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| O Brother, Where Art Thou? |
Movie Night
Come enjoy the hilarity of our next feature: "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", the Coen Brothers' 2000 comedy loosely based on Homer's "Odyssey", staring George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson and other supporting characters. (And we do mean "characters".) Sunday, July 7th in the Parish Hall at 6pm.
We meet regularly at 6 p.m. on 1st Sundays of the month. (So mark your calendars!) Bring your own snack if you wish to (quietly) dine during the movie. (Mustn't interrupt the laughter.) Coffee and hot water (for tea) will be provided.
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UNITED CHURCHES HUNGER LUNCHEON
Grace Church has purchased its tables for this major fundraiser for the UCG Food Pantry that will take place on
Tuesday, July 16 at noon at the Crossroads Community Church. Rev. Gloria and GUMC Pastor Catiana McKay will present this year's program.
Assistance at set-up on Monday, July 15 at 6 pm would be greatly appreciated!
You may claim a seat at the table by signing up at no charge. The church has covered the cost; however, you are invited to contribute to this worthy cause by placing a donation in the coffee can that will be at the center of each table.
MASS IN THE GRASS
will be held on
July 21st at
10am in the Linmar Gardens.
There will be a potluck picnic after the service-please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.
AUGUST HYMNS
The Worship Ministries invite you to submit suggestions for your favorite hymns to be sung in worship during August when the choir is on recess.
Please sign up or send an e-mail to the church. If the hymn is not in our 1982 Hymnal, please provide a copy that includes accompaniment. Hymns that are not in our 82 Hymnal must be covered by our music license so that they can be copied in the bulletin. There are four Sundays in August, so up to four will be selected
each Sunday, depending upon the
preferences of that week's preacher.
Prayer Bead Workshop
On Saturday, July 20 there will be a Anglican prayer bead workshop at the parish house from 1-3pm. Instructions and materials for making your own prayer beads will be provided, as will sample prayers. Prayer beads are a method used in prayer to help keep our minds focused and open to spiritual inspiration. No fee is necessary, but donations will be accepted. The workshop is open to all including kids 3 years of age or older. Please RSVP to gracesec@gracegalena.org.
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As you can see above, we are soliciting favorite hymns to use in worship during August when the choir is on recess. This practice has been fairly popular the last two years that we have tried it. We always receive, of course, more favorites than we can fit into the four services in that month. And they tend to cover a wide range.
Hymns are such an important part of worship. They often become deeply embedded in our souls and in our lives of faith. The powerful combination of melody, rhythm, and text combines with our memories and emotions in profound ways and continues to color our reactions to hearing these hymns in later years. Those reactions can be positive, recalling times of great joy, communal gatherings or personal spiritual moments. For me, the hymn, "Beautiful Savior" reduces me to blubbering as I hear echoes of my mother's high school a capella choir reunion's beautiful harmony. And that wasn't even in church. Or the perfect Christmas Eve in a dark church as I looked out from my seat in the choir loft at a sea of beloved faces illumined by candlelight singing "Silent Night." On the other side of the coin--my mother could never listen to Dvorak's "Goin' Home" that was played at her father's funeral. And one church musician I worked for refused to play "Just as I am" because it triggered memories of her oppressive childhood religion.
Churches these days are composed of members from a variety of denominational backgrounds and hymnals. Even within a single denomination, the regularly used hymns vary a great deal. I have a theory: with hymnals that contain 500 or more hymns, I would wager that any given congregation uses only the same 25 or 30 over and over again. I may be exaggerating, but you know what I mean. So, when we factor in revised hymnals, supplements, materials used beyond standard hymnals, it is a tremendous challenge to find a repertoire that makes everyone happy--let alone get a congregation comfortable singing something unfamiliar. Your top 10 or 20 or 25 most likely looks very different from that of your neighbor!
And have some compassion for your clergy and your musicians who have the daunting task of selecting hymns that relate to the week's readings and the liturgical season, are consistent with the theology of the congregation, are not too fast or too slow, are sung not too often or not often enough to become familiar....I once was accused of "ruining Christmas Eve" by insisting that the service end joyfully to announce the birth of the Christ child--candles going out and lights coming on along with the organ coming to life with "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" The practice there had been to depart in silence with only the light of the candles. For this person, her nostalgia had been shattered. For me, the more reflective Advent season had built up to the crescendo of hope and joy that could only be expressed with all of the organ stops pulled out and the full-voiced singing of the congregation and choir.
The goal with hymns in worship is congregational singing, not performance, a way, like prayer and readings, for worshipers to participate in the liturgy. Liturgy not only expresses or faith but forms it, which is why a great deal of care is taken in musical selection. Pay attention to the words, not just the feeling of the tune and rhythm. Pray them. Out loud. I o
nce
objected to a praise song that some people heard somewhere else and wanted to sing. I said that though I did like the tune and the rhythm, the words expressed a theology that was very much at odds with what we were learning in Bible study and hearing from the pulpit. The response, "Oh, we don't pay attention to the words. We just like the tune."
Well, send in your favorites. And, in August, pay attention to what others submit.
Remember, they don't have to be in our hymnal but, if not, they do need to have readily available accompaniment--and we must have copyright permission to print them.
See you in church,
Gloria+
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READINGS
Isaiah 66:10-14: A prophecy of restoration and comfort, like being nursed and cared for by a mother, for Jerusalem and her people.
Psalm 66:1-9: A psalm in praise of God who is glorious and who saves God's people in miraculous ways.
Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-14: Paul instructs the Galatians to give themselves in bringing goodness into the world - correcting one another, working faithfully, providing for their teachers, and doing good (justice) at every opportunity.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20: Jesus sends the seventy two disciples out to preach the Kingdom, instructing them to bless the homes where they stay and to accept the hospitality they are offered. On their return he celebrates with them, but stresses that the best thing is to have "names written in heaven".
Justice is the result of millions of small acts by millions of ordinary people. The power of Jesus' message was not in his riveting preaching or his miraculous acts, it was in the ordinary lives that were changed. So, too, the impact of the disciples' ministry would have been felt through the changed lives of the people they left behind when they had moved on. The power of the church to bring wholeness to society is in the grace, kindness and mutual encouragement that comes form living as the letter to the Galatians instructs. And, in evey individual, the willingness to receive God's grace and healing through ordinary means frees us to become channels of the "ordinary" work of God in the lives of those around us. In practical terms, this move toward "ordinary justice" has very significant implications. If we are to reverse the impact of climate change, it will take small but significant shifts in the habits of many ordinary people. If our world is to become more peaceful, it will mean ordinary people must learn to understand and respect one another, recognising our common humanity. If wealth is to be equitably distributed, it will mean changing the values by which ordinary individuals live from consumerism to simplicity and from accumulating to giving.
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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An Evening with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
July 31 at St. James Cathedral
Over the past several weeks, The Episcopal Church has responded to the reports of inhumane conditions for children and other asylum seekers in government custody in a number of ways. This response includes...
To read more, please click
here.
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Formation News -- Inviting Opportunity
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Registration is now open for the 2019-2020 EfM class at Grace Church. EfM stands for Education for Ministry. It is a four-year curriculum developed by the University of the South, Sewanee TN for the education of lay people in the church. The first year focuses on the Hebrew Bible; the second year the New Testament while the third years reviews church history and the fourth year reads contemporary theology and ethics. Tuition is $375/year which includes all textbooks. Scholarships are available. You only commit to one year at a time. The group meets once a week for 36 weeks. For more information or for instructions on registration, please contact Lynn Giles (cell:815-757-2011, email:
Inquirers' Classes/Reception by Bishop
In three months, Bishop Lee will visit Grace Galena for the last time before his retirement in August 2020. During his visit, he will be receiving or confirming those who would like to become members of the Episcopal Church. When one has been baptized or confirmed in another
non-Episcopal church,
they may be received in the Episcopal Church.
If an adult has not been baptized--or is not sure if they have been
baptized--that can take place as well.
For any of these circumstances, a short class will be offered by Diane Luther. There will be several ways to complete the six-hour class prior to Bishop Lee's visit.
On Saturday, July 27th, there will be a six-hour class at the Parish House. For those who would prefer to attend two three-hour classes, they will be offered on Saturday, August 10 and Saturday, September 7.
We will talk about a number of things, including what we believe and how we worship, the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, a brief history of the Anglican and Episcopal church and of Grace here in Galena. We will look at the structure of our church, our diocese and the national church, and we will explore the Book of Common Prayer. We will watch short videos together and hopefully have interesting discussions.
Taking the class does not obligate anyone to be received. You may come if you are wishing to learn more but are not certain if you are ready to make the decision to be received. You may come if you simply want a "refresher." Those who do wish to be received will, however, be given priority
Please email the church office right away if you are i
nterested. If you have questions about being received in the Episcopal Church, please speak with Rev. Hopewell. Or, check the membership brochure on our website at gracegalena.org/forms.
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Outreach Ministries Update
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SPECIAL OUTREACH REQUEST
This year the ARC will being a new journey in its new location. One with more light, more space and eventually more children. As many as 20 children are currently in the 4K program at ARC enjoying a larger classroom. They have already noticed the increase in sunshine that enters their classroom.
In order to support this move, Outreach will be
collecting school supplies or monetary donations during the month of
July.
For the supply list, please click this
link.
Watch for the September Grand Open House. It is a great place. And even has adult classes.
Thank you for your generosity in helping these young children.
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LIGHTS FOR LIBERTY--Friday, July 12, 8:30 pm
On Friday, July 12th Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Concentration Camps, will bring thousands of people from locations worldwide into the streets to protest the inhumane conditions faced by migrants. Across this country, we will gather to shine a light on the horrific abuses of children in human detention camps. To stand in solidarity with the migrants and the cities most impacted by the current situation, join us on Friday, July 12 at 8:30 pm by the Green Street Bridge by the levee. Candles for this vigil will be provided.
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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:
Carol Poston
1st Chalicist:
Elizabeth Ludescher
Lynn Giles
Acolyte:
Deb Pausz
Vestry Coordinator:
Larry Poston
Altar Guild:
Ann Berry & Amy Hardwicke
LEM:
Lynn Giles
Presider:
The Very Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
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Pentecost 5
July 14, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Deuteronomy 30:9-14 or Amos 7:7-17
Psalm 25 or 82
Colossians 1:1-14
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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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*Cursillo & Bible Study will take a summer
break and resume
after Labor Day.*
Wednesday Events
7:30 am
Midweek Morning Eucharist
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
All are welcome!
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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:
July OR check out the goog
le
calendar on the new website
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7/7 - Serwich
7/14 - Jackman
7/21 - Mass in the Grass
7/28 - Available
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.
NEW:
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| Grace Galena Day of Pentecost 2019 |
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| Grace Church Trinity Sunday 2019 Sermon |
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| Grace Galena 2nd after Pentecost C 2019 Sermon |
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| Grace Galena 3rd after Pentecost P8C Sermon |
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