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grace episcopal church
galena, illinois
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Fifteenth Sunday of Pentecost
September 5, 2021
Holy Eucharist, 10:30 am
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September 5, 2021
The State of Illinois has officially issued a directive for masking at indoor gatherings for all who are two years old or older regardless of inoculation status. Out of concern
for those who cannot yet be vaccinated or whose
immune systems are compromised,
we respectfully request that you comply and wear a mask indoors that covers your nose and mouth.
Our diocese has requested that each church regularly review the CDC map that has four stages of COVID risk and make decisions accordingly about safety precautions. Jo Daviess County's risk factor (and that of the entire state of Illinois) is now in the highest category. The only other precaution reinstated at this time is to suspend contact during the Peace. Please be cautious and also be prepared for changes at any time.
Social hour is suspended.
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Ministers of the Service
Members & Guests, Celebrants
Rev. Linda Packard, Presider
Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
Debbie Kallback, Lay Homilist
Carmen Ferguson, Lector
Deb Pausz, Intercessor
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Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Nancy Cook,Vestry Coord.
Amy Hardwicke, Alice Maffit
Altar Guild
Amy Hardwicke, Greeter
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Rector's Ramblings
On my most recent long drive, I was thinking about maps. Maps that we depend on to find our way to local places or distant destinations.
These days, we most often use maps on GPS or maps on our phones or pads. They are great for step by step directions for calculating time and distance, for close-in details that will take you to right to the door of your intended stopping point—and tell you that you are there! This was of immense value when I was wandering around the south of Spain by myself two years ago!
Yet, I miss the Rand McNally atlas. And the road maps that unfold to unwieldy sizes and are impossible to refold. I love how they can be spread out to provide a broad lay of the land. Oh, that can be done electronically, but not without a lot of two-fingered swiping and pinching. And when you do zoom way out, you lose all the detail.
I am sometimes looking for something other than the shortest or fastest route from here to there. I might want a more interesting drive or one with landmarks or places of interest or scenic overlooks where I can pause to admire and to wonder.
I think that is true in our life of faith, too—whether it is in the study of scripture or prayer practices, or even in our everyday ministry together. We do not want to simply settle for the most expedient solution—or time of worship (not 1 minute over an hour! ). We can too easily miss the chance for wonder, for surprises of grace. This Labor Day weekend, take a break from the day-to-day grind and make some space for exploring unknown places!
See you in church,
Gloria+
9/11 Twentieth Anniversary
In observance of the 20th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center towers, the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93, the Grace Church chapel will be open for prayer from
10 am - 4 pm.
At 12 noon, public prayers will be offered.
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Events this Week:
Sunday 9/5
Holy Eucharist 10:30 am online and in-person
*Social Hour suspended at this time.
Monday 9/6
Poetry Group 2:00pm
EfM in person in PH Conference Room 6:30pm
LABOR DAY
Tuesday 9/7
Compline online 8:30pm
Wednesday 9/8
Midweek Worship online and in-person 7:30am
Taking a Break for the Summer:
Morning Study Group
Thursday 9/9
Rockford Deanery Meeting at Grace 11:00am
Alan Oyen's Birthday
Friday 9/10
Centering Prayer online 9:00am
Saturday 9/11
Choir Practice 10:00am
Important Links:
Office Hours
9:00am-Noon, Tuesday through Friday
Rector Office Hours
10:30am-3:00pm Tuesday through Thursday
Mondays and other times by appointment
ROTA (6-6-21 to 10-31-21)
Website: includes a password protected members' portal where most recent Vestry minutes, financials, and Grace Church Directory are found.
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FALL SERIES: CONVERSATIONS ON FAITH WITH
STEVEN CHARLESTON'S LADDER TO THE LIGHT
Information on the Ladder to the Light conversations will be forthcoming in the next few days. It is not too late to complete the survey by clicking the link below. This group that will meet weekly in September and October to explore and share insights and experiences that have emerged from our individual reflection on these chapters. In his book, Bp. Charleston reflects on meditations he has included in his blog. It is a journey of hope, courage, and transformation enriched by the wisdom of his experience as a priest and bishop, professor and dean, and elder of the Choctaw nation
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VESTRY NEWS-
DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATES
The 184th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 as a virtual gathering on Zoom between 9 am and 3 pm. Convention is the annual business meeting of the diocese, during which we elect leaders, consider resolutions and hear reports from across the diocese and the wider church.
Grace needs to appoint three delegates and one alternate delegate to represent Grace at the Convention. If you have an interest in serving in this way, please contact Wardens Lynn Giles or Richard Luther. Though it may not be as fun as attending in person, we will likely offer the possibility of gathering at the church together and have some treats.
Convention updates, including registration information and a preliminary schedule, will be posted begf
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH NEWS
Episcopalians assess damage from Hurricane Ida
[Episcopal News Service] Episcopalians and church leaders in the Diocese of Louisiana are bracing for extended power outages while assisting with emergency housing needs and widespread cleanup efforts as officials assess the damage from Hurricane Ida.
The dioceses in the region are working with Episcopal Relief & Development to assess the needs of residents, especially evacuees, and provide financial relief as requested. The agency said in a news release that it has scheduled daily calls with local Episcopal leaders since last weekend. Episcopalians interested in helping are encouraged to contribute to the agency’s Hurricane Relief Fund. Full article is here: Ida
Episcopal Migration Ministries--Afghan Allies
To contribute financially to provide for housing, medical and financial support, and expanded community sponsorship to serve our Afghan allies, visit bit.ly/supportafghanallies to make a secure donation online, or text “EMMALLIES” to 41444.
Episcopal Relief and Development
On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest portion of Haiti. This devastating earthquake was followed by Tropical Storm Grace on Monday night and much of Tuesday. More than 1 million people, including more than half a million children, have been impacted by the back-to-back disasters, and the death toll is close to 2000. Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners are responding immediately with direct assistance to vulnerable households in the region, as partners plan long-term recovery. Your generous gift can provide assistance to help people in the wake of these disasters. To assist in these efforts, visit episcopalrelief.org/haiti-relief.
COVID-19 vaccine mandates spread across The Episcopal Church
[Episcopal News Service] COVID-19 vaccination mandates are gaining steam across The Episcopal Church, with two dioceses now requiring vaccination for all clergy and staff, and others issuing similar requirements as the delta variant spreads rapidly among the unvaccinated population. This is presently under discussion in the Diocese of Chicago. For the full article, see this link:
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OUTREACH MINISTRY NEWS
It's Red Bag time! For the last year Outreach did not do the Grace Church biannual red bag drive but this September we plan to support the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry with their need of feminine hygiene products. Red bags will be passed out on Sunday, September 6th. A list of suggested items will be in each bag. Please return the filled bags by Sunday, September 26th. Checks are also appreciated. You are always so very generous and your help is truly appreciated.
Thank you!
Your Outreach Ministries
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BUILDING AND GROUNDS NEWS
Tower project was started Tuesday. The first step is removal of one panel to use as template for making new panels. We are doing repairs from squirrel damage and leaks. New panels will look just like what we have now. They will hopefully keep out squirrels and will certainly keep out water.
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FELLOWSHIP NEWS
SOCIAL HOUR SUSPENDED
Coffee and conversation has been suspended due to COVID.
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FORMATION AND SPIRITUALITY
MINISTRY NEWS
REGISTRATION FOR EfM 2021-2022
The next year of EfM at Grace Church will begin the week of October 17, 2021. There is room for a few more students.
Registration will begin soon. Please let Lynn Giles know if you plan to join the group so she can send you a registration link.
Her email is lynngiles@lynngilesphotography, phone/text is
815-757-2011 or simply talk with her at church.
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Compline on Zoom
On Tuesday evenings, at 8:30 pm, Lynn Giles will lead a service of Compline. She has been participating in the service that has previously been offered to the Diocese of Chicago by St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn. This service of the Daily Office in our Book of Common Prayer is a brief, contemplative service that is ideal for prayerful letting go of the cares of the day and preparing for a restful night. Find the link button above.
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ADULT INQUIRER'S CLASS
An Adult Inquirers Class will be offered sometime this summer (dates will be determined by the
schedules of those interested in attending). We will be talking about our identity as Episcopalians, the Book of Common Prayer, a brief history of the Anglican/Episcopal church, our creeds, prayer, Baptism,
Eucharist, the Trinity (don’t come looking for an explanation!), and the Jesus Movement as described by
Presiding Bishop Curry. Attending qualifies you to being received or confirmed in the Episcopal Church, if you choose.
This is open to anyone in the church or community. Those considering reception will be given priority
(this is an in-person class). The time commitment is about eight hours. If you are interested in this or
would like more information, please contact Rev. Diane Luther at dm20luther@gmail.com, or
call (815) 281-2301.
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MEDITATIVE PRAYER 9:00am on 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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The Study Group is taking a break for the summer and will reconvene in September.
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WORSHIP:
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Isaiah 35:4-7: God will come to save God’s people, opening blind eyes and deaf ears, freeing the lame to leap and the mute to sing, and bringing water and life into dry deserts. Psalm 146: A song of praise and an exhortation to God’s people to trust in God and not in any human being. God makes heaven and earth, gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry, and God liberates prisoners, heals those with various ailments and protects the most vulnerable.
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17: To show favouritism is to deny Jesus’ faithfulness, and is to break the law which calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves. It is sinful to favour the wealthy over the poor. Claiming we have faith when we fail to live it out in acts of compassion is meaningless.
Mark 7:24-37: Jesus heals a Gentile woman’s daughter after an interesting conversation, and opens the ears and mouth of a deaf-mute man. Jesus then tries to get the people to keep silent about what he has done, but they insist on spreading the news.
In every home and community the temptation to show favouritism is present. In every neighbourhood and church the temptation to ignore the poorest and most vulnerable because of the pain and discomfort of reaching out is present. It is easy to build a safe and comfortable world around our faith, including only those who are like us in every way, and turning a blind eye to the injustice and suffering just outside our doors. But, to do this is to turn our backs on the Gospel (as James says). Sometimes we need to be confronted by those we ignore – even as Jesus was confronted by the Gentile mother – and we need our hearts and attitudes changed. This requires a humility and openness that is not easy, but is certainly Christlike. Then, as we begin to see our connectedness with those who are different from us, and as we learn to treat all people with equal compassion, sensitivity and respect, we begin to manifest the characteristics of God’s Reign, and we begin to bring healing to others – and to ourselves. When we can stop blaming the poor for their plight, and stop believing that wealth and happiness are divine rewards for good behaviour, we can begin to touch others with the love and acceptance of Jesus. And then, as we live the Reign of God, we may just discover that we are more intimately connected with God than ever before, and that our lives have more meaning and joy than we could have believed possible. This is certainly the promise of the Gospel, and the call of this week’s readings.
thumbnails and commentary from sacredise.com
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HELP WANTED!:
An apprentice to work with Zoom at Grace Church.
This is an important part of our Worship Ministry, and more people are needed to keep our live online services coming! It may seem very complicated, but those of us who have been handling it for nearly a year now all had to start from very basic computer skills and learn "on the job." If we have a small team, the responsibilities can be rotated, making it easier for all of us--and making it possible to explore better ways to assure the best audio and visual experience for those worshiping in person and those online.
Please contact Lynn Giles if interested and for more information.
lynngiles@lynngilesphotography.com
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ZOOM POETRY GROUP 2:00pm on Mondays
A Zoom Poetry meeting from Grace Church has been organized and meets Mondays at 2:00pm. This is not specifically a Grace ministry, but a number of Grace members and friends are part of it If you are interested, write Carol Poston at poston@sxu.edu or call her at 815-777-0220.
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A Wednesday Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev. Deacon Diane Luther, Homilist; Phil Jackman, Lector; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host.
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An Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; Elizabeth Ludescher, Intercessor; Lynn Giles, Lector and Zoom Host.
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An Episcopal Service of Holy Eucharist 8/22/21, The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Debbie Kallback, Intercessor; Richard Luther, Lector; Robin French, Music Director; Nancy Cook, Erben Organist; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host.
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Hybrid worship has resumed for both in-person and Zoom congregations in line with Diocesan guidelines and Phase 5 of the State of Illinois COVID recovery.
For those present in the Church:
Please put your smartphone or other device in airplane mode so that our
internet capacity is reserved for our online streaming.
Don't forget to wear your mask if you intend to sing!
For those on Zoom:
Please mute yourselves before the Prelude begins and immediately after the Peace. This prevents other participants on Zoom from being distracted by conversation
and background noise.
Those who will join us on Zoom will receive the usual e-mail invitation with a link to the day's bulletin.
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Vestry:
Lynn Giles, Senior Warden
Richard Luther, Jr. Warden
Jim Berry, Treasurer
Crystal Mason, Clerk
The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
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Staff:
The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
The Rev. Linda Packard, Priest Associate
The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
Nancy Kenney, Parish Administrator
Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
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Charlotte Stryker: Worship
Elizabeth Ludescher: Communications
Nancy Cook: Outreach
Eric Kallback: Building & Grounds
Crystal Mason: Pastoral Care
Phil Jackman: Fellowship/Parish Life
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The Rev Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
Cell Phone: 773-988-3497
Grace Episcopal Church Office:
107 S. Prospect Street
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-2590
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