Grace Happenings: The Week of October 4, 2020

Grace

Episcopal

Church

Eighteenth

Sunday

after Pentecost

October 4, 2020

Birthdays

Debbie Pausz

Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell

Carmen Ferguson

Bill Foltz

David Robertson

Anniversaries

Al & Cathie Elsbree

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW!

PARISH HOUSE

Regular hours have resumed. Nancy is available on Tuesday - Friday mornings. I am available Monday by appointment and Tuesday-Thursday. Since the building is still somewhat restricted, please contact us ahead of time if you need to come by.

And masks are essential.

Any ministries that wish to resume meetings or events at the Parish House must contact the rector before scheduling. There are attendance limits to each of the meeting places as well as expectations for masking, maintaining physical distancing and sanitizing the areas following their use. The 1st floor Parish Hall is limited to 15 individuals. The 2nd floor Conference Room and the Chapel each can accommodate no more than 9 people.

The AA groups have resumed their meetings. There are four: Mondays at 10 am; Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm; and Wednesday at noon.

SUNDAY WORSHIP--NEW INFORMATION

Worship continues each Sunday both in-person and online on Zoom. Reservations are being received. In-person worship requires advance reservations as we are limited to a maximum of 25 people to comply with the Governor's order for mitigation in Region 1 due to increasing numbers of COVID infections.

Distancing also applies to the time before and after worship. If you need to have conversations, please do so outside in the fresh air to minimize the amount of time we are together in an enclosed space.

If you have not yet reserved your spot for Sunday, you will find the link in the sidebar to the right of this article. When you arrive on Sunday at the Parish House door, a Greeter will check your name(s) off on a list and admit you to the building where you will proceed into the nave to find an empty seat that is designated by a bulletin. Pews that are not to be used will be closed off by lengths of ribbon. There will be hand sanitizer stations at the entrance and also at the back of the nave.

For those worshiping at home on Zoom, here is the link to the bulletin that you may download and/or print: BULLETIN . When you log in on Sunday morning, you will be muted except for during the sharing of the peace, birthday and anniversary blessings, and a time of greeting at the end of the service. As usual, the Zoom will be ready for you at 10:20 am.

Here once again are our "Ten 'Commandments'" for re-opening TEN. The full plan that was submitted to the Bishop's office for approval may be found here.

ZOOM POETRY GROUP

A Zoom Poetry meeting from Grace Church is being organized and will begin Monday, Sept. 28, at 2:00. The first meeting will offer some guidelines as well as an opportunity to read the "poem in your pocket" that helps you along in these times. If you are interested, write Carol Poston at poston@sxu.edu or call her at 815-777-0220.

Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Conversations Series

DISMANTLING THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY,

REDISCOVERING OUR NEIGHBORS

A series of conversations offered by Steve Barg.,

Director of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation,

on Saturdays October 3, 10, 17, 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.,

sponsored by the Christian Formation Ministry.

The limited in-person gathering of 15 persons is FULL,

but there are plenty of slots available on Zoom.

Advance registration is required so that you may receive the link to the Zoom sessions.

https://reopen.church/r/T5dy083Z

For further information, contact Larry Poston, 815-777-0220, or lsposton@jcwifi.com.

Rector's Ramblings


	*The Cathedral of the Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain in Madrid*

Just exactly one year ago, I was on sabbatical in Spain, just about to take the train north from Seville to Madrid to meet the group of Episcopal priests and lay people from around the US. As you may recall, we were there to tour a number of sites that had been funded by the United Thank Offering to strengthen the Episcopal Church in Spain and its ministries. These included an affordable residence hall for University of Salamanca students, the reconstruction of churches taken over during the Franco regime when no


Final dinner--at the Parador in Santiago de Compostela

n-Roman Catholic churches were outlawed, as well as a community center, worship space, and food pantry. It was truly a wonderful trip--my traveling companions including Bishop Carlos, the ministries, the historic sites, and of course the meals! Oh, my!
I am reliving these memories and, at the same time, lamenting the conditions that make it impossible to travel and to fully gather with friends and family and church members. Autumn is my very favorite season, with the beauty of the turning leaves, the touch of coolness in the air, the dazzling harvest moon. And I hope all of us are taking time to savor the beauty of our surroundings right here in Galena! Yesterday afternoon,


	*Washington and Dodge--by the Old Cemetery*

as I left the church and looked down the hills to Grant Park and beyond, the sight wasbreathtaking! Even with the dark clouds rolling in from the west while the sky to the east was still blue and sunny with huge white clouds. And all of that backed by trees in various stages of color.
As I look forward to another time of travel, I will enjoy God's creation right here in Galena. And i will search my pockets, my car, and my seat cushions for more coins to place in my UTO box, along with prayers of Thanksgiving!

See you in worship--on Zoom or at church!
Gloria+

This Sunday

READINGS:
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20: God speaks God's commandments to the people of Israel who are terrified by the thunder, lightning, smoke and trumpet sounds. They ask Moses to speak to God on their behalf, because of their fear, but Moses reassures them that God is simply keeping the people in awe so they don't sin.

Psalm 19: A psalm celebrating creation which proclaims God's glory, and God's law which enlightens brings reward to those who keep it.

Philippians 3:4b-14: Paul, who has good reason for confidence under the law because of his upbringing and observance, values only the righteousness which he has received through Christ, and through which he knows the power of Christ's resurrection and participates in Christ's sufferings.

Matthew 21:33-46: Jesus tells a story about a farmer who cultivates a vineyard and then rents it to tenant farmers, who, instead of giving the farmer his share of the fruit when it's due, kills his servants and then the farmer's son. In this way, he explains, God's reign is being given to those who will produce fruit.

The legalistic application of law is a destructive influence in relationships from families to faith communities. The parable of the vineyard is a powerful description of what this looks like. Legalistic people, who believe they control the "vineyard" (which can be truth, a particular community, a particular ministry, a family or a person), impose strict regulations on it, sucking all the "fruit" (energy, love, connection, wisdom, giftedness etc.) out of it and leave it in the position that it is only able to produce fruit that is rotten. Or, alternatively, they leave the "vineyard" in a situation where its fruit is available only for them. And, when others try to bring insight, healing or correction into this situation, the legalists react aggressively, using the law (or their version of it) as a club with which to beat all opponents. Such abuse is all too common in our churches and in the homes of those who claim to follow "the Bible". It's another situation in which the law (or the Bible) which is intended as a doorway to life, ends up becoming an end in itself, and robs life. Whenever law becomes the focus of any relationship or community, people end up lifeless and battered. Ultimately the only "righteousness" that has value is that which Paul speaks about - the righteousness which is given to us as a gift in Christ, and which draws us into the life and joy of Christ's resurrection, even as it leads us to serve and love others with cross-embracing self-giving. From another perspective, the temptation is always there for us to choose law over the unpredictable, scary journey into intimacy with God. Like the Israelites, we may find dealing with God too difficult or frightening, and so we may settle for rituals or traditions which lose their ability to point us to God because we make them idols to replace God. Ultimately, the truth we must face this week is that whenever we choose law over relationship - with God or with one another - we lose life, and we become destructive, like vineyards that produce only rotten fruit.

Thumbprints and commentaries from:

sacredise.com

Diocese of Chicago News--Women's Retreat

"Journeying Inward to God," October 24.

Clergy and lay women encouraged to participate in this ECW

(Episcopal Church Women) of the Diocese of Chicago free online women's retreat:

"A gathering of women, both clergy and lay, could be important to start new and deepen relationships among the women of the Diocese of Chicago," writes Linda Toberman, retreat chairperson. "We need all women to come together to help build relationships and share experiences in spiritual self-care as well sharing our passions and gifts."

Jeannie McCabe from the Diocese of Arkansas will lead the gathering, with devotions and prayers offered by ECW Chaplain the Rev. Trilby Murray. Music will be provided by Janet Irvine.

Learn more, download a flyer, at retreat.

Outreach Ministries

Final UTO Ingathering

There is still time to bring your UTO offerings. Sunday, Oct 4th will be the final collection day for all of your United Thank Offering donations (also known as the Tip Jar for Jesus)

Bishop's Appeal 2020

Your Outreach Ministry donates $1,000 a year to support this great cause. However, individual donations are always welcome. Please see the Bishop's letter below:

Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago:

In recent months, we have learned to worship on Zoom a

nd Facebook, care for one another by telephone and find creative ways to feed the hungry and support the burgeoning movement for racial justice-all while striving to keep our communities healthy. Thanks to your steadfast ministry, the light of the Risen Christ is a beacon shining in communities across our region during this extraordinarily difficult time.

I hope I can also count on your commitment to sustaining the financial health of our diocese during this period of economic uncertainty. If your income has not been interrupted during this time of economic upheaval, please consider making a generous contribution to the Bishop's Appeal. In December, you will elect the thirteenth bishop of this diocese, and I will retire. During more than twelve years of our shared ministry, your generosity has supported energetic congregational development, vibrant Latino ministry, vital anti-racism work, and support for the faithful congregations of the Peoria deanery, among many other initiatives. Come December, I am eager to tell the next bishop of Chicago that the people of this diocese are already preparing a welcoming gift in the form of a successful Bishop's Appeal, and that your generosity will enable and enhance their ministry as it has enabled and enhanced mine.

Thank you for your generosity in these final months of our time together as we continue to stand fast on the love and mercy of God in Christ.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee

Bishop of Chicago

GLORY PARISH UPDATE ON NEW CHURCH

Dear Donna M Davis,
May mercy, peace, grace and love be multiplied to you and all Members of Grace Church. Thank you for your email I am sorry I am in Juba on my way to Renk and the internet it is very poor in Juba I can receive email but to send it's very low. I am not sure if you will receive this email but I am attaching some photos for the

Glory Church building.

Every blessing Thank you
+ Joseph

Formation Ministry News

Wednesday Morning Study Group

Communal Bible Study affords an enjoyable and fulfilling way to grow spiritually and exchange insights with fellow parishioners, especially during the pandemic. We currently are studying the Gospel of Matthew. All are welcome Wednesday mornings, 10:30 - 11:30. Contact Greg Serwich for a Zoom invitation.

Meditative Prayer 9:00am Fridays

Looking for a way to improve your prayer life, to open your heart, mind and soul to the Holy Spirit? Consider joining the Centering Prayer Group Friday mornings for about forty minutes of meditative prayer: twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by Lectio Divina. Contact Greg Serwich (gserwich@gmail.com) for a Zoom invitation which includes a description of these types of prayer.

Worship and Ministry in the Midst of COVID-19!

Pentecost Season Worship

Sunday services will begin at our usual 10:30 time at church and on Zoom. They will also be recorded and uploaded as quickly as possible for those unable to participate on Zoom. The uploads will appear on the church's Facebook page, @FullyGrace and on the Grace website.

Wednesday morning services are also now in-person in the church and on Zoom. Bible Study and Centering Prayer are also on Zoom each week. If you would like to add your name to any of these participant lists, please e-mail the church office.

Ministry of Care

Here at Grace, The Ministry of Care has organized regular phone and e-mail contact with our most vulnerable members. If you are in need of assistance,or pick-up and delivery of prescriptions or emergency supplies, please contact Bonnielynn Kreiser. Also contact her if you are able to help out. And, of course, your clergy are available by phone, text, and e-mail to provide pastoral care,

Leadership

Vestry Liaisons

Vestry 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 and activities.

Worship: The Very Rev.Gloria Hopewell, 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)

Ministry of Care/LEMs: Nancy Cook (class of 2023)

Outreach: Tony Packard (class of 2021)

Communications: Eric Kallback(class of 2023)

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

The Rev. Linda Packard, Priest Associate

The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon

This Sunday

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

October 4, 2020

Zoom Worship-10:30 am

Meeting ID: 824 2178 3266

Sunday's Bulletin

Reservation for in-person worship:

reserve

For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:

The Lectionary

Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

Psalm 19

Philippians 3:4b-14

Matthew 21:33-46

Ministers of the Service:

Presider: Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell

Deacon: Rev. Diane Luther

Lector: Greg Serwich

Intercessor: Richard Luther

Vestry Coordinator: Charlotte Stryker

Pianist: Robin French

Greeter: Maren Coates

Next Sunday's Readings:

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

October 11, 2020

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."