Rector's Note

This Sunday, August 11, at the 9:30 service--at the request of parishioners--we will be having what is called an Instructed Eucharist. This means that, at designated points during the service, we will be having some commentary explaining what it is we are doing.  Even if we have been Episcopalians for years, we may never have known or may have forgotten the reasons we do what we do.  This should be an interesting experience for everyone.  I promise that the sermon will be short so that the service will not be much longer than usual!

I will be out of the office during the next week--but available by phone and email.  My daughter Meg started a new job this week(!), and I need to be in Nashville to help get my grandson transitioned into Holy Trinity Montessori School.  I will not be missing any Sunday services, but the Wednesday Holy Eucharist on August 14 has been cancelled.  Also, if there are any pastoral emergencies, I can easily return to Hopkinsville in the evening, as needed. Have a good week!  Alice+ 

Good Shepherd Camp Report

Our first Good Shepherd Camp was held this week (August 6-8) and was a great success!  We had six children who will be in our kindergarten and pre-school this Fall and six children who are either members of the church or have connections with us.  Many, many thanks to all who helped in various ways--with music, with food, with arts and crafts, with presenting Catechesis lessons, with escorting small groups from one activity to another, with time-keeping and bell-ringing, etc., etc.  All Saints was a lively place!  For many wonderful pictures, look at our Facebook page or go to our new website and click the link to Facebook.  There should also be pictures on the website soon.  

Spontaneous Outreach

A big "hats off" to Brenda Jones and Phillip Merritt who spear-headed a spontaneous outreach in support of a family of four who were living at the Salvation Army and needed help in establishing a home.  Many Grace Church members contributed quickly and generously by providing furnishings, clothing, food, and money.  They are now living in their own home, and Sheila (mom of the three kids) will be starting a new job very soon.  A giant THANK-YOU all who have been so concerned for neighbors in need!  

Kindergarten Update

As we are nearing the start of another school year, we are pleased to let you know that we have had such great interest in Grace Kindergarten that we are opening a fifth classroom.  As of today, we have one three-year-old class with eleven children, three four-year-old classes--two with eight children and one with six, and one five-year-old class with nine children.  We have two new four-year-old teachers--Michelle Lacefield and Kay Cessna.  Kay's class will be meeting in the nursery and can accommodate two more children.  We can also accommodate three more children in the five-year-old class.  Tom Schmidt is doing a wonderful job as Chair of the Kindergarten Board, and Barbara Kirkham continues to do her fine work as Director of the program.  (Both also helped with Good Shepherd Camp!)  Let's do all we can to support our Kindergarten by using our Kroger cards and participating in other fund-raising events and activities.    

Going "Live"

The Website Group has been working for several months on a new website for Grace--something more attractive and more user-friendly.  With the expertise and creativity of Dr. Terry Fuqua and Troy Suite, we have "gone live."  So--make sure, when you go to our website, that you are at www.gracehopkinsville.org .  The old web address will only take you to the website for the Diocese of Kentucky.  

"Bully" Project

On Sunday, August 11, at 5:30 pm, we will be having a showing of the movie "Bully" and a discussion of the pervasive problem of bullying behavior among our children and grandchildren of all ages.  Studies have shown that bullying is a major factor in the increase in suicide among young people, and we all need to increase our awareness of the symptoms and many ways in which this victimization takes place.  The Bully Project is a nationwide program and thousands of people have been trained and have made commitments to be part of the solution to this tragic issue.  Please join us.  Supper will be provided.  Misti French will be leading the discussion.  

Grace/Carnegie Tutoring Program

The schedule for our Grace Church/Carnegie Library Tutoring program is now in place, and will begin on Thursday, 12 September, with a Staff Orientation Session in All Saints at 3:00 pm.  Ron Gager, the MLK program coordinator, will speak briefly--and provide an overview for our tutors, subs and tutoring staff.  All are invited to attend to learn more about the program.  

Our weekly sessions begin on Thursday, 19 September, in All Saints at 3:00 pm.  Tutoring will initially be offered to four students (grades 3 through 5). These one-on-one sessions require--in addition to the four tutors, a sub for each tutor, plus a staff of three--bringing the total number of adults involved to eleven.   

Four of these positions are still open, and provide an excellent opportunity for YOU to be a part of this new, exciting and potentially fruitful avenue of outreach to the youth of Hopkinsville and Christian County.

If you would like to be a part of this innovative groundbreaking program, please contact Jim Coursey at 270-719-9462.  

Kroger Gift Cards

We have earned almost $1000 for the Kindergarten Scholarship Fund in the past three months by using our Kroger Gift Cards.  Please help us to take full advantage of this great opportunity.  If you haven't purchased a card for $5 or if you aren't quite sure how to use your card, please contact Tom Schmidt!  

Silent Auction

The Silent Auction has been postponed until later this Fall, and, we are therefore unable to accept early donations!  But, starting collecting your "good stuff" and hold onto it!  Thanks!