|
|
grace episcopal church
galena, illinois
|
|
Seventeenth Sunday
of Pentecost
September 19, 2021
Holy Eucharist, 10:30 am
|
|
September 19, 2021
The State of Illinois has officially issued a directive for masking at indoor gatherings for all who are two years old or older regardless of inoculation status. Out of concern for those who cannot yet be vaccinated or whose immune systems are compromised, we respectfully request that you comply and wear a mask indoors that covers your nose and mouth.
Our diocese has requested that each church regularly review the CDC map that has
four stages of COVID risk and make decisions accordingly about safety precautions.
Jo Daviess County's risk factor (and that of the entire state of Illinois) is now in the highest category. The only other precaution reinstated at this time is to suspend contact during the Peace. Please be cautious and also be prepared for changes at any time.
Social hour is suspended.
|
|
Ministers of the Service
Members & Guests, Celebrants
Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider
Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
Greg Serwich, Lector
Elizabeth Ludescher, Intercessor
|
|
Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Richard Luther,Vestry Coord.
Debbie Kallback & Kim Kreiser,
Altar Guild
Charlotte Stryker, Greeter
|
|
Rector's Ramblings
There are so many experts now on organizing, decluttering, and such--a subject that has become an ever more urgent part of my life just now. There are just a few more weeks before I retire. Since I will not be moving into a space that is unoccupied, I am finding it necessary to declutter on both ends by downsizing what I will not need in Chicago and by doing the same in Chicago to make room for what I will need!
Organizing gurus like Marie Kondo suggests keeping only what gives you joy. And there lies the problem! Does the sparkly dress I wore as mother of the groom give me joy even though it is doubtful that I will ever get into it again? Yes, it does! Or that red chaise longue and gate leg table that I bought in Galena? Those, too, though I'm not sure where they will fit. Oh, and all the books and papers--journals, and even appointment calendars!
With the latter, one of the biggest problems is the felt need to go through each one page by page. And suddenly, the entire afternoon is gone. Yet, there is joy in being reminded of things long forgotten. Today it was a series of journal entries that brought back memories of this fall time in 1996 and 97--25 years ago!-- when I was entering the transition of leaving my 19 years as a medical association executive and beginning my first called ministry in a suburban congregation. It brought back all kinds of emotion--what seemed like endless waiting for things to fall into place, the bitter sweetness of leaving friends and colleagues, my church, and a world I knew very well for the unknown of place, people, and vocation. I recalled that it was in that time that my father died and I became the "matriarch" of the family, my youngest son entered his senior year of high school and the college search, while my eldest son was growing deep roots in the mountains of Colorado.
And here I find myself at the other end of the path--entering the transition that will conclude my active working days. It is quite different in many ways, as many of you already know. But it is the same in terms of the unknown of what comes next.
Meanwhile, the decluttering must proceed. But maybe I shall not be ruthless. There will be long winter evenings when there will be even more joy in revisiting the memories--even while making new ones! Thanks be to God!
See you in church,
Gloria+
|
|
Events this Week:
Sunday 9/19
Holy Eucharist 10:30 am online and in-person
*Social Hour suspended at this time.
Ladder to the Light Conversation: Chapel, after worship
Monday 9/20
Poetry Group 2:00pm
EfM in person in PH Conference Room 6:30pm
Tuesday 9/21
Vestry Meeting 3:00pm in PH Conference Room
Compline online 8:30pm
Jason & Nikki Frank's Anniversary
Wednesday 9/22
Midweek Worship online and in-person 7:30am
Morning Study Group on Zoom 10:00am
Thursday 9/23
Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry
1:30pm
Joe Maffit's Birthday
Friday 9/24
Centering Prayer online 9:00am
Saturday 9/25
Choir Practice 10am
Important Links:
Office Hours
9:00am-Noon, Tuesday through Friday
Rector Office Hours
10:30am-3:00pm Tuesday through Thursday
Mondays and other times by appointment
ROTA (6-6-21 to 10-31-21)
Website: includes a password protected members' portal where most recent Vestry minutes, financials, and Grace Church Directory are found.
|
|
SEARCH COMMITTEE - The CAT is Coming!
The Search committee wants everyone to know that The Cat Is Coming!
This CAT is the Congregation Assessment Tool - the first of two important ways for our congregation to participate in the process of searching for a new Rector. On September 20th the CAT will be made available - online to those who can access it that way, and by mail for those who cannot. droppable-1631904082545Completing this takes a relatively small amount of time; the search committee members will be available if you have questions about it.
October 6th is the date we need to have the completed forms from everyone. The results will be compiled and reported back to the Search Committee and the Vestry approximately a week later.
The congregation’s second opportunity for involvement in the search process will be by discussion in small groups. Almost without exception those who’ve been through the small group phase report it very interesting and rewarding. We’ll have more information for you on this as we approach the time of the meeting.
Should you have questions about information provided here, or about the search process please call Steve Coates (563.581.6515) or Pete Stryker (312.504.8268) or any member of the Search Committee.
|
|
Steve Coates, Co-chair of the Rector Search Committee's "Ministry Moment on 9/12/21. |
|
FALL SERIES: CONVERSATIONS ON FAITH WITH
STEVEN CHARLESTON'S LADDER TO THE LIGHT
Ladder to the Light Conversations with the Rector will be offered on Sundays beginning Sunday, September 19. If you are interested in attending this series but did not previously respond, you may contact the church office for the details and information about obtaining the book by Bp. Steven Charleston. This retired Episcopal bishop and elder in the Choctaw nation brings wisdom from these traditions to spiritual growth.
|
|
VESTRY NEWS-LAST CHANCE!
DIOCESAN CONVENTION DELEGATES
The 184th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 as a virtual gathering on Zoom between 9 am and 3 pm. Convention is the annual business meeting of the diocese, during which we elect leaders, consider resolutions and hear reports from across the diocese and the wider church.
Grace needs to appoint three delegates and one alternate delegate to represent Grace at the Convention. If you have an interest in serving in this way, please contact Wardens Lynn Giles or Richard Luther. Though it may not be as fun as attending in person, we will likely offer the possibility of gathering at the church together and have some treats.
Convention updates, including registration information and a preliminary schedule, will be posted.
|
|
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – Galena Steeplechase
We will be hosting tours for the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society
Galena Steeple Chase on Friday & Saturday, September 24-25th. This is an opportunity for the community to tour five historic churches including St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Galena United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Saturday only). It is also a great opportunity to tell our story. We are looking
for volunteers to give tours – mornings between 8:30–12:30 and afternoons between 12:30–4:30 and to help with logistics during these times. Tour guides will be provided with scripted information and will attend an orientation session prior to tour days. Help us share our story and gain personal insights as part of the participation.
Those interested should quickly contact Steve Coates at (563) 581-6514 or email to coatesstep@gmail.com for additional information.
|
|
EPISCOPAL CHURCH & DIOCESAN NEWS
RIP: John Shelby Spong, former Newark bishop who pushed for LGBTQ+ inclusion, dies at 90
By Bob Smietana Posted Sep 13, 2021
Retired Newark Bishop John Shelby Spong, a bestselling author and cleric known for his progressive theology and his support of LGBTQ+ clergy in The Episcopal Church, has died. He was 90.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of the Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong. He died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning,” St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, where Spong had once been pastor, announced on Sept. 12. The full article is available here: Bp. Spong
Prayers for Andrew McLean, husband of Bishop-elect Paula Clark
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago:
We write today to bid your prayers for Bishop-elect Paula Clark and her family. Andrew McLean, Paula’s husband, has recently been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and Paula and her family are now making difficult decisions about palliative care.
Yesterday, we spoke with Paula’s daughter Micha Green and assured her of the love and care that all of us in the diocese have for Paula, for Andrew, and for their entire family during this most difficult time. Paula asked us to tell you that “our family appreciates all your thoughts and prayers through the challenges we have faced this year. Even in these hardships, God‘s power and blessings have shown in mighty ways. We find great comfort in knowing so many people are praying with us and feel Jesus’s way of love fully as you shower us with grace and faith.”
Please pray for the entire McLean family, and so that we can give them the gift of uninterrupted time in these precious days, please do not contact them. If you would like to send a card or note to Paula, please mail it to 65 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611.
We will write to you again when we have more news to share. Until then, may God bless Andrew and grant him peace.
Faithfully,
The Rev. Anne B Jolly The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen
|
|
OUTREACH MINISTRY NEWS
It's Red Bag time! For the last year Outreach did not do the Grace Church biannual red bag drive but this September we plan to support the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry with their need of feminine hygiene products. Red bags will be passed out on Sunday, September 6th. A list of suggested items will be in each bag. Please return the filled bags by Sunday, September 26th. Checks are also appreciated. You are always so very generous and your help is truly appreciated.
Thank you!
Your Outreach Ministries
|
|
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
SOCIAL HOUR SUSPENDED
Coffee and conversation has been suspended due to COVID.
|
|
FORMATION AND SPIRITUALITY
MINISTRY NEWS
REGISTRATION FOR EfM 2021-2022
EfM registration is now open. The minimum size for a seminar group is six. So, unless at least three people join the Grace group by September 22, we will be taking a year off. If anyone is interested, please contact Lynn Giles (815-757-2011, lynngiles@lynngilesphotography. com or in person at church)
|
|
|
We are a group that studies spiritual subjects, including the Bible. Everyone is welcome to join us to enhance your knowledge of spirituality and explore how to apply it to their life.
Up next: the end of Luke Chapter 1, including the Magnificat. Meetings (in the Parish Hall and on Zoom) begin at 10:00 a.m. (Those in the Parish Hall need to wear a mask.)
|
|
Compline on Zoom
On Tuesday evenings, at 8:30 pm, Lynn Giles will lead a service of Compline. She has been participating in the service that has previously been offered to the Diocese of Chicago by St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn. This service of the Daily Office in our Book of Common Prayer is a brief, contemplative service that is ideal for prayerful letting go of the cares of the day and preparing for a restful night. Find the link button above.
|
|
ADULT INQUIRER'S CLASS
An Adult Inquirers Class will be offered sometime this summer (dates will be determined by the
schedules of those interested in attending). We will be talking about our identity as Episcopalians, the Book of Common Prayer, a brief history of the Anglican/Episcopal church, our creeds, prayer, Baptism,
Eucharist, the Trinity (don’t come looking for an explanation!), and the Jesus Movement as described by
Presiding Bishop Curry. Attending qualifies you to being received or confirmed in the Episcopal Church, if you choose.
This is open to anyone in the church or community. Those considering reception will be given priority
(this is an in-person class). The time commitment is about eight hours. If you are interested in this or
would like more information, please contact Rev. Diane Luther at dm20luther@gmail.com, or
call (815) 281-2301.
|
|
MEDITATIVE PRAYER 9:00am on 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:
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Isaiah 50:4-9: A servant song of Isaiah, in which God’s servant proclaims that he has been given God’s words to speak, and has been obedient to God, even though people persecuted and attacked him.
Psalm 116:1-9: The Psalmist loves God and praises God because God has heard his cry for mercy and for rescue, and God has compassionately saved him, delivering him from death.
James 3:1-12: The tongue is a small thing, but it has tremendous power for good or ill. Although human beings have tamed all sorts of animals, we struggle to tame the tongue. But, for God’s people, blessing and curses should not come out of the same mouth.
Mark 8:27-38: Jesus asks his disciples who the people say he is, and then who they say he is. Peter replies that he is the Christ. Then Jesus predicts his coming death and resurrection, but Peter tries to correct him. Jesus responds by rebuking Peter, and then teaching that all who seek to follow him must take up their crosses, and not be ashamed of him.
Peacemaking, conflict resolution, poverty alleviation and ecological justice in our world are not just about addressing specific situations and causes, but are about changing the entire way we live on the planet, which means working to dismantle all systems that do any kind of violence to others – religious systems that oppress and exclude people of different beliefs and practices; economic systems that unfairly favour large corporations and countries over smaller, less developed ones with trade restrictions, biased tariffs and subsidies; and global power structures that prioritize the interests of wealthy and powerful nations over smaller and weaker ones. The essential shift is toward kindness, grace and love. The Scriptures make it clear that selfishness, expediency, domination, jealousy and hoarding are all part of what it calls wickedness, while humility, kindness, grace and generosity are righteousness. The reality of our world, though, is that most of us live between these two extremes, and as we seek to embrace righteousness more and more, so we find ourselves at odds with any systems and people that are corrupt, selfish and violent. The result is that, like Jesus and others who have stood for the values of God’s Reign, we may well find ourselves being persecuted. But, this is the price we pay for dreaming of a better world and committing to bring it about. And, as more of us embrace the ways of righteousness, so the momentum grows, until finally, one day, the dream becomes reality
thumbnails and commentary from sacredise.com
|
|
HELP WANTED!:
An apprentice to work with Zoom at Grace Church.
This is an important part of our Worship Ministry, and more people are needed to keep our live online services coming! It may seem very complicated, but those of us who have been handling it for nearly a year now all had to start from very basic computer skills and learn "on the job." If we have a small team, the responsibilities can be rotated, making it easier for all of us--and making it possible to explore better ways to assure the best audio and visual experience for those worshiping in person and those online.
Please contact Lynn Giles if interested and for more information.
lynngiles@lynngilesphotography.com
|
|
ZOOM POETRY GROUP 2:00pm on Mondays
A Zoom Poetry meeting from Grace Church has been organized and meets Mondays at 2:00pm. This is not specifically a Grace ministry, but a number of Grace members and friends are part of it If you are interested, write Carol Poston at poston@sxu.edu or call her at 815-777-0220.
|
|
A Wednesday Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist 9/15/21: The Rev. Linda Packard, Presider; Terri Jackman, Lector; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host.
|
|
|
An Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist 9/12/21: "Who do you say I am?" An Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Donna Davis, Intercessor; Steve Coates, Lector; Robin French, Music Director; Nancy Cook, Melanie Hoffman, and Phil Jackman: Instrumental Soloists; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host. |
|
|
An Episcopal Service of Holy Eucharist 9/5/21, An Episcopal Service of Holy Eucharist: The Rev. Linda Packard, Presider; The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Debbie Kallback, Homilist; Deb Pausz, Intercessor; Carmen Ferguson, Lector; Robin French, Music Director; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host. |
|
|
Hybrid worship has resumed for both in-person and Zoom congregations in line with Diocesan guidelines and Phase 5 of the State of Illinois COVID recovery.
For those present in the Church:
Please put your smartphone or other device in airplane mode so that our
internet capacity is reserved for our online streaming.
Don't forget to wear your mask if you intend to sing!
For those on Zoom:
Please mute yourselves before the Prelude begins and immediately after the Peace. This prevents other participants on Zoom from being distracted by conversation
and background noise.
Those who will join us on Zoom will receive the usual e-mail invitation with a link to the day's bulletin.
|
|
Vestry:
Lynn Giles, Senior Warden
Richard Luther, Jr. Warden
Jim Berry, Treasurer
Crystal Mason, Clerk
The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
|
Staff:
The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
The Rev. Linda Packard, Priest Associate
The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
Nancy Kenney, Parish Administrator
Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
|
|
Charlotte Stryker: Worship
Elizabeth Ludescher: Communications
Nancy Cook: Outreach
Eric Kallback: Building & Grounds
Crystal Mason: Pastoral Care
Phil Jackman: Fellowship/Parish Life
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
