Grace Church | GET INVOLVED AT GRACE

Ten Ways To Get Involved at Grace Church | New Members | Outreach | | Photos | Take a Tour |

1. Hang Around after the Worship Service
Perhaps the quickest way to begin connecting with the life of Grace Church is to stay for the fellowship hour that occurs each Sunday following the 11 am and 6 pm services. After the 11 am service on Sundays, numerous people gather in Tuttle Hall for coffee, tea, pastries, and the opportunity to visit informally with each other. After the 6 pm service in the Chantry, a table spread with wine, cheese, and fruit normally awaits those who choose to linger for a bit. Sometimes it takes great courage to venture into a crowd of people whom you don't know. But remember, Grace Church strives to be a friendly congregation.

2. Check out one of the Adult Education classes
On most Sundays from September through June we offer two Adult Christian Education classes: at 10 am and 7:15 pm in the Reception Room. The Adult Education Committee strives to address the questions that you are asking about life, death, God, and what it means to be a Christian in the world today. With invited speakers, discussion forums, and use of the various arts we have engaged such topics Science and Religion, Politics and Religion, Terrorism and Reconciliation, Understanding the Trinity, and various issues of social, ethical, and Biblical concern. We always leave time for questions, so come and participate or just listen. See the Sunday Bulletin and monthly Epistle for upcoming topics.

3. Inquire about the new "small group" ministry
In May 2009, another ministry of small group Bible studies will be getting underway. Groups will meet at the church following the Wednesday, 6pm Eucharist. More information will be forthcoming. For now, if you're interested, leave your name with Bill Nave at bnave@gracechurchnyc.org.

4. Sign on for an outreach project
The Outreach Committee strives to alleviate some of the human suffering we find in the community and world. We have recently taken annual trips to New Orleans to work on recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. We partner with 17 local agencies of mercy here in New York City who work directly with homeless people and at-risk families. We regularly engage in projects that are local, accessible, and measurable. Contact the Rev. Linda Bartholomew at 212 254-2000 x114, or lbartholomew@gracechurchnyc.org for more information. You can also check out the GO Project. The GO Project is a joint outreach effort between Grace Church and Grace Church School. GO offers tutoring and a full range of social services to at-risk, public school children and their families. Here is an excellent avenue for making a difference in a young life. For more information contact Wendy Reynoso at 212 533-3744 or wreynoso@goprojectnyc.org.

5. Become an Open Door Greeter
Grace Church is truly one of the glories of New York City architecture. Throughout the year visitors and tourists come through our doors to appreciate the richly carved woodworking, stone, and stained glass. Many others are simply seeking a quiet place for prayer and meditation. One of our most important missions is keeping the Broadway doors of the church open as much as possible. A dedicated corps of parish volunteers serve as welcoming, friendly greeters to those who enter. You don?t need to be an expert on architecture or the Episcopal Church. It?s an easy way to become familiar with the church and meet lots of interesting people. For more information contact Bill Nave at 212 254-2000 x100 or bnave@gracechurchnyc.org, or Aaron Mooney at aaronmooney@onebox.com.

6. Help out with Children's Ministries
Grace Church offers many opportunities throughout the year designed to help children see and name the love of God at work in their lives. Church School meets every Sunday for grades K through 4 from September through June. An active youth group for teens gathers monthly. Young people assist in the worship services as acolytes. The Christmas Pageant and the Easter Eve walk seek to engage children with the story of our faith. Maura Hooper, our Director of Youth and Family Ministry, coordinates it all. She could use your help! Contact her at 212 254-2000 x113 or mhooper@gracechurchnyc.org. Families with children might also wish to explore the Choir of Men and Boys and the Girls Choir for their sons and daughters. Currently, 75 choristers sing in these two choirs. Membership is open to boys and girls, aged 8-14, from any school. Contact the Choirmaster, Patrick Allen, at pallen@gracechurchnyc.org.

7. Join the Parish Choir
On Sundays at the 9 am Eucharist a group of parish volunteers comprise a vested choir that sings from September through June. Membership is open to any adult or teen with a desire to sing. No auditions necessary. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings. For more information contact the Choirmaster, Patrick Allen at 212 254-2000 x110 or pallen@gracechurchnyc.org.

8. Take on a role in the worship services
Each week a number of dedicated parishioners lend their time and talent to help make our worship services run smoothly. Ushers, Acolytes, Altar Guild members, Lay Readers, and Chalice Bearers all perform vital roles in our weekly worship services. For more information contact Bill Nave at 212 254-2000 x110 or bnave@gracechurchnyc.org.

9. Make an effort to attend special events
Throughout the year we host special events that celebrate the liturgical seasons and draw us together in fellowship. These events are usually multigenerational, and go by such names as: Advent Wreath Making, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 1st Century Agape Dinner, Church School Picnic, Newcomer Brunches, First Sunday Evensongs, and other such names. Stay tuned to your Sunday bulletins and monthly Epistle and don't let these opportunities for getting involved pass.

10. Join a Committee
A busy network of committees is essential to advance the work of Grace Church. We have ongoing committees overseeing the work of: Archives, Newcomers, Hospitality, Outreach, Children & Youth, Finance and Audit, Investments, Fabric and Grounds, Adult Education. We also have committees that form to fulfill a specific purpose, and then disband when the work is done. Current committees of this sort are: Bicentennial, Capital Campaign, Organ Replacement. For more information about serving on a committee, contact Don Waring at dwaring@gracechurchnyc.org.

The best way to explore Grace Church is to attend one of our services and then talk to one of the priests; we're very approachable, and will do our best to answer any questions you might have about Grace Church or the larger Episcopal Church. To get you started, though, here are some of the most frequently asked questions by newcomers:

I noticed that Grace Church is part of the "Episcopal Church." What does that mean?

The Episcopal Church is the American branch of the Church of England, a church that grew out of the 16th century Reformation. It is part of the larger "Anglican Communion" - that is, a communion of churches all over the world that also stem from the Church of England. The term "Episcopal derives from "episcopos," meaning "bishop," and basically means that it is a church with bishops.

Is the Episcopal Church Catholic or Protestant?

Yes! The English reformers and their successors tended to avoid falling into either category, preferring instead to straddle what would eventually be coined as the "middle way" - a way that sought to retain the best elements of the Catholic and the Protestant traditions. As you get to know the Episcopal Church, you will notice elements of both branches of Christendom in our worship, our theology, and our polity.

On a more practical note, what is a Sunday service like at Grace?

Our services follow the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer, a beautiful book containing some of the finest prose in the English language. The Sunday 9 a.m. worship is Holy Communion (or "Eucharist") and sermon. It's a lovely mix between the formal and informal, and we?re finished before 10 a.m. so that all may participate in our Christian education hour. A number of young families have been choosing the 9am service lately, and we love the energy that the children bring. The 11 a.m. service is usually Morning Prayer, with full choir and sermon. During the sermon we offer a children's message in the chantry chapel geared more for our younger worshippers. The 6 p.m. Sunday Eucharist takes place in the Chantry. The service includes a full sermon and robust hymn singing, with music provided by a variety of instrumentalists. At all services it should go without saying, but still people ask: there is no dress code! Come as you choose.

If I am not a "member" at Grace Church, or even of the broader Episcopal Church, may I take communion?

Communion in the Episcopal Church does require that you be a baptized Christian. If you are not baptized and would like to be, please contact one of the clergy and we will work toward preparing you for the very next baptism service. In the meantime, feel free to come forward and receive a blessing at the time the bread and wine of Communion are administered. Also the Morning Prayer service on Sundays at 11 a.m. does not include Communion, so this may be a good service for you while you are making up your mind.

I have heard that children take communion in the Episcopal Church, too; is this true?

Children who are baptized do take communion in our church, and we encourage them to start receiving it as soon as they express a desire to do so. We talk to children about the meaning of communion during lessons taught by our priests in the Children's chapel during the 11 a.m. service.

I want to get to know more about the Episcopal Church; are there classes I can take?

Yes. We offer a five-week newcomer class on a regular basis where we cover some of the basics of the Episcopal Church: worship, history, and theology. The course is both substantive and relaxed, and provides a great way to get to know fellow newcomers and the priests at Grace. If you?re interested in attending, just check out the newsletter and announcements to find out when our next class begins.

What do I need to do if I want to become an official "member" of Grace Church"?

Members of Grace Church are those who work, pray, and give for the spread of God's kingdom through this household of faith. We volunteer our time to keep the ministries going and reach out into the city, we are faithful in attending the worship service of our choice, and we make an annual financial pledge. If you?d like to be on the rolls of membership at Grace Church, the easiest place to start is to contact one of the clergy.

What if I have never been baptized?

If you have never been baptized and think you might be interested, please don?t hesitate to call one of the priests; we would love to sit down and talk with you.

I am not sure about membership but may I be on your mailing list?

Of course. Just contact Bill Nave in the Parish office at 212-254-2000 ext. 100 and you can request mailings and/or e-mail updates from Grace Church. His email address is: bnave@gracechurchnyc.org.

I belong to another Episcopal Church, but for various reasons may be interested in making Grace Church my regular church home. What should I do?

If you have records of your baptism and confirmation (if you've been confirmed, that is) at another church, call and ask them to 'transfer' your records over to us. To make it easier, you can contact Bill Nave in the Parish office at 212-254-2000 ext. 100 or via email bnave@gracechurchnyc.org. and tell him the name of your old church, and he will make arrangements for your records to be transferred over to Grace Church.

Do you have activities for children at Grace Church?

Yes we do. View our 'Children's Ministry" section by clicking here. You will find plenty of information about our programs for kids of all ages.

The Grace Outreach Group offers the church community local programs that are accessible to all members who desire to express their faith in Jesus Christ by reaching out to meet the needs of people in our own community. Outreach has worked and assisted in supporting the Homeless Connect,and Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans.

Resources for the Homeless Shelter is the umbrella organization for an array of outreach programs at Grace Church in New York City that address the spiritual and material aspects of homelessness.
Homelessness manifests itself in many forms: There are the very real needs of the poor, the aged, the unstable and the disabled who struggle to find sufficient food, housing and personal dignity in a city where the gap between rich and poor continues to widen.
It is evident in the the loneliness and dislocation of the spiritually lost--rich and poor?who are searching for a caring community of believers.
It is evident in the urgent needs of victims of natural disasters in the United States and around the world.
If you are sensitive to these issues, consider joining Grace Church's team of Shelter volunteers in our efforts to make a difference:

The Grace Church Preservation Fund

Grace Church is a designated National Historic Landmark, a Gothic revival masterpiece, designed by James Renwick, Jr., and completed in 1846. Renwick went on to design St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and the Smithsonian Institution "castle" in Washington, D.C.
Time and the elements have taken a toll on the church and with help from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the New York Landmarks conservancy and many generous individuals, significant restoration has already been done to windows and the church's towering spire. But much more needs to be done: persistent roof leaks in the nave aisle have severely damaged the interior of the church and threaten the structural integrity of intricate plaster work in the ceilings.
Your donations are appreciated to help maintain this spiritual and architectural treasure.

Open Door Ministry

Hospitality is the most heartfelt of human responses to the homeless. All through the week, Grace Church's Open Door volunteers are on hand to welcome passersby, inviting all to enter this sacred space for rest, pray and contemplate and to guide them to an appreciation of the architectural grandeur of the church.

Engaging Homelessness

In a quest for comprehensive solutions to this very human problem, volunteers at Grace Church are engaged in public policy advocacy and networking with the Interfaith Assembly of Homelessness and Housing to address the systemic causes of homelessness; to educate the congregation on the issues and needs of the poor; to reflect in small groups on the theological dimensions of homelessness and to participate in hands-on ministry to the homeless. Volunteers in this program also hope to develop a directory of resources for the homeless of this city, including a listing of food banks, shelters and empowerment programs to help the vulnerable remain in their homes.

Mission to New Orleans

Grace Church volunteers have made a commitment to help our sister congregation, Grace Church of New Orleans, to repair the damaged church, reclaim ruined housing and restore needed services to the devastated Mid-City neighborhood. So far we have made two trips, one in April of 2006 and one in June of 2007. Planning has begun for the 2008 trip, tentatively scheduled for May 13-18, 2008. The first trip in 2006 involved tearing down, or ?mucking out? houses and refurbishing exterior and interior spaces at Grace Episcopal Church in New Orleans, where water had stood five feet deep for several weeks.
During the 2007 trip, we performed community service involving framing out new houses with Americorps in the St Bernard Parish, salvaging the useable woodwork in a house being demolished in Lakeview Parish, and working with members of the "Beacon of Hope" removing debris restoring lawns in Lakeview Parish. We also worked with Habitat for Humanity, framing out a house in St. Bernard Perish where the damage level was rated at 100%.
If you would like to learn more about the mission, please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gracechurchreneworleans, where you can see articles about what is going on in New Orleans, pictures of our volunteers in action, and keep abreast of plans for next year's trip.

Click here to view photos of recent events at Grace Church.

Click here to take a tour of Grace Church.