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Regular hours have resumed. Nancy is available on Tuesday - Friday mornings. I am available Monday by appointment and Tuesday-Thursday. Since the building is still somewhat restricted, please contact us ahead of time if you need to come by.
And masks are essential.
Any ministries that wish to resume meetings or events at the Parish House must contact the rector before scheduling. There are attendance limits to each of the meeting places as well as expectations for masking, maintaining physical distancing and sanitizing the areas following their use. The 1st floor Parish Hall is limited to 15 individuals. The 2nd floor Conference Room and the Chapel each can accommodate no more than 9 people.
SUNDAY WORSHIP--NEW INFORMATION
PLEASE NOTE: with our reduced attendance due to the increase in COVID cases in our region, SUNDAY'S
SERVICE IS FULL.
We are limited to a maximum of 25 people to comply with the Governor's order for mitigation in Region 1 due to increasing numbers of COVID infections.
For those worshiping at home on Zoom, here is the link to the bulletin that you may download and/or print: BULLETIN . When you log in on Sunday morning, y ou will be muted except for during the sharing of the peace, birthday and anniversary blessings, and a time of greeting at the end of the service. As usual, the Zoom will be ready for you at 10:20 am.
Here once again are our "Ten 'Commandments'" for re-opening TEN. The full plan that was submitted to the Bishop's office for approval may be found here.
ZOOM POETRY GROUP
A Zoom Poetry meeting from Grace Church is being organized and will begin Monday, Sept. 28, at 2:00. The first meeting will offer some guidelines as well as an opportunity to read the "poem in your pocket" that helps you along in these times. If you are interested, write Carol Poston at poston@sxu.edu or call her at 815-777-0220.
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Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Conversations Series
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DISMANTLING THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY,
REDISCOVERING OUR NEIGHBORS
Continuing: A series of conversations offered by Steve Barg.,
Director of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation,
on Saturdays October 10, 17, 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.,
sponsored by the Christian Formation Ministry.
The limited in-person gathering of 15 persons HAS A FEW OPENINGS ON THE 10th. The other sessions are FULL,
but there are plenty of slots available on Zoom.
Advance registration is required so that you may receive the link to the Zoom sessions.
For further information, contact Larry Poston, 815-777-0220, or lsposton@jcwifi.com. |
 This week we begin our annual giving campaign. You have received or soon will receive a mailing with a letter and our brochure that outlines and answers questions about the spiritual dimensions of giving through pledging toward the ministries of Grace Church. This year, the theme is "Faith-filled Generosity." It will allow us to reflect upon how our giving is connected to our faith. As is our practice, we will have members of the congregation who will offer insights on why the church community and its support are important in their lives. We will also have thoughtful essays that relate to the lectionary readings each week. These will hopefully inform and inspire your own prayers about your 2021 giving. And then, on Sunday, November 22, we will have the opportunity to present the results of those prayerful decisions as we present our pledge cards for dedication.
If you have questions, please contact Georgia Hansen. If you do not receive the mailing, please contact the church office.
Other news this week was the announcement of the slate of nominees for the next Bishop of the Diocese of Chicago. Please see the article below. There are several opportunities to be participants in this exciting time.
In place of the "Walk Arounds" that are normally the times to meet the nominees, there will be six Zoom sessions. We are all urged to attend one--or all--of these. Log-in information will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, I would like to know if there are any of you who would like to have a small gathering in the Parish Hall to watch it together. We are limited to 15 participants, but if your internet signal is not the best, or if you would just like to view one of these with other interested people, please let me know as soon as possible so plans can be made. Simply e-mail me at gracerector@gracegalena.org and say "Yes, I would like to be included in a group "Meet the Bishop Candidates" session.
You are also invited to submit questions to be asked of the candidates. There is a survey that you may complete online at bishop survey.
Finally, early voting has begun and mail-in ballots sent. If you need help getting to the polls, please contact Carmen Ferguson and we'll arrange transportation for you.
See you in worship--on Zoom or at church!
Gloria+
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READINGS: Exodus 32:1-14: While Moses is on the mountain with God, the people, struggling with how long he has been gone, ask Aaron to make them gods. He agrees, takes their gold jewellery and makes a golden calf which the people then worship, even though he tries to remind them that their celebration is "to the Lord". Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23: A psalm of confession, remembering how God's people turned away, and traded God for an image of a calf, forgetting God's saving acts for them. Also, a recognition that God seemed intent on destroying the people, but for Moses pleading on their behalf. Philippians 4:1-9: Paul encourages the Church to stand firm, to agree with one another, to live as those who await Christ's appearance, and to meditate on those things that are good, true and beautiful. Matthew 22:1-14: Jesus tells a story about a king who prepares a wedding feast for his son, but the none of the originally invited guests want to go. So, he sends his soldiers to destroy those guests, and then he invites others from the streets to come in, but when someone is found without wedding clothes, that person is thrown out. Jesus finishes with the well-known saying that many are invited but few are chosen. In every community and relationship there are times for invitation and welcome, and there are times for confrontation and holding people accountable. It is not ungracious to confront abusive spouses and hold them accountable. It is not ungracious to challenge those who mistreat their workers, or to confront those who stereotype or judge others because of insignificant differences. It is not a compromise to welcome those who have been excluded, those who are different, those who need love, direction, help, basic needs or a place to belong. It is not a compromise to put relationship above law, and to stay faithful to relationships even when we disagree. The challenge of the Gospel is to learn, in our homes, our marriages, our churches and our neighbourhoods, to confront graciously and to welcome with integrity. We are called to sacrifice for others, to love others and to welcome others. And we are called to hold ourselves and our companions to the standards of justice and peace of God's reign. It is as we learn to allow others to hold us accountable, and as we learn to graciously challenge those with whom we journey, that we learn to live as citizens of God's reign. And it is as we forgive, include and seek to understand others that we discover the richness of God's grace and the power of God's reign to transform us in meaningful and healing ways. The question is whether we are willing to do the work and to face the tough realities of living in this invitational/confrontational community that God seeks for us.
Thumbprints and commentaries from:
sacredise.com
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Diocese of Chicago News--Women's Retreat
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SLATE OF BISHOP CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED
- The Rev. Canon Paula E. Clark, canon to the ordinary and chief of staff, Diocese of Washington
- The Rev. Edwin Daniel Johnson, rector, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Boston
- The Rev. Fulton L. Porter III, rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Chicago
- The Rev. Winnie Varghese, priest for ministry and program coordination, Trinity Church Wall Street, New York City
These are the candidates put forward by the Standing Committee. Others could be added by petition until Monday. All candidates will be introduced in six online "Meet the Candidate" sessions November 5 & 12 at 6 pm; 6 &13 at 10 am; and 7 & 14 at noon. Further information including candidate essays and resurmes are available on the Bishop Search website here: Nominees
The electing convention will be held on Saturday, December 12 at 5 pm. All are invited to participate in any or all of these sessions. The voting delegates from Grace are: Lynn Giles, Elizabeth Ludescher, and Georgia Hansen as well as our clergy.
"Journeying Inward to God," October 24.
Clergy and lay women encouraged to participate in this ECW
(Episcopal Church Women) of the Diocese of Chicago free online women's retreat:
"A gathering of women, both clergy and lay, could be important to start new and deepen relationships among the women of the Diocese of Chicago," writes Linda Toberman, retreat chairperson. "We need all women to come together to help build relationships and share experiences in spiritual self-care as well sharing our passions and gifts."
Jeannie McCabe from the Diocese of Arkansas will lead the gathering, with devotions and prayers offered by ECW Chaplain the Rev. Trilby Murray. Music will be provided by Janet Irvine.
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Wednesday Morning Study Group
Communal Bible Study affords an enjoyable and fulfilling way to grow spiritually and exchange insights with fellow parishioners, especially during the pandemic. We currently are studying the Gospel of Matthew. All are welcome Wednesday mornings, 10:30 - 11:30. Contact Greg Serwich for a Zoom invitation.
Meditative Prayer 9:00am Fridays
Looking for a way to improve your prayer life, to open your heart, mind and soul to the Holy Spirit? Consider joining the Centering Prayer Group Friday mornings for about forty minutes of meditative prayer: twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by Lectio Divina. Contact Greg Serwich (gserwich@gmail.com) for a Zoom invitation which includes a description of these types of prayer.
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Worship and Ministry in the Midst of COVID-19!
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Pentecost Season Worship
Sunday services will begin at our usual 10:30 time at church and 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 are also now in-person in the church and on Zoom. Bible Study and Centering Prayer 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.
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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Vestry Liaisons
Vestry 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 and activities.
Worship: The Very Rev.Gloria Hopewell, 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
The Rev. Linda Packard, Priest Associate
The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
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Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 11, 2020
Zoom Worship-10:30 am
Meeting ID: 824 2178 3266
Reservation for in-person worship:
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
Ministers of the Service:
Presider: Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Deacon: Rev. Diane Luther
Lector: Lynn Giles
Intercessor: Donna Davis
Vestry Coordinator: Greg Serwich
Pianist: Robin French
Greeter: Charlotte Stryker
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Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
October 18, 2020
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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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Events This Week:
Sunday
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist 10:30am
both in-person in the church
and online on Zoom
Monday
Executive Committee
9:30am online
Zoom Poetry Meeting
2:00pm online
Tuesday
Holy Eucharist* 7:30am both in-person in the church and on Zoom
Bible Study** online 10:30am
Thursday
Friday
Meditative Prayer** online 9:00am
Saturday
Rediscovering Our Neighbors
10:00am online/in-person
To receive an invitation with the link to online events, please contact Gloria at
gracerector@
gracegalena.org
or **Greg Serwich at gserwich@gmail.com All are welcome! |
For current and upcoming events, check out the Google
calendar on the website
Calendar
Link to most current directory here:
Link to August - December 2020
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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 you!
News and Photos
for e-Blast!
People want to know what's going on at Grace! There 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 request.
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| Grace Galena Wednesday Eucharist
10 7 2020
NO VIDEO IS AVAILABLE FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
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| | Grace Morning Prayer 9 30 2020 |
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| Grace Episcopal Church 9/27/20
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| Grace Entry Video with Music
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| | Virtual Chapel with Compline |
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