Welcome to Epiphany and the Season After

Advent, the twelve days of Christmas, and the Feast of the Epiphany are over.  In 2014, we have the longest Epiphany season possible--nine Sundays before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  That means we have plenty of time to reflect on the meaning of God-with-us and how 2013's trip to the manger will be reflected in our lives.  The challenge of this season is to watch in expectation for those epiphanies that are always awaiting us and to allow them to bring us new life.        

Aaron McNeil Open House

On Sunday, January 8, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Aaron McNeil House will be having its annual open house.  As most of you know, Aaron McNeil House is Christian County's primary crisis relief provider.  Services include short-term crisis relief, a food pantry, and educational programs and referral services.   If you have never been to Aaron McNeil House, this is a great opportunity to visit.  It is located at the corner of E. 2nd Street and Campbell Street--just a few blocks from Grace--in what was formerly Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.  The center is primarily funded through United Way, but various churches give significant support, and the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky is also a major donor.  Our Rector is beginning a term as Chair of the Board of Directors at Aaron McNeil.        

Annual Parish Meeting

Mark your calendars!  On Sunday, January 26, at 5:00 pm, we will have our monthly Celtic Eucharist, followed by dinner and our Annual Parish Meeting. We are scheduling the meeting in the evening hoping that more of us will take this opportunity to worship at one of our Celtic services and catch-the-spirit of this unique experience.  As usual, we will have a variety of musicians participating--playing violin, harp, guitars, and mandolin.  After the service in the sanctuary, we will gather in All Saints Parish Hall and share a simple meal, followed by reports on the activities, mission and financial matters of the church; visioning for church programming for 2014 and beyond; and election of new Vestry members.  This meeting is one of our primary ways of keeping the parish informed of what's going on in the church and of enjoying time together--reconnecting with each other and meeting and welcoming those who are newer to the church.  

Little Library

Several months back, the Missions Group decided to take on the project of establishing a "Little Library" on the campus of Grace Church.  According to Wikipedia, "Little Free Libraries are a community movement in the United States and worldwide that offers free books housed in small containers to members of the local community. The idea was popularized in Hudson, Wisconsin when Todd Bol mounted a wooden container designed to look like a school house on a post on his lawn as a tribute to his mother, who was a book lover and school teacher."  Our "container" has now been constructed and will be finished up and mounted in the near future.  We will let you know when it is ready for your book contributions.  

Piano Lessons at Grace

(Announcement from Amanda Pirrung)  Starting in January, I will be offering private piano lessons at Grace on weekday afternoons.  I have a passion for early childhood music education, and have taught many three to five year olds over the years, both in my home and in the music academy setting. With the youngest children, I use a lovely program called Music for Little Mozarts that teaches beginning piano concepts, music theory, and music history through the use of enjoyable animal characters.  Students aged five and up will have a program chosen for them based on their learning style and developmental level.  Private lessons are $80/month, and will include a weekly 30-minute lesson, as well as an optional monthly group lesson when the student becomes ready to work on performance skills.  We will hold a studio recital at the end of each school term.  Please contact me for more information and with your questions.   

New Visitor Cards

Please notice the attractive new visitor cards in the back of the pew in front of you when you are next at church!  

Foyer Groups Forming

We have a number of people who have signed up to participate in a foyer group beginning in January.  Foyer groups get together for sharing a meal and fellowship on a regular basis--hopefully monthly.  This is a great way to get to know others in the parish that you might not otherwise know. Joining a foyer group does not mean that you are committing to preparing a meal for a group and inviting people into your home.  Other options are available--e.g., a potluck at the church, a quiet restaurant, etc.  Please sign up if you would like to get involved.  The sign-up sheet is on the table in the hallway across from the sacristy.        

Flowers!

With the beginning of a new year, there are plenty of open spots on the calendar for contributing flowers to enhance our Sunday morning worship, to remember loved ones who are no longer living or to give thanks to God for our many blessings.  Sign up on the chart on the wall outside the sacristy or call Debbie in the church office.  

Upcoming Events

Sunday, January 12, 9:00 am--Adult Forum and Catechesis 

Sunday, January 12, 10:15 am--Epiphany I and Baptism of our Lord

(Holy Eucharist Rite II and Holy Baptism)

Sunday, January 12, 1:00 - 3:00 pm--Aaron McNeil Open House

Tuesday, January 14, 4:30 pm--Junior Wardens Group

Wednesday, January 15, 12:10 pm--Holy Eucharist and Healing

Wednesday, January 15, 5:30 pm--Vestry Meeting

Thursday, January 16, Time TBA--Finance Group

Sunday, January 19, 9:00 am--Adult Forum and Catechesis

Sunday, January 19, 10:15 am--Epiphany II (Holy Eucharist Rite II)

Wednesday, January 22, 12:10 am--Holy Eucharist and Healing

Sunday, January 26, 9:00 am--Adult Forum and Catechesis

Sunday, January 26, 10:15 am--Epiphany III (Holy Eucharist Rite I)

Sunday, January 26, 5:00 pm--Celtic Eucharist

Sunday, January 26, 6:00 pm--Parish Dinner and Annual Meeting

All Sort and Conditions

(Birthdays and listings of prayer requests will be sent in a separate mailing.)