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News from Grace Episcopal Church ~ Martinez, California
November 1, 2018 ~ All Saint's Day
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"Fall Back"
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 4.
Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night (not that there's anything wrong with coming to church early!)
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Scripture of the Week
"
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
'See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them as their God;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.'"
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"Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."
Jesus
At Grace, we have Godly Play (Sunday School) during the school year, but children and youth share in the ministry of the church year-round, serving as acolytes, readers, and oblation bearers.
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THIS SUNDAY: THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS
November 1st is the Feast of All Saints, one of the seven principal feasts of the church year. It is so important that we are allowed to move it to the closest Sunday so we don't miss celebrating it. All Saints commemorates all saints of God. It is one of the preferred Sundays for Baptism and, although we will not be having Holy Baptism in church this Sunday, the children will be learning about Baptism in Godly Play. While there are many Godly Play stories that the children love, the story of Baptism is likely everyone's favorite. We speak of baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - in more gender-free language, the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer. We speak of the water of creation and then we reenact the sacrament. The session ends with the lighting of a candle for each child with the instruction to "remember the day of their baptism." It is a wonderful story to tell.
Children are always welcome to participate in all services at Grace. There is a children's area near the piano at the rear of the sanctuary with toys, books, and coloring materials for children who do not enjoy sitting in the pews. There is Nursery Care for babies and young toddlers in the education building.
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Do you have an announcement?
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 office (info@gracechurchmtz.org) by end of day on Tuesday. Thank you!
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Outreach Committee meeting THIS Sunday between services
The Outreach Committee meets the first Sunday of the month, between the 8 and 10 o'clock services. We discuss ongoing projects such as Loaves & Fishes, CORE Homeless outreach donation drive, and seasonal drives, such as the Spirit of Giving program through Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. All are welcome! The next meeting will be this Sunday, November 4, at 9 a.m. at the conference table in the Education Wing |
Pasta Night is coming!
a Parish Life event
The annual fellowship pasta dinner is on November 17th at 6pm. Come enjoy this wonderful FREE meal and spend time getting to know your fellow parishioners here at Grace. To help us plan the feast, please email Amy Eudy with your name and how many people will be in your party that evening. eudy.amy@gmail.com
Calling all bakers!!
To help offset the cost of our next Parish Life event, we are having a dessert auction at Pasta Night. If you would like to donate a dessert, please contact Amy Eudy at eudy.amy@gmail.com and let her know what you'll be baking!!
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A season for thinking about how we care for God's creation and our own church
No one likes to talk about money, but the truth is that we cannot provide the programs and services we enjoy here at Grace without it. Stewardship is a season of education and conversation about what it means to share our time, talent and treasure with as a community of Christ. Last Sunday we heard about Worship and Liturgy at Grace and the costs associated with it, such as a large percentage of the Rector's salary.
This Sunday, November 4, we will put together all of the information we've learned about ministry and budgeting at Grace. Hopefully, you will be inspired to contribute what you can!
Although stewardship campaigns often focus on financial contributions (treasure), the willingness to donate your time and ministry gifts (talents) is equally, if not more, important. There are several ministries here at Grace that are currently in need of volunteers, including the Altar Guild, Counters, and Hospitality Committee (especially coffee hour hosts). To volunteer for the Altar Guild, please contact Elaine Quigley. To volunteer as a counter, please contact the church office. If you are interested in participating in Hospitality at Grace, please let Christina Reich know. For more information about ministries at Grace, check in with Rev. Deb.
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Some important financial information
Two gentle reminders about our finances: You can set up your pledge to autopay from your bank account. Please contact Treasurer Paula Menconi for more information about how to do this. Also, p
lease remember that we are attempting to make our budget/spending process completely transparent. In order to do that, we need your help. Please do not give the church for two purposes or accounts at once (for example, don't write one check for both your pledge and a ticket for an event). This will help us keep our finances in order. Many thanks!
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Bible Study for Everyone!
On Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. at Grace we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, followed by Bible Study. We are currently studying
the letters of Paul, which constitute about two-thirds of the New Testament. We are using Church
of England bishop and theologian N.T. Wright's series, "Paul for Everyone." On Wednesday, November 7, we will look at Galatians 5:13-21. We will consider the questions, "What is the difference between 'freedom to' and 'freedom from'?" "What does God give us freedom to do?" and "Based on Paul's description of Christian community, are we living in it in this time and place?" All are welcome!
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Veterans Day is coming
We will remember our Veterans on Sunday, November 11, 2018, the nearest Sunday to Veterans Day. Veterans are invited to wear ball caps or other gear to honor their service.
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"Spirit of Giving" Drive is underway!
Thank you all for your incredibly enthusiastic response to this year's drive to provide Christmas gifts to families who live in the supportive communities of the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. All of the tags have been "adopted" and the shopping has begun! Wrapped and labeled gifts need to be brought to church no later than Sunday, November 25. At that point, Jennifer and Dru will need help taking inventory, sorting and batching the gifts for delivery to CCIH by December 3. Stay tuned for announcements about the details of that work party, including date and time. If you'd like to help or have any questions about your tag please email Jennifer Sabroe at info@gracechurchmtz.org or call/text her cell (925) 383-8386.
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Pastoral Care news
We have received many inquiries about the health and well-being of parishioners who are currently on our prayer list. As a result, we have decided to offer updates on folks who have agreed to make their health status public in this section of Grace Notes. Please remember that we do not provide information unless we have direct permission to do so.
Tom and Connie Hodgson: Connie's head injury improved to the extent that she was able to have needed surgery on her arm, which went well and she is, to quote Tom, "on the mend." Now that Connie has stabilized, Tom is attending to his own injuries, including an injured ankle. They are still not able to receive visitors, but want everyone to know they are thinking of us and want us to keep up the prayers!
Patrick Winters: Patrick is home after having surgery. He is improving gradually. He would enjoy hearing from folks.
Shannon Kleinschmit: Shannon leaves for military school on November 4. He will be in school in Arizona for several months prior to his deployment overseas.
We want to make sure all of our parishioners are supported and taken care of. In order to help Rev. Deb do this, we now have a
Pastoral Care Committee,
which will be chaired by Leslie Kolesa. The Pastoral Care Committee will assist with coordinating home visits, food delivery, and regular check-ins with those in need. If you are interested in being part of this effort, please let
Leslie Kolesa
know.
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An invitation from Loaves and Fishes
Volunteer Appreciation Event
Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Shell Martinez Clubhouse
1635 Pacheco Blvd.,Martinez, Ca.
W
e want to celebrate you! Chef Ted and the culinary students are cooking up a special feast & we need to know if you will join us. Come for an afternoon of food, fun, and awesome door prizes to thank YOU, our wonderful volunteers!! Please let us know if you can attend!
Come and celebrate
with friends, fellow volunteers. Meet our Board of Directors & staff. Don't miss Chef Ted and the Culinary Program's delicious appetizers, beverages. Also, awesome doorprizes!
Hosted by Our Board of Directors
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Loaves and Fishes update
Our team from Grace will not be serving on November 21. A corporate group has requested that day.
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Book Group
Read any good books lately? Want to participate in a book discussion group? Like to eat out? Come drop in on the Grace Book Group! We'd love to see you!
Our next get-together is November 28*, at 6:30 p.m. when we will discuss "Lipstick Brigade" by Cindy Gueli.
Smooth Season restaurant at Muir Station Shopping Center.
For more information call/text Jennifer Sabroe at (925) 383-8386 or Email Jennifer.
*Changed to the 4th Wednesday due to Thanksgiving
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Join the choir!
Now that we have a fabulous new Music Director and a fancy chamber organ in the Sanctuary, it's time for anyone who has been hiding their vocal light under a bushel to step forward and sing a new song unto the Lord! Choir rehearsals at Grace are Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. You don't need experience or even the ability to read music. Arthur will be teaching a "Learn or Improve your music abilities" class before choir each week, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please join this amazing ministry!
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No choir rehearsal Thurs., Nov. 1 or Sunday, Nov. 4.
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Yoga at Grace
We welcome certified Yoga Instructor Noah Yuzna every
Tuesday evening at 6:15 p.m. to conduct a 60 minute yoga class. All levels are welcome and modifications will be available for folks with limited mobility.
Classes are open to the community and there is no set cost. Participants are invited to contribute what they can for each class. Invite your friends!
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C.O.R.E. Homeless Outreach donations
C.O.R.E stands for Coordinated Outreach Referral and Engagement. It is a program of the Housing and Homeless Services Division of Contra Costa County Health Services. Grace will be providing the C.O.R.E. team with needed items to distribute to individuals suffering from homelessness. This is an ongoing project, so we are requesting:
- Sleeping bags
- Blankets (moving blankets are inexpensive and durable)
- Backpacks - ideally large capacity, durability is less important as they are frequently lost or stolen after a few weeks/months
- Healthy food - preferable non-perishable items that don't require cooking, a can opener, or good teeth. Pull-top cans are good.
- Bottles of water
- Hygiene items including (but not limited to) soap, shampoo, oral care, shower wipes, shaving supplies, feminine hygiene items
- Socks
- Sunscreen
- Pet food (in particular, wet food in pull-top cans). Other pet goodies would be appreciated too!
We also encourage parishioners to consider developing the habit of thinking of our homeless neighbors when shopping (i.e. picking up an extra item or two) and traveling (bringing home the hotel soaps/shampoo).
Parishioners are invited to make donations of items by leaving them in the bin in the Narthex (labeled "C.O.R.E. Outreach"). The items will be blessed by Rev. Deb, and handed off to members of the C.O.R.E. team who distribute while doing their mobile outreach work in the local community.
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nated Turkeys Needed!
Message from Loaves and Fishes
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa serves two special holiday turkey meals -- the day before Thanksgiving and then Christmas Eve at all 5 dining rooms. We expect to serve more than 1,000 people. We need turkeys donated so we can provide these much appreciated meals to our clients.
In partnership with Let's Feed The Kids, a multi-faith group of 6 congregations in Contra Costa County focused on alleviating childhood hunger, Loaves and Fishes is also collecting donated turkeys for their Winter Break project. This project provides food to school children and their families from 9 Richmond/San Pablo schools during their winter break. Winter break is when these families don't have access to federally-funded breakfast and lunch programs.
Please deliver turkeys to Chef James at our central kitchen located at:
510 Garcia Ave., Unit H, Pittsburg
Questions, please call: 925-293-4792
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Thanksgiving Food Drive
Message from Shelter, Inc.
Shelter Inc. is accepting nonperishable food items so that all families in Contra Costa can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this year.
- Gift Cards for turkeys - $25 to local grocery store. Please no fresh or frozen turkeys.
- Pantry Food: chicken stock, canned corn, cranberry sauce, cream of mushroom soup, biscuit mix, stuffing mix, gravy, pasta noodles and sauce, salt and pepper.
- Desserts: pumpkin pie mix, pudding mix, jello mix
- Drinks: hot cocoa, coffee, sparkling cider
Please deliver donated items by 5pm on Thursday, November 15, 2018, to Shelter Inc. main office at 1333 Willow Pass Rd., Suite 206, Concord.
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