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SE Mexico Celebrations CANCELLED
Celebration Eucharist on 11/16 and Canapes and Conversation on 11/19 for Bishop Benito and Bishop Julio, the newly consecrated Bishop of Southeast Mexico, have been cancelled. Bishop Benito's renewal of his Visa cannot take place in time for his visit to our Diocese.
Pledge Campaign In-Gathering November 17
You should have received a mailing from the Senior Warden containing a pledge card for 2020 and some information about recent Grace Church giving. Please prayerfully consider your pledge to the church and, on Sunday, November 17, please bring your completed pledge card to church with you.
The pledges will be gathered and dedicated to God for our ministry and mission in the coming year. If you will not be in church that day, feel free to drop your card off or mail it to the church office.
Thanksgiving Celebrations
Yes, holiday time is coming close. This year, there will be two opportunities to give thanks to God for our blessings at Grace Church.
Thanksgiving Day
: Our usual informal morning chapel service of prayer, reflection, Thanksgiving hymns, and communion at 9:30 am. Come while the turkey is cooking or before you head out over the river and through the woods....
Sunday, November 24: It is our turn to host the community at the annual United Churches of Galena Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service. We will do so at 4 pm on Sunday afternoon with a Thanksgiving vesper service of candlelight, hymns, and prayers. More information will be forthcoming.
United Churches Christmas Concert:
December 4, 7 pm
One of the great traditions of God's people is to sing His praises. We  invite you to join in singing the praises of God as we look forward to the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. Please mark your calendars for attending the United Churches of Galena Community Christmas Concert at 7pm on Wednesday, December 4th, at St. Michael Catholic Church.
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Shining the Light Stewardship Campaign
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Investing in hope amidst chaos
I don't know about you, but I sometimes find hope a bit hard to come by. A 24-hour news cycle comes at me from multiple platforms all day long. And so often the problems and the pains revealed in these stories seem insurmountable. And I find myself wondering, "How do I move forward in this life in
hope
?"
In today's Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus sounds as though he's reading top headlines from just such a news cycle. War, violence, natural disaster, the spread of disease and food insecurity are among the "portents and signs" we are told to expect. As we prepare for the upcoming season of Advent, this story offers us an opportunity to remember that Jesus's incarnation - his earthly ministry among us - allowed him to know what it is to live here. To
really
live here. Jesus knows what it is to hold onto hope amidst chaos and tragedy.
We human beings invest a great deal in attempts to manufacture hope amidst chaos and tragedy. We build towers and walls and weapons. We envelope ourselves in comfort and even luxury when we can, and we distract ourselves from the concerns of the real world with hours of screen-time on ubiquitous gadgets. We think these things will protect us from the "portents and signs" of the world around us. And yet, these are hollow attempts that leave us in that space of finding hope hard to come by. Jesus, who understands these struggles first-hand, shows us another way. Jesus shows us what it is to invest in true hope.
Jesus tells us that the tragedy and chaos that seem to surround us at times are
never
the end of the story. In fact, they are just the beginning. He tells his disciples that amidst their troubles and persecution they will have the "opportunity
to testify." They will be given "words and wisdom." We are not to retreat into our own attempts at manufactured hope - our own temples "adorned with beautiful stones."
Rather, we are called to respond directly to the suffering we see in the world, to put our trust in God, and to invest in those things that shine the light of the coming Kingdom of God. This is how we move forward - not in passive waiting, but in active preparation and investment in the hope of God in Jesus Christ.
Kathleen Moore is communications manager at Canticle Communications, a strategic communications firm working primarily in the Episcopal Church. A recent graduate of Church Divinity School of the Pacific, she lives and works in Vermont.
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Soon after returning to my study following the sabbatical, I had to turn the pages on my calendar from September to November. My favorite paper calendar is sent each year by the Church Pension Group. Each month has a church-related cartoon by Rev. Jay Sidebotham, formerly a rector in our diocese.
Well, as I flipped past October, this one grabbed my attention. It seems very pertinent to the times when we return to our work after a time away. But, you know what? My study did not look like that. Not at all! There were one or two notes on my desk, a small stack of mail in my in box. A few e-mails to review. And that's all. The next day, when Nancy came in, she had a few questions that needed some clarification or direction. And that is the way things have continued in the two weeks I've been back.
There is good reason for this. YOU! Every one of you engaged in the ministries of Grace have just dug in and forged ahead with your various planning and missions. You are the living example of our aim to be part of the "ministry of the baptized," the first of the four categories of ministry in the Episcopal Church. I am very proud to be rector of a church with people so devoted to the ministries to which they have chosen to offer their time and talents! I deeply hope that your service to God through Grace Church's ministries brings you satisfaction, too, because it is so important. We can do so much together to provide for one another and for the needs of the world around us!
This is my month to be the clergy representative at the Food Pantry distribution. Our job is to offer an opening prayer with the volunteers and then to be present to both the volunteers and the clients in whatever ways might be needed. We often do not stay for the entire distribution, so I told Nancy I would be back in an hour or so. Well, I think yesterday set some kind of record. The place was mobbed! There were no lulls in the activity as I have experienced on other occasions. I was first put to work collecting the clipboards that the clients use for their shopping lists so those registering clients continuing to pour through the doors had a supply available. Then, Tom gave me a job working on the donations of food and supplies: checking for outdated food stuffs and doing a preliminary sorting.
Well, of course I was pleased to see some of our Grace folk there serving as personal shoppers, providers of produce and frozen foods and stockers of shelves, and directors of this complex and important process. As always, I am so impressed by the food and the process--and the helpful and compassionate way the clients are treated. As I chatted with several clients, what came through to me was their appreciation for the food, of course, but also for the camaraderie and care that they experience.
Whether directly with the church activities or the other organizations in which you participate, thank you! YOU are what makes it all happen!
See you in church,
Gloria+
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Isaiah 65:17-25: Isaiah's vision of a new heaven and new earth, a place where God dwells, and where all people enjoy prosperity, health, well-being and long life.
Canticle-Isaiah 12: A promise that a time is coming when God's people will call on God and be delivered, when they will praise God for God's goodness and mighty acts on their behalf, and when they will publicise God's praise to the world.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13: Paul admonishes the believers to be disciplined, to concentrate on their own work and do it well, and to ensure that they do not grow tired of doing what is right.
Luke 21:5-1: Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, and warns his followers about the false messiahs, wars, and persecutions that they will have to face.
Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the "big issues" of justice in our world, and forget that justice also needs to be worked out right on our own doorstep - as Mother Teresa so wisely put it: "we cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love". In the past the church communities have sometimes become so focused on "overseas mission" that we have neglected the mission fields in our own neighbourhoods. We have sometimes been so concerned with fighting injustice "out there" that we have ignored the battered women, the neglected children, the abusive leaders and the exploitative practices in our own churches. As important as it is to work for justice in the world, and to contribute to the big issues, we must never forget the small, daily disciplines of worship, prophetic preaching, care and nurture that ensure that together we become more whole, peaceful and compassionate human beings. And as we care for the hurting, exploited and abused people among us, the healing and justice we bring is like a stone dropped into a pond - it sends ripples out into the world that make a big difference. So, perhaps a question to ask this week is this: how does our worship and our life together as a community of faith provide safety for those who are abused and under threat, provide community and belonging for those who are excluded and judged, and provide nurture and support for those who are in need of physical, emotional, mental or spiritual resources?
Thumbnails and commentary from sacredise.com
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Worship Ministries--Altar Guild
Pointsettia Sign-up Time!
There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex for Christmas Poinsettias. Please call Ann Berry if you have any questions.
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ADVENT QUIET DAY
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 no later than Friday, November 29 to reserve your spot.
Kindness
Rock Project
A group gathered at Grace on Thursday, November 14th to paint rocks. Yes, that's right. Paint rocks. The Kindness Rocks Project, founded by Megan Murphy, is based on the profound truth that one message at the right moment c
an change someone's day, their outlook and indeed, their whole life. The messages on these thoughtful pebbles are all signposts for someone to find at exactly the right time.
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News from the Galena Community
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United Churches Food Pantry
Volunteers are needed on
Monday, November 25 at 9 am to sort and organize food donations from local organizations. It is that time of year that many hold food drives so that our Pantry can be well stocked for the holidays! The distribution takes place on the 26, just before Thanksgiving. So, if you have a couple of hours to offer, it would be greatly appreciated!
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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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November 17, 2019
Sunday Morning
Pentecost 23
10:30am
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Presider:
Rev.Gloria Hopewell
Lector:
Greg Serwich
1st Chalicist:
Diane Luther
2nd Chalicist:
Cathie Elsbree
Acolyte:
Deb Pausz
Vestry Coordinator:
Charlotte Stryker
Altar Guild:
Pam Malik &
Debbie Kallback
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Pentecost 24
November 24, 2019
10:30am
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Canticle 16 or
Psalm 46
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43
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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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Tuesday Events
9:00 am
Vestry Meeting
Wednesday Events
7:30 am
Mid-Week Eucharist
8:10 am
1:30 pm
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
9:30 am
Cursillo Group
9:30
Outreach Committee
10:00
Morning Study Group
Thursday Events
1:30 pm
Knitting Ministry
at 301 S. Prospect
6:30 pm
EfM
Saturday Events
10 am
Choir Rehearsal
All are welcome!
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For current and
upcoming events,
check out the goog
le
calendar on the website
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11/24 -
Choir
12/1 -
Kim & Bonnielynn
Kreiser
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.
Older recent sermons
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| Grace Galena 22nd after Pentecost 2019 Sermon |
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| Grace Galena All Saints C Sermon 2019 |
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| Grace Galena Sermon 19th after Pentecost 10-20-2019 |
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