Grace Episcopal Church
19th after Pentecost
October 20, 2019
10:30 a m

Birthday
Pete Stryker  
 
Regular office hours: 9am -12 noon Tuesday through Friday 
Canapes and Conversation Tonight
Canapes and Conversation will be held at the home of
Pete & Charlotte Stryker tonight, October 18th, from 5-7pm. They live at 3 Arcadia Court, Galena.
Celebration of Thanksgiving for the Life of Bob Kuntz 
A reminder that there will be a Celebration of Thanksgiving for the Life of Bob Kuntz tomorrow, Saturday, October 19th, at 11:00am at Grace Church. All are welcome.
UTO Box Collection 
UTO Box Collection will be on Sunday, October 20th!
Shining the Light Stewardship Campaign 

Keeping Careful Watch Over God's Gifts
"The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore."- Psalm 121:7-8
I was near the point of tears last year when I broke some of my mother's salt and pepper shakers. I had kept them safely in a cabinet in the corner of the dining room for years, taking them out a few times during the year to dust them off and return them to their display case. This time, however, I must have pressed too hard on a shelf or something, setting off a chain reaction and causing a number of those shakers to go crashing to the floor, some of them unrecoverable.
In terms of dollar value, the salt and pepper shakers my mother had collected for who knows how many years may not have been worth very much. Some, however, had come from pretty interesting places. My mother's friends who traveled and knew she was a collector would bring her souvenir shakers from those places, and that gave them their value to her. I had contributed some in that way, as well.
And while my mother has been gone from this earth for more than two decades, it has been important to me to take good care of "her" salt and pepper shakers, which have become mine, because of what they had meant to her. I treasure them and care for them as though she would someday return to see what a great job I've done and be pleased, or to tell me how proud she was of the loving care I have given to the special gift she left me.  
What if we held such regard for the gifts that God has given us for our provision and pleasure? What if we kept such careful watch over all that has been entrusted to us for our safekeeping, including our bodies, minds, relationships, and the earth's resources, taking every measure possible to avoid breakage or overconsumption or misuse and abuse? What if we did so, not out of fear or obligation, but because of our great love for the Giver, because we want the Giver to be well pleased with us and maybe even proud of us?
What if we would spend every day we're given expressing our thanksgiving for all that we have received in the way we care for all that has been provided?  
 
Kathy Hood Culmer holds a doctorate of ministry in biblical storytelling. She is a professional storyteller, educator, advocate and retreat leader. The proud mother of three daughters, she and her husband reside in Houston and are active in the Diocese of Texas. 
Ramblings
By now I assume that most readers of this e-blast know that I am a Daycare Provider for some very cute, albeit exhausting, kiddos. I don't venture out much with them, as car seats, coats, diaper bags, and little legs in open spaces can sometimes spell trouble! However, usually without fail, the children and I can be found at Toddler Time at the Galena Public Library on Friday mornings.
 
Generally, we have a small group, many of us come back week after week. Others come and go as children age out. I have found a wonderful network of people at the library, women, and one lone dad, whom I am honored to call friends. Even now, as my big boys are in school or away from me on Friday mornings, I somehow manage to get my two 3 month old babies to the library. Yes, they are too small to interact and play with the kids, but it's my opportunity to see my friends and have adult conversation.

We have all gotten pretty close over the years, celebrating birthdays and pregnancies, while subsequently sharing tears at loss or hard life events. This year 4 of the moms I have become friends with were pregnant at the same time. We joked that "something must be in the water," and awaited the arrivals. In May one of my friends delivered 6 weeks early as she had a placental abruption. A few weeks later one suffered a devastating miscarriage that resulted in a traumatic hospital stay. In July one had a healthy baby with no complications, and on the last day of August, the last mom went in to be induced and discovered that her baby boy no longer had a heartbeat. We learned of this while all together at story time...and we cried.
 
As a Christian I was sad, heartbroken, and angry. I couldn't imagine the pain my dear friend was feeling, and I was angry at God. Yep, I said it. I was so angry I couldn't see straight. It just seemed so cruel, to carry a baby for 40+ weeks only to have to deliver him dead. Yet, I continued to pray for my friend, her family, and her precious boy who was born sleeping. My friend asked for prayers, and prayers I can do. As Christians we are called to pray, and even in my anger, I prayed. I let my friend know I was here, I wasn't going anywhere, and that grief has no timeline. And the thing is...my friend isn't religious. She was raised Mormon but left the church years ago. But, she knows I attend church regularly, and she is the one who asked me to pray. Somewhere deep beneath her grief she reached out to me to ask for prayers, especially for strength and comfort.
 
 
I am grateful that my vocation brought me to know these wonderful people. I've been invited to birthday's, baptisms, and parties. We text each other through the week to check in and await Fridays, knowing we will see each other again. We've watched the kids grow up together, some now in school with each other. God is good, even in the heartbreaks, joys, sorrows, and laughter. I am thankful He brought them into my life.
 
See you in church,
Elizabeth Ludescher

Preparation for Sunday  
READINGS
Jeremiah 31:27-34: A prophecy of restoration, of an end to generational curses, and of God's new covenant with God's people - written on hearts, not stone.
OR Genesis 32:22-31: Jacob wrestles with God, is given a new name, and lives with a limp from that time on.
Psalm 119:97-104: A song of rejoicing in God's laws and instructions and the way they guide and lead to life.
OR Psalm 121: God is a help to God's people, the One who watches over and protects them day and night.
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5: Paul encourages Timothy, in the name of the coming Christ, to remain faithful to the Scriptures and to teach God's message faithfully at all times.
Luke 18:1-8: Jesus tells a parable of a poor widow who persistently asks a judge for justice, and he finally relents because of her persistence. Then he muses about whether, when he returns, he will find people of faith on earth

In our local church communities it seems that prayer tends to take one of two places. Either we work with prayer a little like the spells and wands in a Harry Potter book - where we "wave" our prayer at situations and people, expecting God's answer to be always dramatic and 'supernatural', or we ignore prayer almost altogether, apart from, perhaps, as a ritual practice within our Sunday services, acting as functional atheists as we approach our ministry and witness in the world. This week the Lectionary challenges us to engage with prayer in more meaningful ways than this. In the first instance, we are encouraged to wrestle with God in prayer, to allow our engagement with God to be a way of opening our hearts to the law of God which is to be written on them. This kind of prayer is a transformative practice that confronts our prejudice and self-centredness, while challenging us to allow God's reign to be the reference for our living and acting. In the second instance we are encouraged to experience prayer as a true encounter with the God who comes to us, with the Spirit who fills and empowers us, and with the transforming acts of God in the world. In this sense, prayer is a way of discerning what God is doing among us and offering ourselves to cooperate with the work of God. These two realities - God's word taking root within us and God's coming to us are not separate realities, but are essentially one and the same experience, for which prayer is the vehicle. The question, then, is this: What is God doing (or seeking to do) in our churches and communities? Where do we see evidence of God's presence, God's coming, and where does God's word need to be written on hearts? How can we cooperate with this work of God in ways that bring justice, grace, compassion and the reality of God's reign into the lives of ordinary God-Beloved people?
 
The thumbnails and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
Community Events 

Men of Courage and Commitment 
You met their womenfolk, now hear their own stories! Captain Daniel Harris, Henry Gratiot, Hezekiah Gear, John Armstrong and Elihu Washburne. Our own Deb Pausz, Phil Jackman, Al Elsbree and Cathie Elsbree will perform Sat. Oct.19th at 3pm at the DeSoto House Hotel. Reservations suggested.  
 
Worship Ministries News  
  
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.
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.  
 
A Common Goal   
I just returned from Chicago where I joined my sister at mile 17 to help her finish the Chicago Marathon. I have done this for several years now but usually I join her at mile 13. Well, I have to confess I'm not as well trained this year. I was struck again at how this event provides a common goal for thousands of people. There were 45,000 runners and at least that many spectators. There was nothing but positive energy on the part of the participants and the spectators. The event was an oasis in the climate of conflict in this country and on the international front. I was excited to be a small part of it and to be reminded that we are able to be united around a common goal. I am reminded of Acts 4:32, "Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things which he possessed were his own, but they had everything in common." My faith has been renewed again in the fact that we can find a common goal and purpose.

- Debbie Pausz
Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn and Blanket Ministries 
 
The Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry has weekly knitting/crocheting sessions on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Kathy Shannon,301 S Prospect St.  All are welcome.  Yarn and needles are available for beginners.   
 
The Blanket Ministry will meet again on Thursday, November 14th from 9:30-12:30 to continue working on blankets for Shelter Care Ministries. 
 
Wednesday Study Group 
 
The Wednesday Study Group will be having its regular meeting at 10:30am next Wednesday, October 23, in the upstairs conference room of the Parish Hall. We will begin our discussion of the first book of Maccabees, in the Apocrypha.  Texts of the Apocrypha are available in the library or online, if your Bible does not contain it. All are welcome to attend. Previous attendance is not necessary.
 
All Saints' Chili Luncheon 
 
This year we will observe All Saints' Day on Sunday, November 3 during the Eucharist followed by our traditional All Saints Chili Luncheon.
 
For the luncheon, we'll have three varieties of chili: 1. Vegetarian, 2, regular/meated chili and 3. Spicy/hot chili. In addition there will be a tossed salad, cornbread/bread and dessert.
 
Here's the magic of the chili and the salad; Everyone's chili will be added to one of the three pots. The salads will be tossed together. Always interesting!
 
There's a sign-up sheet on the shelf in the Parish Hall entry. Please let Lynn Giles know if you can help serve or clean up.

NEWS FROM OUR DIOCESE AND TEC 
Bishop's Celebration 
November 16, 2019, will be a Celebration Eucharist for retiring bishop, Benito Juarez, from the diocese of Southeast Mexico.  The Eucharist will be at 2:00 PM at St. Mark's church in Glen Ellyn, IL, followed by a reception and entertainment.Please consider coming to celebrate his retirement.  

Conversation and Canapes and Eucharist 
Bishop Benito and Bishop Julio, the newly consecrated Bishop of Southeast Mexico, will be joining the Grace community for a Conversation and Canapes on November 19 at the home of Joan Klaus from 5-7pm.  They will also attend Wednesday morning Eucharist at 7:30am on November 20, followed by breakfast fellowship in the Parish House. Bishop Benito's wife and son, Angelica and Eigner, will also attend.  Please join in the fellowship and meet the new Bishop.

 
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.
 
Leadership  
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)                 
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      
This Sunday 
October 20, 2019
Sunday Morning 
   Pentecost 19    
10:30am
 
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary

Ministers of the
Service:
Presider: 
Rev. Linda Packard
Preacher:
Diane Luther
Lector:
Terri Jackman
1st Chalicist:
Bill Foltz
2nd Chalicist: 
Lynn Giles
Acolyte:
Deb Pausz
LEM:
Lynn Giles &
Mary Lou Smith
Vestry Coordinator:
Greg Serwich
Altar Guild:
Pam Malik &
Frani Beadle
Greeter:
Karen Serwich
Next Sunday's
Readings: 
Pentecost 20
10:30am
October 27, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:  
 
Joel 2:23-32             Psalm 65
OR
Sirach 35:12-17 
      or       Jeremian14:7-10, 
      19-22
   
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10 
Grace's Prayer List
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."
Meetings this Week 
Wednesday Events  
7:30 am
Morning Prayer 
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory CafĂ©  
9:30 am
Cursillo Group 
10:30 am
Study Group   
 
All are welcome!
Grace's Choir Practice
Choir rehearsals are at 10am on Saturdays.
Looking Ahead 
For current and upcoming events, check out the goog le 
calendar on the website
Sunday Social Hour Hosts


10/20-
   JoAnn & Dave  
   Mikelson
 
10/27-
   Mary F., P. Malik &
   N. Cook
 
11/3-
   All Saints
   Chili Luncheon


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.**
Formation Schedule  
You can now get information on Formation Ministries directly from the new Grace website at the following links: Children and Youth Adults
Spiritual Practices

Ministry of Care 
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

Sermons and e-Blasts 

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:   
 
 
Grace Galena P15C Sermon 2019 
Grace Galena 10th after Pentecost Sermon 2019
 
Grace Galena Sermon 11th after Pentecost 2019 
Grace Galena Sermon 11th after Pentecost 2019
 
 
   The Rev Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
Cell Phone:  773-988-3497

Grace Episcopal Church Office:
107 S. Prospect Street
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-2590