Grace: It's Our Way of Life
|
|
|
As Episcopal Christians we
Worship at home daily and together weekly;
Study the scriptures, our tradition, and what it means to be a disciple today;
Serve our families, our parish, and our world in the name of Christ. Everything we do is done with an ethic of
Welcome because we are only here by Grace.
Where have you welcomed, worshiped, studied or served?
|
|
|
|
Reflections on eye mission to Honduras
|
|
by Penny Campo-Pierce, Dr. Bob Foote and Sandy Foote
|
 |
|
|
A new pair of glasses that he could take home helped this little boy see clearly for the first time in his life
|
This year's clinic saw 880 patients served by 23 volunteers, including ten doctors. In five clinic days, we made medical referrals for 125people, sent one man to the hospital for immediate surgery on a torn retina, and arranged for a ten-year-old girl to have cataract surgery so her eyes and brain could begin to communicate, before it was too late for coordination of that process. Our team worked together in a fluid dance to do what needed to be done for each patient, seen in a timely and professional way.
The final stage of the patient's visit takes place in the dispensing room. Chaotic doesn't begin to describe it. In one corner, Sandy Foote is talking with a translator and a patient to refer the patient to a general or specialist doctor or an Ophthalmologist, depending on their medical issue. In another corner, Bill Pierce is fitting a patient with frames so new glasses can be made right there in the room or he's fitting newly made glasses on a different patient. On a wall inside the door,
click here to read more...
|
|
|
Rector Search Update
by MaryLee Pakieser, Chair
 We had a very productive meeting with Bill Spaid, Canon of the Ordinary and Diocesan Transitional Officer, on April 20. We were presented with full portfolios for ten candidates. These candidates bring a wealth of experience and diversity. This is both an exciting and audacious time for the committee. We realize our deliberations will not only affect the lives of the candidates but also the future of our parish. In our Office of Transitional Ministry (OTM) Portfolio we had to list four gifts/skills that are important for the next rector to have. They are (in no particular order):
Inspirational Teacher, Communicator, Pastoral Shepherd, and Ministry Facilitator.
These skills/gifts were based on a review of the Grace Parish Profile, based on parish survey results, along with intense committee discussion. Our Parish Profile and OTM Portfolio are posted on our website. This process will help us stay focused on the individual candidate's capabilities as opposed to comparing candidate to candidate.
We have now reviewed all of the candidates' profiles and resumes and decided to proceed with initial interviews with six of the candidates. We have initiated the phone interviews; when completed we will discern who will continue in the interviewing process.
As always, we ask for your continued prayers.
Ses·qui·cen·ten·ni·al
Noun,
a one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Grace Church. Think of it - 150 uninterrupted years of Sunday services, parish suppers, relationships built and ministries offered! That is something worth celebrating - how would YOU like to celebrate our 'significant event'? There are green suggestion cards in the Commons - please let us know what this celebration looks like to you. Turn the cards in to the office at your convenience. A committee is forming to plan the celebration and we would welcome your participation. Our next meeting is Thursday, May 25 at 6:30pm at Jubilee House. Please join us!
Memorial Day Closures - Monday, May 29
The church office, Food Pantry, and Jubilee House will all be closed on May 29, Memorial Day. Women's Prayer Group will not meet, and Grace Harmony rehearsal is cancelled.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Safe Harbor-The end of a chapter, the beginning of a new story
Safe Harbor began humbly the winter of 2003 when the Nazarene Church opened its doors to the homeless on the coldest nights of that winter. The following year, Grace Church was one of the original churches that provided meals, fellowship and a safe place to sleep on a rotating schedule. This ecumenical ministry continued to grow over the next 13 seasons coming to encompass 25 churches. Safe Harbor broadened awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness in our community and provided a framework for care as part of its church network.
Grace Church felt a greater calling as a result of this participation in Safe Harbor and from this calling came the formation of Jubilee House.
Now 13 years later, Safe Harbor has ended the rotating shelter program at churches. Beginning the fall of 2017 it will open a permanent dedicated shelter location on Wellington Street in Traverse City. The permanent location will alleviate the stress on volunteers, the homeless and church schedules with supplies and services remaining in ONE place for the duration of the shelter season.
The hospitality, familiarity and care shown our homeless neighbors will continue as church volunteers come together at the new shelter to staff it. The hope is that each church will again organize volunteers for evening hospitality, overnight and evening meal shifts to keep the shelter open during the winter months; all the same duties and friends just in a different location!
Grace still needs a volunteer coordinator for Safe Harbor
. While the duties are greatly scaled back, it will take a few weeks of concentrated communication and coordination to get shifts filled each time we help staff the shelter. Currently this will be at least one week in the winter season, possibly two weeks. To help you there are email and telephone call lists of previous volunteers, and computer forms to create sign up boards and post information to Grace Notes and the Grace Vine. There is support and training for the person that would assume this ministry.
Prayerfully consider if you might be able to fill this ministry position for Grace Church, so that we can continue to serve the homeless in our midst. If you would like more information about the "new job" of Safe Harbor Volunteer Coordinator, please contact Ann Hackett in the church office: 231-947-2330 or
ahackett@gracetc.org
|
Religion & Politics Discussion May 23
 "A little ball moves the big ball" is what Mao Zedong said in 1972 after a chance encounter between Ping-Pong players paved the way to renewed relations between the US and China. Similarly today, it will likely be small, seemingly insignificant conversations that will lead to improved relations in our country.
Each of you is invited to join a discussion on how people of faith can encourage a more civil public dialogue. This conversation is not a forum to discuss specific political issues, but instead will explore how Christian principles can improve how we discuss contentious issues. Although not a required book, study participants might find it helpful to read The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can Change Politics, by John Danforth, an Episcopal priest and three-term US Senator. The conversation will be held in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, May 23, from 6-8:30 pm. The evening will begin at 6 pm with a potluck supper, Evening Prayer, followed by a 90 minute guided conversation, and conclude with Compline. Please RSVP to Steve Wade -
stevewadetc@gmail.com.
|
|
|
Ascension Day Service May 25 6:30 pm
 Thursday, May 25, marks the fortieth day of the season of Easter, the day when we traditionally commemorate the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is considered a major feast day by the church, and we at Grace will celebrate with a complete Eucharist service at 6:30 that evening. Join us as we glorify Christ in his risen humanity!
Music Speaks
Manitou Winds Concert May 27 at 7:30 pm
Chamber ensemble Manitou Winds will present a spring concert at Grace. Admission is free and all are welcome. The concert theme 'Music Speaks' will explore the mystical pathway connecting music and words. The five members of the ensemble, playing eight instruments, join with local readers and musicians (including our own Emily Culler) to present an eclectic variety of chamber music, poetry, and prose spanning centuries and genres. Don't miss it!
Great Parish Swap 2017 - June 11
 Parishes are encouraged by the Diocese of Western Michigan to "swap" members of their congregations during the month of June, in order to facilitate partnerships, inspire ideas and experience different styles of worship. We are partnered with St. Paul's in Elk Rapids, who will welcome Grace Church members on June 11 at their 10 am service. If June 11 doesn't work for you, feel free to worship with our sisters and brothers in Elk Rapids when convenient for you and your family.
Graduation Sunday is June 11
 Grace will celebrate its graduates on June 11 at a special coffee hour after the 10 o'clock service. Whether you are graduating from high school, college, or a trade/professional school, send us your name, the institution you graduated from, a brief description of post-graduation plans, and a photo. Please turn this in to the office by May 31. Thank you and congratulations!
Medical Equipment Available
 Did you know that
Love in the Name of Christ has a Medical Equipment Loan Ministry? If you, a friend or family member needs a wheelchair, walker, cane or bathroom equipment on a limited basis we can help! We have closet locations at Christ the King in Acme, Grace Episcopal and mid-town at the Love INC offices on East Front Street. Equipment is a loan for the length of time needed-no cost to you! Call us at 941-5683 to speak with us about a loan of equipment or a donation of equipment.
Pilgrimage to Holy Land with Bishop Hougland - April 2018
 In cooperation with EO Travel and Dr. Douglas Mohrmann, Bishop Hougland and his wife Dana are planning a pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine April 10-19, 2018, with an optional extension April 19-22), with room for 45 pilgrims on the journey. The pilgrimage starts at a cost of $2,598.00. Airfare is additional, but airfare for all pilgrims will be arranged by Dr. Mohrmann. Interested persons can find details and a link to registration via the web by clicking here.
The tour company will handle all registrations and issue billing statements.
Register by June 10, 2017 and receive $125 off!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regular Weekly Worship Schedule
|
Monday
Women's Prayer Circle 8:30 am
Tuesday
Morning Prayer, 8:15 am
Wednesday
Simple Eucharist, 10 am
Centering Prayer, 11 am
Thursday
Evening Prayer, 6 pm
Saturday
Holy Eucharist, 5 pm
Sunday
Holy Eucharist, 8 am & 10 am
|
|
|
|
Lectionary Readings
& Daily Prayer
|
|
This Weekend's Readings
Acts 17:22-31
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
Psalm 66:7-18
Next Weekend's Readings
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:6-14
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11
Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36
The Daily Office
|
|
|
|
Birthdays
|
|
|
|
Kathy Matzkows
Cooper Nordeen
Karl Bentley
Wren Walter
Joel Wegman
James Deaton
Alice Sanford
Pat Freeman
Lydia Christian
Happy Anniversary
Ken & Sue Kelly
Greta & Mark Lyons
Jim & Mary Ellen Sommerfield
|
|
|
Prayer Lists
Did you know Grace has 2 prayer lists?
* To be added to the prayer list found in the bulletin contact
** If you would like to be added to the Daughters of the King (DOK) prayer list and be prayed for daily,contact Penny Campo-Pierce at 231-946-1224 or pcampopierce@charter.net
|
Contact Us
341 Washington St.,
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone 947-2330;
Fax 947-3011
Website
www.gracetc.org
For Pastoral Emergencies
Call the church office 231-947-2330
|
Staff Contact Information
Clergy:
Interim Rector:
Office:
Parish Administrator:
Administrative Assistant & Outreach Coordinator:
Music:
Music & Worship Director:
Children's Ministry:
Director of Children and Youth Formation:
What's happening in the Diocese?
|
|
What's Happening at Grace?
What's Happening in our Diocese?
Turn in your Oleson's receipts to benefit the Grace Food Pantry!
Oleson's Community Share Program
Here's how it works:
- You shop at Oleson's for groceries (liquor sales do not qualify for points)
- Turn in your receipts to the church. Look for the envelope on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall, and place your receipts inside it.
- We submit receipts back to Oleson's
- We are granted cash rewards for the food pantry ($1 spent on groceries = 1 cent in Community Share points)
For every $5000 in receipts we submit, we receive $50 in cash for our food pantry. Every little bit helps!
Thank you for participating!
Click here to learn more...
Buy from Amazon?
Help Grace Church!
Did you know Grace Church is part of the Amazon Smile program? We ask you to consider supporting Grace Church through the AmazonSmile program. It doesn't take more than a minute to register, then eligible purchases will benefit Grace Church.
Follow this link for details
|
|
|
|
