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News from Grace Episcopal Church ~ Martinez, California
June 28, 2018
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Scripture of the Week
"
I wait for the
Lord
; my soul waits for him;
in his word is my hope.
My soul waits for the
Lord
,
more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
"
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"Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."
Jesus
At Grace, we have Godly Play (Sunday School) during the school year, but children and youth share in the ministry of the church year-round, serving as acolytes, readers, and oblation bearers.
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THIS SUNDAY: The Bishop is coming - and he loves children! Godly Play is out for the summer but young people are
always welcome to join us in the sanctuary for worship. There is a children's area near the piano at the rear of the sanctuary with toys, books, and coloring materials for children who do not enjoy sitting in the pews. There is Nursery Care for babies and young toddlers in the education building.
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Make a Joyful Noise:
Special Choir Rehearsal TONIGHT, 7pm
While our Music Director Search continues, we are enjoying a wonderful group of substitute organists. This week we welcome Ferris Gluck to the organ console. THIS Sunday, July 1, Bishop Marc Andrus will be at Grace for his bi-annual Episcopal visit. We would like to serenade him with beautiful music while he is here, so we are calling all choir members - past, present and future - who would like to be an important part of that special event to come to a rehearsal on TONIGHT, June 28 at 7 p.m. Many thanks!
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Community
As Reverend Deb reminded us in a recent sermon, God gave rules and laws to human beings to help us to get closer to God and live together in harmony. Jesus taught that we should always be examining our laws and considering how they fit in with his two primary commandments: to love God and one another. Our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry often says, "If it isn't about love, it isn't about God." Grace is an example of a parish that has long practiced our
Mission Statement:
"To welcome, support and serve all God's people," but, because we are human beings, it is good to have concrete reminders of the best practices for living together in love. To that end, the Vestry has agreed on these three simple rules, which will
remind us of how to live in harmony as a Christian Community. Please follow them at all meetings, activities and interactions!
- Follow the words of Jesus: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
- Show RESPECT for all people; i.e., - follow the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done to you.
- Do not gossip. If something is confidential, keep it to yourself; if something is bothering you, talk to the person/people involved.
Thank you!
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The Bishop's Visit and Confirmations
THIS SUNDAY!
The Bishop is coming!
Sunday, July 1, The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus will be at Grace for his biannual Episcopal visit. He will preside at both the 8am and 10am services. At the 10am service, Bishop Marc will also confirm six people from our Grace family. Following that service there will be a festive reception in the Parish Hall, hosted by St. Christopher's Guild. Parishioners are asked to bring finger foods to share on the food table.
Please join us in welcoming Bishop Marc!
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The Grace Church offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. We thank God for the opportunity to live in a society in which we, like all Americans, are free to worship as we choose.
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Bible Study for Everyone!
On
Wednesday mornings at Grace at 10 a.m. we celebrate the Eucharist follow
ed by Bible study. We are currently studying the letters of Paul, which make up about two-thirds of our New Testament. We are using Church
of England bishop and theologian N.T. Wright's series, "Paul for Everyone."
There will be no service and Bible study on Wednesday, July 4. When we resume on
July 11, we will begin looking at Galatians 2:11-14, which introduces the topics of Christian identity and hypocrisy in the church. Please join us.
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Prayers of the People by the people
The Prayers of the People are a regular part of our worship. At Grace, these prayers have long been offered by one of our Eucharistic Ministers on behalf of the entire congregation. Recently, however, the Worship and Liturgy Committee has been in discussion about the beauty and grace of hearing prayers offered in many voices, so we are looking for volunteers to read the Prayers of the People on Sundays. This an extension of the job of Lectors, who read the lessons. You will receive a brief training in how to hold a microphone and where to go for help with pronunciations, but no other experience is necessary. This opportunity is open to anyone who feels moved to offer prayer on behalf of the people of Grace. If you are interested, please let John Lee know.
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Batter Up!
The Men's Group invites everyone to an outing to a Martinez Clippers baseball game on
Sunday, July 15.
Gates open at 12 noon; Game starts at 1 pm
at Joe DiMaggio Fields, at Waterfront Park Martinez
Ticket Prices
Adult (13 and up) $12; Child (3-12) $5; Senior and Veteran (65 and up) $10; Infants (0-2) Free; Group Rate (10 or more) $8.
Get tickets through the website mtzclippers.com or at the gate. All tickets are General Admission. There is free parking.
It would be nice to get a rough count on how many people will be attending, so if you plan on going, please contact Don Dyer in person, by phone (925) 957-9059 or email
donald.c.dyer@att.net
.
The Martinez Clippers is a new expansion team in the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs, and they play at the newly rebuilt Joe DiMaggio Field at Waterfront Park in Martinez.
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Grace Book Group
Read any good books lately? Want to participate in a book discussion group? Like to eat out? Come drop in on the Grace Book Group! We'd love to see you!
When: 3rd Wednesday of the month, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Smooth Season restaurant at Muir Station Shopping Center.
Our next get-together is July 18, when we will discuss Hillbilly Elegy, by J.D. Vance. For more information and to RSVP that you're coming, please email the church office. Happy reading!
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Faithful FILM Forum!
St. Paul seems to be undergoing a period of popularity right now, including being the topic of our Wednesday Bible Study at Grace. We are finding him so fascinating that we have decided to screen the recent film "Paul: Apostle of Christ" at Grace on Sunday, July 22, following the 10 a.m. service. Everyone is welcome to come and watch the film, which is approximately two hours long. Rev. Deb will be there to answer any questions that may come up. Please be advised that the film is unrated, but has some violent and upsetting content (much like the Bible).
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Save the date for LUAU!
Saturday, August 18
Share Aloha with this FUNdraiser dinner event, including Hawaiian music and dancers, hosted by Saint Christopher's Guild.
Tickets go on sale July 8
$25
(General); $10 (age 6-12); Free age 5 and under)
Tell your family and friends!
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Your Community of Christ Needs You!
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Just like the early Christians, we are a community of many different people with many talents and we need everyone to provide for the community.
The Altar Guild ministry is currently in need of additional volunteers. Members of the Altar Guild work in teams and help prepare the church for worship
.
Please consider thoughtfully and prayerfully if this is a ministry that you could do for the good of the church. Contact
Rev. Deb
revdeb@gracechurchmtz.org
or Altar Guild Director Elaine Quigley.
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Nominees for Diocesan positions sought
The Diocesan Committee on Nominations is seeking individuals interested in running for diocesan offices. There are open positions on the Standing Committee, which serves as the Bishop's Council of Advice and has broad responsibilities for oversight of diocesan affairs, and the Executive Council, which is the vestry of the diocese. Elections are held at the Annual Diocesan Convention in the fall. More information can be found at
the
Diocesan website. If you are interested in seeking election, contact
Rev. Deb.
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A Message from Contra Costa Interfaith Housing
Summer Gatherings
We are coordinating 2 summer gatherings for our clients. One is for our ACCESS (Individuals) Program and the other is for our Families in Supportive Housing Program. All of these clients are scattered throughout the county and finding the opportunities to bring them together to share community is challenging due to the fact that they live in over 50 locations. Below are links for two Sign-up Genius profiles. One is for a true picnic and the other takes place at a church. We are able to bring program and enrichment to these events and we need your help with the food.
I hope you can find something that you are comfortable providing. Please
email me with any questions.
Our programs are successful because of the pouring out of support from our partners and volunteers. You are key to helping stabilize lives.
Gloria Bertolozzi
Volunteer and Outreach Manager
Contra Costa Interfaith Housing
399 Taylor Blvd, Ste 115
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Direct Line: 925-448-2004
Fax: 925.944.2248
On Going Furnishing Needs:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094dafaa2da5f94-ccih2
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Healing prayer
We offer Healing Prayer during both our 8 and 10 a.m. services. If you wish to have someone pray with you for yourself or others, you may go to the prie dieu (kneeler) at the right rear corner of the sanctuary after receiving communion. This is a ministry of the people of Grace to one another -no clergy required! We are looking for more volunteers for this important ministry, so if you are willing to pray with others, please let
Rev. Deb know. No experience is necessary; we will train you!
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Interfaith Disaster Preparedness Effort looking for volunteers
The Contra Costa Interfaith Emergency Preparedness Group Meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 2, from
11:30am to 1pm
at Walnut Creek United Methodist Church. They are
aiming to have representatives from all area churches, including Grace. If you'd like to know more, please contact The Rev. Will McGarvey
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| An easy way to contribute to Grace
Grace Episcopal Church Martinez is now on Amazon Smile. If you are shopping at Amazon, simply go to the Grace Martinez Amazon Smile link and we will receive a portion of their sale to you. Spread the word! |
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