms; with 2 consecutive terms possible)Class of 2020 John Cheek Dindy AndersonClass of 2021 Anne Andrews Dutch PinkstonClass of 2020 Cathy Haywood

DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATES AND ALTERNATESVestry Delegate Rick GoreLay Delegate Lee CheekVestry Alternate John CheekLay Alternate Doreen Hutchinson

by Sue Gore, Treasurer

GRACE CHURCH STAFF Bishop of Western Massachusetts: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas FisherRector: The Rev. Dr. Janet Zimmerman

GRACE CONTACT INFORMATIONoffice: 67 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230mail: PO Box 114, Great Barrington, MA 01230phone: 413.644.0022 email: [email protected] web: graceberkshires.orgfb: facebook.com/GraceChurchEpiscopalCommunitySouthernBerkshires founded January 1, 2013

an Episcopal Community in the Southern BerkshiresGR AC E CHURCH

GRACE CHURCHan Episcopal Community in the Southern Berkshires

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