UNITED CHURCHES HUNGER LUNCHEON

I have not said much about my upcoming sabbatical time. That is mostly because of twists and turns in the planning for 12 weeks away from the congregation. And what I hope was a final twist resulted in a change of plan just this past week.

     After shifting dates due to various events and responsibilities in the parish and diocese as well as working with others' schedules, the plan was that I would leave during the week of July 28 and return a day or two prior to All Saints' Sunday on November 3. But because of some important transitions taking place here at Grace over the next few weeks, I have decided to delay the first half of the sabbatical until sometime in the first half of 2020.

     Therefore, I shall not be leaving until after the bishop's visitation on September15 (still returning before November 3). Since my plans for the early part were quite fluid, this will not drastically affect them. The planned part--a trip to Spain with the Diocese of Northern Indiana and the United Thank Offering takes place in October. Some of the folk on this pilgrimage will walk the final 100k of the Camino de Santiago. The rest of us will visit sites funded by our UTO offerings and join up with the walkers for the final mile.

   

      Perhaps some of you are curious about sabbaticals for clergy. It is a standard part of the diocesan covenant between a parish and its rector. Grace Church generously included this in our covenant. Two weeks each year of service are set aside through the sixth year. That time may be taken after five years of service. Since I have passed my seventh anniversary at Grace, I have twelve weeks to "spend."

      Sabbaticals are times of renewal and refreshment, usually some combination of pilgrimage and/or study and family time. Some people work on projects that require extended concentrated stretches. Others travel to holy places of retreat and prayer. There are many variations. They usually bring back some new thoughts and inspirations to their congregations. And renewed energy.  

       During my absence, worship will be overseen by our Priest Associate, Linda Packard and our Deacon Postulant Diane Luther. The plan for Sunday mornings is one Morning Prayer service each month while the rest are Holy Eucharist. The opposite pattern will take place on Wednesday mornings. Three Wednesdays each month will be services of Morning Prayer led by a rotation of those who regularly attend on Wednesdays. Linda will preside at one Eucharist each month.

      I am working with the Vestry and the ministries to anticipate any special needs. When the time gets closer, the contact persons will be published. And, of course, as our Episcopal Church Canons require, the Senior Warden convenes the Vestry and serves, in the absence of the rector, as the one in charge of the operations of the paris h.  

     I look forward to this gift and opportunity to take this time away to nurture my spiritual self. I hope to visit a number of churches to be a "participant observer" in their worship and congregational life, to renew some relationships, and to take some road trips! Do ask questions! It wlll help me to plan and prepare for this adventure!  Thank you!

See you in church,

Gloria+ 

Two weeks ago, I announced the appointment of Robin French as Grace Church's new Director of Music. Her position will include her former role as organist/pianist with the duties of conducting the choir. This is a very different model for our church, though it is not uncommon in other churches of our size.
     The role of music has been a very important part of our worship, and we have been grateful for the excellence of this ministry.  In order to continue this legacy, we will need to make some adjustments in our limited space in the rear of the nave. In order to facilitate the Music Director's combined role, we will need to rearrange pews and instruments. Robin will direct from the piano or organ rather than from a standing position in front of the choir. Choir members need to be able to both see her direction and project their sound throughout the church-not just for their choral anthems but as they lead the congregational singing.
      During August, several pews will be moved from the epistle side of the nave (the right side as you face the altar) to the gospel side (left). The organ and the choir seating will join the piano on the epistle side. The sound system will remain on the gospel side. In addition, the font and paschal candle will need to be placed so that the sacramental act of baptism may be conducted with appropriate reverence.
      I trust that in this time of transition, we will all be patient as these adjustments are worked out. Please give your support to Robin as she begins her new role. And remember first and foremost, that our worship is to the glory of God.

Gloria+ 

Deuteronomy 30:9-14: Prosperity and blessing is promised for those who obey God's commands, which are not far off or distant. They are as close as our own lips and hearts.

Colossians 1:1-14: Paul's prayer for the Colossians to continue to grow in wisdom, strength and joy, and to enjoy the inheritance of freedom that God has made available through Christ.

Luke 10:25-37: In response to the question of how eternal life can be inherited, Jesus offers the Great Commandment, and then explains the practical outworking of this through the story of the Samaritan who helped the man beaten by robbers on the road to Jericho.

The power of the Gospel is revealed in Paul's prayer - that those who embrace it find joy, strength and vibrant life in love for, and service of, others, in the fruit they bear for God's Kingdom, and in the benefit people experience through this loving, serving community. What a pity that the Church is so often seen by those outside as hypocritical, judgmental and self-serving. What a pity that we have fallen into the trap of measuring spirituality and godliness by the same standards that society uses to measure worldly success - wealth and power. How different might our impact on the world be if we learned to assess ourselves not against the latest 'technique' or formula, but against God's standard of love, compassion, justice and service? How different might our communities feel about us as Church if we were more other-centred, more willing to sacrifice not just money, but time and energy in making our communities more peaceful, equitable and whole? How attractive might communities of faith be if we actually lived what we proclaimed and sang?  

 

The thumbnails and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com