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Grace Movie Night
TONIGHT February 22nd, and each 4th Friday of the month we'll be having a movie night in the Parish Hall, beginning at 6 p.m., to be followed by a discussion. For our "premier event", we'll be going back to the 1962 movie production of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize winning book: "To Kill a Mockingbird", starring Gregory Peck in an Oscar winning performance as Atticus Finch.
We'll put on the coffee and hot water for tea. Bring your own snacks and/or evening meal. Movie Nights are free and open to all. Bring your family and friends!
The Way of Love: An Epiphany Opportunity
Please consider joining during the Epiphany season, this study of the "Way of Love." Even if you were unable to attend previous sessions, you are welcome to join in at any time. In each of our meetings, there will be prayer, check-in, discussion, practicing the Way of L
ove, check-out, and worship.
We meet on Tuesday afternoons, from 2:00 - 3:30, concluding March 5.
Lenten Meditation Booklets
Last chance to turn in your Lenten Meditation assignments! The deadline for submission to Carmen Ferguson or Diann Marsh is Today, February 22nd by email or Sunday, February 24th at church.
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On a lighter note--Religious News Service reports one of those incidents of unintended consequences. This one concerns the use of technology to spread the word to people who are unable to attend church services in person. WARNING: YOU TOO COULD BE A VICTIM! No, I'm not talking about a scam to get your donations.
A woman who stayed home one Sunday to tend to her sick child tuned in to the live stream of worship at her church. The preacher was using Paul's letter about unity--all being part of one body. He was lamenting how easy it is to live separate lives and get disconnected from one another. Using an example of how technology can even take care of our shopping needs so we don't need, to make a trip to the store, he said,
"you can simply say, 'Alexa, order toilet paper.' From the master bathroom in her house, our woman worshiping at home heard a polite female voice respond, 'OK. I've added it to your cart.' Sure enough, there in her Amazon cart was a package of 60 double rolls of Angel Soft Toilet Paper."
Well, Grace isn't high tech enough to live stream our sermons or worship. I do, however, post audio sermons on the website, so conceivably Alexa could pick up commands from those. I haven't heard of Siri doing so yet.
This is not exactly the "still small voice" that we lean in to hear! And, if you do hear a voice and it begins with, "Alexa," you might be forgiven for checking your Amazon cart on your phone instead of your Bible.
See you in church!
Gloria+
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READINGS:
Genesis 45:3-11,15: The dreamer Joseph, who has been toying with his brothers, now reveals himself to them, asks about his father, and assures them that what they intended for evil God has used for good. Their family would be saved from the famine, because of what has happened to Joseph. He sends them back with a message inviting his father to come to Egypt. And then he kisses and weeps over his brothers.
Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40: Do not worry about the wicked or envy them for they will fade away. But God gives to those who trust God the desires of their hearts. Commit to the Lord and trust him, wait patiently for God to act, and don't be angry. The wicked will disappear but the lowly will posses the land. God rescues the godly and saves them.
1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50: People ask what kind of bodies people will have when they are raised. Like a seed planted into the ground, resurrected bodies are something totally different, heavenly bodies, not earthly. Earthly bodies are planted in the ground, but they are raised as heavenly, eternal bodies. Now we are like the earthly Adam, then we will be like the heavenly Christ.
Luke 6:27-38: Jesus teaches that his followers must love their enemies, for it does no good to only love those who love back - even sinners do that. But, loving enemies and treating them well is acting like children of God, and is compassionate as God is compassionate. This also means we must not judge others, but must forgive, and give generously, for then we will be forgiven and will receive abundance back.
If resurrection is to be revealed and experienced in our world globally, then it must be nurtured and made available to people locally. This is the task of the local church, and of any community that seeks to oppose the forces of death and evil, and nurture and share whatever brings life, beauty, truth, and goodness into the world. When we claim that certain people are evil and beyond God's love and salvation simply for who they are, in terms of their religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or political views, then we are not the church of resurrection. God calls us to die to this very human, "mortal" way of living. But, when we proclaim that God's love is available to all, that God welcomes and accepts all for who they are, we become a church of the resurrection. But, another significant characteristic of a resurrection community is that they constantly facilitate the process of dying to our human "mortal" way of living that brings death and decay into our world and our relationships, and when they invite people to allow God to raise them to a new godly, "immortal" way of living and being that brings life and joy and goodness. When, in our worship and preaching, we invite people into a constant process of dying and rising we are a true resurrection community. Those who participate in such communities, discover a life that is not quenched by death, and they contribute to an eternal reality of life and love that is experienced now, but continues into the future when all creation knows resurrection in fullness.
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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World Day of Prayer, Friday, March 1 at 12 Noon
Lord of Love Lutheran Church, 117 Irvine
This year, the women of the World Day of Prayer Committee of Slovenia welcome us to worship with the words, "Come--Everything is Ready." The women share their stories of intergenerational wisdom, traditions, and experiences of God's profound love.
Light lunch and beverages will be provided.
LENT BEGINS WITH ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES
Wednesday, March 6, there will be two services of Holy Eucharist with the imposition of ashes:
7:30 am in the Chapel and
7:00 pm in the Church
SAVE THE DATES!
CURRENT AND POTENTIAL LECTORS
Ronn Toebaas will lead a Lector Workshop on March 9 at 2:00 pm. This will be for all current lectors and those wishing to become lectors. If you are unavailable on that date, a make-up date of March 18 at 7:00 pm has been set. Please let Terri Jackman know which date you will attend by e-mailing her at
terri.jackman@gmail.com.
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Outreach Ministries Update
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UNITED CHURCHES OF GALENA FOOD PANTRY
The next
River Bend Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry will take place on March 23rd at Cross Roads Community Church. Volunteers are always needed. Come at 10 am to volunteer. Food recipients register beginning at 10:15 and distribution begins at 11.
A
Dubuque Rescue Mission Lunch
It's part of our Outreach ministry we are again going to prepare and serv
 e a noon meal at the Dubuque Rescue Mission. The date will be Thursday, March 7th. Would you like to help? It is a very rewarding endeavor and we have a good time doing it. There are various opportunities for you:
On Wednesday March 6th, we will need 3-4 volunteers to help prepare the two main dishes at the Parish house. (About a two hour commitment)
On Thursday March 7th, 5-6 volunteers will be needed to help prepare
and serve the meal in Dubuque at the Mission. (about a 3 hour commitment)
For dessert, 2 dozen bars or brownies (They seem to love chocolate.) from 4-5 volunteers will be needed and can be brought to church ahead of time.
If you are interested in helping, please contact Karlyn Van Gelder (Ph. 563-542-2304 or karlynvg@yousq.net).
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LENTEN SOUP AND STUDY SERIES
Imagine "Entering the Passion of Jesus" with a Jewish scholar! For six Tuesday evenings we will delve into this study by Amy Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. All sessions will take place at Galena United Methodist Church with the soup supper at 6pm and discussion at 6:45pm. Please sign up and join us!
March 12
Jerusalem: Risking Reputation
Hosted by Revs. Hopewell & McKay
March 19
The Temple: Risking Righteous Anger
Hosted by First Presbyterian Church
March 26
Teachings: Risking Challenge
Hosted by Westminster Presbyterian Church
April 2
The First Dinner: Risking Rejection
Hosted by Lord of Love Lutheran Church
April 9
The Last Supper: Risking the Loss of Friends
Hosted by Grace Episcopal Church
April 16
Gethsemane: Risking Temptation
Hosted by Galena United Methodist Churc
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Cooking with God's Bounty
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Italian Hoagie Dip
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound pepperoni, diced small
- 1/4 pound deli Genoa salami, diced small
- 1/4 pound deli ham, diced small
- 8 slices Provolone cheese, diced small
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup hot banana peppers, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3-4 cups finely chopped iceberg or Romaine lettuce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped meats and cheese, onion and banana peppers. Add the mayonnaise and Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
- Just before serving, stir in the chopped lettuce. Serve with baguette slices or crackers.
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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
Junior Warden, Lynn Giles
R
ichard Luther, Treasurer
Diann Marsh, Clerk
Rect
or
: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Parish Ad
ministrator: Fräni Beadle
O
rganist/Pianist: Robin French, Nancy Cook
Choir Director: Pat Terry
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February 24, 2019
Sunday Morning
Epiphany 7
10:30am
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Steve Coates
1st Chalicist:
Bill Boehler
Greg Serwich
Acolyte:
Deb Pausz
Vestry Coordinator:
Tony Packard
Greeter: Amy Hardwicke
Altar Guild: Charlotte Stryker & Pat Golden
Presider:
The Very Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
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Last Epiphany
March 3, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2
Luke 9:28-36(37-43)
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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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7:30 am
Midweek Morning Eucharist
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
Cursillo Reunion
St. Francis Room
Morning Bible Study Parish House
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| Wednesdays at 7pm
Saturdays at 10am
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For current and
upcoming events, download a copy of the calendar with this link:
March OR check out the goog
le
calendar on the new website
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**
If you put out trash, please put in a secure trash can.
Thanks to all for your cooperation. **
2/24 - Van Gelder/Elsbree
3/3 - Bonnielynn & Kim Kreiser
3/10 - Banas
3/17 - Beadle
3/24 - Available
R
eminder for hosts:
Napkins and plates
are provided. Use
what you need from
our pantry under
the coffee maker.
Remember: Keep it simple. We usually have about 35-40 attending.
Also, do not forget to turn off stove/oven, lights, take out trash, and lock the door.
**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 your celebrations been missed in our bulletins?
Send to Frani.
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 request.
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| Grace Galena Sermon 4th after Epiphany |
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| Grace Galena Sermon 5th after Epiphany 2019 |
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| Grace Galena Sermon 6th after Epiphany 2019 |
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