Parish Office Telephone No. (914) 949-2874   Grace Episcopal Church / La Gracia 33 Church Street - 2nd fl. White Plains, NY 10601 Monday to Friday 9:00 AM — 3:00 PM   Clergy and Staff   The Rev. Dr. Chip Graves, Rector X 150 therevchipgraves@gmail.com The Rev. Adolfo Moronta, Associate Priest, X 140 amoronta@gracechurchwhiteplains.org Ms. Maria Campos, Administrator X100, mcampos@gracechurchwhiteplains.org Mr. Peter Roberts, Director of Music Mr. Juan Carlos Abreu, Director of Music, La Gracia Mr. Taurino Juarez, Sexton   Vestry Members   Michael Heffner - Sr. Warden Daisy Calderon- Jr. Warden Hilary Fleming - Treasurer Irene Alves- Clerk Sorraya Sampson Elliot, Charlotte Roberson, Daniel Corsanego, Eileen McClean, Edythe D. Horne, Mary Baker

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday 2020 Celebrant: Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest. Celebrant: Let us pray. Assist us mercifully with your help, O Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the contemplation of those mighty acts, whereby you have given us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Matthew 21:1-11 When Jesus and his disciples had come near Jerusalem and had reached Beth-phage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, `The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! " When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee." The Blessing of the Palms The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise. Celebrant: It is right to praise you, Almighty God, for the acts of love by which you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. On this day he entered the holy city of Jerusalem in triumph, and was proclaimed as King of kings by those who spread their garments and branches of palm along his way. Let these branches be for us signs of his victory, and grant that we who bear them in his name may ever hail him as our King, and follow him in the way that leads to eternal life; who lives and reigns in glory with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Confitemini Domino 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; * his mercy endures for ever. 2 Let Israel now proclaim, * "His mercy endures for ever." 19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; * I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD. 20 "This is the gate of the LORD; * he who is righteous may enter." 21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me * and have become my salvation. 22 The same stone which the builders rejected * has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD's doing, * and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 On this day the LORD has acted; * we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Hosannah, LORD, hosannah! * LORD, send us now success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; * we bless you from the house of the LORD. 27 God is the LORD; he has shined upon us; * form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar. 28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; * you are my God, and I will exalt you." 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; * his mercy endures for ever. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest Jesus, when you rode into Jerusalem The people waved palms with shouts of acclamation! Grant that when the shouting dies We may still walk beside you even to a cross. Amen Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love towards us you sent your Son to take our nature upon himself and to suffer death upon the cross; grant that we may follow the example of his great humility and share in hi glorious resurrection; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen Lord Jesus, acclaimed as king, crucified as a criminal, teach us to accept our sufferings and triumphs for your glory alone. Amen The Epistle Philippians 2:5-11 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The Word of the Lord. The Gospel Please note: The customary responses before and after the Gospel are omitted. One of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, say-ing, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after anoth-er, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.” While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples. Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and ag-itated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw him-self on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, say-ing the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.” While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will per-ish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. But Peter was fol-lowing him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testi-mony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” The high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But Je-sus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?” Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the by-standers, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent be-trays you.” Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people con-ferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor. When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repent¬ed and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.” After con¬ferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.” Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” But when he was ac- cused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notori-ous prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barab-bas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barab-bas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them said, “Let him be crucified!” Then he asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our chil-dren!” So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquar-ters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the af-ternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you for-saken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and ap-peared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had fol-lowed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Jo-seph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ Therefore command the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone. The Sermon The Prayers of the People Father now more than ever the world waits for your Good News. Be present to all who turn to you, strengthen those who fail or hesitate; come into our lives each day and give us hearts and greet you with joy. We call those who follow you, “the church” – and we have surrounded these faithful peo¬ple with buildings, ministries, hierarchies, rubrics, headaches, heartaches and deep joy. As your church struggles in isolation in so many places, remind us that we need only You and one another. We live in nations that are reeling, exhausted from putting plans, protocols and people into place to address a crisis like we have not known in this generation. Give your grace to this nation, to our leaders and public servants, to our government and all govern¬ments; to us and all people. This virus is spread from person to person, from our being in close proximity to our neighbor. We watch with fear and awe, as we see from this disease, just how connected we are as people. In that awareness we offer our deepest prayers for the recovery from this sickness for people everywhere, for the welfare of all people, for the well-being of businesses and public services and their way forward in the future for all people every¬where. We suffer now from illness, fear, grief, uncertainty, unemployment, cancelled plans, lost opportunities, poverty, hunger and loss. Comfort us. Comfort all people. And strengthen us for the days to come. We mourn those who have died and left this world. Bless the departed with eternal light and with your joy when the day of new life comes. We are enter now into a Holy Week of solitude, stripped bare of our usual fanfare, bless us as we live deeply into the meaning of this week. Give us the will to use this time to draw closer to you and your son; as we consider the meaning and the unbelievable truth of his passion and death this week. We set aside our desire for Easter, as we live deeper into the radical offering of love that was the passion of your son. Amen. The Peace The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. The Offering Please continue to support your church. Both St. John’s and Grace Church are still able to receive and deposit pledges mailed to our address. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. The Blessing The Dismissal On this Sunday of passion and palms we leave the service in silence.  Join us for Holy Week offered live on Facebook: Maundy Thursday 7:30 p.m. with a virtual watch live on FB from 9 p.m to 6 p.m. Good Friday Virtual Stations of the Cross: 3 p.m. Good Friday Worship: 7:30 p.m. Easter Morning: 10 a.m.

The Spring 2020 Angelus

GRACE CHURCH of the Episcopal Diocese of New York IGLESIA LA GRACIA De la Diocesis Episcopal de Nueva York ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2019 STAFF The Reverend Dr. Chip Graves, Rector / El Rector The Reverend Adolfo Moronta, Associate Priest / Sacerdote Asociado Peter Roberts, Music Director Grace Church / MOsica de Grace Juan Carlos Abreu, Music Director La Gracia / Mt:mica de La Gracia Donna Louis, Youth Ministry Coordinator / Coordinadora del Ministerio Juvenil Maria Campos, Administrator / Administradora Taurino Juarez, Sexton / Jefe de Mantenimiento VESTRY MEMBERS Joseph C. Gallo, Senior. Warden Michael Heffner, Junior Warden Hillary Fleming, Treasurer Sorraya Sampson Elliott, Clerk Class of 2019: Trisha McGuinness, Charlotte Roberson Class of 2020: Hillary Fleming, Michael Heffner Class of 2021: Irene Alves, Sorraya Sampson Elliott, Eileen McClean ANNUAL MEETING HELD JANUARY 26, 2020 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Annual Meeting January 26, 2020 Agenda Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Call to Order and Opening Prayer Report of the Nominating Committee and Opening of the Polls Hymn and change of venue to the Parish Hall Hillary Fleming: Treasurer's Report for 2019 Presentation of the 2020 Budget Joseph C. Gallo Senior Warden's Reflection The Rev. Dr. Chip Graves Rector's Report The Rev. Adolfo Moronta Report on La Gracia Joseph C. Gallo Recognitions and Thanks Sorraya Sampson Elliott Announcement of the Election Closing Prayer Table of Contents Annual Meeting: January 26, 2020 Page Number Agenda 1 Table of Contents 2 Ballot for Elections 3 Finance Report & 2020 Budget 4,5 The State of the Church: Overview Reflection of the Senior Warden 6,7 Rector's Report 8,9 Report of the Associate Priest 10,11 La Gracia 12,13 Statistical Report 14 Building and Grounds 15 Technology/Communications 16 Stewardship 17 Worship Altar Guild 18 Acolyte Ministry 19 Ushers 20 Lectors 21 Grace Church Choir 22 Christian Foundation Sunday School & Rite 13 23 Youth Programs & J2A Advocacy / Community Partnerships Advocacy Committee 24,25 Partnership with Lifting Up Westchester 26,27 Parish Life Pastoral Care 28 The Welcoming Committee 29 S.A.G.E. 30 ECW 31 Book Club 32 Walk of Grace 33 2 Grace Church Annual Meeting January 26, 2020 Ballot Candidate for Senior Warden Vote for One (1) (Two-Year Term) Michael Heffner Candidate for Junior Warden (One-year term) Note completing unfinished term Daisy Calderon Vote for One (1) Candidates for Vestry Vote for four (4) Note* (3 for 3-year terms, 1 for 2-year uncompleted term) Daniel Corsanego Edythe D. Home Charlotte Roberson Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Finance Chair: Joe Gallo Co-Chair: Hillary Fleming Members: Carlos Munoz, Kevin Richards, Michael Heffner Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) In 2019, we made an effort to share monthly reporting with everyone who has responsibility for managing a budget. The same reports that I share with the Vestry at monthly meetings are the ones each budget manager receives. This was another step in creating financial transparency that began in 2018 with publishing a pledge tracker in each bulletin. A notable achievement was La Gracia exceeding its pledge goal of $15,000. La Gracia pledges reached close to $21,000 (up from $15,000 in 2018). This is the result of Fr. Adolfo's partnership with Daisy Calderon and other La Gracia lay leaders to educate and encourage the La Gracia congregation about stewardship and the purpose of pledging. Challenges continue to be a significantly insufficient cash flow in the face of rising costs to run Grace/La Gracia. We entered 2019 with a large planned deficit and ended 2019 worse off. The unfinished business of 2019 is the same as the unfinished business of 2018... identifying a way to offset our negative cash flow and establishing a plan to replenish and grow our endowment. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) · Protected endowment fund established · Growth in Grace (i.e. membership, programs) · Additional Revenue Streams What resources we will need to get there: · Financial and Legal Expertise · Creativity and Volunteers 2020 Budget - Voted on By Vestry 12.23.19 2020 Budget 2019 Budget 2019 Actua Is Pledge Income Grace $ 250,000 $ 310,000 $ 256,296 Pledge Income LaGracia 20,000 15,000 20,787 Loose Plate Offerings 45,000 35,000 66,595 LUW Rent/Utilities 116,000 116,000 115,916 Office Rental 6,600 0 0 Parish Hall Rent 25,000 20,000 36,637 La Gracia Grant 8,000 8,000 8,000 Fundraisers 5,000 10,000 735 Diocesan Clergy Grant 66,000 55,278 55,278 All Other Income 40,000 25,000 80,426 TOTAL INCOME 581,600 594,278 640,670 Withdrawals from Savings 232,270 173,712 200,000 TOTAL RECEIPTS 813,870 767,990 840,670 Church Operations 309,000 272,910 280,689 Clergy 301,200 299,400 286,966 Music 62,820 53,000 56,423 La Gracia 24,300 19,300 20,219 Other 5,950 6,750 11,762 Rectory 19,700 19,700 19,372 Office 90,900 96,930 116,591 TOTAL EXPENSES 813,870 767,990 792,022 Profit (Deficit) 48,648 Highlights · We finished December with a much higher pledge intake of ($34K) than what I predicted during our 12/23 Budget conference call ($22K). · Total Revenues were $46K higher than planned, thanks to in-kind donations from Cappelli, Parish Hall rentals, unexpected bequests and very high loose plate offerings. · Altar Guild is 100% self-funding ($8K). 5 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Senior Wardens Report 2019 was a year of anticipation with many goals needing to be examined and implemented. I would like to take this opportunity to summarize some of the major accomplishments shepherded by the guidance of our new rector, Father Chip Graves. Accomplishments for 2019 · Installation of New Rector. In 2019 the Vestry was able to call a new rector in Father Chip Graves. He was installed the summer of 2019 by Bishop Glasspool with the assistance of the Diocese and much work by Grace parishioners. n The Grace Rectory. Several repairs and updates were made to the rectory. Through the efforts of the Vestry, Buildings and Grounds, chaired by Walter Simon and several dedicated members, the windows were replaced, waterproofing of the front of the property, and painting of the interior and exterior were completed. Several rotted areas were repaired, putting the rectory in good shape. n Grace Church historical records were organized and preserved by Clyde Hicks and his committee. Based on the hard work of this committee and their recommendations, the Vestry approved the storage of documents going back to the 1800's with the Diocese. Under the safekeeping of the Diocese, the documents are always available for Grace to retrieve, but they are protected by the policies and procedures of professionals at the Diocese. The documents still are Grace's records and available to Grace. · The Grace parish elevator was finally repaired and put into service. The original budget of this project exceeded $350,000. Through the rekindling of our relationship with Mr. Louis Cappelli, the project was completed at no cost to Grace. Many thanks to Mr. Cappelli who has agreed to act as our property consultant at no cost to Grace. · The organ has had several maintenance and repairs completed under the guidance of William Biles and other parishioners. The Vestry has taken the recommendations of this committee and has established a separate fund with our financial advisors. Through fundraising efforts spearheaded by Eileen McClean, the Vestry has established this fund. With the market producing double digit returns, the Vestry voted to take these funds and invest them in high yield markets. The Vestry felt this to be a sound philosophy as these funds are for future enhancements to the organ (not standard yearly maintenance) that are not anticipated to happen for at least three years. This plan will exceed $ 300,000 to accomplish this vision. 6 · Finances have been constantly monitored with several options being tested to improve our positions. We have had the Cappelli organization fund several projects. The Bedell Fund has granted us just under $ 200,000 to make repairs such as painting the exterior church railing, remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms in the rectory, repairing the driveway, and several other projects. With the help of Lifting Up Westchester, we were successful in winning a grant to update the air conditioning and repair to the roof of the Parish Hall building. We have received bequests that exceed $ 200,000 and continue to look to movie companies to rent space from Grace. Goals for 2020 · Revise investment goals and indexes · Continue to monitor and maintain the properties · Continue fundraising events and sources of income · Develop a five-year plan to return to a break-even budget · Reestablish our mission of being a welcoming church to all · Continue to be transparent regarding the finances of Grace · Strength our advocacy and outreach missions I have always felt that Grace has never retreated from a challenge. When Grace is faced with a challenge, they have always reached deep and come to fulfill what it sets out to do. I am confident that the new leaders will continue to see the vision and move forward to accomplish these goals. I thank all for your confidence and support and hope you will continue this with the new leadership. 7 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 The Rev. Dr. Chip Graves Over this past year, I have worked closely with our vestry, ministry leaders, and many parish members. I cannot thank all of you enough for all that you've done to support me and this parish this past year. I came to Grace Episcopal Church in late January of 2019. My initial focus was to fulfill the primary points expressed to me by the search committee and vestry to include a focus on our worship, pastoral care, administration, community relationship between Grace and La Gracia and growth in parish membership and spirituality. I'd like to briefly share about each component. During each Sunday Fr. Adolfo and I work with Peter Roberts (the choir) and those assisting at the altar to ensure a solid worship experience. And we will continue, striving to improve. Our sermons focus on how the Gospel message of the day connects to our contemporary lives in which we live. In order to enhance our worship, we have implemented several things. First, we heard you wanted more hymns from Lifting Every Voice and Sing. Therefore, we have added them. We heard that you adore traditional services; therefore, we brought back the Requiem Mass, the Lessons and Carols and the Great Litany later this spring 2020. In addition, we have added a Rite 1 worship at 8:00 AM on Sunday and we are developing a new weekly Sunday afternoon Mass with Jazz Music, derived from our National Cathedral in Washington DC. Regarding Pastoral Care, I'd like to thank Sandy McAllister and her pastoral care team for all the work they do, visiting our home-bound members, unable to attend Sunday worship. In addition, Fr. Adolfo and I meet weekly with parishioners in need - at church, at home, at hospitals, at rehab centers and much more. I'd also like to thank Melanie Jackson and UTO members for stepping up from time to time helping with folks in need. Regarding Administration, I've worked closely with Maria Campos, trying to enhance our communication with all leaders and members at Grace Church. As we all know, Grace Church is an active place, literally engaging the White Plains community twenty-four-seven. We have developed a 12-month master working calendar, allowing leaders to know of projects to come. We are also developing a several hundred-page policies and procedures manual allowing for smoother operations in the future. Regarding the Building of Community between Grace and La Gracia members, we continue bilingual worship services. I meet regularly with La Gracia leaders for their input and insight. We have added La Gracia members to our vestry, and we continue to invite members from both Grace and la Gracia to attend each other's events. And lastly, we have focused on developing fundraisers that benefit both memberships, not just one or the other. 8 With regard to growing the church, we have done many things. One, I have followed up personally with newcomers, inviting them to private consultation in my office or at some convenient location in town. Two, we developed a new weekly Coffee Hour after 8 o'clock Mass, allowing our newcomers to get to know our regular members. Three, we have developed a new weekly Women's Bible Study, which has attracted many new women to our church. Four, we have developed a weekly video of our Sunday worship service on Facebook and therefore, we now have over 200 new people watching our service each week. Five, we are developing several new and exciting community events, events that will likely generate interest for newcomers. There is more to come. There are areas in which we can improve. First, we need more member participation in a few areas. We need volunteers to support our Sunday School teachers, the Altar Guild, serving on the altar and Pastoral Care. We gave out participation slips for you to fill in and give back to us. Please consider this. If you have interest, please let us know. These positions are essential to our church. I would be remiss, if I did not mention the white elephant in the room - our financial situation. In this past year we had some very positive financial news; several grants, a large bequest, Grace increased their non-pledge giving and la Gracia continues to grow their pledge and plate; however, we retain a very large deficit. Our large deficit is not insurmountable but must be addressed. Our deficit did not begin this past year but has been a trend for many years. Unless we stop this trend, Grace Episcopal Church will not have another 200 years. Therefore, our leadership is going to be proactively engaging this matter. We have begun a visionary process in order to determine our parish priorities and how to fund them. The priorities will come from you, the church members. Therefore, we ask you to participate. This process is a delicate dance that encompasses both the willingness to invest in new things allowing for growth, while at the same time, being willing to right size our expenses in order to live within our budget. As we move forward in this financial visioning process, we will follow some guidelines in order to ensure a positive outcome. First, all members are invited to these meetings. Second, we will focus on the future and not the past. Third, we will not focus on blame but possibilities. Fourth, we will be proactive; there will be a tangible outcome. Fifth, we will discuss with respect to one another's views. Sixth, we will be transparent. I look forward to this process and our enhanced community outcome. In closing, I want you to know that I truly love Grace Episcopal Church, rich in so many ways. God bless all of you, thank you for your support and I look forward to our continued blessings in 2020. God Bless, Fr. Chip Grace /La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report 2020 Associate Priest: The Rev. Adolfo Moronta Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievements, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019). 2020 marks my third year in this vibrant and diverse parish. During these three years a lot has happened. I have had the opportunity to work with very gifted rectors and an Interim (Rev. Richard Kunz, Rev. Judith Lee and now Rev. Chip Graves), I have by my side an incredibly talented and gifted committee of leaders who work closely with me. During 2019 I was involved in the life of the parish through many of its ministries, namely Eucharistic celebrations, preaching, funerals, pastoral care, various meetings, special activities, and the connections made with many of you. I have been working closely with Fr. Chip. We meet every week where we plan together the activities of Grace/La Gracia. I continued to make pastoral visits in homes and hospitals for both Grace and La Gracia. Father Chip and I met regularly with Sandy Gadsden McAllister, Chair of the Pastoral Care Team, to schedule monthly visits. I did 2 baptisms, and 2 weddings. Every Thursday at 12:05 pm I presided over the healing service and preached the first Sunday of every month for both the 8:00 am and the 10:00 am service, and when Father Chip was away. During Lent I was personally blessed for the third year in a row to be able to offer "Ashes to Go" at the train station from 6:00 AM until early afternoon. There I had the opportunity to pray, talk and offer ashes to more than 150 people. This was also an opportunity to reach those who were not our parishioners and let them know about Grace/La Gracia and the different services and ministries we have. We had a successful "Toy Drive" during December for Grace/La Gracia. Through this activity we not only collected toys to be given out to all the children, but we also received gifts cards and special gifts for all the youth of the church. The toy drive was an event that brought both ministries together as one. Unfortunately, on June of 2019 Fidel, the gentlemen I met in our Soup kitchen who was fighting his addiction to alcohol and who returned to Mexico with the help of many of you, died. I must say that Fidel helped me reaffirm the reason why I became a priest. I originally thought that my mission with Fidel was to help him, through a relationship with God, be cured of his alcoholism and recover to have a full and happy life. But God had a different plan. God's plan was for me to help Fidel to be healed — to find God, to be reunited with his mother, and to die in peace. I have learned two things from this experience. First, that no matter how hard I try as a priest I am not always going to get the outcome that I expect. Second, that we never know what a little bit of kindness can mean to those we care for. One of my most successful projects of 2019 was the School of Lay Leaders which I developed for La Gracia. The objective of this program is to empower our lay members to assume leadership positions in the church. Instructions include topics such as: The Bible, liturgy, spirituality, preaching, Church History and the Book of Common Prayer. The School meets twice a month with an average attendance of 20. 10 I feel blessed that we have had many so positive results within the Latino Ministry including increased attendance, renewal of their spiritual lives, increased stewardship and involvement in the life of Grace/La Gracia. In all, it is the blessing of the Lord towards this church that has allowed Grace/ La Gracia to get to where we are. I am grateful to Grace/ La Gracia for allowing me to do what I love the most - ministry. Goals for 2020 1) Continue to be a bridge between the English and the Latino ministries of this church. 2) Work closely with our Rector. 3) Keep contributing to the spiritual growth of the congregation. What resources we will need to get there: The overall support of the members of the parish. 11 Grace /La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 La Gracia The Rev. Adolfo Moronta Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievements, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019). Four of my main goals for La Gracia have been spiritual growth, building a strong community, church growth and increased participation in stewardship. All four have been accomplished throughout my three years with the Latino ministry. Spiritual growth has been achieved through a combination of elements: The Holy Eucharist, Bible Study, weekly Prayer Group meetings and retreats. When I preside for the Latino ministry any liturgical service participants get the opportunity to connect with the Lord through prayer, music and the sermon. These are all essential tools needed so people can establish a connection with the Lord, allowing them to go back to their homes touched by God and revitalized. To help create a strong community, we provide a series of activities such as lunch served every Sunday to all who attend the Eucharist. It is there that people get to know each other and create strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood. Additionally, we do a series of activities outside of the church such as Prayer Group meetings every Wednesday in the homes of parishioners, Bible Study, barbecues in the summer time, Posadas (in December) and once a year La Gracia does a major trip to a religious setting where we get the chance to come together as one community in Christ. In 2019 we went to the Shrine of the Divine Mercy and 110 attended. Stewardship: we have increased giving from a little over $5,000 a year to $33,000. This has been a result of the combined efforts of Charlotte Robertson, Cynthia Brown, Daisy Calderon and me. We still have a long way to go, but we are already seeing a positive improvement. Church Growth: the increase in attendance of La Gracia is a result of several factors: 1) our strong spiritual Sunday Eucharist 2) Prayer Group meetings which are an excellent way to gain new parishioners since the person hosting a specific Prayer Group meeting usually invites family members and friends who usually end up attending our Sunday Eucharist; 3) word of mouth. On July 26, 27 & 28 La Gracia held its annual retreat called Life in the Spirit Seminar. The Life in the Spirit Seminar (LISS) is an invitation to make or renew a deep personal commitment to Jesus Christ in openness to the Holy Spirit and His gifts. The retreat included speakers from both New York and New Jersey and was accompanied by joyful and spiritual music, prayer times and small group meetings where the participants shared their point of views, asked questions and formed a small community. Around 80 participated in this annual retreat which has an objective to: 1) Begin, renew or deepen a relationship with Jesus, 2) Motivate parishioners to a fuller participation in Parish Life, 3) Develop greater appreciation of Eucharist, 4) Deepen prayer life and 5) Increase study of Scripture. For the third consecutive year in 2019 we also had our annual fundraiser and the Toy Drive. The fundraiser is an event that not only celebrates the independence of Mexico and other Latin American countries, but also is a cultural festivity where those present will have the opportunity to see the national 12 dances from Mexico and Peru and Central American countries. In these three years this activity has raised over $6,000. We had a successful Toy Drive during December for Grace/La Gracia and more than 250 toys were received. These were distributed after the 10:00 AM and the 12:30 PM services. The toy drive was an event that brought both ministries together as one. Another three pluses in 2019 were 1) the relationship established between La Gracia and the Centro Hispano (Hispanic Center). This center offers a series of services and programs that highly benefit the Latino parishioners of La Gracia. 2) The Thursday service at 7:30 PM which has been quite successful and is very convenient for those parishioners who cannot make it to our Sunday service, it has an average attendance of 30-40. 3) The members of La Gracia who joined the Advocacy committee led by Michael Heffner. Besides the above, 2019 has been the year to empower our leaders. For this purpose, I developed one of my most successful projects of 2019 which was the School of Lay Leaders. The objective of this program is to empower our lay members to assume leadership positions in the church. Instructions include topics such as: The Bible, liturgy, spirituality, preaching, Church History and the Book of Common Prayer. The School meets twice a month with an average attendance of 20. Additionally, members of La Gracia have participated in different workshops and activities sponsored by the Diocese. I have sent groups of parishioners to different workshops such as: "I Want My Church to Grow." They also have attended the "Escuela Biblica de Liderazgo" of the Diocese. Additionally, 7 parishioners traveled to the Kanuga Conference Center in North Carolina to participate in the "Nuevo Amanecer Conference." Nuevo Amanecer is a conference that takes place every two years, where many successful lay and ordained leaders from the Latino Ministries of the Episcopal Church gather together in one place to learn and share their experiences. Nuevo Amanecer has various workshops and conferences that are offered to provide additional training to all those involved in Latino Ministry. I am also working to create strong ties between the Latino Congregations of the area: St Peters of Port Chester, San Andres in Yonkers, San Marcos in Tarrytown and San Bartolomeo in White Plains. Every year we have a series of joint activities including the Stations of the Cross during Lent, our Advent retreat, and a Healing Eucharist. From time to time, we visit and preach in each other's congregations. This shared ministry has been very beneficial to all of us since we not only create ties between our congregations but also, we get to share with each other our plans, challenges and needs. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) 1. We want to continue to increase our Spanish-speaking membership. 2. Continue to hold special worship services that are also community gatherings (such as the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Posadas and our weekly Prayer Groups In the homes of our parishioners. 3. Have a major retreat during the summertime. 4. Continue to integrate and motivate La Gracia's members in all the major activities and ministries of Grace/La Gracia. What resources we will need to get there: 1. The commitment of the attendees of this ministry and the overall support of the Parish. 2. Funding. 13 2019 Statistics Register of Services - 2019 Sunday Holy Eucharists: 134 Weekday Holy Eucharists: 202 Private Administrations of Holy Communion: 105 Sunday Attendance Total: 12,847 Average Sunday Attendance: 267 Record of Baptisms in 2019 Ethan Jeremiah Black Jessie Joaquin Crafts Jacob Mendoza Duque Josiah Marlon Jayden McCalla Kassie Munoz Sandalee Ilena Koran — Rose Harrison James Simoglou Record of First Communions in 2019 — None (0) Record of Confirmed in 2019 — None (0) Record of Marriages in 2019 Miguel Angel Batista Rosas and Maria Eugenia Candelas Flores Steven Patierno and Amy MacPherson Steven McDermott and Taylor Zirpolit Funerals Held at Grace Church in 2019 Corine Addison Bradley Edward R. Hewitt Gloria E. Hewitt Marcelina Rivas Romero Gregory Carl Theodore Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee Buildings & Grounds Chair: Walter Simon Co-Chair: Nate Hogan Members: Bill Biles, Bob Soso, Joyce Sampson, Arlene Grant Project Specific Members: Michael Heffner and Teri Surgent Committee Resource; Taurino Juarez Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) We were successful is securing $173,000. in outside funding to address a series of needed improvements in the rectory, sanctuary and parish hall. The Bedell Fund provided $100,000 and $73,000 was provided by the City of White Plains and Westchester County through the efforts LUW. The second boiler is in the process of being brought back into operation; but, additional upgrading of the unit is still required. Significant investment in roof repairs were made; however, pointing and/or replacement of the stonework of sanctuary and the repair of the organ remain major challenges. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) 1. Every organization to have neat and secured space for their items. We have a significant amount of storage space in the parish hall building that is poorly utilized. We started the process of space organization in the basement and will continue to process to the first and second floors. Unused items are being discarded and additional shelves are being built. However, the Buildings and Grounds Committee requires additional help to complete this and other projects. 2. Upgrade second boiler. 3. Selectively re-point critical areas of stonework that contribute water penetration into the building. What resources we will need to get there: Goal 1. Requires some funds from the B&G budget. The major resource needed is volunteer labor. Goal 2. Requires additional funding. Goal 3. Very careful management and allocation of B&G funds to achieve this goal. What is actually needed is additional capital spending to complete the project. It is a stretch objective to complete all the necessary repointing without it. 15 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Technology/Communication Chair: Michael Heffner Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) · Boosted the audio quality from our video source in the library. Will roll out additional sound bars as needed. · Worked with church member Wayne Elliott on streamlining our phone system (and expect to reduce the annual cost to the church by upwards of $8,000.00). · Work to continue to improve our live-streaming capacity (for the benefit of shut-ins and those who can't physically be at services/events). Our Facebook presence has been expanded considerably. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) · Get a reliable Wi-Fi signal in place (for the guest network and the private network). Wayne Elliott is expected to play an expanded role in this initiative. · Continue to work on broadening our social media footprint. What resources we will need to get there: $3,000.00 annual budget and Volunteers! We need folks who are interested (no prior skills required). I will train you. 16 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry: Stewardship Chair: Charlotte Roberson Co-Chair: Cynthia S. Brown Members: Daisy Calderon, Jim Brown, Elizabeth Carden Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) The theme for 2019 was "New Beginnings". Father Chip Graves, ordained in 2019 as the Rector of Grace/La Gracia Church, has concentrated on the priorities set forth by the search committee, vestry and parish community. In terms of stewardship, he stressed creating a welcoming community, growing our parish, and the meaning of "being a good steward". Pledged Income for 2019: $304,279 Income Received Pledged $276,549.73 Unpledged $ 41,805.00 Loose Plate $ 25,023.31 Total $343,378.04 Where we hope to be in December 2020 (3 goals for 2020) · 10% increase in new members n 10% increase in realistic pledges · 10% increase in the number of fundraisers in 2020 What resources we will need to get there: n Year-round stewardship program · Additional parishioners volunteering for church functions · Pledging members reviewing their quarterly statements and fulfilling their pledges 17 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/ Committee: Altar Guild Chair: Brinda Bradley Members: Jo- Ann B. Boylan, Brinda Bradley, Gloria Chang, Lyris Cooper, Haydee DeLeon, Edith Gonzalez, Melanie Jackson, Sandy McAllister, Carol Mitchell, Ruth Theodore, Shirley Spencer, Audrey Taylor. Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) · Maintain Altar Guild teams to provide preparation and clean up for all liturgies and all other functions in the church. · Order all supplies and maintain all vestments and linens for all church services. · Six members of the Grace/La Gracia Altar Guild signed up for the New York Altar Guild Workshop on Saturday, October 5, 2019, sponsored by The New York Altar Guild, Inc. The 3 members from La Gracia did not attend. · Extending a working relationship with La Gracia to establish a team to provide preparation and clean up for liturgies and functions held in the church. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) · Maintain the Sacristy as a spiritual place, in preparation for worship · Establish Altar Guild teams from La Gracia to provide preparation and clean up for liturgies unique to La Gracia · Recruit new members to the Altar Guild What resources we will need to get there: · Cooperation of all organizations who use the Sacristy to return all items where they belong and not leave various articles all about. · I have schedule training for La Gracia Altar Guild members in February 2020 18 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] At Large: Ashley Elliot, Christopher Elliot, Uriel Reid, Shirley Spencer, Dana Walters Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) The purpose of the Grace Church Acolyte is to aid and assist the clergy and congregation in prayer, praise and worship. This ministry is open to all youth of Grace Church starting around age 7, as well as adults of all ages. Our acolytes serve at both the 8:00 and 10:00 Sunday services, as well as various holiday services throughout the year, and their presence is an integral part of the service. In 2019 our group consisted of 34 acolytes, 24 youth and 10 adults, as well as 5 members at large This year, Kaylee Owens went off to college, and we are so grateful for her many years of dedication and service. Sam Brown began college this year as well, and we are blessed that he attends locally and is able to continue joining us on the altar. Our 3rd college freshman, Nikolas O'Hanlon chose to join us as a new member this year, and we are lucky to have him. A special thank you to Janine Daughtry who stepped up to serve in a moment of need, and also helped to organize monthly schedules behind the scenes. We look forward to having new and returning youth join us in the coming year and want to remind everyone that all are welcome! Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) 1. We hope to offer acolyte training on a quarterly basis. 2. We hope to add more adult acolytes to our ranks, and to have more adults licensed as Eucharistic Ministers. 3. We hope to continue to merge our practices with the acolytes who serve LaGracia, so that our bilingual services flow seamlessly and are fully inclusive. What resources we will need to get there: We appreciate the support of the parish, and anyone who is willing to give of their time once a month to serve at the altar of God. 19 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Ushers Chair: Andrea R. Spencer Members: Please see below Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) · We continue to serve Grace Church in the capacity of Greeters every Sunday and on special occasions such as Funerals and special events. · We are continually looking to recruit new Ushers due to vacancy from retirees. Ginger Waters and Paxton Louis have been ushering for over 30 plus years combined and have expressed that they would like to retire, once we have their replacements. We would like to give a big thank you for their many years of service. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) · We hope to complete the Active Shooter training for all our Usher teams and assign roles to specific Ushers in each team. · We would like to continue to work closely with the Eucharistic Ministry, Acolytes, Altar Guild, Lay Eucharistic Ministry and Clergy to help streamline the flow of our service. · Later in the year we hope to have new training and review of procedures. What resources we will need to get there: Resources will be determined as per needs. Members: Team 1 - First Sunday of the Month Jane Washington-Captain, Carmen Greenidge, James Henderson, Maria Lewis, Matthew Reid, Camille Worrell Team 2 - Second Sunday of the Month Ginger Waters—Captain, Paxton Louis, Olivet Williams, Hillary Fleming, Lisa Daley Team 3 - Third Sunday of the Month Delroy Chang- Captain, Bob Soso, Al Sargeant, Shirley Spencer, Jean Wilson, Margaret Bloomfield Team 4 - Fourth Sunday of the Month Michael Heffner—Captain, Gloria Chang, Jo-Ann B Boylan, Giovanni Green, Andrea Spencer Team 5 - Fifth Sunday of the Month Sam Brown, Anna Kristina O'Hanlon, Nikolas O'Hanlon, James Heffner, Michael Heffner 20 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Lay Readers Chair: Ray Williams/Michael Heffner Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) · Added new voices as readers at the Sunday and Special Services. · Working with the Usher Guild to make sure that readers have access to the portable podium (where necessary) — and that substitutes for absent readers are found prior to the beginning of services. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) · Welcome any interested readers. What resources we will need to get there: · Training on how to best use the microphones (for voice projection). 21 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Grace Church Choir Chair: Peter Roberts Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2020) The Grace Church Choir is comprised of volunteers, professional singers (section leaders), and college students (music majors), when needed. This group is dedicated to enriching and illuminating the gospel through song and instrumental playing. The choir is committed to maintaining a varied repertoire: From English cathedral music to Taize chants, spirituals, jazz, and music from the folk traditions. Our goal is to complement the readings and to celebrate the Gospel's message of Love, Hope and Deliverance. Our youth choir, the St. Nicholas Choir, consists of children ages 6-15. This choir meets after church and performs on the third Sunday of the month for the monthly family service. This choir also seeks to maintain diversity in the selection of music for worship. Both the adult Choir and the St. Nicholas Choir did an exceptional job in 2019. In December 2019, the choirs performed a very moving service of Lessons and Carols to usher in the Christmas season. Over the summer, the adult Choir sang beautifully at the installation of the Rev. Chip Graves the newly appointed rector of Grace Church/ la Gracia. Other notable services included a service to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, services to celebrate Black History Month, a service of remembrance in November featuring the Faure Requiem, and services performed throughout Holy Week and the Easter season. I am pleased to report that the St. Nicholas Choir is expanding their repertoire, to include both new music repertoire and movement. The St. Nicholas Choir is now integrating the shadow screen to further illuminate both music and the text. Where we hope to be in December 2018: (1-3 goals for 2020) One goal for 2020 is to continue to expand the choir repertoire. Moving forward I would like to perform more contemporary works, as well as works written by women and African American composers. I will continue to focus on finding music appropriate and suitable for the St. Nicholas choir. My goal is to continue to expand their repertoire to make the experience of singing in a choir meaningful for them. What resources we will need to get there: The Choir is currently on an austerity budget. As such any new music purchased last year, was gifted. Also because of the austerity budget musicians and instrumentalists who previously were hired to perform for special services were not invited. Going forward, I am hopeful that the choir will continue the fund-raising efforts begun in 2019. Through fund raising and with the largesse of individual donors, I am hopeful that the adult Choir and the St. Nicholas choir will be able to purchase new music to expand their repertoire and guest musicians will be invited to perform 22 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Youth Christian Education: Sunday School, Rite 13, Journey to Adulthood (J2A) Chair: Donna Louis Members: Teachers: Linda Gallo, Lyndsey Wall (Lambs); Leigh Burton, Andrea Lacourciere- MacLeish (Primary); Michael Heffner, Cynthia Sangurima-Brown (Intermediate); Donna Louis, George O'Hanlon (Rite 13); Lauren Reid, Rudye Breach (J2A) Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) Our program is based on a holistic teaching approach comprised of faith instruction, involvement in service to the Church (acolytes, choir members, ushers, lay readers), service to the community and fellowship. We achieve these objectives through our class meetings, events combining our classes and participation in worship service and community service projects. The youth education program has had a strong first half of the school year. In addition to our individual class meetings, we have achieved fellowship through our all Sunday school bread baking event, a well-attended and enthusiastically enjoyed bowling outing, a very successful Christmas pageant and extensive participation in the acolyte, choir, ushering and lay reader programs and ongoing participation in Grace's Kitchen. Last year's move to have Rite 13 and J2A meet during the regular Sunday Church meeting time, in order to address inconsistent attendance, has been successful for Rite 13. We have decided that for J2A members, we will have a once a month meeting on Sunday late afternoon/evening over a dinner. This will help to address schedule conflicts our high schoolers have with meeting earlier on Sunday. Technology enhancements continue in our classrooms, and we have also installed a bell outside of the hallway door entrance to the classrooms, to facilitate entry into the area, while at the same time maintaining security. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) We continue to pursue our ongoing goal of growing our Youth Education program. This includes communicating with new parishioners with children, encouraging our existing families to bring friends and to educate our broader Grace community on our education program and objectives. We also attempt to recruit new teachers through personal contact, bulletin announcements and in-service announcements. A second goal is to continue to innovate our program to make it more exciting for our members. These include increased use of technology, combining events with other Church youth groups and soliciting ideas from parents, parishioners and clergy. What resources we will need to get there: Our greatest asset and greatest need is continued support from the Grace Church community. We appreciate the trust you place in us to teach your children. We depend on your support of our activities, our budget and our strong desire to enhance and expand our program. As you become aware of children whose families might be interested in our program, please send them our way! 23 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Advocacy Committee Chair: Michael Heffner Co-Chair: Sorraya Sampson Members: Katy Toolin, Daisy Calderon, Walter Simon, Daniel Corsanego, Mary Baker, Linda Heusser, Giovanni Green, Priscilla Read Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) · Hosted 3 forums in 2019/Early 2020: Advocacy Forum - April 7th (11:30 am) Met in the library (25 in attendance). Fr. Adolfo Moronta spoke about specific experiences of members of La Gracia with immigration issues to help the Grace community see that the threat of ICE and deportation is very much an issue within our church, not just in the surrounding community. Fr. Hilario Albert (Priest-in-Charge) spoke about the involvement of St. Peter's in Port Chester with immigration issues to give us ideas as to how Grace/ La Gracia might become involved. Daisy Calderon and Daniel Corsanego shared personal stories. Advocacy Forum — November 3rd (11:30am) Met in the parish hall (85 in attendance). Grace Church-La Gracia was fortunate to have four esteemed panelists join us on Sunday, November 3 for a lively discussion on a broad range of topics. Mayor Thomas Roach, County Legislator Alfreda Williams, White Plains Police Chief Joseph Castelli and Sergeant Madelin Cano were our featured speakers. Mayor Roach established that the City of White Plains is tacitly (if not officially) a "sanctuary city" defined by its protection of citizen's rights in all of it interactions. U.S. government officials are never contacted in the case of citizens finding themselves in the custody of the police (he did qualify that anyone committing a crime should not expect to enjoy this protection). County Legislator Williams echoed the mayor's comments by stating that Westchester County shares a similar policy. She further established that there are a number of existing organizations that serve as advocacy resources that would partner well with Grace-La Gracia. Chief Castelli and Sergeant Cano were uniform in creating a sense of unity that binds the police force with the interests of Grace-La Gracia. Understanding that houses of worship are potential targets for acts of violence, Chief Castelli shared suggestions for action plans that Grace-La Gracia will likely pursue. Sergeant Cano (who is bilingual) added a layer of openness to the Q&A session as some members in the audience were more comfortable posing questions in their native language. The panel's willingness to stay for the full meeting (and after for some individual conversations) was a solid statement about their commitment to the idea of working with Grace-La Gracia as we move toward growing our advocacy initiative. This was a very productive step that is likely to be followed by more forums (some were suggesting that we take the meetings to the church — rather than the parish hall - to gain a wider audience). 24 Census Sunday 2020 - January 12th Father Chip and I met with County Executive George Latimer and his team in November and learned that Grace Church/La Gracia can play an important role in the upcoming Census as a "trusted voice in the community". A new school to ease overcrowded classrooms. A new road to ease overcrowded commutes. There are many ways the 2020 Census can shape your community. The results collected once a decade, help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. (https://2020census qov) Karen M Barnes, Partnership Specialist - U.S. Census Bureau will be joining us (during announcements) at the 8, 10 and 12:30pm (in Spanish) Services to address concerns, answer questions and share how we can be involved. (Event summary) We had a very productive Census Day at Grace/La Gracia this past Sunday. Karen Barnes and 2 of her partners from the Census Bureau were at each of the 3 services. Presentations were made during announcements (-7 minutes) and then they made themselves available to discuss the Census completion process (9 questions) and job opportunities ($23 per/hr. in Westchester County)/volunteer opportunities. All were very pleased with the outcome. The translation service at the 12:30pm service was invaluable. Grace Church/La Gracia continues to shine as a trusted location/voice in our community Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) · Making plans to host a film event in the Spring (with content that addresses advocacy) · The expansion of the breadth of advocacy coverage to include the environment and advocacy for the aged (in nursing homes/assisted living facilities). · More forums. What resources we will need to get there: More members! 25 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Lifting Up Westchester Liaison: Linda Gallo Members: Joseph Gallo, Walter Simon, Barbara Wiggins Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) Grace Church continues to avidly support the work of Lifting Up Westchester (LUW). Many parishioners-young, mature, new and longtime members- faithfully serve those who utilize the services of Grace's Kitchen on federal holidays. Parishioners continue their practice of faith by providing sustenance for guests by serving and bringing those special "extras" for those who are greeted with genuine smiles and graciousness. By serving, it gives Anna the day off to enjoy a holiday. Twice annually, Grace Church parishioners hear the call to assist two programs of LUW. The Summer Camp by providing gift cards so children who attend (many who live in shelters) the opportunity to attend camp and perhaps learn to swim or build upon the vital knowledge of how to swim. In 2019, Grace Church provided 96 gift cards for camper swimsuits, enough for each camper. Christmas saw Grace Church providing 77 gift cards in grocery bags to be distributed to those who might not be able to have a personal holiday. Happily, each of those grocery bags went to families of our youth programs. Each year, Grace has increased its generosity in its outreach to people receiving services through LUW. It is significant to note that ECW has also contributed Christmas gifts to the women of Samaritan House. Because 2019 was the 40th anniversary of the founding of what is now known as Lifting Up Westchester, its founders were honored and recognized at the annual gala. The Board of Directors are grateful to those who not only had the vision of outreach who also lived the vision. The Board of Directors hopes that this relationship continues for at least the next 40 years. There are new programs to support Westchester County residents whose needs transcend the acute. New programming includes outreach of services during Grace's Kitchen hours and beyond. LUW staff will be available to advise about services needed (food, shelter, medical services, etc.) extending through 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday. New housing coordinators and counselors are the support network for residents who have moved from LUW shelters to their own housing. This support has already ensured that a very small recidivism rate is successful. Because of generous donations, the Youth Services programs, (Summer Camp, Mentoring, STEM programs, etc.) continue to grow, reaching more students. Through cooperation and collegiality, Grace church and LUW have worked to improve the kitchen and Samaritan House facilities. Future projects are being planned. 26 Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) Goals for 2020 include: · Continued communication and relationship and support of LUW programming · Increase in volunteering with the Community Outreach of LUW n Exploration of financial grants to enhance the facilities utilized by LUW programs · Continued financial support of programs meeting the needs of Westchester County citizens whose need are not only short term but long term as well. What resources we will need to get there: The most important resource is mutual communication and support from both LUW and Grace Church. 27 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2019 Ministry/Committee: Pastoral Care (Eucharistic Visitors) Chair: Sandy Gadsden-McAllister Members: Marie A. Barrow; Cynthia R. Cole; Lisa A. Daley; Sandy Gadsden- McAllister; Arlene Grant; Judith A. Hutton; Eileen McClean; Cecelia E. Peagler; Carolyn Rogers; Joyce C. Sampson; Audrey A. Taylor; Raywald A. Williams Where we are now (December 2018): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2018) During 2018 ten Eucharistic Visitors administered 196 communions to approximately 7 parishioners on a monthly basis. Each visit consists of communion being given to parishioners, bringing greetings and information from the parish to ensure that they are kept current with the happenings at Grace Church. Any correspondence issued during the month, particularly the Angelus are given to the parishioner. On the 4th Sunday of each month, Eucharistic Visitors participate in a healing service. The card ministry of Pastoral Care distributed or mailed 182 cards to parishioners; birthday, sympathy, get well and thinking of you. We accomplished most of our goals for 2018; We held a successful retreat for Pastoral Care on March 17, 2018, Co-sponsored with the Diocese of NY Eucharistic Ministers Training on April 21, 2018, created a procedure for maintaining the names on the prayer list. Where we hope to be in December 2018: (1-3 goals for 2019) 1- Refine the maintenance process for adding and maintaining names on the prayer list. 2- Revisit establishing a telephone ministry that focuses on prayer 3- Redefine when and how we do the monthly healing service 4- Schedule quarterly meeting and another Pastoral Care Committee retreat (invite other parishes from the area) What resources we will need to get there: More members on the Pastoral Care Committee, budget for purchasing cards and postage for the card ministry. Funding for hosting a Pastoral Care Retreat that includes inviting other parishes in the area. Respectfully Submitted Sandy Gadsden-McAllister, Chair, Pastoral Care Committee 28 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee Welcoming Chair: Sylvia Simon Team Leaders Gloria Chang, Carole Lashley, Jane Washington Team Members: Laura Auld, Carmen Antoine, Leigh Burton, Cynthia Brown, Pettie Griffith, Judy Hutton Augustina Kumar, Nicole Mangum, Trisha McGuiness, Kassie Munoz, Susan Porcino, Monique Reynolds, Barbara Santos, Erika Santos, Katy Toolin, Lyndsey Wall Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) We began the year undecided about the direction of the committee. After discussion, we decided to create four teams consisting of five members on each team to assist volunteer hosts. Ideally, a team only needs to assist once a month. This structure has lessened the workload for each member and has provided a much more collaborative and supportive environment. We continue to host special events, celebrations and discussions. We try to encourage everyone to attend coffee hour Fr Chip and Taurino have implemented a coffee hour after 8:00 AM service. Parishioners really appreciate this addition Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) 1. 1 Continue to fine-tune the new team structure, Recruit a new chairperson. 2. Encourage more parishioner to volunteer to host. 3. Would like to add focused discussions during coffee hour on various topics of interest to parishioners. What resources we will need to get there: While we receive some donations, they are minimal, so we hope the vestry will continue to financially support the committee. We welcome ideas and/or suggestions for improvement and enhancement of this important mission. 29 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee S.A.G.E (Seniors at Grace Episcopal) Chair: Marie Barrow Members: Elsie A, Bernice B, Jo-Ann B, Jo B, Carole C, Harvey C, Barbara G, Dorothy L, Uriel R, Al S, Heather S, Shirley S, Joyce P, Cecile F, Sylvia H Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) S.A.G.E continues to meet monthly and to discuss different topics and issues based on our needs and interests. We have been fortunate to have Father Chip and Father Adolfo be a part of many of our monthly meetings. They have shared prayers, given communion, done sing-a-longs and actively participates in many of our topics. Our meetings are lively with generous sharing of ideas and experiences. We have prayed laughed cried and supported each other as we share, listen and tell our stories. Sadly, we have lost a few members due to illness and relocation. We miss them dearly but wish them all the best. Luckily, we have gained new members. Some are able to be with us each week while others make surprise visits based on health issues. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) Our goals are to continue to have: 1. Monthly meetings 2. To continue full and active participation from most of our members 3. To complete our S.A.G.E Directory What resources we will need to get there: We need continued reservation of the library on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:30 PM-3:00PM 30 Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: Episcopal Church Women Chair: Melanie Jackson Members: Irene Alves, Laura Auld, Marie Barrow, Gloria Chang, Cynthia Cole, Edythe Horne, Judith Hutton, Carole Lashley, Trisha McGuinness, Joyce Pickering, Monique Reynolds, Andrea Spencer, Shirley Spencer, Audrey Taylor, Jane Washington and Melanie Jackson Where we are now (December 2019): Achievements: · In January 2019 we had a holiday party at Via Garibaldi Restaurant, 21 women of Grace attended. (Jan. 2020 party saw an increase to 33 women and included women of La Gracia). · Coordinated the Spring ($923.98) and Fall ($451) United Thank Offerings · Easter Raffle- proceeds went to monetary gifts for our high school graduates · Father's Day Breakfast and Coffee Hour · Outing to Westchester Broadway Theater to see "On Your Feet." · Contribution to Hurricane Dorian Relief · Donation to Lifting Up Westchester in memory of our departed sister Cecilia Peagler. · Holiday raffle and collection of toiletries for the women of Samaritan House. 17 Shower totes filled with various items were assembled and donated. We have begun a "visioning" process which includes looking at our values as individuals and as a group. We will also look at our past and where we are now so that we can clarify our purpose and create a vision statement for the future. Challenges: · Developing a vision and ways in which to fulfill our vision. · Providing a variety of activities which connect to our vison, make a difference and enrich our spiritual lives. · Increasing membership and attracting younger women. Unfinished business: · We are continuing the visioning process. Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) We hope to have completed our visioning process, clarified our purpose and developed a mission statement for the future. We want to explore ways to carry out the mission in meaningful and relevant ways. We would like to fellowship with the women of La Gracia on a regular basis. As always "We aspire to be a God spark-shining and sharing the love of Christ." (from A Vision for Episcopal Church Women). What resources we will need to get there: · The continued commitment of our current members. · New members. · The continued support of our parish, Vestry, Associate Priest and Rector. 31 Grace Church Book Club Now in its 21st year, the Grace Church Book Club was launched in 1999 with Toni Morrison's story of Beloved. Over 160 books and five films later, the Grace Church Book Club is still going strong. Recent book selections to date have included: 2018-2019 An American Marriage by Tayari Jones The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue Chariot on the Mountain by Jack Ford Fear by Bob Woodward The Other Einstein: A Novel by Marie Benedict We are Called to Rise by Laura McBride When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 2019-2020 Becoming by Michelle Obama Eleanor and Hick by Susan Quinn Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng Flight Behavior: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance The Immoralists by Chloe Benjamin Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America's Most Powerful Mobster by Stephen L. Carter Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Films: Angela's Ashes, The DaVinci Code, Eyes Beyond Seeing, White Oleander, The Help Special Honors: In January 2003, Grace Messiah presented the book club with a special copy of Cane River signed author, Lalita Tademy. Book Club Library: If you've ever thought, 'I'm going to read that book club book one day,' we've made it extra easy—we've built a library within a library. Select book club books donated by members are available on a first-come first-served basis on the top left bookshelves in the church library. To check out a book, simply find and sign the appropriate sign-out sheet in the marked binder shelved with the books. When you've finished, simply return the book to the bookshelf Mission: Our mission is simply to create a social connection through shared reading that is enriching, enlightening and entertaining. Founding, Past and Current Members: Irene Alves, Jean Marie Angelo, Laura Auld, Mary Baker, Barbara Biles, Barbara Brown, Verna Brown, Norene Bueti, Dr. Valencia Carroll, Carole Carter, Karen Finkbe, Ella Fitzgerald, Vilma France, Linda Gallo, Arlene Roberts Grant, Rev. Gawain de Leeuw, Linda Heusser, Louise Holsapple, Dorothy Jackson, Ray LaVigne, Joan Lemond, Dr. Barbra McCune, Trisha McGuinness, Dr. John Mitchell, Karen Odom, Mural Patrick, Margaret Broomfield Parkinson, Ann Post, Angie Poulos, Monica Powell, Lorraine Reid, Cynthia Sangurima-Brown, Monica Scantlebury, Christine Scott-Deutsch, Francoise Simon, Sylvia Simon, Phyllis Shwedo, Jennifer Telford, Katy Toolin, Jane Washington We welcome new members! Join us every month or just for one meeting. If you're interested or have a suggestion for a good read, contact Karen Odom at karenodom@yahoo.com or 914.523.7693. Submitted by Karen Odom Grace La Gracia Episcopal Church Grace Church is a diverse congregation committed to a common life sustained by worship. We bear witness to God's love in Christ through our life together and our Service to the wider community. All are welcome! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." [2 Corinthians 5:17] Annual Report: January 2020 Ministry/Committee: WALK OF GRACE Chair: Arlene Roberts Grant Where we are now (December 2019): (Achievement, challenges, and unfinished business of 2019) The Walk of Grace project is your opportunity to play an active role in beautifying our church grounds. Parishioners have the special opportunity of engraving the pathway stones along the front and side of the church. The net profit from Walk of Grace donations are used to maintain and enhance the grounds surrounding the church. To date, the Walk of Grace project has received 42 donations. After engraving expenses, net proceeds of roughly $6,400 have made the following gifts possible: n Landscape Upgrade with mature evergreen, perennial and annual plants · Urn Planters n Sprinkler System installation Where we hope to be in December 2020: (1-3 goals for 2020) Additional donor support will allow us to make further enhancements and address a number of maintenance issues presently under consideration: · Repair/repaint fencing surrounding the church. · New security gate in rear adjacent to park · Shift Walk of Grace layout (near benches) for a continuous flow of engraved names · Replace damaged concrete benches at church entrance: Whole sections of concrete have broken off due to the elements and, as a result, the supporting steel frame is what you're actually sitting on! What resources we will need to get there: To date, proceeds from the Walk of Grace project have nearly been exhausted. We encourage you to consider participating in the project by donating a full stone beginning at $400, a half stone starting at $225 or for $100 you can engrave 1 name on a group stone along with four other donors. Engravings can be in memory of a loved one, in thanksgiving of family or in celebration of a family event. Each stone is approximately 2 feet wide and placement along the Walk of Grace is on a first come, first serve basis. We're hopeful many of you will choose to participate in the project so that, ultimately, the Walk of Grace will reflect the diversity of our Grace/La Gracia congregation. As each section is completed the Walk of Grace becomes a beautiful mosaic of the engraved names of those we love and an attractive representation to our larger White Plains community. We thank you in advance for your support and look forward to strolling along the Walk of Grace with you in memory, thanksgiving or in celebration! 33

Restoring hope to Westchester County’s men, women and children in need by providing them with food, shelter and support– and lifting them to greater self-sufficiency with dignity and respect. Vision Statement Lifting Up Westchester respects the dignity and full potential of every individual. We assist those struggling to overcome the challenges of poverty, homelessness, hunger, health and education. We work with men, women and children as they create their own unique path to a more fulfilling, healthy and independent life. Striving to never turn anyone away, we enlist the generosity of a caring community through donations and volunteerism. https://www.liftingupwestchester.org/our-mission-vision/

Clips from Recent Concerts - 2016/2017 Season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUm1TV3BnaE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWohxaB6yDQ&feature=em-subs_digest About DTMusic http://dtmusic.org/ Downtown Music at Grace is a non-profit performing arts organization located in the heart of White Plains, NY, a small city located a half hour north of New York City. Downtown Music was founded in 1988 by Timothy Lewis, Music Director and Organist of Grace Church. The mission of Downtown Music is to provide an oasis of art and culture in the heart of White Plains. The organization's current programs include Noonday Getaway Concerts, half- hour concerts taking place on Wednesdays at noon; Weekend Discoveries , which are full length concerts taking place on Sunday afternoons or Saturday evenings; Concerts on Tour, our outreach program consisting of 30+ concerts annually in nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers; and Downtown Music’s Arts-In-Education Program, a series of three concerts specially designed for schoolchildren in grades K-12. Downtown Music’s roster of artists features high-quality professional musicians who enjoy the opportunity to make music in an intimate, beautiful setting. Many of our artists have performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and major international venues. Resident Ensembles Our three resident ensembles enable Downtown Music to offer a more diverse program of music. Downtown Sinfonietta is composed of professional musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and other major New York ensembles, and performs several concerts throughout the season. Downtown Music Chorus features 16 professional singers, drawn from the ranks of New York’s finest choirs. West Point Brass, a small ensemble of eight players, is called on for special celebratory performances throughout the season. Guest Artists Downtown Music provides a prestigious showcase for professional musicians, 70% of whom return often to perform. Guest artists include internationally-recognized artists and local professional performers across a wide spectrum of musical talent. Noted for its diversity of programming, Downtown Music stars have included Mariachi Real de Mexico, the Voices of Ascension, several members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, as well as jazz great Jay Hoggard.