On the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
Friday's decision is cataclysmic and the shock of its impact affects us all. Whether one agrees with the Court's decision or not, it reflects the current polarity and deep divide in our country. The heaviest burden and consequence of the Court's decision will be borne by women of childbearing years, especially women of color and those who have the least amount of resources.
The decision to have an abortion is fraught, complicated, and never easy. Any actual medical procedure that may or may not take place is the result of a decision making process that is best made by the individuals directly involved. The Court's decision substitutes the State's judgment for that of the potential parents, thereby depriving them of their responsibility to make decisions for their child and relegates women to second class citizens in that their right to make their own decisions about their own bodies has been rescinded.
Going forward as a community and as a country will not be easy. There are many passionate arguments for and against abortion. Our responsibility as Church will be "to make our voices heard in the way we feel called" (Michael Curry, cited below), to listen to those with whom we disagree, to present our position, and to seek consensus where possible, always remembering that we are to respect the dignity of every human being.
The decision to have an abortion is fraught, complicated, and never easy. Any actual medical procedure that may or may not take place is the result of a decision making process that is best made by the individuals directly involved. The Court's decision substitutes the State's judgment for that of the potential parents, thereby depriving them of their responsibility to make decisions for their child and relegates women to second class citizens in that their right to make their own decisions about their own bodies has been rescinded.
Going forward as a community and as a country will not be easy. There are many passionate arguments for and against abortion. Our responsibility as Church will be "to make our voices heard in the way we feel called" (Michael Curry, cited below), to listen to those with whom we disagree, to present our position, and to seek consensus where possible, always remembering that we are to respect the dignity of every human being.
Worship Services at Grace Episcopal Church
Our liturgies are offered according to the 1979 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, the Hymnal 1982, their subsequent supplements, and other Episcopal liturgical resources.
Sundays at 8am: Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
We offer a simple, said Rite 1 Eucharist at 8am on Sunday mornings. The service has more traditional language and prayers, including the 'thees' and 'thous', which are the remnant of the intimate form of the second person singular - a more personal way to speak with God.
Sundays at 10:00am: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
The Rite 2 Eucharist uses more contemporary language and prayers. It has a variety of music, a choir, and hymns. We rotate the Eucharistic Prayer and the Prayers of the People with the liturgical seasons. All are warmly invited and welcome to join us at a generous Coffee Hour immediately following the service.
Healing Ministry
Grace Church continues to be committed to promoting and practicing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The Martha’s Vineyard Chapter of the Order of St. Luke International holds its monthly meetings at Grace Church.
Funerals
Grace Church offers its sanctuary and clergy as a resource to anyone who needs a place to hold a funeral.
Sundays at 8am: Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
We offer a simple, said Rite 1 Eucharist at 8am on Sunday mornings. The service has more traditional language and prayers, including the 'thees' and 'thous', which are the remnant of the intimate form of the second person singular - a more personal way to speak with God.
Sundays at 10:00am: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
The Rite 2 Eucharist uses more contemporary language and prayers. It has a variety of music, a choir, and hymns. We rotate the Eucharistic Prayer and the Prayers of the People with the liturgical seasons. All are warmly invited and welcome to join us at a generous Coffee Hour immediately following the service.
Healing Ministry
Grace Church continues to be committed to promoting and practicing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The Martha’s Vineyard Chapter of the Order of St. Luke International holds its monthly meetings at Grace Church.
Funerals
Grace Church offers its sanctuary and clergy as a resource to anyone who needs a place to hold a funeral.