Grace Church Van Vorst
an Episcopal Congregation
Upcoming Events
September 16-October 28, 2025
Tuesdays 7-8:30pm
Adult Forum: Who's Your Jesus?
Which Jesus speaks to you? Is it Jesus the Suffering Servant? Jesus the Teacher of Morals? Jesus the Prince of Peace? How about Jesus the Revolutionary or the Redeemer, or the Shepherd of the Sheep, or the Friend of the Poor? There have been many “Jesuses” through history and even other religions have views of Jesus (the Muslim Jesus, the Hindu Jesus, the African Jesus, etc.). There are feminist, ethnic, political, and popular representations. And there are movies. This class will pick a few of these images of Jesus to ponder. There will probably be future classes to explore others – there are so many.
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The goal of each meeting will be to survey briefly some of the meanings of one particular image of Jesus and then discuss. Every image of Jesus itself is subject to multiple interpretations. Which interpretation is meaningful to you? Which has been useful in your past or present? What is contrary to your own understanding of Jesus, perhaps even offensive?​ We will use a great deal of classical and modern artwork, with optional readings available.
Meetings will take place Tuesday evenings beginning on September 16, from 7:00-8:30pm on Zoom. The forum will be led by Whit Bodman, who has taught a course on this topic at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
September 13, 2025
Oración Vespertina/Evening Prayer
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Absalom Jones Regional Ministry Network is hosting a Spanish-language evening prayer via Zoom on Saturday, September 13th at 5:00pm. A bilingual bulletin (Spanish & English) will be provided online. Everyone is welcome!
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Click here to join the Zoom.
September 14, 2025
Repair Cafe
We are proud to host Jersey City's edition of the Garden State Repair Cafe in our Grace Church gym! Do you have a lamp that gave up, a bike in need of a fix, or a pair of pants that have seen better days? The volunteers at the Repair Cafe have the patience and the know-how to help you fix them and keep them from being tossed in a landfill!
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July's Repair Cafe welcomed 82 visitors with 124 items! It's amazing to see broken items get a whole new lease on life. Don't miss this great community event: the next Repair Cafe will be on Sunday, September 14th from 1-4pm.
September 16-October 28, 2025
Tuesdays 7-8:30pm
Adult Forum: Who's Your Jesus?
Which Jesus speaks to you? Is it Jesus the Suffering Servant? Jesus the Teacher of Morals? Jesus the Prince of Peace? How about Jesus the Revolutionary or the Redeemer, or the Shepherd of the Sheep, or the Friend of the Poor? There have been many “Jesuses” through history and even other religions have views of Jesus (the Muslim Jesus, the Hindu Jesus, the African Jesus, etc.). There are feminist, ethnic, political, and popular representations. And there are movies. This class will pick a few of these images of Jesus to ponder. There will probably be future classes to explore others – there are so many.
​
The goal of each meeting will be to survey briefly some of the meanings of one particular image of Jesus and then discuss. Every image of Jesus itself is subject to multiple interpretations. Which interpretation is meaningful to you? Which has been useful in your past or present? What is contrary to your own understanding of Jesus, perhaps even offensive?​ We will use a great deal of classical and modern artwork, with optional readings available.
Meetings will take place Tuesday evenings beginning on September 16, from 7:00-8:30pm on Zoom. The forum will be led by Whit Bodman, who has taught a course on this topic at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
August 19th-22nd
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School for kids and adults will take place at Grace Church and Liberty State Park. Centered around the theme Joyful Hearts, Generous Hands, we explore how to uplift our church community through giving, prayer, and acts of service. We’ll end the week with a fun and festive PJ Pizza Party—more details coming soon!
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VBS will take place in-person from 5-8pm on August 19th through August 22nd.
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To register, please contact Anjelica at anjelicawilliams@gmail.com (for kids) or Shantia at shanitarapatalo@gmail.com.
Save the Date!
The 36th Cathedral Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 7pm, and you don't want to miss it!
Use the QR code or click here to reserve tickets!
March 26-April 16
Virtual Lenten Adult Forum
Join us as we read and discuss How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. Bishop Budde garnered national attention for her January 21, 2025 sermon calling for mercy towards the vulnerable. From Bookshop.org: With Bishop Budde’s wisdom, readers will learn to live and to respond according to their true beliefs and in ways that align with their best selves. How We Learn to Be Brave will provide much-needed fortitude and insight to anyone searching for answers in uncertain times.
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Discussions will take place on the church zoom at 7pm.
March 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday Observances
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5th. All are welcome at the following services:
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7:30am Imposition of Ashes outside of the Grove St. PATH Station
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12:00pm Ash Wednesday Service at Grace Church
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7:00pm Ash Wednesday Service at Grace Church
March 4, 2025
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
Before the Lenten season begins, come celebrate Shrove Tuesday with us with a Pancake Dinner! There will be a Pancake flipping race for kids and sangria for grownups. Join in the party on Tuesday, March 4th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Rectory.
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All are welcome! If you plan to attend, please email Rev. Laurie at revlwurm@gracevanvorst.org so she can include you in the pancake count!
February 28, 2025
CA-Live: Black History Month Edition
Join us as we wrap up our celebration of Black History Month with Cathedral Arts Live on Friday, February 28. This night of incredible music will feature Jersey City's own June Star Mr. Blackman along with some special guests--including our own Grace Church choir! Expect an electrifying atmosphere filled with soul-stirring performances, community connection, and a celebration of resilience and artistry. You don't want to miss this unforgettable night! Tickets are $15 in advance (click here) and $20 at the door. Doors open at 6:30, and refreshments will be sold.
February 19, 2025
James Book Discussion
On Wednesday, February 19 from 7-9 pm in the rectory, we will be hosting a book discussion on James, by Percival Everett. This is a hybrid event that will also take place on the church zoom. Please email Ron (ronaldcrawley@hotmail.com) if you plan to attend in person. Refreshments will be served!
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http://zoom.us/j/5634156706
Meeting ID: 563-415-6706
Password: 004433
