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BISHOP'S VISITATION
Bishop Lee's Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 8th. He will visit with St. Paul's Savanna at its service and arrive at Grace in time for our 10:30 service of Holy Eucharist. He will preach and preside as well as receive people into the Episcopal Church.
As this will be his last visitation prior to his scheduled retirement in August 2020, we will have a special coffee hour/lunch and spend our time together in conversation and fellowship rather than i
n asking him
to present a program. He will also meet with the Vestry.
MOVIE NIGHT--SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 at 6 PM
Our next feature is "The Post" a 2017 movie about the Washington Post, directed by Stephen Spielberg and starring Meryl Streep (as Publisher Katherine Graham) and Tom Hanks (as Editor in Chief Bill Bradley). At first blush the movie is about the 1971 constitutional battle between the Presidency (Nixon) and the 4th estate over publication of the Pentagon Papers. However, it's the story within the story that is even more gripping. That's the story Katherine Graham, thrust by the suicide of her husband through the "glass ceiling" into leadership of the Washington Post, and thrust by the intersection of history, politics and business into having to make a momentous and existential decision in a "man's world".
There
will be much to discuss afterwards, including the portrayal of this true story in the
movie, and its current relevance.Attendance is NOT limited to Grace Parishioners (a/k/a/ "church people"). Please invite others to join
you. Bring your own snack if you wish to dine during the movie.
Decaf coffee and hot water (for tea) will be provided.
ARC Private Tour
The date for the Grace Church private tour of the new ARC facility will be
Thursday, September 5th at 6:00 PM. You enter by the front door facing Hwy 20. Even if you did not sign up, you can still attend. I know you will enjoy the new ARC facility. Have fun.
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NOT The Rector's Ramblings
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As I am having a brief holiday, traveling to Michigan for the long weekend to celebrate with good friends, I am turning the column over to our Vestry Member and Communications Liaison, Larry Poston for his thoughts an a recent article that provides some thoughtful commentary from a millennial on the video many of us watched and discussed last Sunday. I am hopeful that our discussion will continue, as the state of the church in this time in history is of critical importance to all of us.
Gloria+
LOOKING TOWARD STEWARDSHIP
Thanks to all who turned out this last Sunday for the video of Ray Suarez's keynote address to the 2018 diocesan convention.Those of you who attended may be interested in a response one of our younger Episcopalians made to Suarez's speech.
In the spring issue of the diocesan magazine
Thrive!, Ian Grant-Funck, a third-year undergraduate student in religious studies at the University of Chicago, responds to Suarez's approving account of an experimental program for young people at St. Lydia's, a Lutheran ministry in Brooklyn which tries to avoid being "too programmatic, too creedal, too churchy." With St. Lydia's in mind, Suarez had exhorted us all to "let a thousand flowers bloom . . . let's try out things that are maybe even a little comfortable for us to figure out what works. We've got a lot to say to a suffering world."
Grant-Funck confesses that despite his sympathy with new currents in the church, he wonders "how exactly we can be proud of what we have to share with a suffering world while still letting one thousand flowers bloom." The nub of his argument is, I think best stated in this paragraph:
One conclusion of [Suarez's] address - that we Episcopalians need to let go of some liturgical elements to keep young people interested - is misguided. It is a conclusion that assumes the "nones" and the "youngs" are leaving because they wish [church] looked exactly like their day-to-day lives - less creedal and less churchy. This conclusion falls into an all-too-common stereotype of young people: that we want everything simpler, smaller, and more integrated into mainstream culture. . .
Grant-Funck firmly believes that "the specific draw of the Episcopal Church for people - young and old - is the precise way that we hold both the past and the present together. We honor our history, and we remain in uncompromising commitment to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves."
Grant-Funck's article, which may accessed by clicking the link below, strikes a cautionary note that would serve us well in our stewardship discussions ahead. Something about Grace Church grabs us - something we find here and nowhere else. Can we tell others what it is? What do we want to hold onto? What would we give up? If merely maintaining what we have is an insufficient reason for being, then is growth for the sake of growth an end in itself?
Larry Poston
Communications Liaison
The link to the article is
Thrive! It will take you to a pdf version of the article on the diocesan website. The article is the last page of the issue, just before the back cover.
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This will be the last Sunday for the tri-fold bulletin and leaflet. (Don't cheer too loudly.) On September 8, the day of the Bishop's visitation, we will return to the usual format.
READINGS
God speaks out against God's people who have forgotten God's salvation and turned to other gods - God's people have abandoned God who is the fountain of living water and have dug cracked cisterns for themselves.
Psalm 81:1, 10-16: God brought Israel out of Egypt, and longs for Israel to listen to God and follow God's ways, but they want nothing to do with God.
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16: Words to live by: Love one another and be hospitable, share the pain of those who suffer, be faithful in marriage, be content with what you have and follow the example of faithful leaders.
Luke 14:1, 7-14: Jesus advises his followers not to take places of honour at feasts, in case they be asked to move and are humiliated. Rather, he invites them to take seats at the foot of the table, so that if they are invited to a better place, they will be honoured. Further, when hosting dinners, he encourages them to invite those who cannot repay - the marginalised and rejected.
One word, perhaps, sums up the Lectionary readings this week: humility. In the face of a culture in which we are all encouraged to 'value ourselves', to 'reach for what we want' and to 'not let anyone stop us', this can be a difficult, even ridiculous, word. To claim that true, vibrant, authentic life is found in simplicity, fidelity, contentment and humility sounds naive and out of touch. And yet, this is exactly what Jesus asks us to believe - and to embrace - this week.
[It is] tough to preach and implement in our world. Pride leads God's people to turn to their own resources and reject God's ways and God's resources. The result of this is inevitable failure or harm or the humiliation of being turned away from sought-after places of honour that we do not 'deserve'. Rather, honour and fullness of life are found in a humble commitment to following God's ways, remaining faithful and trusting, and living with grace, generosity, compassion, fidelity, and inclusive hospitality.
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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NEWS FROM OUR DIOCESE AND TEC
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BISHOP SEARCH UPDATE
Several listening sessions have been scheduled across the Diocese to enable churches and members to have input on the profile that will be prepared for potential candidates. Listening sessions will focus on how you see God at work in the diocese, what challenges we face together, and what we seek in our next bishop.
In our Deanery, one will take place on September 7 at St. Peter's in Sycamore, Illinois.
Electing Convention Scheduled for June 20
St. James Cathedral in Chicago
The Special Convention for the Election of the Thirteenth Bishop of Chicago is scheduled to take place on June 20, 2020 at St. James Cathedral in Chicago. At the convention, clergy and lay delegates will cast ballots in accordance with the constitution and canons of the diocese.
A slate of candidates for bishop will be presented to the diocese in April. After the slate is announced, additional candidates may be added to the slate by petition. Before the electing convention, people across the diocese will have the opportunity to meet the candidates in forums called walkabouts.
The Standing Committee will announce more information about the electing convention, including the delegate certification process, soon.
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Nave Rearrangement
It is done! On Monday afternoon, August 26, the pews that were removed to make way for the new choir, piano, and organ configuration, were reinstalled at the rear of the Gospel side of the nave. There is plenty of room in the side aisle and behind the last pew for those entering by the ramp to make their way to their seats. The VERY HEAVY historical baptismal font and the Paschal candle crossed the aisle to their new position that allows more space for altar party and family members to gather around the font.
Choir Retreat
 A lively morning was had by the choir with its new director, Robin, as they made plans for the coming season and discussed the upcoming rehearsal schedule and other anticipated changes.
The first rehearsal will take place on Saturday, August 31 at 10 am. The choir will reassemble for worship beginning on September 8 with the usual warm-up at 10 in the chapel. And, in response to many comments about the more robust singing in August when choir members were sitting with the congregation, expect that to be a regular occurrence! Choir members will move to the rear of the nave during the Peace to sing the anthem, then rejoin the congregation after receiving communion.
Sound System Opportunity
You may not be aware of this ministry--except when things go wrong and we hear squawks or silence through the speakers in the midst of the readings or sermon--or some random instructions meant for the Altar Party are broadcast from the sacristy or altar.
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POWER at your fingertips! |
Most of the time all goes well because we have had devoted individuals who stand at the sound console in the rear of the nave with a bulletin in one hand and a finger poised to adjust a control for the lecturn or one of the body mics worn by the clergy and chalicist. Phil Jackman and his back-up Joe Terry have done this for many years. Then, as Phil's travel schedule increased in retirement, Michael Kennedy stepped up to the plate.
We have received a very reasonable request from Michael to see if we can develop a team to rotate this responsibility on Sundays. It is not terribly complicated, but is a very important part of assuring that our liturgy is as smooth as can be. Could you help, maybe once a month? If so, please contact the Rector.
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Outreach Ministries Update
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Tour of ARC's New Facility
Sunday, August 25th is the last Sunday to sign up
for the Private Tour of the new ARC site that was offered by Dave Decker. The sign-up sheet is in the entry way to the Parish Hall. The ARC was extremely happy with the school supplies and check. The school supplies are currently being used and new and exciting creations are happening. So please take this opportunity to visit the new site. I will let you know the date chosen as soon as possible. Any questions, call or email
Donna Davis.
Bishop Joseph's Visit
We have just learned that Bishop Joseph from the Diocese of Renk, South Sudan will visit Grace on Sunday, September 15. The Outreach Ministries will host the coffee hour on that day. Further details will be forthcoming.
Riverbend Mobile Food Pantry
will be in Galena once again on Saturday, September 7. Food will be distributed at Crossroads Community Church beginning at 10:30 am. Volunteers are always needed and should plan to arrive at 10 am.
TWO COUNTRY FAIR OPPORTUNITIES
You can volunteer at Country Fair and help raise some money for the church at the same time.
1) Fräni is managing the Grab & Go stand again this year. She is hoping there are some volunteers from Grace that would be willing to help her out on Saturday, October 14th. If you volunteer you get in for free and you get $10/hour that will be donated to Grace Church. Added bonus is the stand is right next to the music and the wine garden!
Five volunteers are needed for each of the two shifts. First shift is 10:30-1:30; second shift is 1:30-4:30. Please let Fräni know if you are able to help out and which shift you prefer.
galenabeadle@gmail.com
2) The Galena Chamber of Commerce
The
Chamber is looking for volunteers to serve in the Chamber's funnel cake booth at Country Fair in exchange for a share of the profits.
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Vestry Liaisons
V
estry Liaisons' primary purpose is to assure two-way communications between the various ministries and the
Vestry,
to represent the ministries for resources
or
policy issues, and to
support
their
events
an
d activities.
Worship:
Rector
Building and Grounds: Greg Serwich (Sr. Warden 2018-2020)
Worship Committee: Charlotte Stryker (class of 2022)
Formation and Spirituality: Elizabeth Ludescher (class of 2022)
Fellowship & Hospitality: Anita Sands (class of 2021)
Pastoral Care/LEMs: Bonnielynn Kreiser (class of 2020)
Outreach:
Tony Packard (class of 2021)
Communications: Larry Poston (class of 2020)
Governance: Wardens & Rector
Officers: Greg Serwich, Senior Warden
Lynn Giles, Junior Warden,
Richard Luther, Treasurer
Diann Marsh, Clerk
The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
Staff: Robin French, Director of Music
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Nancy Kenney, Parish Administrator
Chris Ludescher, Nursery Attendant
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For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Lynn Giles
1st Chalicist:
Cathie Elsbree
Greg Serwich
Acolyte:
Donna Davis
Vestry Coordinator:
Tony Packard
Greeter
Amy Hardwicke
Altar Guild:
Ann Berry
LEM:
Greg & Karen Serwich
Presider:
The Rev. Linda Packard
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Pentecost 13
10:30am
September 8, 2019
Eucharistic readings
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For a current prayer list, click on the following link:
Grace Prayer List
The
Request For Prayers notebook is in the Narthex/ Entrance area of the Church. Please feel free to request prayers for yourself or others at any time by filling out a form or contacting the office by either phone or email. May we first and always be "a people of prayer."
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Cursillo & Wednesday Study Group resume
on September 4.
Wednesday Events
7:30 am
Midweek Eucharist
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
9:30 am
Cursillo Group
10:30 am
Study Group
All are welcome!
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Choir resumes rehearsals at 10 am on Saturday,
August 31.
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For current and
upcoming events,
check out the goog
le
calendar on the website
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8/25-Hansen/Beadle
9/1-
9/8--Vestry/Bishop's Visitation
9/15--Outreach Ministries for visit of Bp. Joseph
R
eminder for hosts:
Napkins and plates
are provided. Use
what you need from
our pantry
.
Remember: Keep it simple. We usually have about 35-40 attending.
**Coffee schedule sign up is on the bulletin board in the Parish House.**
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You can now get information on Formation Ministries directly from the new Grace website at the following links: Children and Youth Adults
Spiritual Practices
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If you are in need of assistance while ill or recovering: meals, transportation, visits, please contact the
Ministry of Care
facilitators:
o Carol Poston
o Charlotte Kennedy who can assist you and connect you with parishioners who have trained and commited to this ministry that includes Parish Visitors, Meals, Rides, as well as the ongoing Servants through Prayer, LEMs, and the Greeting Card ministry.
Ministry of Care Leadership
Team:
Facilitators : Carol Poston, Charlotte Kennedy
Clergy Advisors: Gloria Hopewell, Linda Packard
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DEADLINES !
News and prayer requests:
Sunday
Bulletin --
Wed. end of day.
e-Blast:
Thursday noon.
Anniversaries and Birthdays
Have yours been missed in our bulletins?
Send to Nancy.
Thank y
ou!
News and Photos
f
or e-Blast!
People
want to know
what's going on at Grace! T
here are places
here for your
event,
program, or
interesting
tidbit.
Comments on this e-Blast may be sent here.
Audio files of sermons are posted on the Grace Church website as well as in the next week's e-Blast. They also may be found on the church's FB page.
Paper copies are available upon re
quest.
NEW:
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Grace Galena 8th after 2019 Sermon
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Grace Galena 9th after Pentecost 2019 Sermon
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| Grace Galena 10th after Pentecost Sermon 2019 |
Choir Retreat 2019
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![The Post | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nrXlY6gzTTM/hqdefault.jpg)
