Several important Island programs and institutions bear the indelible mark of Grace Church whose clergy and parishioners were instrumental in their creation.
Included in these are: The Red Stocking Fund, which has donated toys and food to needy Island families since 1938; Camp Jabberwocky, an Island camp for children and adults with disabilities and Church World Service CROP Walk, where parishioners of all ages pledge and march each year to help feed the hungry.
In recent years Grace Church has sought to address the needs of our growing homeless population. The parish joined with an Island-wide clergy group to establish Houses of Grace, providing overnight shelter in several Vineyard churches. A number of parishioners have volunteered at the church shelters and Grace contributes a weekly hot meal for those overnight guests.
Included in these are: The Red Stocking Fund, which has donated toys and food to needy Island families since 1938; Camp Jabberwocky, an Island camp for children and adults with disabilities and Church World Service CROP Walk, where parishioners of all ages pledge and march each year to help feed the hungry.
In recent years Grace Church has sought to address the needs of our growing homeless population. The parish joined with an Island-wide clergy group to establish Houses of Grace, providing overnight shelter in several Vineyard churches. A number of parishioners have volunteered at the church shelters and Grace contributes a weekly hot meal for those overnight guests.
Grace Church has long been known for caring about its neighbors in countless ways – from offering food, shelter, and fellowship, to working for peace, justice, and equality for all. In the late 1980s, The Rev. Terry Henry led the congregation to launch community soup suppers which are still going strong every winter. For these and many other ministries, Grace has more than earned its affectionate description: “The little church with a big heart.”
In an innovative act of sacramental hospitality, our late Father Brian Murdoch took to the streets in full clerical garb on Ash Wednesday, offering “Ashes to Go” to passers-by, evangelizing and blessing all comers.
Specific activities and programs have changed over the years to meet the evolving needs in the community and society as a whole. Grace continues this important tradition of our members being dedicated to answering Jesus’ call to do our best to feed the hungry, and help our less fortunate neighbors in whatever way is needed.
In an innovative act of sacramental hospitality, our late Father Brian Murdoch took to the streets in full clerical garb on Ash Wednesday, offering “Ashes to Go” to passers-by, evangelizing and blessing all comers.
Specific activities and programs have changed over the years to meet the evolving needs in the community and society as a whole. Grace continues this important tradition of our members being dedicated to answering Jesus’ call to do our best to feed the hungry, and help our less fortunate neighbors in whatever way is needed.