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BISHOP'S VISITATION
Bishop Lee's Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 8th. He will visit with St. Paul's Savanna at its service and arrive at Grace in time for our 10:30 service of Holy Eucharist. He will preach and preside. He will also receive two people--Kim Kreiser and Crystal Mason into the Episcopal Church.
As this will be his last visitation prior to his scheduled retirement in August 2020, we will have a special coffee hour/lunch and spend our time together in conversation and fellowship rather than i
n asking him
to present a program. He will also meet with the Vestry.
Riverbend Mobile Food Pantry
will be in Galena once again on Saturday, September 7. Food will be distributed at Crossroads Community Church beginning at 10:30 am. Volunteers are always needed and should plan to arrive at 10 am.
Bishop Joseph's Visit
We have just learned that Bishop Joseph from the Diocese of Renk, South Sudan will visit Grace on Sunday, September 15. The Outreach Ministries will host the coffee hour on that day. Further details will be forthcoming.
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Our fall season starts off with a bang as we prepare for our Bishop's visitation on Sunday followed the very next week by a visit from Bp. Joseph. As noted above, Bp. Lee will receive two members--Kim Kreiser and Crystal Mason--who both attended the Inquirer's class led by Diane Luther in August. There will be several brief rites in addition, including sending forth Terri and Phil Jackman--and yours truly as we set out on church and faith-related travel.
Terri and Phil will represent our diocese at the consecration of the new bishop who will replace Bp. Benito in the Diocese of SE Mexico. After the service of consecration, they will travel to La Santa Cruz to carry our greetings and prayers to the people there in our partner parish. I will be sent forth for the half-sabbatical pilgrimage to Spain, though I won't actually leave Galena until September 18, after Bp. Joseph updates us on conditions in the Diocese of Renk, South Sudan and our partner parish, Glory Parish.
I am struck at the many threads that connect us with others around the world. Our partners, of course, through their Bishops Joseph and Benito. And Grace Church through members of our Outreach Ministries who have met face-to-face with our partners in their locations. Sadly, that has not yet been possible yet with South Sudan. On my pilgrimage, new threads will weave us together with the Diocese of Northern Indiana and the Episcopal Church's United Thank Offering (UTO) who are sponsoring this trip and with pilgrims from all over the U.S. We at Grace have long been familiar with UTO as we fill our little blue boxes with coins and thanksgivings once or twice a year. I will visit various Anglican sites in Madrid and Northwest Spain that have been funded through UTO grants.
A new project for which funds are being raised is an Anglican
Pilgrim Centre in Santiago Spain that
"will welcome pilgrims of all faiths, embracing ecumenism, outreach hospitality, youth development, spiritual formation, and interfaith dialogue," providing a place to stay and to celebrate the Eucharist together as pilgrims end their spiritual journey along the Camino while continuing to process their pilgrimage together. As we know, many Protestants as well as Catholics make the Camino pilgrimage that ends at the cathedral in Santiago with a Eucharist. However, only those who are Catholic are permitted to receive communion.
Other sites we will visit include Salamanca where UTO grants helped build the Anglican Student Centre shared by the three universities in this medieval town, Villaescusa in the province of Zamora to visit the Anglican Church of Espíritu Santo, León's Gothic cathedral, Astorga's Romanesque cathedral and the Episcopal Palace built by Gaudí. Then, before arriving in Santiago, we will stop in Villafranca del Cebreiro and Lugo's Archiepiscopal Palace.
I look forward to bringing back stories of these new threads of connection and hearing those from Phil and Terri about our neighbors to the south.
See you in church,
Gloria+
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READINGS
Deuteronomy 30:15-20: The people are offered the choice of life or death. Life is to love God and live according to God's principles. Death is to turn away from God and to worship other gods.
Psalm 1: Those who devote themselves to God's law and God's ways are blessed, secure and prosperous, while those who are wicked will fade away like husks blown away by the wind.
Philemon 1-21: Paul writes to Philemon asking him to "do the right thing" and accept Onesimus, his run away slave, back as a brother in Christ, without judgement or punishment.
Luke 14:25-33: The cost of following Christ is everything, and Jesus encourages us to count the cost before committing ourselves to him.
Doing the right thing comes down to the small details of our lives as individual Christ-followers and as communities of faith. It is in the choices we make that God's goodness is reflected to the world, and the true value of the Gospel is demonstrated. When we turn our faith into just another "quick-fix" or just another strategy for fast and easy personal gratification (which we all do all too often) then we deny ourselves the power and joy of God's abundant life, and we fail to proclaim the power of the Gospel of Jesus. But, when we are prepared to pay the cost - to live a life of loving, serving and caring for the least, the outcast and the unlovely - the Gospel message shouts from our lives. When we work hard to make ethical choices about our food, our clothing, our energy needs, our mode of transport, these small sacrifices have a big impact on the lives of others and on the world at large - and the Gospel message shouts from our lives. When we are prepared to live in a way that is counter-cultural, denying the short-term approach of our society, and embracing the time frame of eternity, then we build a sustainable life for ourselves, and we contribute to the sustainability of the world - and the Gospel shouts from our lives. What "instant-gratification" choices are you making that need to change? What cost is God asking you to pay in order to live the Gospel in the daily details of your life? In what ways is the practical, life-giving, blessing of the Gospel being reflected in your life and your church?
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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Choir Returns from its August Holiday
The choir will lead worship for the beginning of our fall season with Robin French still at the benches of the piano and organ but also directing the choir's anthems from the instruments. As noted in last wee
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Robin French being commissioned as
Music Director |
k's e-Blast,
in response to many comments about the more robust singing in August when choir members were sitting with the congregation, expect that to be a regular occurrence! Choir members will move to the rear of the nave during the Peace to sing the anthem, then rejoin the congregation after receiving communion.
Rehearsals will take place on Saturday at 10 am, although the September 7 rehearsal be at noon because of the closure of Prospect Street until the stair climbing race is finished. The choir will continue its usual warm-ups at 10am in the chapel.
Nave Rearrangement
Many thanks to all who assisted in the moving of pews, font, organ, and other bits and pieces from the rear of the church to make this area work well for our new Music Director and choir configuration. A special thanks to Phil Jackman for reworking two cabinets to hold the choir folios and arranging the sound system for ideal use.
Sound System Opportunity
You may not be aware of this ministry--except when things go wrong and we hear squawks or silence through the speakers in the midst of the readings or sermon--or some random instructions meant for the Altar Party are broadcast from the sacristy or altar.
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POWER at your fingertips! |
Most of the time all goes well because we have had devoted individuals who stand at the sound console in the rear of the nave with a bulletin in one hand and a finger poised to adjust a control for the lecturn or one of the body mics worn by the clergy and chalicist. Phil Jackman and his back-up Joe Terry have done this for many years. Then, as Phil's travel schedule increased in retirement, Michael Kennedy stepped up to the plate.
We have received a very reasonable request from Michael to see if we can develop a team to rotate this responsibility on Sundays. It is not terribly complicated, but is a very important part of assuring that our liturgy is as smooth as can be. Could you help, maybe once a month? If so, please contact the Rector.
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Last we
ek, the new owner
s of the former Grace Parish House, Mark and Mary Galvanoni
a
ttended church services at
Grace with their two children, Eva and Henry. They were presented with a photo and a painting of the house and the church'
s wishes for many happy times in their new home.
Dad helped the children ring the bell to begin worship.
The Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry will resume weekly knitting/crocheting sessions on Thursday, Sept 12 -- 1:30 p.m. -- at the home of Kathy Shannon -- 301 S Prospect St. All are welcome. Yarn and needles are available for beginners.
Children's "P
ray Ground" Soft Space
The Pray Ground is ready for children! A Vestry goal established at its Spring Retreat, this soft space consists of a vividly colored, washable 4' x 6' rug that can be rolled up and put away when not being used and quickly brought out as needed.
Families are encouraged to bring their children to worship.
Experts in children's learning suggest that they sit where they are able to fully observe what is happening in worship and to participate as they are able. In this way, they become familiar with worship practices even as they may be
coloring or working on
quiet activities. A similar "pop up" nursery is planned for the future.
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NEWS FROM OUR DIOCESE AND TEC
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BISHOP SEARCH UPDATE
Several listening sessions have been scheduled across the Diocese to enable churches and members to have input on the profile that will be prepared for potential candidates. Listening sessions will focus on how you see God at work in the diocese, what challenges we face together, and what we seek in our next bishop.
In our Deanery, one will take place on September 7 at St. Peter's in Sycamore, Illinois.
Electing Convention Scheduled for June 20
St. James Cathedral in Chicago
The Special Convention for the Election of the Thirteenth Bishop of Chicago is scheduled to take place on June 20, 2020 at St. James Cathedral in Chicago. At the convention, clergy and lay delegates will cast ballots in accordance with the constitution and canons of the diocese.
A slate of candidates for bishop will be presented to the diocese in April. After the slate is announced, additional candidates may be added to the slate by petition. Before the electing convention, people across the diocese will have the opportunity to meet the candidates in forums called walkabouts.
The Standing Committee will announce more information about the electing convention, including the delegate certification process, soon.
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LORD OF LOVE OLD TIME REVIVAL
Sept. 8, 2019 at 5 p.m. with a potluck and revival tent meeting and hymn sing immediately following.
Meet new Pastors Bruce and Lisa Burbank. Call 303-638-8716 or 608-201-1860 for more information.
117 Irvine St. (Lower level) in Galena
ALL ARE WELCOME.
TWO COUNTRY FAIR OPPORTUNITIES
You can volunteer at Country Fair and help raise some money for the church at the same time.
1) Fräni is managing the Grab & Go stand again this year. She is hoping there are some volunteers from Grace that would be willing to help her out on Saturday, October 14th. If you volunteer you get in for free and you get $10/hour that will be donated to Grace Church. Added bonus is the stand is right next to the music and the wine garden!
Five volunteers are needed for each of the two shifts. First shift is 10:30-1:30; second shift is 1:30-4:30. Please let Fräni know if you are able to help out and which shift you prefer.
galenabeadle@gmail.com
2) The Galena Chamber of Commerce
The
Chamber is looking for volunteers to serve in the Chamber's funnel cake booth at Country Fair in exchange for a share of the profits.
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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 2018-2020)
Worship Committee: Charlotte Stryker (class of 2022)
Formation and Spirituality: Elizabeth Ludescher (class of 2022)
Fellowship & Hospitality: Anita Sands (class of 2021)
Pastoral Care/LEMs: Bonnielynn Kreiser (class of 2020)
Outreach:
Tony Packard (class of 2021)
Communications: Larry Poston (class of 2020)
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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For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Presider: The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee
Deacon: Rev. Thomas Craighead
Assisting Priests:
Very Rev. Gloria Hopewell
, Rev. Linda Packard
Lector:
Nancy Cook
1st Chalicist:
Diane Luther
Cathie Elsbree
Acolyte:
Elizabeth Ludescher
Torchbearers:
Richard Luther, Deb Pausz
Vestry Coordinator:
Charlotte Stryker
Greeter
Amy Hardwicke
Altar Guild:
Alice Maffit, Frani Beadle, Ann Berry
LEM:
Al & Cathie Elsbree
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Pentecost 13
10:30am
September 15, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Exodus 32:7-14
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
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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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7:30 am
Midweek Eucharist
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
9:30 am
Cursillo Group
10:30 am
Study Group
All are welcome!
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Choir rehearsal at 12 Noon on Saturday, September 7th.
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For current and
upcoming events,
check out the goog
le
calendar on the website
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9/8--Vestry/Bishop's Visitation
9/15--Outreach Ministries for visit of Bishop Joseph
R
eminder 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:
o Carol Poston
o Charlotte Kennedy who can assist you and connect you with parishioners who have trained and commited 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 : Carol Poston, Charlotte Kennedy
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. They also may be found on the church's FB page.
Paper copies are available upon re
quest.
NEW:
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Grace Galena 9th after Pentecost 2019 Sermon
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| Grace Galena 10th after Pentecost Sermon 2019 |
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| Grace Galena Sermon 11th after Pentecost 2019 |
Choir Retreat 2019
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