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grace episcopal church
galena, illinois
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Sixteenth Sunday of Pentecost
September 12, 2021
Holy Eucharist, 10:30 am
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September 12, 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.
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Ministers of the Service
Members & Guests, Celebrants
Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider
Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
Steve Coates, Lector
Donna Davis, Intercessor
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Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Phil Jackman,Vestry Coord.
Alice Maffit & Maren Coates,
Altar Guild
Cathie Elsbree, Greeter
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9/11 Twentieth Anniversary
In observance of the 20th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center towers, the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93, the Grace Church chapel will be open for prayer from
10 am - 4 pm.
At 12 noon, public prayers will be offered.
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Rector's Ramblings
You told me! Many of you told me what it would be like to have a cataract removed. But I wasn't so sure--I thought the colors I saw were already vibrant. How could they be brighter? I thought my vision was only slightly blurry. I could already see individual leaves on trees. Besides, the doctor was quite surprised at how well I did on my vision tests. So, I was quite certain any difference would be small.
I was wrong! Even the first evening after the surgery I was practically blinded by the lights above my bathroom sink. I switched from eye to eye and marveled at how what the white woodwork around my windows actually looked creamy from my bad eye.
I guess we adapt so that we don't even notice some of the change. Adapting is a good thing. How would we ever survive "the changes and chances of this life" without the ability to adapt?
Still, adapting can also mean accepting without question. Even when we should, perhaps, notice and wonder--or even resist. Like the gradual blurring of the vision of our eyes, the vision of what we value or believe may slowly dim. Or, like my cataracts that the doctor described as "like wood wrapped in leather," we can become set in our ways, hardened. And that is not such a good thing!
As we look back over these 20 years since the world was changed forever on 9/11, there is much to lament. Sometimes it seems that all the news is bad news--that things are so complex and so overwhelming that we might as well just sit back and say, "whatever. I can't do anything about it."
But let us keep the scales from our eyes and be a force against the shadow of division, the haze of hatred. By letting in the light, we can illuminate the brilliance with which God has painted the creation. We can share the love that is as distinct and clear as each leaf, blade of grass, and petal on a flower. And as unique as each child of God. We can remain steadfast and faithful to what it means to love God and neighbor and to respect the dignity of every human being.
See you in church,
Gloria+
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Events this Week:
Sunday 9/12
Holy Eucharist 10:30 am online and in-person
*Social Hour suspended at this time.
Monday 9/13
Poetry Group 2:00pm
EfM in person in PH Conference Room 6:30pm
Tuesday 9/14
Compline online 8:30pm
Wednesday 9/15
Midweek Worship online and in-person 7:30am
Morning Study Group on Zoom 10:30am
Thursday 9/16
Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry1:00pm
Friday 9/17
Centering Prayer online 9:00am
Georgia Hansen's Birthday
Saturday 9/18
Choir Practice 10 am
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.
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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. Completing 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.
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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. All those who responded to the surveys about scheduling will be contacted by e-mail with final details. 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.
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VESTRY NEWS-
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.
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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.
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH & DIOCESAN NEWS
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
Pastoral word from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on 20th anniversary of Sept. 11
As followers of Jesus, and with our siblings in other faith traditions, we place great value on the act of remembrance. As we reflect on the solemn anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we remember many loved ones lost and first responders who put their lives at risk, modeling the sacrificial love of Jesus, who said: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
While 20 years have passed, I also want us to pause and remember the days that followed these tragic events. There was a moment in the aftermath when people came together. We were praying, grieving, and also working together. Because in that moment, however fleeting it was, we knew with immediacy and vulnerability that we need God, and we need each other.
Memories of that tender cooperation—of love for each other as neighbors—serve as guiding lights for the present. Amidst the ongoing pandemic and natural disasters that have taken so many lives and pushed first responders to their limits, and amidst a worldwide reckoning with the sin of racism, we are called to become the Beloved Community whose way of life is the way of Jesus and his way of love.
Statement on climate change by Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch
Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs Posted Sep 7, 2021
For the first time, the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Anglican Communion have jointly warned of the urgency of environmental sustainability, its impact on poverty, and the importance of global cooperation.
Pope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Archbishop Justin Welby urge everyone to play their part in “choosing life” for the future of the planet.
In a joint statement, the Christian leaders have called on people to pray, in this Christian season of creation, for world leaders ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November. The statement reads: “We call on everyone, whatever their belief or worldview, to endeavour to listen to the cry of the earth and of people who are poor, examining their behaviour and pledging meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the earth which God has given us.”
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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
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BUILDING AND GROUNDS NEWS
Tower project was started Tuesday. The first step is removal of one panel to use as template for making new panels. We are doing repairs from squirrel damage and leaks. New panels will look just like what we have now. They will hopefully keep out squirrels and will certainly keep out water.
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FELLOWSHIP NEWS
SOCIAL HOUR SUSPENDED
Coffee and conversation has been suspended due to COVID.
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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)
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The Study Group will resume meeting on Zoom at 10:30am on Wednesday, September 15th.
Those needing a Zoom invitation can request one from Greg Serwich (gserwich@gmail.com).
The topic will be the Gospel of Luke.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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WORSHIP:
FOURTEENTH 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.
Perhaps the greatest threat to our integrity in our homes, churches and personal lives, is the siren call of expediency and consumerism. It’s far easier to create “sexy” worship services that make people feel good, but leave their garbage unchallenged, than it is to hold people accountable to the Gospel. It is far easier to “go with the flow” than to stand up for truth, justice and love, especially among our own family members and friends. It is far easier to preach great self-help messages than to call people to allow Christ to change them. Sometimes, rather than ensure our words have integrity, we simply remain silent. Sometimes, rather than holding to values of integrity and justice, we simply turn a blind eye to injustice. Sometimes, rather than get our hands dirty in serving others, it is easier to throw money at the problems we face and hope that someone else will deal with the practicalities. But, we all know the power of lives of integrity. We have all been impacted by people of faith whose lives have embodied what they believe in every part. And we have all seen the positive impact that such integrity can have on relationships, on communities, on our witness for Christ, and on the individuals who are served and saved by people of integrity. May we be known less for our opulent sanctuaries and professional standards of performance in worship, and more for embodying the gracious words of Christ, the bold wisdom of Christ, and the sacrificial love of Christ..
thumbnails and commentary from sacredise.com
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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
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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.
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A Wednesday Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev. Deacon Diane Luther, Homilist; Phil Jackman, Lector; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host.
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An Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist 8/29/21: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; Elizabeth Ludescher, Intercessor; Lynn Giles, Lector and Zoom Host.
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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. |
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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.
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Vestry:
Lynn Giles, Senior Warden
Richard Luther, Jr. Warden
Jim Berry, Treasurer
Crystal Mason, Clerk
The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
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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
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Charlotte Stryker: Worship
Elizabeth Ludescher: Communications
Nancy Cook: Outreach
Eric Kallback: Building & Grounds
Crystal Mason: Pastoral Care
Phil Jackman: Fellowship/Parish Life
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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
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