Being in Church

Dear Members of the Parish,

From time to time, we all need a reminder about proper behavior and decorum in Church. Here are a few simple things that can make worship more meaningful for all of us:

• Many folks like to come into the sanctuary before the service begins to have some quiet time to pray and meditate -- please respect that silence.
• If you come into the service late, the best time to move to your pew is during a hymn. Walking around while someone is reading or the celebrant is preaching or celebrating the Eucharist can be very distracting.
• Please observe silence during the Offertory. There is a great deal of action going on: the collection is being taken up, the gifts of bread and wine are brought forward and the Choir sings an Offertory Anthem. This music is an offering to God on everyone's behalf. It is a time to listen, to pray and to prepare ourselves for the central part of the service, which is the Eucharist.

I know that Sundays are frequently the time for people to catch up on each others news and while I know that community is very important and supporting one another is what we do so well here at Grace, I hope you will find the time for fellowship either before the service or afterward at Coffee Hour. It's all about finding a balance between quiet reflection and worship time and fellowship.

On another note, one of the ways we strengthen our community of faith is through the Annual Meeting, which will be Sunday, January 31st, right after the 11 AM Eucharist. Whether you are an "old-timer" or "newcomer" to Grace, I invite you to join me for a time of food, fellowship and reflecting on the past year. Childcare and children's activities will be provided. If you have not yet become a member of the Grace Church Corporation, you may do that simply by signing "the Book" on that Sunday. This will give you voice and vote at the meeting.

See the Warrant, which is posted in the Bulletin for details of the meeting. It is a wonderful time to thank those who give so tirelessly of their time and talent to Grace and to look forward to the future, asking God's direction for our mission in this place and to the wider community.

Blessings and Peace,
Miriam