Grace Episcopal Church
20th after Pentecost
October 27, 2019
10:30 a m

Birthday
Jim Post
Brian Beadle 
 
Regular office hours: 9am -12 noon Tuesday through Friday 
+James Edward Montgomery
You have already received news of the death of Bishop Montgomery. If you missed what was sent out from our office on Wednesday of this week, you can surely find Bishop Lee's letter to us all on the diocesan website.  
    
Bishop Montgomery spent the whole of his adult life serving in the Diocese of Chicago. In my experience he never forgot a face and name. Once he met you, he remembered you, and you felt renewed in your membership in our larger community of the faithful. He shepherded our diocese through a period of immense change, acknowledging differences without rancor.
    
He focused, as we must, on Jesus Christ who calls us to lives lived in love.

"May his soul and the souls of all the departed Rest
     In Peace."

Yours in Christ,
Linda+

Shining the Light Stewardship Campaign 

Discerning Your Giving Ministry
Although it didn't occur to me as a youngster, looking back now with the perspective and wisdom of age I can honestly say that one of the great privileges of my life had to be growing up in a household where our parents practiced tithing. They saw it as what we would call today a "spiritual discipline." In the church I grew up in - not Episcopal - they would say it was being obedient to God. No matter. They tithed, and the five of us boys saw it firsthand. These days I like to say, "My parents tithed out loud," meaning we knew they gave to God first, and we lived on the rest. I can tell you we never were without anything we truly needed.  

Years passed, and in 1985 I joined the Episcopal Church, got confirmed, and received my first pledge card at the Cathedral of St. James, in South Bend, Indiana. It just so happened that at the same time I became an Episcopalian I also changed career paths, going from a steady-paying job into the then-new field of financial planning, as a self-employed person.

My journey into the Episcopal Church meant so much to me - saved my life in many ways - that I wanted to give back in gratitude for all I had received. Single, starting a new job with no guaranteed income, I felt now was as good a time as any to tithe. So very naively I wrote on my pledge card, "I pledge 10% of all my income for the coming year," and turned it in. And I did give 10% of every paycheck I received that year, mainly because I wrote my check to the church first before spending any other money. Not surprisingly, I never went without anything I truly needed.

The surprising thing about the "giving ministry" that my spouse, Beth, and I now practice is that giving generously causes the light of Christ to shine in our hearts in a new way. Giving away money is so much fun. We still give to other organizations, too, but that is over and above our tithe that we give to God through the life, work, and ministry of our church, first and foremost. And we still never go without anything we truly need.

Thanks be to God for all of God's generous gifts, which enables each one of us to give generously, as well.
 
The Rev. Canon Timothy Dombek is rector of Church of the Advent in Sun City West, Arizona. He also serves, very part time, as Canon for Stewardship and Planned Giving for the Diocese of Arizona. He is a member of the TENS board of directors.
 
All Saints Sunday - 11/3/2019 

There i s a sign-up sheet posted in the Parish Hall entry to note the names of loved ones who have died in the last year (since 11/1/2018) and for other loved ones you wish to remember. A chime will ring on Sunday 11/3/2019 for each of those who have died in the last year. Other names are read, while people come forward to light candles.
Please sign-up or email the Parish office names indicating which have died within the last year and bring a photo of your loved one on that Sunday.

Rambling on about Ministry of Care
Last winter Grace got word that Bishop Anderson House, an Episcopal retreat and education center, was offering an on-line course in pastoral ministry training -- perfect for those of us who live in the hinterlands. After an all day in person workshop, the next seven lessons are completed on-line. These modules cover such topics as Active Listening, Addiction, and Ministry to the Cognitively Impaired. So far four Grace members have completed the course (three already with prior experience and/or education in pastoral care: Diane Luther, Linda Packard, and Carol Poston and one novice: Bonnielynn Kreiser) and two are in the process (Cathie Elsbree and Terri Jackman). We all jumped at the opportunity to better or refresh our skills in order to serve our parish in its Ministry of Care. The Vestry readily funded the cost of the class for all.
 
The Ministry of Care, ably led by Carol Poston and Charlotte Kennedy, was formed shortly after Gloria's arrival to allow the laity involvement in responding to parishioners' needs and to give our rector support. This new ministry formalized what was already happening within the church. Along with many parish volunteers, meals have been coordinated, transportation arranged, shut-ins visited, Eucharist provided by the LEM subcommittee, prayers said by Servants through Prayer, and other needs met as they arose. Carol and Charlotte are soon to step down from their leadership roles though not from being minister of care (we won't let them as they are perfect pastoral care role models). New leadership (TBA) will take over after the first of the year. So what should parishioners see changing? Not much! The above services will be still be provided though perhaps with a few new skills learned in our training which we hope to share. And we still will need the help of the many other parishioners who volunteer to help provide this care.
 
After this long introduction (and rambling), I will get to the major reason I chose to write about this ministry. You see, I have been on both ends of Grace's caring: giving and receiving. What drew me to Grace in the first pace was its mission to do God's work with its members, the local community, and the wide world beyond. I saw Grace as a place where I could live out my Christian identity and beliefs. Grace represents Jesus's message of loving and caring for "our neighbors." But the tables turned when I found myself in need. With Grace's help my years as caregiver became a true gift instead of a burden. Don't get me wrong, it was HARD, but my Grace family provided much physical, emotional, and spiritual support. Most of us find it easy to serve, not so much to be served. It is much easier to share God's love and caring than to receive it. I encourage you to seek help when needed.   After all, you allow the rest of us to practice being good Christians. And you will know what it means to be Graced!

See you in church,
Bonnielynn Kreiser

Preparation for Sunday  
 
Psalm 95:1-7
Psalm 65
Joel 2:23-32
Luke 1:68-79
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14
 
Movie Night  

Grace Movie Night, 6 pm, Sunday November 3rd:
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
 
In preparation for travel to join family this month for that heavy Thanksgiving dinner, as well as, immediate satisfaction of a yearning for comic relief, we're offering lite fare. It's the 1987   John Hughes comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy...      a comedic demonstration of Murphy's Law: "If anything can go wrong, it will." It's also a lesson in learning to love a boisterous neighbor, such as, Dell Griffith.
 
 
All who enjoy a good movie are welcome, including guests and, guests of guests. Anyone may bring a beverage, snack or popcorn to munch during the movie.

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.  
 
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 27, 2019
Sunday Morning 
   Pentecost 20     
10:30am
 
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary

Ministers of the
Service:
 
Officiant:
Diane Luther
Homilist:
Debbie Kallback
Lector:
Richard Luther
LEM:
Greg Serwich
Vestry Coordinator:
Tony Packard
Greeter:
Amy Hardwicke

Next Sunday's
Readings: 
Pentecost 21
10:30am
November 3, 2019
All Saints Sunday
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:  
 
Daniel 7:1-3,15-18
Psalm 149
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-31
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 
Tuesday Events
9:00 am
Vestry Meeting  
Wednesday Events  
7:30 am
Mid-Week Eucharist 
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory CafĂ©  
9:30 am
Cursillo Group 
10:30 am
Study Group    
Thursday Events
Knitting Ministry
1:30 pm
EfM  6:30 pm 
 
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

10/27-
   Mary Foltz,
   Pam Malik &
   Nancy Cook

11/3 -
   All Saints
   Chili Luncheon
 
11/10 -   
 
11/17 -
    Bookless/Giles
       Baptism Brunch
 

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. 
 
   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