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LAST CHANCE FOR ARC SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!
Sunday, August 4th is the last Sunday for the Outreach Ministry's collection of school supplies for the 4k program.
The supplies that are needed this year are:
20 white 2" binders Scotch tape Glue
Water color paint sets Paint brushes Wipes
Dry erase markers. Board cleaners Copy paper
Washable Markers
Kleenex Markers
Laminating sheets Fiskars scissors Painters tape
Construction paper: blue, red, green, yellow, black, brown, purple, pink, white
See their use when you visit the September Open House.Thank you for your generosity in helping these young children.
August Movie Night: Chariots of Fire, Aug. 4th, 6 pm
This more serious movie follows the comedy of "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" You may wonder how well a movie has "aged". This low budget ($5 million) sleeper of 1981 has worn very well indeed. It is a true story which portrays, in the period immediately following World War I, the conflict between principle and meritocracy on the one hand, and on the other, hypocrisy, bigotry and entitlement disguised as patriotism and elitism.
It strayed from the Hollywood formula for financially successful movies of the time, free of sex, violence and car chases. Rather, it is the true story of British runners who competed at the 1924 Olympics in Paris. The central characters were portrayed by excellent stage actors previously unknown to the screen. Yet, similar to British Olympic track team, it gained notoriety in France (at the Cannes Film Festival) and went on to take the prize in the form of 4 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best (truly unforgettable) Music and Best Costume Design.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEtD0ybH7ns
Factoid: To boost attendance at this otherwise G rated movie, American financial backers of this film, shot in Great Britain, insisted on the use of a popular cuss word to merit a PG rating. Come see if you can detect the word and better learn a proper usage. (Hint: The word is not spelled correctly in the subtitles.)
Movie Night begins at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring your own snack if you wish. Coffee and hot water (for tea) will be provided.
Canapes and Conversation
Alan Oyen will be hosting on August 16th from 5-7pm. Bring a friend, a nibble and a beverage to share. All are welcome!
Inquirers' Classes/Reception by Bishop
Bishop Lee will visit Grace Galena on Sunday, September 8 for the last time before his retirement in August 2020. During his visit, he will be receiving or confirming those who would like to become members of the Episcopal Church. When one has been baptized or confirmed in another
non-Episcopal church,
they may be received in the Episcopal Church.
If an adult has not been baptized--or is not sure if they have been
baptized--that can take place as well.
For any of these circumstances, a short class will be offered by Diane Luther. Depending on the availability of those who are interested,
sessions will be scheduled that will cover
what we believe and how we
worship, the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist,
a brief history of the Anglican and Episcopal church and of Grace. Through short videos and discussions we will also
look at the
structure of our church, our diocese and the national church a
nd
explore the Book of Common Prayer.
Taking the class does not obligate anyone to be received. You may
come if you are wishing to learn more but are not certain about being received--or
come if you simply want a "refresher."
Please contact Diane Luther at dmluther20@gmail.com as soon as possible if you are interested.
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Bishop Lee's Visitation has been changed to 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. H
e will preach and preside as well as receive people 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 and spend
our time together in fellowship rather than in asking
him
to present a program.
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I hope that the following will not be seen as trials in the sense of burdens but rather as trying something a bit new and different. Both of these involve worship and its liturgy. One is strictly my own idea. The other comes from a Servants Through Prayer recommendation to, and concurrence from, the Worship Ministries. Please give these a fair try, but then do tell us what you like about them or suggestions for improvement.
1) Beginning August 4 and continuing through September 1, the Sunday bulletin format has been modified. This is to reduce the time and effort of preparing bulletins during this period without a Parish Administrator. It has the side benefit of stewarding God's good creation by reducing the amount of paper used, and thus number of trees!
There will be two parts: a white tri-fold that will be re-used each of the five Sundays. It contains all of the liturgical elements that remain the same from week to week.
A companion piece, printed on colored paper, will be new each week include the changeable parts: Hymn numbers, collect and scripture readings, prayer list,eded flower and coffee hour acknowledgements, and announcements.
There will be a brief demonstration between the prelude and the bell ringing on Sunday morning!
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| Reusable Tri-fold. |
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Tri-fold & Weekly Leaflet |
2) In
response to concerns about the
growing size of the prayer list and the length of time it takes to read each name in the Prayers of the People, we will be naming only a portion of the list each week. For the sick, we will name those just added to the list, those currently undergoing surgery, treatment, or tests, and any crisis issue. For blessings, we will name the week's birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. For the departed, those who have recently died will be named. All names, of course, will be included in the bulletin print along with a request for prayer during the week along with the Servants Through Prayer. They will also continue to be included in printed prayer lists that are available in the Narthex and as links on this e-Blast and the website.
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You may be aware of this week's statement from our own Washington National Cathedral leaders that has caught the attention of news outlets across the country and online. Entitled "Have We No Decency? A Response to President Trump," it concerns what these leaders consider to be recent escalations in racial slurs, attacks on congressional representatives of color, and immigrants. It echoes the question that woke the American public and finally lead to the downfall of Joseph McCarthy back in the 1950s. The full statement is here:
Cathedral
I am writing on this today because I believe it is a very clear example of when and how the Church is called to speak out on issues and events that are considered by some to be "off limits" by congregations because they are "too political." This statement offers us an opportunity to deeply consider the distinction between partisan politics and political/social issues that impact what our faith tells us about human beings as creations of God and life lived as followers of Jesus.
It says, "As faith leaders who serve at Washington National Cathedral - the sacred space where America gathers at moments of national significance - we feel compelled to ask: After two years of President Trump's words and actions, when will Americans have enough?" And goes on, "As leaders of faith who believe in the sacredness of every single human being, the time for silence is over. We must boldly stand witness against the bigotry, hatred, intolerance, and xenophobia that is hurled at us, especially when it comes from the highest offices of this nation. We must say that this will not be tolerated. To stay silent in the face of such rhetoric is for us to tacitly condone the violence of these words. We are compelled to take every opportunity to oppose the indecency and dehumanization that is racism, whether it comes to us through words or actions."
And,
"We have come to accept a level of insult and abuse in political discourse that violates each person's sacred identity as a child of God. We have come to accept as normal a steady stream of language and accusations coming from the highest office in the land that plays to racist elements in society."
This, I believe, is exactly what it means when we promise in our baptismal covenant to "respect the dignity of every human being." And I concur with
The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, Bishop of Washington, who w
hen interviewed by the Washingtonian, said,
"The separation of church and state was never designed to prevent religious people from being involved in the public square."
The
Chicago SunTimes goes so far as to praise the statement saying: "...it feels like a turning point. One of the most respected and nonpartisan institutions of organized religion in the United States is calling the president out. Finally....And when, we would add, will other major religious organizations so directly join the battle for a more decent White House and politics?..."
To illustrate the power of words to dehumanize and damage, the Cathedral's canon theologian Kelly Douglas Brown's twenty-year old son, a Baltimore resident asks in the Washingtonian: "Imagine you were African American and you were living in Baltimore. Does that put an African American man in greater danger when there is such a politicized and racialized view?" I would say, "yes." Words matter. The old adage that "names will never hurt us" is a lie.
See you in church!
Gloria+
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For these Sundays in August and on September 1, our hymns will be those requested by the congregation, most from our 1982 hymnal, but at least one each week from another source. Thanks to those who submitted requests. There are still a few openings for September 1!
READINGS
Psalm 49:1-12: Not even the wealthy can save themselves from death or buy their way into eternal life. Therefore, there is no reason to fear those who trust in their wealth.
Colossians 3:1-11: Because of Christ's life in us, we are called to prioritise the values of heaven over the values of earth, and to avoid the greed and lust that of "earth-bound" existence. Rather, recognising that we are all the same in Christ, we are to find our life in Christ, and seek to become like our God.
Luke 12:13-21: In warning against greed, Jesus tells a parable of a wealthy man who feels secure because of his great riches, but whose wealth becomes meaningless when he dies. Then Christ challenges us to seek a rich relationship with God instead of material riches
T
he way we view, earn and use money in our churches, families and individual lives, is a window into how we understand and live the Gospel. Too often there is little difference between the economic values of the "world" and those of the "Church". Too often we spend (or hoard) money selfishly, and measure success by the accumulation of wealth - somehow falling into the trap of seeing wealth as a sign of God's blessing - while ministry to the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable is left undone or poorly resourced. Apart from sexuality, perhaps, money is the issue that we deal with least helpfully and honestly in the church, and yet it is a primary issue in the Scriptures. Dependence on God sounds like a quaint, outdated and unrealistic way of living in today's wealth-focussed world. Simplicity is all too often equated with stupidity and a "sour-grapes" attitude. The imbalance between the rich and the poor, and the unequal way that the world's resources are shared and used, are all justified - often with biblical support. But, if we will allow the Gospel to challenge us and change us, we will find our hands opening, our trust moving from wealth to God, and our lives shifting from accumulation and protection, to sharing and giving. In what ways are these shifts happening in your community?
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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Formation News -- Inviting Opportunity
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The Grace EfM Group is set for the 2019-2020 year and there is room for additional members. Have you thought about starting EfM? Maybe this is the year to do it.
Did you start EfM somewhere else, perhaps in the old format?
Maybe this is the year to continue. It's even possible to retak
e one of the years in the new format.
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Outreach Ministries Update
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NOTE FROM JIM McCRAE, UCG BOARD PRESIDENT
To the United Churches:
You will remember that Jerry Howard of the Chamber of Commerce did a presentation to the United Churches in May, looking for volunteers to serve in the Chamber's funnel cake booth at Country Fair this fall in exchange for a share of the profits. The Chamber is still seeking additional volunteers, so please get the word out to your congregations. This could be a relatively easy fundraiser for you.
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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
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For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Lynn Giles
1st Chalicist:
Elizabeth Ludescher
Cathie Elsbree
Acolyte:
Deb Pausz
Vestry Coordinator:
Tony Packard
Altar Guild:
Ann Berry & Amy Hardwicke
LEM:
Elsbrees
Presider:
The Very Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
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Pentecost 8
10:30am
August 11, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Genesis 15:1-6
Psalm 33:12-22
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Luke 12:32-40
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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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*Cursillo & Bible Study will take a summer
break and resume
after Labor Day.*
Wednesday Events
7:30 am
Midweek Morning Eucharist
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
All are welcome!
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The choir is on recess for the month of August.
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For current and
upcoming events, download a copy of the calendar with this link: August
OR check out the goog
le
calendar on the website
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7/28 - Packard
8/4 - Banas
Ice Cream Social
8/11-
8/18-
8/25-Hansen/Beadle
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 your celebrations been missed in our bulletins?
Send to Frani.
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 5th after Pentecost 2019 |
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| Grace Galena 7th after Pentecost 2019 |
BAPTISM OF EMERSON GRACE PACKARD
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