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grace episcopal church
galena, illinois
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Seventh Sunday after
Epiphany
Morning Prayer
February 20, 2022 10:30 am
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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.
You will also be asked to sign in when you enter the church.
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 still in the high 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 until March 1st.
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Ministers of the Service
Members and Guests, Celebrants
Joe Maffit, Deacon
Debbie Kallback, Homilist
Nancy Cook, Lector
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Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Carl Davis, Vestry Coordinator
Debbie Kallback & Charlotte Stryker,
Altar Guild
Amy Hardwicke, Greeter
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HOW TO WATCH GRACE CHURCH ON YouTube:
If you plan to attend a Grace Sunday service online, it’s now available as a live-stream on YouTube.
Click on either the red or the green link (buttons) at the top of this eBlast.
(You may have to wait a minute or two for your computer to open its browser and make the connection.)
The RED link gives you a choice of services. You will also see when the next scheduled live-stream
will start.
The GREEN link only connects after the streaming has started at the church.
All you need to remember is Red link: go to anytime
Green link: go to when the service starts.
For “early birds” we’ll start the live-streaming at 10:25 am CST.
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GRACE FEBRUARY WORSHIP
2/20/22 Morning Prayer - Joe Maffit, Leader; Debbie Kallback, Homilist
2/27/22 Eucharist - Rev. Linda Green, Celebrant
GRACE MARCH WORSHIP
3/2/22 Ash Wednesday - Imposition of Ashes
7:30am Eucharist - Rev. Robert North, Celebrant
5:30pm Liturgy - Rev. Diane Luther, Celebrant
3/6/22 Morning Prayer - Deb Pausz, Leader; Diane Luther, Homilist
3/13/22 Eucharist
3/20/22 Eucharist
3/27/22 Eucharist - Rev. Carolyn Keck, Celebrant
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MEMBER MOMENT
It’s hard to believe my journey as a member of Grace Episcopal Church began over 10 years ago. The day I walked into my first service, our daughters were 3 and 3 months old. Today Jayme is 13 and Paige is 10.
My husband and I often talk about phases of life. We are currently in the phase of life that there are not enough hours in the day, we spend more time in the car than we do at home. Our girls are discovering their passions and how they like to spend their time. Almost every day one of them has a practice, game, or competition. Some activities are close to home, most are not. We spend most Sundays in a gym watching our oldest daughter playing in volleyball tournaments, or our youngest daughter playing in basketball tournaments.
I used to feel a tremendous amount of guilt of not being able to attend service regularly. Then I came to the realization that it’s not about my attendance record, it’s about my faith. I know I can walk through the beautiful red door of our church every day or once a year and feel welcome. I don’t think that feeling will ever go away. I felt it the very first time I walked in. To have a place of worship that feels welcoming and accepting is at the top of my list and something we as a family talk about on our many car rides.
I am always incredibly proud to be a member of our church. I am proud to be part of a faith community that accepts us for who we are. I am proud to be part of a faith community, that teaches the same values to our children that we do at home. I am proud to be part of a faith community that welcomes questions, and thoughtful conversations. I am proud to be part of a faith community that does not judge us for our attendance record at service, because at this phase of my life, I am certain my attendance is right where it needs to be.
Blessings,
Nikki Frank
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Events this Week:
Sunday 2/20
Morning Prayer 10:30am online (YouTube)
and in-person
Social Hour is suspended at this time.
Monday 2/21
Poetry Group 2:00pm
Tuesday 2/22
Compline online 8:30pm
Outreach Meeting 10:00am
Wednesday 2/23
Midweek Worship in Chapel and Zoom 7:30am
Morning Study Group on Zoom 10:00am
Vestry & Search Committee Meeting 6:00pm
Thursday 2/24
Alden Kuntz's Birthday
Friday 2/25
Centering Prayer online 9:00 am
Saturday 2/26
Choir Practice10:00am
Mary Nelson's Birthday
Important Links:
Office Hours
9:00am-Noon, Tuesday through Friday
Sr. Warden Office Hours
The Sr. Warden will have office hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am until 2pm.
UPDATED ROTA (11-7-21 to 4-24-22)
Website: includes a password protected members' portal where most recent Vestry minutes, financials, and Grace Church Directory are found.
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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BARBARA HOOPER
A Memorial Service for Barb Hooper will take place on Wednesday, February 23rd at 10:30am at Grace.
The link to the live-stream will be available on Wednesday morning on the Grace YouTube channel found above on the eBlast and on our website (gracegalena.org).
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LENTEN MEDITATION BOOKLET
Thanks to everyone who offered to write a meditation or two for our annual Lenten Meditation Book. The deadline this year was February 14th. If you haven't already, please send your meditation to Carmen at fergusoncarmen99@gmail.com as soon as possible.
The entire congregation eagerly awaits your thoughts and insights!
Carmen
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SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE
Watch for an important survey regarding the Rector search which will arrive in your email or mailbox soon. Those without internet access will be mailed a survey, but otherwise it will be sent via email. All pertinent information will be explained in the cover letter accompanying the survey.
The surveys must be returned by April 3, 2022 to the church office.
The Grace Church Vestry and Search Committee
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VESTRY HANDOUTS FROM THE ANNUAL MEETING
Under New Business at the Annual Meeting last Sunday, Lynn Giles explained how the Vestry decided the new rector’s position will be half-time. Since only those present at the meeting received the hand-outs, they are linked here for all to have.
The Rector Time Management Review is based on data which was gathered by Vestry members and reflects an average week. It was instructive for us to be reminded how much lay involvement there is in every aspect of ministry at Grace.
The Vestry decided to initially offer a compensation package between the diocesan minimum and median amounts.
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SEARCH COMMITTEE HANDOUTS FROM THE ANNUAL MEETING
Under New Business at the recent Annual Meeting the Search Committee also presented information on the position for our next rector. This included a brief summary of how the Diocese wishes new rectors to regard the time constraints of a half-time position, and several questions the Search Committee needs to have the congregation answer. With these answers the Search Committee can complete the current phase of its work.
For those who were unable to attend the meeting the documents are linked here:
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MINISTRY OF CARE
Because of the many volunteers willing to help out with calls, rides, errands, meals, etc., the Ministry of Care won’t miss a beat while our search for a new rector is ongoing.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Bonnielynn Kreiser at 815-777-1468 or 815-291-9005 if you are in need. Also know that our clergy are available to meet your spiritual needs.
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THE CHRISTIAN FORMATION MINISTRY WANTS YOU!
If this reminds you of that wartime poster with Uncle Sam pointing his finger at you, well, we know you’re parishioners and friends, not cannon fodder. But we do want you – your input, your ideas for future formation activities which, in the words of our mission statement, “are a feature of Christian education and spiritual practice.”
Do you have an idea for a special topic? A book or other readings that you’d like to see discussed?
A project that might involve hands-on work as part of its educational goal? Watch this space – but feel free to contribute your own ideas to it. At this juncture, we’re not asking for formal proposals. but we’ll be ready to review one if you’re ready to submit it. Contact me for further information.
Consider also contributing your time and talents to overseeing the development of programs as an actual member of the Formation Ministry. Our meetings are open, so if you want to get a feel for our work, let us know.
Larry Poston
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FELLOWSHIP NEWS
SOCIAL HOUR SUSPENDED UNTIL MARCH 1st, then......
Phil Jackman has posted a new sign-up list for the Coffee Hour
after the Sunday services.
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FORMATION NEWS
COMPLINE on Zoom 8:30pm on Tuesdays
On Tuesday evenings, at 8:30 pm, Lynn Giles leads 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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We are a group that studies spiritual subjects, including the Bible. All are welcome to join us to enhance their knowledge of spirituality and explore how to apply it to their lives. Lately we’ve been studying the Gospel of Luke. Anyone needing a Zoom invitation can contact Greg Serwich (gserwich@gmail.com).
The Group will be cancelled on Wednesday, February 23rd due to
Barbara Hooper's Memorial Service.
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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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Morning Prayer
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Psalm 37:1-12; 41-42
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Luke 6:27-38
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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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Vestry:
Lynn Giles, Senior Warden
Richard Luther, Jr. Warden
Jim Berry, Treasurer
Crystal Mason, Clerk
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Nancy Cook: Outreach
Phil Jackman: Fellowship/Parish Life
Eric Kallback: Building & Grounds
Crystal Mason: Pastoral Care
Carl Davis: Finance
Amy Hardwicke: Worship
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Staff:
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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grace episcopal church office
107 s. prospect street
galena, il 61036
815-777-2590
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