Scripture of the Week

The church in the world

Jesus "said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" Mark 16:15

I was raised with the firm conviction that religion and politics do not mix, a notion which was consistent with what I learned in (Episcopal) church. In that time and place, it seemed possible to discuss national and world events without bringing God into it. This is no longer true. People representing themselves as Christians are not only mixing politics and religion, but they are, in some cases, putting love of country above love of God ( see article here). This is wrong. 

Under these circumstances, The Episcopal Church has adopted a view which compels us to speak to issues that bear directly on our convictions as Christians. Some have referred to this as the church's "social welfare agenda." The truth is that it is Jesus's agenda. It is Jesus who told us to love the poor, the disenfranchised, the homeless, the hungry, and the stranger. It is Jesus who warned us against the love of power and money. It is Jesus who, when asked who our neighbor is, replied by telling a story about someone the disciples thought of as a despicable, foreign, apostate who nonetheless demonstrated the way that Jesus asks us to follow. And it is Jesus who commanded that we share his message.

For these reasons, the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, The Most Rev. Michael Curry, and the Bishop of California, The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, sometimes issue statements on national events, as both did this week. These statements are based in holy scripture and specifically on the words and actions of our Lord Jesus Christ.

You can find them here:

Presiding Bishop's statement on immigration

Bishop Marc's statement on xenophobic tweets

Deacon's Pantry items needed

We are running down on food and other items in our Deacon's Pantry. The Deacon's Pantry is a cabinet in the kitchen (accessible from the Parish Hall) that contains food and other practical items that are available to anyone in need of them. Please ask Rev. Walter what is needed and then drop it off in the new box in the Parish Hall labeled, "Deacon's Pantry supplies." Many thanks!

Thank you!

 

Many thanks to everyone who helped out at the All-Parish work party last Saturday. We were able to replace a pew in the sanctuary and prime the playground structure for painting. Thanks also to Jack Case for his faithful lawn care, Elaine Quigley and Mary Canale for their gardening, and Leslie Kolesa and Fran Di Domenicis for cleaning out the freezer. Many hands make light work!

IMPORTANT Traffic Notice

Discovery Builders has begun construction on the development that is being built on the lot above our upper lot (formerly the trailer park). For at least the remainder of the month of July, Muir Station Road will be closed daily in both travel directions between the hours of 9 am and 5:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. If you spend time at Grace during the week, please take this into account prior to visiting. Traffic officials will allow you to pass if you tell them you are going to the church. Here is a link to the map and detour plan. Thank you for your patience.

In Memoriam ~ Wendy Heyse 

 

It is with great sadness that we share with you that our sister Wendy Heyse passed into the arms of God suddenly while traveling. We ask your prayers and support for her husband John; daughter Jessie and son-in-law Josh Senn; and her granddaughter Emma. There will be a memorial at Grace on a future date.  

Survey News

Many thanks to everyone who completed the Grace Parishioner survey. We have left it open in case there are still folks who would like to participate. Please follow the link to 

these 10 questions.

 

We have begun looking at the data in aggregate, which gives us a good sense of what the majority of parishioners feel about different worship options, music, and communications at Grace. There are several strong trends present and many helpful comments, which we are reviewing individually. 

Rev. Deb has, however, noticed a few responses that reflect more personal concerns and ask significant questions about the theology of Rev. Deb and the Episcopal Church. Unfortunately, the survey format does not allow her to answer your questions directly. This concerns Rev. Deb, as a couple of these questions appear to reveal feelings of anger and frustration. She would like to invite anyone who responded to the survey with specific personal complaints to work through them with her. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus provides us with a way to deal with issues with one another, and the first step  is to talk to the person you differ with face-to-face. If this is not possible or doesn't work, we are asked to engage a small group of others to assist us (in this case, the Vestry is appropriate). If you have significant issues that you would like to discuss, please let  Rev. Deb  or a Vestry member know.   

Ken Roan Memorial

 

A Burial Service will be held on Friday, August 2 at 1 p.m.  at Grace. Please save the date.

If you are willing to contribute to or help with the reception after the service, please let Susan Bremmer know. Please see the notice in regard to traffic restrictions that will be in place on that day.

 

You are invited to take part in the Veteran Alcatraz Swim Challenge (VII) on Wednesday, August 24 .The event is free for Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Immediate Family members. We offer training for the one mile swim. We are also in need of folks to ride in kayaks as safety monitors.

Click here to download the flyer.  

For specific information about how you can get involved, contact   Shannon Kleinschmit.  

If you have a parish-related announcement for the bulletin or Grace Notes - meeting reminders, upcoming events, special requests, etc. - please email the text of your announcement to the Parish Office by end of day on Tuesday. Thank you!