Come to Worship
Worshipping God is at the heart of everything we do. It is the primary thing that gathers the people of Grace Church together as a community. Services are on Sundays at 9 am and 11 am in the church, and at 6 pm in the chantry. We also offer a worship service on Wednesdays at 6 pm in the chantry. The door to the church and the gate to the chantry are directly off the Broadway sidewalk. You do not need permission to attend or to notify anyone in advance. Just come as you are, come inside, find a seat, and join in as the Spirit moves you. At the 11 am service during the program year (September to June), we offer Children’s Chapel during the sermon as an age-appropriate alternative for little ones. Additionally, for those who may be housebound, ill, or traveling, the 11 am service is livestreamed every Sunday on this website, YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook.
Fill Out a Newcomer Card
In the pews you will find newcomer cards and pencils in the little nooks beneath the hymnals and prayer books. If you fill out one of these with your name, email, and phone, you can place it in the offering plate as it comes by, or give it to an usher or one of the clergy after the service. We don’t share your contact information with anyone, but use it to invite you to the next newcomer class and add you to our contact list. Our digital newsletter, The Weekly Epistle, typically goes out every Friday. You can fill out an online newcomer form here.
Enjoy Coffee and Refreshments
Following the 9 am and 11 am Sunday services, we offer a time of fellowship, refreshments, and delicious baked goods. The location is typically in a large room called Tuttle Hall, but sometimes, weather permitting, we make use of our ample, outdoor green spaces. Also, after the 6 pm Sunday service we often offer beverages and cheese in the back of the chantry. If you linger a bit after services, you’ll discover that the people of Grace Church are a friendly, easygoing community who will greet you and include you in conversation.
Introduce Yourself to the Clergy
The clergy are the ordained leaders who preside over the worship services and organize the programs of the church. After services you will find them at the main doors greeting people who are hurrying on their way. But a much better opportunity to meet them is at one of the fellowship times (often called “coffee hour”) in Tuttle Hall or the chantry. The clergy also keep regular office hours during the week and would be happy to meet with you. You can find their contact pages here, and can use these to schedule an appointment.
Check Out Adult Education
On most Sundays at 10 am during the program year, we host a Sunday Forum in the reception room. Thus, if you’ve come to the 9 am service, you can visit coffee hour and then stroll right over to the Forum. You can also come early for the 11 am service. The Forum takes an in-depth look at topics of Christian concern, be they theological, Biblical, social, or political. Nothing is off the table. On Wednesdays during the program year, you’ll find a Bible study or book discussion taking place in the reception room at 6:45 pm, immediately following the 6 pm service. Refreshments are served. At other hours during the week, we host Confirmation classes, newcomer sessions, and many other opportunities for adults to practice lifelong spiritual growth and formation. View upcoming classes on our event calendar and subscribe to our contact list to receive notifications about opportunities for adult education.
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, such as parish picnics, garden parties, and receptions that mark various parish milestones and ministries. View our event calendar and subscribe to our contact list to receive notifications about what is coming next.
Join an Outreach Project
The Outreach Committee strives to alleviate some of the human suffering we find in the community and world. In recent years, we have sponsored the rebuilding of two houses in Queens, working in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Our commitment involved countless volunteer hours and financial grants. Lately, we are working with The Red Door Place, a nearby food ministry and social service agency that provides aid to people living on the margins. Our Saturday work days have been lively and helpful in building up the Grace Church family as well as assisting our neighbors in need. View upcoming volunteer opportunities on our event calendar and subscribe to our contact list to receive notifications about outreach.
Assist During Worship Services
Every week, a number of dedicated parishioners lend their time and talent to help our worship services run smoothly. Ushers, acolytes, Altar Guild members, lay readers, and chalice bearers all perform vital roles in our weekly worship services. Please contact the Rev. James Morton for more information.
Join a Group or Committee
A vital network of committees is essential to advancing the work of Grace Church. We have ongoing committees overseeing Adult Education, Archives, Newcomers, Hospitality, Outreach, Children and Youth, Finance and Audit, Investments, and Fabric and Grounds. Other groups are more social in nature: Canterbury Downtown for university students, 20s & 30s Pub Theology, Grace Church Women (GCW), and Grace Cares. Please contact the Rev. Eva Suarez for more information.
Become an Annual Giver
Every year, we ask all of our households to commit to an annual financial gift. By making an annual gift you not only support the ministries of Grace Church, you also give thanks to God for all the blessings of life (and you get a nametag on the boards in Tuttle Hall to wear at coffee hour!). Typically, we launch the Annual Campaign towards the end of the calendar year so that we can set the budget for the year ahead. Some people make an outright gift, others make a pledge and pay it off throughout the coming year. In either case, we encourage everyone to be generous and faithful in giving. It costs approximately $5 every minute of every day, 365 days a year to keep Grace Church going. Please contact Travis Kennedy in the Development Office with any questions about pledging.
Learn More About Parish Life
With programs for newcomers and longtime parishioners alike, opportunities for spiritual growth, education, and fellowship abound. Learn more about the many ways to find your place in this parish.