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DRIVEWAY Gathering in the Territory TODAY!
Let's gather on the Driveway and visit to share stories of our COVID isolation.
Friday, September 18th, from 4:00 - 6:00.
Eric and Debbie Kallback
86 Shenandoah Drive. 630-297-3195
PLEASE:
Bring your own chair, food and beverages,
utensils, plates and mask.
We have a long driveway but, we can bring those of you who might need help to the top, and then park your car at the bottom. Others who can manage it, please park on Shenandoah Drive and walk on up!
PARISH HOUSE
Regular hours have resumed. Nancy is available on Tuesday - Friday mornings. I am available Monday by appointment and Tuesday-Thursday. Since the building is still somewhat restricted, please contact us ahead of time if you need to come by.
And masks are essential.
Any ministries that wish to resume meetings or events at the Parish House must contact the rector before scheduling. There are attendance limits to each of the meeting places as well as expectations for masking, maintaining physical distancing and sanitizing the areas following their use. The 1st floor Parish Hall is limited to 15 individuals. The 2nd floor Conference Room and the Chapel each can accommodate no more than 9 people.
The AA groups have resumed their meetings. There are four: Mondays at 10 am; Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm; and Wednesday at noon.
Worship continues each Sunday both in-person and online on Zoom. reservations are being received. In-person worship requires advance reservations as we are limited to 25% of our capacity in order to maintain the 6 foot physical distancing. That distancing also applies to the time before and after worship. If you need to have conversations, please do so outside in the fresh air to minimize the amount of time we are together in an enclosed space.
If you have not yet reserved your spot for Sunday, you will find the link in the sidebar to the right of this article. When you arrive on Sunday at the Parish House door, a Greeter will check your name(s) off on a list and admit you to the building where you will proceed into the nave to find an empty seat that is designated by a bulletin. Pews that are not to be used will be closed off by lengths of ribbon. There will be hand sanitizer stations at the entrance and also at the back of the nave.
For those worshiping at home on Zoom, here is the link to the bulletin that you may download and/or print: BULLETIN. When you log in on Sunday morning, y ou will be muted except for during the sharing of the peace, birthday and anniversary blessings, and a time of greeting at the end of the service. As usual, the Zoom will be ready for you at 10:20 am.
Here once again are our "Ten 'Commandments'" for re-opening TEN. The full plan that was submitted to the Bishop's office for approval may be found here.
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Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Conversations Series
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DISMANTLING THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY,
REDISCOVERING OUR NEIGHBORS--Part 3
A series of conversations offered by Steve Barg., Director of the
Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation,
beginning Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.,
sponsored by the Christian Formation Ministry.
The past two weeks you have received in the eBlast more complete discussions of the content of this series. It is available as a limited in-person gathering of 15 persons and as a Zoom meeting.
The first session, October 3rd, is FULL for the in-person session. There are plenty of slots available on Zoom.
This is the LAST CHANCE to sign up for the remainder of the in-person sessions on October 10th, 17th and 24th.
After Monday, Sept. 21st, those spaces will be offered to the wider community.
Advance registration required.
To register, for either the in-person or Zoom option, for the upcoming October 3 session, go to:
Because of the technical problems in showing a film simultaneously on site and by Zoom, those persons electing to attend by Zoom will be given a direct link to the film, which they can watch at home at a time of their choosing.
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Change is in the air as we enter our so-called "program year" that begins just after Labor Day. Of course, this year, especially, we simply continue with the evolving changes that came at the end of the winter and into spring as we moved to online ministry and late summer as we introduced the present hybrid online/in-person/recorded on social media worship. As of today, we do not know how long it will continue. And you will read in the article below of an impending signifcant change at our diocese. Here at Grace you may notice another change this Sunday at the church. You may know that two new parishioners have already arrived in Galena from their former California home--Melanie Hoffman and Joy Von Wolffersdorff. They joined us in worship on Zoom the past two weeks but will be at the church this Sunday. They brought with them--and have generously donated to Grace--Joy's Yamaha grand piano! It was delivered and set up on Thursday and is being tuned as I write. You probably won't notice by looking at it--it is ebony like the old one, but a bit longer--a six foot grand. But hopefully, you will notice in its sound. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that the Zoom sound settings will behave on Sunday so that those of you who are listening from home will be able to hear its mellow tone! We are so grateful to have this superb instrument, for the generosity of Joy and Melanie--and most especially, for their presence in our congregation! Please welcome them with our Grace hospitality--but from a distance, please, for now. See you in church--whether in-person or on Zoom! Gloria+
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September 15, 2020
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago:
As I enter my final months as your bishop, I am glad to share the news that the Bishop and Trustees have made a decision that we hope will invigorate mission and ministry in the Diocese of Chicago for decades to come. After considerable study and consultation, we intend to offer 65 E. Huron, our diocesan headquarters in downtown Chicago, for sale in the next few months. The proceeds from the sale of the property would be placed in a fund that would function like an endowment and be governed by the Bishop and Trustees. Such a fund would be transformative for your ministry with the next bishop of Chicago and for many decades to come.
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READINGS: Exodus 16:2-15: The Israelites complain that Moses has brought them out into the desert to die because they have no food. But God tells Moses to inform the people that God has heard their complaints and will send them food. Then, in the evening, quails fill the camp, and in the morning manna covers the ground.
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45: A celebration of God's action on behalf of the Israelites, remembering God's provision of manna and quail in the wilderness.
Philippians 1:21-30: Paul reflects on how he is united with Christ whether he is alive or dead, but how he is convinced that he must remain in order to keep serving God's people. Then he encourages them to continue to live in ways that reflect God's reign, even when it results in suffering.
Matthew 20:1-16: Jesus tells a story about an employer who hires workers throughout the day, but pays them all the same at the end. When those who started at the beginning of the day complain, he challenges them, asking whether they resent his generosity to others. This story leads Jesus into his famous words about the first being last and the last first.
The central theme, that flows through all of this week's readings, is a simple one - God is compassionate and merciful, generous and forgiving. This is a fitting response to last week's focus on forgiveness, because we must recognise, if we are to take Christ's message seriously, that God seeks the best for people, and that God encourages us to do the same - which takes us beyond just forgiveness into a life of seeking the blessing of others. Jesus' parable demonstrates God's generosity and challenges us not to resent generosity shown to others, but to rejoice in it. Paul is a living example of this since, though he expressed his desire to come to his life's end and go to be with Christ, he was willing to continue to suffer and serve for the sake of the Philippian church which he had founded. Psalm 105 connecting with the Old Testament reading (Exodus) in which God provides food for the Israelites in the wilderness in spite of their doubt and complaining. The challenge of this week, then, is to learn to appreciate what we have received from our generous God, while celebrating God's generosity to others. This applies, most especially, to God's mercy and forgiveness and the welcome God gives to all people to share in God's reign. God's generosity is also extended to all people, even those who may appear, in our idea of "fairness" not to deserve it. This means that as we encounter those who work differently, live differently, believe differently and behave differently we are called, rather than to a position of judgement, to a position of generosity and kindness. If we can be generous with grace, with forgiveness, with seeking the best for others, and with welcoming all people into God's community, we will find that we, almost automatically, begin to be generous with other things, including material wealth. And through our generosity, God's generosity is manifest in our communities and our world.
Thumbprints and commentaries from:
sacredise.com
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Wednesday Morning Study Group
Communal Bible Study affords an enjoyable and fulfilling way to grow spiritually and exchange insights with fellow parishioners, especially during the pandemic. We currently are studying the Gospel of Matthew. All are welcome Wednesday mornings, 10:30 - 11:30. Contact Greg Serwich for a Zoom invitation.
Meditative Prayer 9:00am Fridays
Looking for a way to improve your prayer life, to open your heart, mind and soul to the Holy Spirit? Consider joining the Centering Prayer Group Friday mornings for about forty minutes of meditative prayer: twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by Lectio Divina. Contact Greg Serwich (gserwich@gmail.com) for a Zoom invitation which includes a description of these types of prayer.
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Worship and Ministry in the Midst of COVID-19!
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Pentecost Season Worship
Sunday services will begin at our usual 10:30 time at church and on Zoom. They will also be recorded and uploaded as quickly as possible for those unable to participate on Zoom. The uploads will appear on the church's Facebook page, @FullyGrace and on the Grace website.
Wednesday morning services are also now in-person in the church and on Zoom. Bible Study and Centering Prayer are also on Zoom each week. If you would like to add your name to any of these participant lists, please e-mail the church office.
Ministry of Care
Here at Grace, The Ministry of Care has organized regular phone and e-mail contact with our most vulnerable members. If you are in need of assistance,or pick-up and delivery of prescriptions or emergency supplies, please contact Bonnielynn Kreiser. Also contact her if you are able to help out. And, of course, your clergy are available by phone, text, and e-mail to provide pastoral care,
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Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry
The Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry met for the first time this fall in the back yard at the home of:
Kathy Shannon, 301 S Prospect St, on Wednesday, Sept 16.We will continue meeting at this venue on Thursdays as long as the weather permits.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, Sept. 24th
at 1:30 p.m.
All are welcome;
social distancing and masks are required. If you would like to learn to knit
or crochet, please join us. We have people who can teach you.
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Vestry Liaisons
Vestry 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 and activities.
Worship: The Very Rev.Gloria Hopewell, Rector
Building and Grounds: Greg Serwich (Sr. Warden 2019-2021) Worship Committee: Charlotte Stryker (class of 2022) Formation and Spirituality: Elizabeth Ludescher (class of 2022)
Fellowship & Hospitality: Anita Sands (class of 2021)
Ministry of Care/LEMs: Nancy Cook (class of 2023)
Outreach: Tony Packard (class of 2021)
Communications: Eric Kallback(class of 2023) 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
The Rev. Linda Packard, Priest Associate
The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
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Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 20, 2020
Zoom Worship-10:30 am
Meeting ID: 824 2178 3266
Reservation for in-person worship:
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
Ministers of the Service:
Presider: Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Deacon: Rev. Diane Luther
Lector: Nancy Cook
Intercessor: Deb Pausz
Vestry Coordinator: Lynn Giles
Pianist: Robin French
Greeter: Maren Coates
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Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 27, 2020
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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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Events This Week:
Sunday
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist 10:30am
both in-person in the church
and online on Zoom
Monday
Tuesday
Outreach Meeting 9:30am online
Holy Eucharist* 7:30am both in-person in the church and on Zoom
Bible Study** online 10:30am
Thursday
Friday Meditative Prayer** online 9:00am
To receive an invitation with the link to online events, please contact Gloria at
gracerector@
gracegalena.org
or **Greg Serwich at gserwich@gmail.com All are welcome! |
For current and upcoming events, check out the Google
calendar on the website
Calendar
Link to most current directory here:
Link to August - December 2020
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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 who can assist you
and connect you with parishioners who have trained and committed 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 :
Bonnielynn Kreiser
Terri Jackman
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 you! News and Photos
for e-Blast!
People want to know what's going on at Grace! There 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. Paper copies are available upon request.
| Grace Galena Holy Eucharist 9 16 20
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| Grace Episcopal Church, Galena IL, September 13, 2020
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| Grace Wednesday Morning Prayer 9-9-20 |
| Grace Episcopal Church, Galena IL, September 6 2020
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| Grace Episcopal Church Worship 8 30 2020
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| Grace Church Galena, Wednesday Eucharist 8 26 2020 |
| Grace Episcopal Church, Galena IL, August 23, 2020
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| Grace Episcopal Church, Galena, IL, August 16, 2020 |
| Grace Entry Video with Music
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| Virtual Chapel with Compline |
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