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Our next Outreach Red Bag endeavor will be to support
Galena's Women and Friends Making a Difference in their drive to provided feminine products for the women in our community in need. On Sunday, May 5th, the bags will be distributed at church. A suggestion list of what items are wanted will be in each bag. Please return the filled bags two weeks later on Sunday, May 19th. Thank you for your generosity.
Movie Night
changed to 1st
Sundays, beginning May 5
th
at 6 p.m.
Effective Sunday May 5
th
, Movie Night will be on 1
st
Sundays of the month. The change was made to avoid the abundant scheduling conflicts which occur in and about Galena on Friday nights.
Our next movie will be
Doubt
starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Viola Davis. All of them were nominated for Academy Awards for their stellar performances in this brilliant portrayal of a struggle between the power of self serving clericalism directed against a strong righteous woman inhibited by a vow of obedience.
This movie, like prior Movie Night features, will serve as a catalyst for a fruitful discussion. Bring your own snack if you wish to (quietly) dine during the movie. Coffee and hot water (for tea) will be provided.
Rockford Deanery Mtg.
Grace Church will host the May meeting on Thursday morning, May 16, at 10am.
James Gates Percival International Poetry Festival
The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design will hold the first day of its three day festival at Grace Church on Friday, May 17th at 3pm.
On that day, the James Gates Percival Prize fot Literature will be given to Kentucky poet, Christopher P. Collins who will give a reading of his work, followed by readings of poetry by James Gates Percival by the Chicago artist/poet, Mary Petrine Livoni. The general public is invited to attend. Admission is free. For more details on the award and The James Gates Percival International Petry Festival visit the Festival's website at www.galenapoetryfestival.org.
Canapes & Conversations
Larry & Carol Poston will be hosting at their home at 25 Shorewood in the Galena Territory on Friday, May 17th from 5-7pm. Bring a friend, a nibble and a beverage to share. All are welcome!
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Most years, Easter week is for some "down time" after the intensity of Holy Week and Easter Sunday services. This was so--to an extent--this year. Still, had a colleague not already claimed the name "cross-country priest," I would have done so. In five days, I attended services of Holy Eucharist in four churches in our diocese. From Sterling to Sycamore to Evanston. From Galena to DeKalb. Bishop Lee presided at three. Except for the first, which was a Rockford Deanery gathering, these were times of beginnings and endings--two Celebrations of New Ministries and one labeled the "Uninstallation" of a Rector (due to retirement).
My job at the Celebrations of New Ministries, as Dean of the Rockford Deanery, was to read the Letter of Installation to the new rectors and congregations of St. Paul's DeKalb and St. Peter's Sycamore on behalf of Bishop Lee. I did not have a role at the "Uninstallation" except as a former parishioner and Priest Associate, present in the congregation to say "thank you" and offer wishes to my own rector, mentor, and friend for a blessed retirement after 14 1/2 years at St. Luke's Evanston.
There is often an exchange of gifts as part of these liturgies. F
or
new ministries, the rector is presented with the "tools of the trade," everything from stoles and books, oil and water, bread and wine, to the keys to the church. And, of course, a suitable-for-framing copy of the Letter of Institution. At an "Uninstallation" some of these gifts may be given back to the church to symbolize that the pastoral relationship has now come to an end. Often the church will present a Rector's "purse (a cash gift collected from members and friends of the congregation.) In this case all of these things were done at St. Luke's. In addition to returning the keys to the church, the retiring rector's final act was most dramatic--a fire was lighted at the front of the nave and the Letter of Institution was burned.
My initial reaction was one of shock. And yet, as I spoke with others, I came to realize that it was a powerful statement of finality. The relationship between clergy and a congregation is complex. It is often hard for parishioners to understand that for a clergy person to remain involved impedes new directions and relationships from developing. And that it is just as hard for a priest or deacon to say farewell to the people and ministries to which they have given of themselves so faithfully. To say, "no, I cannot come back to preach or teach. No, I cannot visit you in the hospital or preside at your daughter's marriage. Or your funeral."
Perhaps these celebrations touched me so deeply this time as I watched and participated in these three different settings and congregations and contexts and listened to the depth of these words that bind us together, even as they are finite: "This letter is a sign that you are fully empowered and authorized to exercise this ministry, accepting its privileges and responsibilities as a priest of this Diocese, in communion with your bishop..." Hearing the words once again is renewing even as it is daunting.
I had a lot of time to ponder as I drove this past week. I thought about how much I love what I do, how privileged I am to be the rector of Grace Church, and how precious each and every day is as we minister together, striving to become more deeply faithful to our God. May the new ministries of The Revs. Georges Jallouf (St. Peter's, Sycamore) and Barbara Wilson (St. Paul's, DeKalb) be fruitful and blessed. And my The Rev. Dr. Jeannette DeFriest find joy and peace in her next ventures.
See you in church for the rest of the 50 days of Easter,
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READINGS:
Acts 9:1-6, (7-20): Saul travels to Damascus with the intention of arresting any followers of Jesus, but on the road, he is confronted with a vision of Christ that changes him into a disciple.
Psalm 30: The Psalmist experiences a time of great suffering, but experiences God's deliverance, and commits to a life of praise and thanksgiving.
Revelation 5:11-14: The Lamb is worshipped by the creatures and elders around God's throne, because he was slain, was victorious, and is worthy.
John 21:1-19: Peter is restored by Jesus at the breakfast on the beach, and then called, once again, to leadership and to follow Christ - even to death.
Two struggles that plague our world, and contribute to the pain and cruelty that we inflict on each other, are a sense of meaninglessness and a focus on self-interest. The first leaves us in despair and apathy, without motivation to reach for our best - God-created - selves. The second drives us into the endless tyranny of our own appetites and addictions, and leaves us unable to connect effectively with others and with our world. The results of both are anger, aggression, and a lack of compassion. The Gospel's clear call to a different, higher, God- and other-loving life is an antidote to these plagues, and offers us both a personal sense of purpose, and a commitment to the well being of others and to the world in general. As we are impacted by the life of Christ, as we commit ourselves to follow Christ, we find ourselves in a similar position to that of Peter. Like him we have failed Jesus and ourselves. Like him, we may want to forget about trying again - to just go back to our 'normal' lives, and not risk failing so publicly again. Like him, we may see others who we feel are more faithful, more equipped, more 'spiritual' and wonder why God doesn't call them. But, like Peter, God does not let us off the hook, and calls us anyway - so that God's grace and glory may be seen in and through us, and so that God's life may touch others through us. When we hear and answer God's call, we find ourselves connected with the universal activity of God's reign, but we live and work it out locally in our own neighbourhood. What specific calling has God given you and your church community? How can you re-affirm that calling today?
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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Outreach Ministries Update
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United Churches Food Pantry Needs
If you are not already a Food Pantry volunteer, might you consider it? Some of the long term volunteers are wishing to retire. So, there are opportunities available for the 2nd and 4th Thursday distributions (you may sign up for one or both). The
volunteer coordinator is Celeste Mancini at
c_mancini317@sbcglobal.net.
Galena River Sampling Update
Your Grace Episcopal Environmental Committee supported our Galena River sampling project (sampling took place in August of 2017 and May of 2018), and I'm hoping you can share the presentation information below with them - an opportunity to see the results of your/their contribution. Thanks, again, to you and to the committee!
From 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th at the Galena City Hall, scientists from the University of Illinois will be presenting on the water quality sampling they have been doing in Jo Daviess County. Sam Panno, Principal Scientist at the Illinois State Geological Survey and Walt Kelly, Groundwater Science Section Head at the Illinois State Water Survey, will summarize their work sampling springs, wells and the Galena River and explain what we can learn from the results. For questions, please contact Beth Baranski at 563/580-6192 or beth@bhms-arch.com
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Inviting
At its April 16 meeting, the Grace Church Vestry reviewed a goal-setting worksheet prepared on the basis of discussions at the March Vestry retreat, with particular focus on how to increase exposure to Grace through personal invitations to events and activities. The Vestry has placed a high - perhaps its highest -- priority on making this a welcoming and inclusive parish. A first step will be to ask Vestry liaisons to the various Church ministries (Outreach, Christian Formation, and so forth) to review how their projects and sponsored events can maximize the participation of interested parties. Liaisons will be asked to report back to the Vestry at the June meeting.
Transitions
The intention of Pat Terry to step down as choir director later this year has necessitated planning the future of the music program at Grace, in close consultation with musicians and other members. Another transition is better described as an interim: the need to plan for Gloria Hopewell's upcoming sabbatical as rector.... And we are still transitioning to our new building, drawing on advice from others with respect to the installation of artwork, furnishings, maintenance of stained glass windows, and a multi-functional approach to the new space. The Vestry is continuing to monitor these developments and will be reporting in more detail in the weeks ahead.
Resources
Treasurer Richard Luther reported on a modest but welcome balance of income over expenses in March. The full Treasurer's report will posted on the church website and in the parish hall across from the entrance to the lift and can be consulted by interested parishioners.
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Four of our Ministry of Care Visitors will take part in the first Bishop Anderson House Online Spiritual Care Visitor Training program beginning on
May 4 at Emmanuel Church, Rockford.
In addition to this one day retreat and workshop session, they will spend
six months completing online modules and undertaking
practical experience and supervision.
Bishop Anderson House has long provided this kind of lay chaplaincy training but this is the first hybrid program that can be done through online and distance learning.
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1776
The Grand Opera House in conjunction with the Dubuque Corale will be presenting an All-Female Cast, Semi-Staged Concert of "1776" at the Grand on May 4 at 7:30 pm and May 5 at 2:00 pm. Terri Jackman is a member of the cast. Tickets are $20, but you can purchase 2 for the price of 1 until Friday, April 25. Call the Grand Box Office or order on-line.
Grace Church will host three events in May: May 4: A pre-prom dinner for some Galena High School students around 6 pm. May 16: The Rockford Deanery of the Diocese of Chicago at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall. May 17: The Chicago Athaneum's poetry reading by the winner of the first James Gates Percival Prize for literature in the church from 3-5 pm. Open to the public.
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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
Parish Administrator: Fräni Beadle
Organist/Pianist: Robin French, Nancy Cook
Choir Director: Pat Terry
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For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Steve Coates
1st Chalicist:
Elizabeth Ludescher
Cathie Elsbree
Acolyte:
Richard Luther
Vestry Coordinator:
Bonnielynn Kreiser
Greeter:
Cathie Elsbree
Altar Guild:
Alice Maffit & Amy Hardwicke
LEM:
Al & Cathie Elsbree
Presider:
The Very Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
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Easter 4
May 12, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 23
Acts 9:36-43
John 10:22-30
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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:
May OR check out the goog
le
calendar on the new website
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5/5 - Stryker
5/12 - Available
5/19- Roberts/Jackman
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 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 re
quest.
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Grace Galena Easter Sunday Sermon 2019 |
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Grace Galena Sermon Palm Sunday 2019 |
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Grace Church Sermon Lent 5C 2019 |
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Grace Galena Lent 4C 2019 Sermon |
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