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 PASSING OF ANDY BRO
Andy
died
in Freeport
on Thursday, January 16, at the age of 89. His funeral will be Thursday January 30, 2020 at 11 AM at Grace Episcopal Church in Freeport IL.
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of Chicago, will preside. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, he has asked that donations be made to Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mt. Carroll IL, 61053 to advance a new talent growth initiative in development now. Indicate "Andy Bro Memorial" on your donation.
You are also welcome to send cards and well wishes to his wife,
Lu Bro at
2080 W. Navajo Drive #235,
Freeport IL 61032.
Many at Grace will remember Fr. Bro as the priest who faithfully drove to Galena from Lake Carroll each Sunday for a number of months between the time that Linda completed her interim ministry and I arrived as the new rector. I have enjoyed knowing him for these several years and have heard many stories about his vast and broad knowledge and experience that he shared in his homilies. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. His complete obituary may be found
here.
Gloria+
Formation Ministries
Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m:
THE BEST DEATH EVER
Led by the Rev. Judith Doran
Join us for honest and deep conversation about death, including confronting our own mortality. We will explore the medical, ethical, and theological aspects of what is meant by "sanctity of life," and how what we believe about death affects us and will affect those we love. There will be time for discussion, quiet, and worship.
Annual Meeting
The meeting Annual Meeting will be called to order at the conclusion of the Eucharist this
Sunday, January 26th.
A financial report will be received and the 2020 budget presented. Two new Vestry members will be elected to replace two who are completing their terms. Lunch will be served in the Parish Hall at the conclusion of the meeting.
Lenten Meditation Booklet
It's that time of year again when we write our meditations for our Lenten season. Assignments are available after church as well as guidelines for writing meditations. Please let me know if you would be willing to do more than one, although usually all 40 days of Lent are taken by our parishioners.
Please get your assignment and guidelines after church with Carmen or by phone or email: carmen@humus.com or 815-777-2309. Meditations must be returned by Sunday, February 9th. Consider making the writing of
a Lenten meditation part of your Lent this year.
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Annual Meeting Sundays bring a variety of things to mind for different people. For some, it is a day to stay home. Because it means that church will be longer than usual. Or because it will be just boring old business. Or maybe someone will ask an awkward or challenging question and there will be some conflict.
For others, it is a time to show up because it is a necessary responsibility and duty of our membership--our canons require it, we need to elect new leaders, we must hear how we did financially last year and how our money will be spent in this new year.
And for still others, it is a time that we get to elect new leaders, we get to remember--and celebrate--the kinds of ministry we have offered. We get a chance to assess our directions and the decisions we have made about our life together as a community of faith. If we wish, we can ask questions or offer comments and suggestions.
We may even get to celebrate some high points in our past years, lament some sad times and losses, and dream a bit about what those moments mean for us as we move forward. We know that we do not start over with a clean slate each January 1. Our history, our experiences, our traditions are the roots of who we have been and become. They are also the foundations and structure for the blossoms of new growth and vitality.
For annual meetings are not just a time to look back. When we have had difficult years, it is a chance to discover what have we learned from those experiences that will equip us to move forward in hope. When we have had a "ho-hum" year, we can affirm that we are just resting for a bit, building up our energy and not becoming satisfied and complacent? And when we have had really good years, we can imagine how our successes prepare us and invigorate us for expanding our vision. To participate in new ways toward making our world a better and more loving place. For participating in bringing God's "dream for creation" a few steps closer.
Our world and God's people are so desperately in need of justice and mercy, hope and loving care! As followers of the One who taught us these things, we are called to spread these blessings far and wide.
I hope that you will take the time to read the reports that have been compiled, and, as you read them, to reflect on who we are as God's people. How who we are and what we do together make a difference in how we live each day, enriching our own lives and the lives of those we encounter, and even those we do not know.
Let us rejoice in the good we have done, the growth that has occurred, even as we continue to ask: How are the ministries of Grace Episcopal Church in Galena, Illinois in 2020 deepening our faith and relationship to God? How are they furthering God's kingdom? How are we serving one another and those beyond our doors who are suffering?
Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
(Ephesians 3: 21-22)
See you in church,
Gloria+
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This Sunday, being Annual Meeting Sunday, our worship ends in a different manner. As all that we do in church, whether it be worship or learning or even the business of the congregation is centered in Christ and our faith, we try to emphasize the wholeness of our work. We do this by placing our meeting within the framework of worship. Therefore, the meeting will begin at the conclusion of Holy Communion, and the Blessing and Dismissal will take place after the adjournment of the meeting. Lunch will be provided by the Vestry.
READINGS
Isaiah 9:1-4: Isaiah prophesies a reversal of fortune for the peop
le of God who are occupied by Assyria - though they are in darkness, light will break in, and they will be freed from their oppression.
Psalm 27:1, 4-9: David's Psalm celebrating God's protection and the security he finds in God's presence and in God's sanctuary.
1 Corinthians 1:10-18: Paul confronts the Corinthians about the divisions and factions among them, reminding them that it is only the message of the cross that is important and that offers God's power for salvation.
Matthew 4:12-23: Jesus begins his ministry and is seen by Matthew to be fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of the light shining in the darkness. He preaches the nearness of God's reign, calls his first disciples and heals those who are afflicted with disease.
In times of oppression and distress - Assyria's occupation of Israel, David's fear of attack by surrounding enemies, internal strife and divisions in the Corinthian church, John the Baptist's arrest and imprisonment - we need light to guide our feet, to give us sight, and to warm and protect us. We need a sense of God's enfolding presence, of dwelling secure in God's house, of being saved by God and claimed by God's love. All of these passages reflect this need, and all of them offer a vision of God's faithful response in the promise of salvation, in God's presence in our pain, and in the healing and strength that God provides. It is this sense of the reality of God's presence and action on our behalf, this lived experience of God's help and grace, that makes faith real. Without it, our faith is nothing more than an intellectual exercise, cold and powerless - having the form of godliness but lacking the power. And so as, with the disciples, we seek to answer Jesus' call to follow, as we seek to experience the reign of God that Jesus proclaims, as we seek to live out the message that Jesus preached and embody the healing and liberation that Jesus demonstrated, we can ask for, and expect, a real, vibrant and strengthening relationship with the Living God. Only in this way can we hope to know life, and to truly know and share the blessing of God's reign.
thumb nails and commentary
from sacredise.com
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Grace Movie Night
6 p.m. Sunday February 9th, Groundhog Day
The first Sunday of February, Groundhog Day, dictated the movie. However, that day also being Super Bowl Sunday dictated that Movie Night will be postponed one week to February 9th.
We often pre-screen old movies to see how well they have aged. After re-watching this iconic 1993 Harold Ramis comedy (starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell) we realized we enjoyed it much more. Perhaps the wisdom and spiritual insight that comes with age, good company and God's grace enhanced our enjoyment. Come enjoy it again, in good company, and share the insights.
All who enjoy a good movie are welcome, including guests, and guests of guests. Anyone may bring a beverage, snack or popcorn to munch during the movie.
Canapes & Conversation
Looking for hosts and hostesses for Canapes and Conversations. No one is signed up for 2020. First come, first scheduled. Email Cathie at elsbreecaal@yahoo.com.
Black History Month
We have set Sunday February 23rd to celebrate Black History month, with a Soul Food coffee hour (there will be a sign-up sheet),
and we will be singing hymn #599 (Lift Every Voice) as the recessional. Please mark your calendar.
Outreach
Heifer Project: Thanks to the generosity of many Grace parishioners, $1595 will be sent to Heifer International to support their efforts to help people everywhere. Some two dozen honor cards were given as Christmas gifts.
Administration
Park unto others as you would have them park unto you
Parking is a precious commodity around the church. Please show the love by consistently parking well within the lines. Also, there are just three spots marked on Sunday mornings for handicapped. One of these, with the "zebra" is the "official" spot, that was required by city ordinance. Still, if you are able to walk, please park on the street. We have a number of parishioners with canes and walkers who would appreciate a shorter path to the entrance. This becomes even more important when snow and ice materialize!
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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 2019-2021)
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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Sunday Morning
After Epiphany
10:30am
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Presider:
Lector:
Lynn Giles
First Chalicist:
Bill Foltz
2nd Chalicist:
Vestry Coordinator:
Anita Sands
Altar Guild:
Ann Berry &
Charlotte Stryker
Greeter:
Patricia Schaller
ROTA: December 2019-May 31,2020 |
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 84 OR
Psalm 24:7-10
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
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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:
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
9:30 am
Cursillo Group
10:30am
Morning Study Group
1:30pm
Knitting Ministry
6:30pm
EfM
Friday
9:00am
Centering Prayer
Saturday
10:00am
Choir Practice
All are welcome!
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For current and
upcoming events,
check out the goog
le
calendar on the website
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1/26- Vestry Lunch
2/2- Maren & Steve
Coates
2/9- Ann Berry &
Amy Hardwicke
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 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 TBA
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.
Paper copies are available upon re
quest.
Older recent sermons
Newest sermons:
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| Grace Galena 2nd after Epiphany Sermon |
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| Grace Church Galena Baptism of Christ Sermon |
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| Grace Galena Feast of the Epiphany A |
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