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SCAM ALERT!
There are reports of yet another scam telling people that I am in need of urgent help and to reply immediately. There is no e-mail address, just a reply option.
I AM NOT IN NEED OF ANY HELP! PLEASE DO NOT OPEN OR RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE---GLORIA+
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FORWARD DAY BY DAY
New devotional booklets are available. They are in a small plastic container located outside the Parish House under the mailbox. If you are in town, stop by and pick one up. If you need a source in the meantime, you may find this online at https://prayer.forwardmovement.org/forward_day_by_day.php?d=1&m=5&y=2020.
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THE CHURCH BUILDING CLOSURE IS EXTENDED THROUGH THE END OF MAY FOR
ALL BUT EMERGENCY PURPOSES
In the meantime, mail is being picked up and bills are being paid. You may mail your pledge payments to the church however it is convenient
for you to do so.
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Just a few hours after we published last week's edition of Grace Happenings, I received a video notice from Bishop Lee extending his "stay-at-home" request through the end of May. I am embedding the video here in the event that you have not already seen it through a subscription to the diocesan news:
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| Extending the Stay-at-Home Order: A Message from Bishop Lee |
As I have mentioned before, the diocesan clergy meet weekly by Zoom with the bishop and his staff. The bishop also meets with the Presiding Bishop and other bishops weekly to share how they are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and leading their churches during this time. Bp. Lee has also convened a small group of diocesan clergy to explore the situation here in our diocese and what might be the best steps forward. There are many factors to consider and many decisions to be made when it so much is still unclear. This includes diocesan-wide issues like the bishop search, the convention(s), confirmations and ordinations--all dependent on when and if large gatherings will be permitted. And what safeguards must be in place when that happens. It also includes how our individual churches will be guided and supported during the remainder of the quarantine and in the transition to what church will look like in the near and more distant future.
Just please know that there is a lot going on--immediate support and planning that tries to stay ahead of the curve on possible outcomes. There is much activity under the surface of the quiet, closed buildings! And one of the strange but very real effects of planning into the void of the unknown is that multiple plans are in progress--but things happen so quickly that much of the planning is scrapped before it can even be completed! Frustrating times! I am grateful that, so far, our churches have not reported confirmed cases or deaths--a sign that our refraining from in-person gatherings is working. And I feel so fortunate that our bishop and presiding bishop have been so pro-active in keeping us safe yet connected.
Back here in Galena, I have been remiss in thanking all of you who have sent cards, notes, flowers in celebration of my eight years at Grace! Eight years--they seem at once to have flown by and to have been forever! Eight years seems like a strange point to observe--there is no particular significance that I know of, like the 5th or 10th, or even the 7th! But, perhaps, as we are now learning, things can change very quickly and with little warning. So, we should celebrate at every opportunity!
Eight years ago, I was about to leave for a pilgrimage to Turkey when I learned that the pastoral search committee had recommended me to the Vestry to become the next rector of Grace. I was actually in Turkey when I learned that the Vestry and Bishop had approved the call! Just over a month later, I packed my little car with a couple of suitcases and a few books and drove west to begin what I thought of as my new adventure. And what an adventure it has been, thanks to all of you! I feel that we have experienced very good ministry together--and I hope that the same will be true of the rest of our time! So, many, many thanks! And much love!
See you on Zoom,
Gloria+
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Ministry in the Midst of COVID-19!
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Easter Season Worship
Sunday services will begin at our usual 10:30 time on Zoom. They will also be recorded and uploaded as quickly as possible for those unable to participate on Zoom. The uploads will appear on the church's Facebook page, @FullyGrace and on the Grace website.
Wednesday morning services and
Bible Study are also on Zoom each week. If you would like to add your name to any of these participant lists, please e-mail the church office.
Watch for e-mail invitations to arrive in your inbox the day before each service. It will include the information you will need to sign on or phone in. It's a good idea to sign in a bit before the appointed time. Make sure you have your audio and video enabled. For those who do not have access to the internet, joining by telephone is also possible.
 What to expect:
When you enter before the service begins, you will be able to see and hear one another. You will also be able to hear background noises such as dogs barking. At the appointed time, the host will mute everyone except for the officiant and designated readers.
The entire liturgy will appear on the screen. At the conclusion of the service, you will be unmuted, we will share the peace, and visit for a little while.
Here is a link of Zoom tips put together by Greg Serwich. He has been successfully assisting those who have had difficulties with the technology. Check this out in advance. If you have problems, give Greg a call. Zoom Tips
Ministry of Care
Here at Grace, The Ministry of Care has organized regular phone and e-mail contact with our most vulnerable members. If you are in need of assistance,or pick-up and delivery of prescriptions or emergency supplies, please contact Bonnielynn Kreiser. Also contact her if you are able to help out. And, of course, your clergy are available by phone, text, and e-mail to provide pastoral care,
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For your personal reading and devotion this Sunday.
READINGS:
Acts 2:42-47: A description of the life of the early disciples as they shared in worship, hospitality and caring for one another.
Psalm 23: David's famous psalm of confidence and hope in God's care, guidance and provision.
1 Peter 2:19-25: Peter encourages the believers who are going through trials because of their faith, and reminds them that Christ, who suffered though he was innocent, is the example we follow.
John 10:1-10: Jesus warns about those who are thieves and robbers, who do not care for 'the sheep', and he speaks of himself as the gate for the sheep, through which the sheep move to find pasture - and the abundant life that Jesus offers.
This week the Lectionary offers a wonderful and rich connection of ideas. In this season of the resurrection, the life of Christ is still uppermost in our minds, and Jesus' promise that he has come to give life is at the heart of our reflections. The rest of the Gospel, though, and the other readings, all reflect on how life is lived when the care and compassion of God direct us. In the Acts reading we are given a glimpse at the true community of the first disciples and their care for one another. In Psalm 23 we are reminded of God's care and attention toward God's people. In Peter's letter, written to those who are being persecuted for Christ's sake, there is the assurance that their suffering is not meaningless, and that it is a sharing in Christ's sacrifice, even as God - the Shepherd and Guardian of the believers' souls - watches over them. Finally, Jesus, in speaking about his life, warns about those who pretend to care for 'the sheep' but don't. In a confusing contrast he is both the Shepherd who does care, and the gate through which the true Shepherd enters to call the sheep, and through which the sheep pass in order to find pasture and life. While it is not the purpose of this short reflection to unravel all of these metaphors, the essential message is clear - the life of Jesus is given and received by mutual care, compassion and protection. The resurrection does not offer some individualised, blissful life. Rather, it calls us into a life that is shared with others who follow Christ, to whom we belong and for whom we are responsible, even as they as are called to care for us. It is only together - in community - that Christ's life can be known and enjoyed.
Thumbprints and commentaries from:
sacredise.com
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New Glory Parish Church Update
I'm sure we can all use some good news in our world right now! The second and final donation to the Glory Parish construction has been sent to the Diocese of Chicago for wire transfer to Bp. Joseph.
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| Moving right along |
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As we saw at Easter, the new Glory Parish church was rising out of the dirt. More recent pictures show wall going up and even some roof supports.
Bishop Joseph hopes to have the church completed by May 2020. How ambitious. They really are moving.
Glory Parish is free of the Covid-19 virus for now. But as they are always praying for us, we must, also, pray for them and that they will remain healthy.
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Bishop Joseph sends his thanks and deep appreciation for our contribution to this new church.
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...and upon the rock I will build my Church. |
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United Thank Offering--This is the time of year that we normally bring our blue boxes to church for dedication and sending off to participate in good work around the world that comes from the contributions. Since we cannot do that this year...
Tip Jar for Jesus!
Feeling blessed? Do you have a home? food? entertainments? health? family? Jesus just keeps giving blessings, so keep "tipping" him. Count your blessings until we can meet in person to collect your full and overflowing little blue box!
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Formation and Spirituality Ministries
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EfM (Education for Ministry)
As we reach the end of the academic year, we will look forward to Grace participants in EfM completing their four years of study and graduating. Here, is the first of a series of reflections on EfM from the students:
Did you know the only college-level course available in Galena is offered right here at Grace? We are currently approaching the end of this year's program. It's time to recruit participants to join continuing students for the coming year. We were fortunate to be able to forge ahead with the church's new technology. Our two fourth-year students will graduate on schedule at the end of May. Though I had already "graduated ", I spent this past year reviewing the first year study of the Old Testament as the study materials have been much improved some my first time in 2008. Although the course material is "gender less" I was able to review the OT from a largely feminist theological point of view. I was delighted the class structure allows for that sort of personal interest approach. This experience has enhanced and illumined my own spiritual identity as a Christian and a woman. As I have said before, I covet the in-depth learning experience of EFM for all of you who are eager students of the Christian journey! For more info contact Lynn Giles, or any of us wearing the "ask me about EFM " button.
Mary Lou Smith
Wednesday Morning Study Group
The Wednesday morning study group has been active and well attended, especially during the Coronavirus shutdown.
The group currently is studying the Gospel of Matthew.
All are welcome to join us one hour weekly, beginning at 10:30 a.m. If interested in receiving the Zoom invitations, send a message to Greg Serwich at gserwich@gmail.com.
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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)
Ministry of Care/LEMs: Nancy Cook (class of 2023)
Outreach:
Tony Packard (class of 2021)
Communications: Eric Kallback(class of 2023)
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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Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 3, 2020
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
Ministers of the
Service:
Presider:
Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Lector:
Carmen Ferguson
Intercessor:
Diane Luther
Pianist: Robin French
ROTA: December 2019-May 31,2020 |
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:
Sunday
Easter Four Service online
Morning Prayer* online --7:30 am
Bible Study** online--10:30 am
Friday
To be invited to online events, please contact *Gloria at
gracerector@
gracegalena.org
or **Greg Serwich at gserwich@gmail.com
Compline or Evening Prayer TBD
All are welcome!
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For current and
upcoming events,
check out the goog
le
calendar on the website
Updated Directory
Link to most current directory here:
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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
Terri Jackman
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/services:
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Grace Morning Prayer 42920
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| Grace Galena 3rd Easter 2020 |
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Easter Sunday at Grace
2020
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Grace Galena Good Friday Service
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Grace Episcopal Church, Galena Illinois Maundy Thursday
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| We're In Good Company: Bishop Lee's Easter Sermon |
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