PRAYING WITH THE SCRIPTURES . . . During the summer months, we will pray the scriptures together online using the contemplative practice Composition of Place. This method of prayer, associated most commonly within Ignatian spirituality, emphasizes the use of imagination and engaging the senses to place oneself into a scriptural passage.  This practice helps deepen one’s experience of scripture and draws one closer to God in prayer. The meetings will take place on the first and third Thursdays of the month and will last for about an hour.

Click on the link for more information on this practice: https://cruxnow.com/commentary/2023/07/in-composition-of-place-we-engage-in-conversation-with-the-living-god
 

Where: Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8451295802 Meeting ID: 845 129 5802
When: First and third Thursday of the month

HELP US BOOST INCLUSION IN OUR FAITH COMMUNITY . . .  Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brains and how they function, learn, and interact with the world.  Some neurodivergent conditions include but are not limited to: Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia, for example.

We’re inviting all parishioners to take part in a short, confidential online survey about experiences with neurodiversity as a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. Your insights will help guide our efforts to make our churches more inclusive, compassionate, and responsive to all.

Please take a few minutes to share your perspective:
 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZKZXWGQ

Together, we can build a more welcoming and supportive church family for everyone.

CANCELLED!   Due to inclement weather, the June 14 event has been cancelled.

GRACE CHURCH'S SUMMER EVENTS sponsored Parish Life . . . Don't miss out, use that saved PTO day and mark your calendar!

• An afternoon at the Cloisters (date TBA). This excursion will include a boxed lunch and an inside tour. Kids are free. 

• July: Akin and Theresa Okunlola will host a BBQ at their place on a Sunday after Mass. 

• August: Kids Day in Pascack Brook County Park. Food, games with prizes, and a bouncy castle! The committee would like parents' input! 

Please text or call Chris Scott @ 201.286.0014 if you would like to join in planning.

WESTWOOD CARES FOOD PANTRY . . . Grace Church is trying to increase our donations to the Westwood Cares Food Pantry.  Please try to bring 1 item per week and we will ensure that the Food Pantry receives your items. The following items are in need: Coffee, tea, juice, pancakes, pancake syrup, chicken in a can, potatoes, rice, detergent, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, paper towels, toilet paper, oil, snacks, cookies, cereal (hot and cold), mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. The Pantry does "not " need any canned vegetables or beans since they have enough currently. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Len.

CROSS ROADS DAY CAMP AT CHRIST CHURCH RIDGEWOOD . . . Click here for more information.

FROM THE BISHOP . . . Silence is not neutral: A call to Christian witness. Addressing the current conflict around immigration, Bishop Hughes reminds us that silence can be misinterpreted as agreement, and encourages Christians to engage in meaningful, compassionate conversations grounded in the teachings of Jesus – even across deep differences.

YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wnFDapVlpg

Video transcript - https://dioceseofnewark.org/bishops-vlog/silence-is-not-neutral-a-call-to-christian-witness/