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The Governor has moved several regions of the state into Phase 4 which clears us to return to in-person attendance of 32 people plus the Altar Party. Of course, if cases of COVID-19 again begin rising and/or hospital become overwhelmed, this could change. Our plan is to resume our hybrid limited attendance worship on February 7. Registration will be required and the registration information should be available early next week.
Of course, the same distancing, masking, and sanitizing requirements will apply. There will be no coffee hour, singing, or gathering in the church or parish hall after the service. Worship on Zoom will also be available.
WEDNESDAYS: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85320626039
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The 2021 Annual Meeting of Grace Church will be held on Sunday, January 31.
The meeting will be on Zoom, broadcast from the Parish Hall shortly after the conclusion of the morning service.The meeting will begin with a vote on a resolution to adopt our online meeting format. Please review the Annual Report, especially pages 6 & 7 for information on how this virtual meeting will be conducted.
The slate being presented for election of Wardens and Vestry Members is:
Senior Warden: Lynn Giles
Junior Warden: Richard Luther
Vestry Class of 2024: Crystal Mason, Phil Jackman
Greg Serwich, Tony Packard, and Anita Sands complete their terms respectively as Senior Warden and Vestry.
The open and inclusive nature of our church means that we have very few instances where there are specific requirements for participation. All people are welcome to be part of the congregation's life in each of its ministries, its worship, and its fellowship events. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. Voting at specially called and annual meetings, though, is regulated by the Canons of the Episcopal Church. The applicable Canons follow as summarized by the Bishop's office:
The eligible voters of the congregation, according to the provisions of Canon 22, section 3 are:
o Baptized
o 16 years or older
o Regular in attendance at worship, and recognized as
such by the Rector and one warden
o Have pledged, and be paying their pledge within the
last 6 months before the vote (or making other
committed contributions within the last 6 months)
o Declare their willingness to conform to the Doctrine,
Discipline and Worship of the Church.
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LENTEN DEVOTIONS: Last Chance! 
We thank all those parishioners who have agreed to submit meditations to this year's Lenten booklet. Five days still remain unassigned. Please contact Carmen Ferguson (carmen@humus.com) if you are available to get us over the
finish line!
Meditations are due this week!
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As many of us are in the process of receiving COVID vaccinations or trying to snag one of the limited appointments, I ask that you keep Bishop Joseph in prayer as he recovers from a positive COVID test and other health problems. Steve Dowe got this information this week:
"Bishop Joseph has had a health crisis but has recovered from Malaria & Typhoid. He went to Juba for a special service only to be tested positive for COVID. After isolation, he tested negative and was able to go to his Nairobi home." Even as we are frustrated by the slow and uneven distribution here in the United States, let us be aware of and in prayer for those in other parts of the world that are facing even lower supplies or access.
Having said this, I will confess that I was one of the lucky ones able to get online at the right time to get an appointment. I have now received my first dose. Please, if you are having a problem with accessing the health department registration, let me know. Maybe there is some way I can help. Meanwhile, may you continue to be patient, cautious, and safe.
See you on Zoom,
Gloria+
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READINGS:
Deuteronomy 18:15-20: Moses promises that God will raise up a prophet for Israel like him, but warns that the people will be held accountable for whether they listen to that prophet.
Psalm 111: A song in praise of God's deeds, God's care and provision for God's people, and celebrating how the fear of God brings wisdom.
1 Corinthians 8:1-13: Though idols are nothing, if eating meat sacrificed to an idol causes a brother or sister to stumble, we should rather not eat. Rather than knowledge, which creates pride, we should seek love, which builds up.
Mark 1:21-28: As Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Capernaum, the people are amazed at him. When he casts out a demon, they are staggered and the news about him spreads throughout the entire region.
In every family, every neighbourhood and every church there are inevitable power struggles. We hold our convictions dearly, and we want others to see things as we do and to honour our view. in addition, we grow fearful that the views and needs and power of others may rob us of things we hold dear. Somehow we have come to believe that sharing power diminishes it, when, in fact, it does the opposite. Yet, when we put Jesus' teaching, and this story of healing, in the context of Jesus' life, we discover that for Jesus fighting evil required a cross, not a sword, and drove him to service and sacrifice, not violence or conquest. What this means is that we are called, firstly, to embrace and experience Jesus' liberation for ourselves - the release of those things that would bind us, which almost always stem from our fear or self-interest - and then to engage with others as Christ did, sharing power, serving and liberating. t may mean as leaders of churches or groups learning to free others to find their own leadership, and serving them in the process, without fearing the loss of our own power or prestige. It may mean, as Paul teaches, releasing our own "rights" and "freedoms" in order to ensure that we do not cause others to stumble. It may mean working alongside those we may disagree with if it will help to bring justice or grace to people in our community. If we long for God's glory and authority to be seen in us, it certainly won;t happen if we constantly strive for things to be done "our" way or if we constantly fight for control. Rather, when we embody Christ's liberating grace, that is when the glory and authority of Jesus is most clearly seen in us.
Thumbprints and commentaries from:
sacredise.com
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COMMUNION FOR ZOOM CONGREGATION
 There is always time to sign up for Communion as part of our Zoom worship! You may wish to participate in communion and sign up for every Sunday.
Simply call or email the church office or contact Deacon Diane Luther.
FLOWER CHART FOR 2021
The Flower Chart for 2021 is on the bulletin board in the Parish House. Please contact Ann Berry for available dates. The flowers are $30 and come from the Blooming Basket at the Pig.
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UCG Food Pantry
Have you heard that the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry has just moved to a new home? It has been an exciting move with many wonderful volunteers helping make it all possible. The Food Pantry is now located in the
 lower level of 219 Summit Street (where the Galena Center for the Arts use to be.) The move entailed walls being torn down, electrical outlets installed for the freezers and refrigerators, plumbing work, moving truck rental, securing insurance, paying rent and other expenses. If you would like to make a contribution to help, you can send donations to Grace Church and in the memo write "UCG Food Pantry" OR mail directly to:
UCG Food Pantry
P.O. Box 6401
Galena, IL 61036
Your help in serving others is greatly appreciated!
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Those who attended our October series on the Doctrine of Discovery may be interested in a Native American book discussion being sponsored by Sinsinawa Mound.
Over the course of the year, six books will be covered beginning with "The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee," by David Treuer. This first discussion will take place Tuesday, February 9, 7-8:15 pm, via Zoom. Registration may take place--by February 8--by calling
608-748-4411 or going to the website Sinsinawa. The book may be purchased on the website at the Sinsinawa book shop tab.
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Wednesday Morning Study Group
Join us to study, ponder, and discuss scripture.
Current topic: St. Mark's Gospel. We gather safely on Zoom,
10:30 - 11:30 Wednesday mornings.
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.
ZOOM POETRY GROUP
A Zoom Poetry meeting from Grace Church has been organized and meets online on 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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Worship and Ministry in the Midst of COVID-19!
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Epiphany 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 are also now only 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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IN-PERSON WORSHIP CONTINUES TO BE SUSPENDED. We will still lead worship on Zoom from the church, with only the Altar Party, musician, and Zoom operator present in the building. Regular services are 10:30 am on Sundays; 7:30 am on Wednesdays.
ANYONE SCHEDULED TO SERVE WHO IS NOT COMFORTABLE BEING IN THE CHURCH, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE.
PARISH HOUSE
Regular hours will continue. Nancy is available on Tuesday - Friday mornings. I am available Monday by appointment and Tuesday-Thursday. In-person meetings are suspended (except for the 12-step programs that are part of our community outreach). please contact us ahead of time if you need to come by.
And masks are essential!
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The Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
January 31, 2021
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
Psalm 111
Ministers of the Service:
Presider: Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Deacon: Rev. Diane Luther
Music Director: Robin French
Lector: Phil Jackman
Intercessor: Donna Davis
Vestry Coordinator: Lynn Giles
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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
February 7, 2021
Isaiah 40:21-31
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
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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
The Fourth Sunday in Epiphany
Holy Eucharist 10:30am
ONLINE ONLY on Zoom
Monday
Church Office Closed (rector available by appointment)
Zoom Poetry Meeting
2:00pm online
EfM 6:30pm on Zoom
Tuesday
Morning Worship 7:30am on Zoom Bible Study** 10:30am on Zoom
Thursday 9:00am UCG Meeting on Zoom
Friday Centering Prayer* 9:00am on Zoom
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:
If you have any updates to your personal information, please let Nancy know and we will update the Directory. This information is not shared with anyone outside of Grace.
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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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During our COVID-19 restrictions,
t he 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, If you are 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
Diane Luther
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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 Episcopal Church, Galena IL, 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, 1 24 2021 |
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| | Grace Episcopal Church, Galena IL, Wednesday Eucharist 1 20 2021 |
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| Grace Episcopal Church, Galena IL, Prayer Vigil 1-19-21
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| Grace Episcopal Church, Galena IL, January 17, 2021
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| Grace Entry Video with Music
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| | Virtual Chapel with Compline |
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