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Grace's Welcoming Committee
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Pete and I just returned from our 50th (gasp) college reunion. We had a wonderful time catching up with old friends and visiting our beautiful campus. I was chatting with one of my friends and we got on to the subject of churches. She informed me she is now an Episcopalian having previously been a Presbyterian. Of course, I exclaimed I am also an Episcopalian. We discussed the many attributes of our shared denomination when she proudly announced she was a "Greeter". Naturally, I also told her I was a Greeter and we discussed the similarities of our respective "Welcoming Committee".
To all I ask
: What do you know about Grace's Welcoming Committee?
The main purpose of the Grace Church Welcoming Committee is to insure all visitors to the church are welcomed and newcomers are incorporated easily into the Grace Church community. Every Sunday we have a Greeter standing in the Narthex to warmly extend a hand to our visitors. Each is encouraged to fill out the Visitors Card placed in each pew so they will receive a hand written follow up note thanking them for their visit. We give each a pocket cross, knitted by members of our knitting ministry. After church, we invite all to attend our coffee hour and introduce them to our parish family.
Greeters also attend to the Children's Activity Bags to be sure they contain books, crayons, coloring pages. If you wonder who attends to the organization of the Narthex, this falls into our Welcoming Committee responsibilities.
As Parishioners, we are all Greeters. Each of us needs to reach out and welcome all who come through our doors. A recent guest to Grace said Grace is the most Welcoming Church they had ever attended. This hospitality goal is one in which we all can participate.
If you would be interested in helping with this Welcoming ministry, please let me know. Each of us can make a difference one smile at a time.
Charlotte Stryker
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READINGS
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7: Jeremiah encourages the exiles in Babylon to settle into their new country, to build homes and lives there among the Babylonian people and to work for the prosperity of their new land.
OR 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c: Naaman, the Aramean commander, is healed of his skin affliction after reluctantly obeying Elisha's instruction to wash in the Jordan River seven times.
Psalm 66:1-12: A call for all the earth to praise the God who rules over all, and for all nations to bless God.
OR Psalm 111: A Psalm of celebration for God's mighty acts, and for God's miraculous, merciful and compassionate acts on behalf of God's people.
2 Timothy 2:8-15: Although Paul is imprisoned for preaching the Gospel of Christ's resurrection, the Gospel itself is not imprisoned. God offers life to those who die with Christ, and God remains always faithful, which is why Paul encourages Timothy to remind people of these things and to continue to serve and teach faithfully.
Luke 17:11-19
: Jesus sends ten men with a skin disease to show themselves to the priests and they are healed as they go, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks
If the Church is to retain any prophetic voice in our current era, it must relearn the radical inclusivity of Christ. Contrary to the 'popular' version of the 'Gospel' that makes Christianity an exclusive enclave for those who have prayed the right prayer, or who agree to the right theological ideas, the faith of those who follow Christ must be one that opens its arms to all others. This means that, as many in the emerging church conversation have suggested, we need to move from a process that goes from believing to behaving to belonging, to the reverse process of offering belonging first (with no strings attached), and then allowing our relationships to influence behaving and ultimately lead to faith - or believing. We need to become indiscriminate about who we serve, love, give to, include and bless. We must refuse to judge or disassociate from others on the basis of any false distinctions. We can no longer allow a word like 'Muslim' to become an insult, but must rather honour those who follow this faith with sincerity and commitment. We can no longer allow our faith to lead us into arrogance, dominance, exploitation or dismissal of others. This means that in every community, we cannot avoid making ourselves at home among those whom we would naturally avoid. What this means for your Church will be recognized very quickly when you identify those who are missing from your Sunday gatherings, but whom you can't help but notice as you pass them on the street during the week. little, into a place where God's salvation is visibly revealed.
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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UTO Box Collection will be on Sunday, October 20th!
Parroquia St. Eulalia in Oviedo was established with the help of UTO grants about 15 years ago when a few Episcopalians who were meeting in homes decided to they wanted a church community. It now has a worship space, preschool/after school programs, social service, and food and clothing pantries. As in many Spanish Episcopal churches, about 1/3 of the congregation consists of traditional families who have lived in the area for several generations. Another 1/3 are converts from Protestant and Catholic Churches, and 1/3 are immigrants from South America and Eastern Europe.
Photos from Gloria while on her sabbatical.
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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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The next Canapes & Conversation will be on Friday, October 18th from 5-7pm, at the home of Pete & Charlotte Stryker, 3 Arcadia Court, Galena.
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All Saints Chili Luncheon
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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'll 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.
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Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry
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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.
 On Thursday, fleece blankets were made to be donated to Shelter Care Ministries in Rockford.
Left to right: Karlyn Van Gelder, Kathy Shannon, Lynn Giles, Meg Gibbs, and Donna Davis.
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NEWS FROM OUR DIOCESE AND TEC
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Search & Nomination Committee seeks
input from diocese: Survey.
The Search & Nomination Committee has launched an online survey to collect data about what qualities and characteristics the people of the diocese seek in the next bishop.
Take the survey online.
Data from the survey will supplement the input the committee is receiving during a series of listening sessions that will continue through early October. Once the data collection is complete, the committee will use what it has collected to prepare the diocesan profile, a detailed description of the Diocese of Chicago that will help those who may be discerning a call to be bishop learn more about the diocese and its people.
The survey will take about ten minutes to complete and asks questions about the diocese and characteristics to seek in the next bishop. The survey is anonymous, and demographic questions are optional.
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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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 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
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For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Presider & Preacher:
Rev. Linda Packard
Lector:
Steve Coates
1st Chalicist:
Elizabeth Ludescher
Cathie Elsbree
Acolyte:
Donna Davis
Vestry Coordinator:
Lynn Giles
Altar Guild:
Charlotte Stryker
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Pentecost 19
10:30am
October 20, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Jeremiah 3:27-34
Psalm 119:97-104
OR
Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 121
Luke 18:1-8
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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
Thursday Events
Knitting Ministry
1:30pm at Kathy Shannon's home
EfM 6:30 pm
Friday Events
Centering Prayer
9:00 am
All are welcome!
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Choir rehearsals at
10am on Saturdays.
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For current and
upcoming events,
check out the goog
le
calendar on the website
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10/13-
Terri & Phil
Jackman
10/20-
JoAnn & Dave
Mikelson
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 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 :
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 10th after Pentecost Sermon 2019 |
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