On Saturday, December 7, from 9:30am to 2:30pm, Carol Poston will lead a quiet day based on the writings of Anglican theologian Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941), the first woman to lecture on theology at Oxford and the author of two major works on mysticism and worship, as well as other writings. As some of you already know, Carol is the editor of

The Making of a Mystic: New and Selected Letters of Evelyn Underhill (University of Illinois Press, 2010).

 

No advance reading is required, but art materials, rosaries and other prayer aids will be available; and if you are in the habit of journaling, you may wish to bring your journal with you since there will be ample time for personal reflection. There is no charge, but freewill offerings are welcome to help cover the cost of lunch, which is provided. For this reason, we do request advance registration. Please call the church office at 815-777-2590. Although Friday,  was the stated deadline for registration, interested parishioners may still sign up Sunday, December 1, before church as they enter the narthex or during the coffee hour.

 

Canapes and Conversation--Friday, December 13 

This month, C&C will be held at Galena Center for the Arts, part of the model trains that will be exhibited by Phil and Terri Jackman Thursdays -  Sundays until December 15.  

 

The Long est Night Service -- Friday, December 20

Not all people are feeling  joyful during this holiday season. They may be experiencing loss or loneliness, pain, confusion, or fear. As the Full Cold Moon rises as we approach this Winter Solstice, this  service of prayer, reflection and lighting of candles acknowledges such feelings. It offers a safe space where warmth and light might bring hope and peace. Diane Luther and the Rector will preside. Friday, December 20, 6pm .

As of  Sunday, December 3, 53 pledges were submitted. The total amount pledged is $153,968.  

    Many, many thanks to those who have made this commitment to Grace ministries in 2020. If you have not done so, there is still time. You may drop it off or mail it to the church office. Extra pledge packets are available in the Narthex. Pledging is not required to be a member of Grace. It is encouraged as a practice of faith and as a way of helping the church's leaders plan for the next year's ministry expenses. 

"I have come to appreciate Advent so much more without the light/dark binary. Rather, I see darkness as the generative space in which light is conceived and from which it is born. Both holy, both life-giving."

This morning, these words by Episcopal priest and biblical scholar, Wil Gafney, were shared on social media. It immediately made me consider the truth that darkness is not always scary and best avoided. Without darkness, we could not see the beauty of stars and moon in the night sky. Without darkness, we would not need candles. Without darkness, we could not sleep-at least not so soundly.
      But even more, I think of the spring bulbs planted in the fall that will rest in the dark earth before bringing the beauty of blossoms to our summer gardens. I think of dough rising beneath a warm towel to leaven the bread and bakery goods that we share with delight. I think of worries or puzzlements that we take to bed with us that simmer through the night and become clear with the morning sun. And, of course, I think of the darkness of the womb that feeds and protects the infant until it is ready to be born. All of these things are nurtured in darkness-and in their own time.
     That, to me, is the gift of Advent. In the weeks that lead up to and through the darkest and longest night of the year, we wait, sometimes with anticipation, sometimes with impatience for that waiting to be over and the Christmas celebrations to begin. But sometimes, we may also find peace and rest in that waiting. I recall the winter days when I was a child, coming home from school or junior choir practice when it was already growing dark. I remember going into our warm house that sometimes smelled of simmering soup or freshly baked cookies. It was a cozy feeling, one of comfort and safety.
     Some of us may find Advent a time to ponder, as Mary did, God's presence and acting in our lives. Where God is in both our joys and blessings and in our sorrows and disappointments. On Frid ay, December 20, we can do this together. At 6 pm, there will be a Longest Night Service in our chapel. Yes, it is a time and place for those who have experienced loss and do not feel ready for the celebrations. It is also a time and place for those who wish for some quiet reflection in the company of others. It will be peaceful time-one of beauty, darkness and candlelighting, prayers, soft music, and blessing. Do come. Bring a friend who might need some gentle moments while waiting for light to return.

 

See you in church,

Gloria+

From the dream of the future world where God's reign is actively and visibly manifest, the Lectionary now moves to the promise of the Messiah, and the harmony and justice he will bring. Both dreams are essentially one - that God's Reign will take root among us bringing in a world in which the weak and vulnerable are cared for, in which justice prevails and in which all people live in harmony in spite of (or maybe even because of) their differences. Perhaps the word that best sums up the Messianic dream of this week, and which John proclaimed, is the word "shalom" - well-being, peace, salvation, harmony, goodness, justice are all implied in this word.

READINGS

Isaiah 11:1-10: Isaiah proclaims the coming of the "shoot from the stump of Jesse" who, through God's Spirit resting on him, will bring peace, justice, righteousness and equity to the earth.

n so many ways we attempt to create shalom for ourselves. Unfortunately, though, our attempts are often the exact opposite of what God shows us is the real route to shalom. We think we can find security by preemptive attacks on our enemies, and then we find ourselves more at risk. We think we can find peace by excluding those who challenge and disagree with us, only to find our safe community growing smaller and smaller, until we only have ourselves to agree with (and even that fails sometimes!). We think we can find joy and abundance by amassing money and stuff, only to discover scarcity growing around us, and our planet dying, and the reality of losing it all robs us of any joy we might have known. We think we can find love by turning inward and making our own needs, potential and purpose more important than relationships, or the service of others - even those closest to us - only to find that our self-absorption leaves us alone and empty. We think we can find God by ignoring the realities of our world and escaping to an other-worldly faith, while waiting for a heavenly bliss after death, only to discover that our souls remain dissatisfied and God feels distant and unattainable. If we are to know shalom, we need to change how we do things. We must allow ourselves to be driven to the risky acts of listening, dialogue, hospitality, service, justice and compassion. Then, as we give ourselves to create shalom not just for ourselves but for others, we discover that shalom finds us, and God's reign is truly within us.

Thumbnails and commentary from sacredise.com