Grace Notes
First Sunday after Christmas
December 28, 2025
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THIS WEEK’S READINGS
Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147, Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7, John 1:1-18
THIS WEEK’S WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday
10AM Lessons and Carols with Children's Pageant and The Holy Eucharist (bulletin)
Thursday, January 1 - Holy Name
11 AM Morning Prayer (online)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8451295802
Meeting ID: 845 129 5802
ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON . . . The Christmas story is one filled with wonders—angels, a virgin giving birth, shepherds, kings, and God himself coming among us in the form of a helpless baby. As amazing as this wonderful story is, what the Church celebrates this day and this season is God the Son becoming incarnate —sharing our human flesh, our human nature—in order that we might come to share in his divine life. The Christmas Season lasts twelve days and Christians are encouraged to make these days a time of celebration and joy.
OUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR . . . . the sick and those in need, especially Adam Strauss, Jennifer Wright, Francis Royer, Mariam Kamal, Kathy Nathan, Ann Hopper, The Rev. James Warnke, priest, Dave D'Orazio, Mitch Mann, Thomas Petrullo, Daniela Parisi, Michael Shumway, Chris Spilker, Suzanne Morris, Lauren Rosenthal, Charlotte Wilson, John Whitlock, and Gaylord Hitchcock, priest.
For those celebrating birthdays especially Alan Kellett (12/28), Thomas Farrington (12/30), Anthony Gannelli (12/30), and Paula Ricca (12/30) and those celebrating anniversaries.
For those who have died especially Florence Mann (12/29), Mary E. Pfranger (12/29), Anne R. Alcorn (12/29), Catherine McLaughlin (12/31), J. William Delaney (1/1), Giolina Goffredo (1/2), Josephine Mastronardi (1/3), Nelson Smith (1/3), Mary Davidson (1/3), and John Brown (1/3).
PRAYER LIST REQUESTS . . . To add any names to the parish prayer list, please send an email to kmaccourt@gmail.com with the name of the person to be prayed for, your name and a brief description of the person’s health or other situation (note if long-term or chronic). Names are listed for four weeks and then rotate off, but they can be added again as needed. If you have questions, please speak with the wardens or Father Anthony.
Thank you to our volunteers for this Sunday
Ben Martin, acolyte
Liza Martin, usher
Trish Landi and Ingrid Davis, altar guild
Barbara Tait and Paula Ricca, coffee hour
Akin Okunlola and Trish Landi, counters
Larry Sunden and Aelicia Yeates, counters
UPCOMING SUNDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE
January 4 - CHRISTMAS 2
10 AM The Holy Eucharist and Sunday School
January 6 - EPIPHANY
5 PM Evening Prayer (online)
CONTACT INFORMATION . . .
The Rev. Father Anthony Puca, Jr.
Rector
gecrector@gmail.com
201-664-0407
Kathryn MacCourt
Parish administrator, Organist and Choirmaster
kmaccourt@gmail.com
201-417-1653
The Reverend Deacon Len Roberts
leonard_roberts@rocketmail.com
973-901-8822
Grace Church Wardens
Akinola Okunlola - aokunlola@gmail.com, 201-926-3677
Larry Sunden - larry@sunden.com, 201-960-1433
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.
OUR ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP SEASON AND PLEDGE CAMPAIGN IS ONGOING . . .
If you would like to submit your pledge card digitally please fill out the form by clicking here.
If you prefer, you can find printed pledge cards in the narthex.
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FROM BEN AND LIZA MARTIN . . . Ben and Liza will be part of Team FORCE at the RunDisney 10k this February. Team FORCE specifically works to improve the lives of the millions of individuals and families facing hereditary cancers. This is done through education, support, advocacy and research efforts.
They have requested support FORCE from anyone in the Grace Episcopal family who would be interested in helping them in their fight by making a donation through the links below.
https://teamforce.facingourrisk.org/fundraiser/6537930
https://teamforce.facingourrisk.org/fundraiser/6537929
Thank you for any support you can give!
Please be sure to visit and like our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gracewestwood.org/
You can help Grace attract new members by simply sharing our posts on your own page. Please help us grow and share a post.
Pastoral Emergencies
please contact Fr. Anthony Puca at 267-980-3480
FROM THE BISHOP . . . The gift of real connection. Bishop Hughes reflects on how a deceptively simple question – “How are you doing?” – can open space for truth, healing, and deeper community, and urges us to try it this holiday season.
WEEKLY JUSTICE ACTION NEWSLETTER . . . The Justice, Peace and Racial Reconciliation Commission weekly action newsletter summarizes upcoming events and activities for involvement. There are actions every day to support a moral budget, immigration rights, voter registration, economic and environmental justice and more.
INFORMATION FROM THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK . . . To subscribe and receive The VOICE Online by email please go to https://dioceseofnewark.org/subscribe
At the very top of the page, you’ll see a box to type in your email address. Click on the “Sign me up” button and you will be taken to a page where you can subscribe to receive The VOICE Online as well as other e-newsletters.
RESOURCES FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH . . . For news and official statements from the national church, a few key websites are listed below.
Episcopal Church Leaders on immigration executive orders - https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/letter-from-episcopal-church-leaders-on-trump-administration-immigration-executive-orders/
Episcopal News Network. The most up-to-date news in the Episcopal Church - https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/
Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Public Policy Network. News and official statements from the Episcopal Church concerning political and public policy issues - https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/
Official website of the Episcopal Church - https://www.episcopalchurch.org
Grace Episcopal Church
9 Harrington Avenue, Five Corners
Westwood, NJ 07675
201 664-0407
www.gracewestwood.org
“Called to re-member and share God’s love and grace”