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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.
Beginning Monday, May 18, Bovard Studios will be working on the church windows--installing new protective outside windows and doing maintenance on framing.
Further information about the status in May will be forth-coming soon.
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As we move past the halfway point of May, I'm certain that some of you are wondering when will return to worshiping and mee ting in our church. I certainly wish I had an answer. It is a far more complicated issue than I ever could have imagined! At the beginning of this "sheltering at home" I had visions of a grand celebration, hopefully by Pentecost Sunday, when we would all come together on one day. As we now know, re-entry will be in phases that correspond to the level of positive COVID-19 tests declining over time and what region of the state we are in.
Our bishop's task force is at work developing guidelines for these phases, and our Grace Vestry will be determining the best way that Grace can comply given our particular congregation, the age and risk of its members, our space, and our ministries. Safety is, of course, of utmost importance and we will need to be creative in finding ways to continue our mission and ministry--and our connections to one another--without putting anyone at risk. I know how difficult it is to live in this uncertainty, but am most grateful for the participation in our online worship on both Wednesday and Sunday mornings!
It would be very helpful for me and for the Vestry to get an indication of how our online worship has been for you. Would you take just a few minutes to answer the five questions by clicking on this link: survey. Please do so even if you have not participated in any of the online services.
In addition to these questions, I would welcome any input you may have. You may call, text, or e-mail me. I expect that there will be follow-up questions next week.
Meanwhile, see you on Zoom on Sunday! Stay safe and well.
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 17:22-31: Paul preaches to the people of Athens, remarking on their many shrines, and using the shrine to the unknown god as a springboard, tells them about the God who is near to every person, and who has revealed God's self to humanity in Jesus.
Psalm 66:8-20: A psalm of praise to God for testing God's people, rescuing them and forgiving them.
1 Peter 3:13-22: Peter encourages the believers to endure suffering for doing good as Christ did, and to remember that they are saved in Christ, who is now in a place of honour and authority with God.
John 14:15-21: Jesus invites his disciples to show their love for him by obeying him, and he promises that the Holy Spirit will come to them and be in them, leading them into all truth.
Following from last week's word of assurance, the Lectionary continues in an attitude of comfort, emphasizing God's nearness and God's strengthening of those who struggle. In Athens Paul speaks to the people of the city about a God who can be known and "in whom we live, move and have our being." He invites them to recognize that God is very near to all people whether they are aware of God or not. The Psalmist reflects on God's presence even during times of 'testing' and gives thanks for God's rescue and forgiveness, and celebrates that God does indeed hear the prayers of God's people. In Peter's letter the apostle continues to offer comfort to a persecuted church assuring them that they are following in Christ's nail-scarred footsteps, and that in Christ they are saved. And, in John's Gospel, Jesus offers the promise of the Spirit, assuring his disciples that by the Spirit they will always know that God is with them and in them, and they will enjoy the love relationship that Jesus has given them. The wonderful, challenging and comforting message of this week is that God is intimately available to us, and that God's presence and resources are accessible to us as we face the challenges and struggles of following Christ and living fully. The inevitable question this raises is whether we are willing to embrace God's presence, and rest in God's strength even as we wrestle with injustice and the big crises facing our world.
Thumbprints and commentaries from:
sacredise.com
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Galena Food Pantry
Since the coronavirus hit Galena, the food pantry has had to change our procedures.
The bank lobby is closed
 and we are only allowed
to have 10 pre-approved volunteers in the pantry at once.Half of the volunteers are Grace Episcopal members
(Tom & Karlyn Van Gelder, Carmen Ferguson, and Eric & Debbie Kallback).
 Our clients are not allowed to get out of their cars. So we pre-package boxes of food which additional volunteers cart up to the front of the bank and then load that food into the trunks of the cars. Last Thursday our local bus stopped running for the foreseeable future. Carmela Cordero, another Grace Episcopal member, picked up and delivered groceries for 17 families without cars.
There are many more volunteers usually from Grace that have not been able to volunteer during this time.
We have been much heartened by the outpouring of generosity from our community. But, we just received word that a very generous donation we've usually received from the Dubuque Racing Association will not be forthcoming. If any of you would like to donate to the pantry - here's the link -
http://galenafoodpantry.org/ It is possible to donate online.
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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 third of a series of reflections on EfM from the students:
Every baptized person is called to ministry. The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. During the Service of Confirmation we ask God to "Renew in these your servants the covenant you made with them at Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them." EfM offers an opportunity to discover how to respond to the call to Christian service.- from the EfM website.
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a small-group learning program (6-12 members meeting with a trained mentor, Lynn Giles) where members study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together in order to help participants respond to their baptismal call to Christian service. Our group meets weekly for 2 hours, over a nine-month academic year.
The study of Christian tradition is divided into four years, Year One-the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), Year Two-the New Testament, Year Three-the history of Christianity, Year Four-Theology, Ethics, and Interfaith Encounter.
Seminar groups are a safe place to learn, to think aloud, to ponder, to discuss, to see where God is moving in participants' lives. Conversations are confidential and respectful. Each of us are in a d
ifferent place in our faith journey
and we each have something to contribute to the discussion.
The EfM program prepares us for the ministry to which we are called - that vocation we pray for at the end of the Eucharist: "And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord."
-- Teresa Burke
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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Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 17, 2020
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
Ministers of the
Service:
Presider:
Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Lector: Richard Luther
Intercessor:
Cathie Elsbree
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 Six
Morning Prayer online
Tuesday
Vestry Meeting online
Morning Prayer* online --7:30 am
Bible Study** online--10:30 am
Worship Ministries online--8:30 am
EfM online
To be receive an invitation with the link 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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Reminder 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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