November 3-9 at Grace
When the Saints Go Marching In!
All Saints’ Sunday at Grace
We have gathered all the submitted names of those who we will remember this coming Sunday as we observe All Saints’ Day at Grace, and it promises to be a rich time of remembrance.
As part of this Sunday’s liturgy, we will welcome a jazz band to help lead music at the 10:45 AM service. Absolutely! We will process to fantastic music, and you can bring a handkerchief from home to wave (we’ll have some available if you forget yours). Wonderful readings, a great sermon, incredible second line band music (read more below), and remembering all those in our lives who have helped shape us—and who we will forever love. I look forward to seeing you there!
Blessings,
Stuart
Second Line Band This Sunday
Grace Episcopal Church will observe All Saints’ Day this Sunday with a Second Line (New Orleans Style Jazz) Band.
A little history about Second Lining
During the early 20th century, the New Orleans second line served as an important community function. At that time, African-Americans were not allowed to buy insurance, so they formed mutual aid societies — called Social Aide and Pleasure Clubs — to help members through tough times. When a member’s house burned down, or when someone died and their family lacked the funds for a proper funeral, the club would step in to help. Live bands and second-lining become integral parts of the fund-raising efforts. Combined with the city’s long-standing penchant for a parade, these activities led to the current “second line” brass-band parade tradition.
Second Lining has been called “the quintessential New Orleans art form – a jazz funeral without a body.” Jazz funerals are a big part of New Orleans culture. Jazz bands have not only been employed for funerals but for weddings and other types of parades. Second Lining is most often used to honor members of the community who have passed away. During a second line funeral procession, the hearse is moved from the funeral to the burial service, joined by guests. A jazz band accompanies the procession to celebrate the life of the deceased.
Second Line at Grace
There are two parts to a Second Line. For our purposes on Sunday, the first line will be made up of the band, as our “strutting revelers” or the choir, will fall in behind forming the second line. Typically, the leaders of the second line parade carry decorated umbrellas, while other parade goers shake handkerchiefs while dancing.
We will have white handkerchiefs for you to wave on Sunday! You’re invited to bring your own props and wear your most colorful attire. But more importantly, come with a thankful spirit as we celebrate the lives that have gone before.
Citations:
New Orleans Second Line History, New Orleans.com, 2024
The Second Line, New York Times, 2006
Funeral Second Lines, New Orleans.com, 2024
Time Change
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 3 so be sure your clocks are set back one hour!
Christian Education
Christian Education classes for children, youth, and adults will meet from 9:30 – 10:30 AM most Sundays until May 4.
Stewardship Ingathering
Our ingathering for the 2025 stewardship campaign is Sunday, November 3. Pledge cards are available at church, or submit your pledge online.
Prayer Yoga
Prayer yoga classes are on pause for an indeterminate length of time. Please keep watching this newsletter for updates.
Thanksgiving Potluck
Bring your favorite Thanksgiving side dish or dessert to share and join us in the parish hall on Tuesday, November 19 at 6:00 PM. Grace Church will provide turkey and drinks. We’ll enjoy a feast and each other’s company as we give thanks for all the blessings in our lives.
For planning purposes, please sign up online or before noon on Thursday, November 14.
There is a spot on the sign up form for you to submit text and/or images for a slideshow that will run during the potluck.
Dates for Your Calendar
Look ahead to upcoming opportunities for prayer, worship, and community!
- November 10 EYC: Friendsgiving
- November 19 Parish Thanksgiving Potluck
- December 1 Advent Wreath Making
- December 3 Advent Sound Bath
- December 8 Confirmation
- December 15 Messiah Sing Along
- December 18 Christmas Caroling at LVE
The Glimpses of Grace Podcast
We invite you to explore the podcast on Spotify (or your podcast app of choice) or here on this website!
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