Grace
Episcopal Church
 
First Sunday after Pentecost 
Trinity Sunday 
 
June 7, 2020
 
 

  Birthdays
Frani Beadle
Hal Martin
Jayme Frank

Anniversaries
Karen & Greg Serwich
Debbie & Eric Kallback

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW!
THE CHURCH BUILDING CLOSURE CONTINUES WHILE GRACE CHURCH COMPLETES A REOPENING PLAN  
TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE BISHOP'S OFFICE.  
ONLY WHEN IT IS COMPLETED AND APPROVED WILL WE BE PERMITTED TO RE-ENTER UNDER THE ILLINOIS PHASE 3 RESTRICTIONS THAT BEGAN LAST WEEK. 
A GROUP FROM THE VESTRY HAS BEGUN WORK ON THE DETAILED DIOCESAN CHECKLIST.   
If you wish to read the Bishop's Task Force Guidelines for re-opening, please click this Reopening Guidelines 
 
There is no target date at this time for the first step of reopening. When that is possible, groups of 5-10 people may be allowed with all safety restrictions of masks, six-foot distancing, and sanitation in place. Meanwhile, online worship and other gatherings will continue as in May. Mail is being picked up and bills are being paid.
You may mail your pledge payments to the church however it is convenient for you to do so.  
 
SURVEYS ON WORSHIP IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 
 A summary of the responses to Part 1, Worship Experience, may be found here:
Part 1.  
      
A summary of the responses to Part 2, Church Re-entry, Part Two may be found here:
 
 
ZOOM SOFTWARE UPDATE!
Zoom is continually improving its software. Joining meetings by video after May 30th will require Version 5; so before this Sunday, go here to find the update for your application: https://zoom.us/download (Even if your software doesn't work, you always can call in using the phone numbers in the Zoom email invitation.) 
Rector's Ramblings 
My seminary theology professor and former president of the seminary has moved to the Vail Valley after her retirement. There, in this destination spot which is occupied and visited by primarily white, well off, and privileged people, she has begun writing editorials and letters to the editor for the local tabloid, The Vail Daily. These are on all manner of issues of justice and mercy and, as you might guess, are not always well received by the readers.
     I am highly interested in all that she writes for two main reasons. First, she has written and taught a theology and praxis from the point of view of a 21st century white, highly educated woman who has seriously studied and acted on those issues of justice--from just war to theologies of liberation, human trafficking, and a class that I found to be very important entitled simply "Good and Evil." The latter was about what is good, what is evil--but also about the motivations and circumstances that cause people to either do good or evil. Studying with her along with our very diverse student body changed my life and the way I understand such things as racism and oppression. I am, however, still learning.
    The other reason that I am interested in everything she writes is because my son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons also live in the Vail Valley not very far apart. So, they share (a little) in the sometimes idyllic world of this part of our country.
    And that brings us--finally--to my point. Today, my professor, Susan shared not something that she had written, but a column by the editor of The Vail Daily, Nate Peterson. He was writing about his feeling of helplessness after the murder of George Floyd even though he had kept informed, participated in rallies and media blackouts. He wrote about racism and white privilege using a quote from a leading expert, Beverly Daniel Tatum:
     "Active racist behavior is equivalent to walking fast on the conveyor belt. Passive racist behavior is equivalent to standing still on the walkway. No overt effort is being made, but the conveyor belt moves the bystanders along to the same destination as those who are actively walking. Some...may choose to turn around...but unless they are walking actively in the opposite direction at a speed faster than the conveyor belt - unless they are actively antiracist - they will find themselves carried along with the others."
     Peterson confessed that despite his attempts otherwise, he sometimes found himself carried along. He said, "And that's white privilege. It's especially easy to get carried along here, in this valley, with a population that's nearly 70% white. Do we really have to talk about this here? Isn't police violence a thing that only happens in cities? Why is this our problem? (emphasis added)"
     This is something I worry about here in Galena. Oh, there are those who speak out, at least on social media. There are those who attend rallies and certainly a number who work very hard at gathering food and supplies for those who are in need--all the time, not just during this pandemic. But I often feel like we--individuals and churches, anyway, are "Minnesota nice"--not wanting to offend, not even to the point of entering into serious dialog with one another, especially if we disagree. We are at arms length in our quiet little city.
      Peterson also says that the short answer to the questions he posed: "Questions like that are the problem itself. Indifference or apathy gets us nowhere. No, we've got to find more people willing
to walk backward."

      I point you to an article just below inviting you to view a movie online and then gather as church for discussion. It is "Just Mercy" and is meant to be a starting place for a systemic racism dialog.
      Yes, as people of God, this is our problem. Systemic racism is as cruel and devastating a virus as COVID-19. They are both killers and both disproportionately killing people of color. COVID-19 has drawn back the curtains on centuries of inequities that built to this point. We need to stop and look and listen. We need to acknowledge others' lived experiences. And we must walk backward.

See you on Zoom on Sunday! Stay safe and well.
Gloria+
Formation Ministry News
Grace Movie Night Discussion  
6 p.m. Sunday, June 14 th
 
In response to protests taking place across the nation, Warner Bros. has made its movie "Just Mercy" available for free viewing during the month of June. The distributor is hoping the Michael B. Jordan-starring drama can be used as an educational tool to help people learn more about systemic racism in American society. Regretfully, we are unable to share the movie together on Zoom.  However, we can meet by Zoom to discuss it. Here are details on viewing the movie beforehand.
 
 
Contact Greg Serwich ( gserwich@gmail.com) for a Zoom invitation to join the discussion, beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14 th.
   Even if unable to view the movie (or read the book), you are welcome to join us.


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.
FEELING CREATIVE?
Just one example

When we, as a congregation, are able to return to our church building, there will be many changes.  One of them will be face masks.  We will be required to wear them for the foreseeable future.  By now many of us have obtained or made a face covering.  Is there any interest in creating a distinctive Grace face mask?  Here are a couple o ptions:

1.  Use a standard model and add a Grace logo (Menards is selling them in box of 50 quantities);
2.  Sew simple masks with a Grace logo; 
3.  Sew simple masks with distinctive fabric.

If you have an idea or a preference, click here
A NOTE FROM YOUR TREASURER
"Well, this was unexpected." 
I've heard that phrase - or something like it - from many over the last few weeks.  As Treasurer, I am pleased that we are experiencing continued financial support during this time of upheaval - thanks to you for your faithfulness.  Our income is lower than predicted (pre-pandemic) but our expenses are also lower.  We continue to pay staff and we are meeting our regular obligations.  I encourage you to continue your support by mailing donations to the church address - please note on your check if it is a pledge or non-pledge donation or for if it is for some other use.   If you have a concern or question please feel free to contact me at rluther46@gmail.com.

On May 4th we were approved for an SBA Payroll Protection Program forgivable loan of $17,704.  This program is part of the federal economic response designed to help small businesses and non-profits maintain jobs during the pandemic.  The loan represents 2.5 times our 2019 average monthly payroll.  These funds will be used for 8-weeks payroll cost and utilities with the unused balance being paid back.  The funds used for eligible payroll & utility costs will be forgiven.                          --Richard Luther
This Sunday
The questions of how we define our connectedness and how we define community have become increasingly significant in the world today. We are beginning to recognise the extent to which we have divided ourselves as human beings - from God, from one another and from the earth and its creatures. We are also beginning to recognise the extent to which these divisions are illusory. We have come to understand that small changes, when they are multiplied through the interconnectedness of systems and creatures, have large impact. We have felt the effects of crises and conflicts that have happened far away from us, yet have changed our own circumstances and ways of being. As a horrific week has come to an end, consider this connectedness--with God and with all of humanity. 

READINGS:
Genesis 1:1-2:4a : The account of the creation of heaven and earth, in which God speaks the creative Word and the Spirit hovers over creation.
Psalm 8 : The Psalmist ponders how the great God who created all things nevertheless cares for human beings and gives men and women a place of stewardship over creation.
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 : Paul closes his letter to the Corinthian church with the famous benediction invoking Christ's grace, God's love and the Spirit's presence.
Matthew 28:16-20 : Jesus commissions his disciples to serve the nations and to baptise them in the name of the Triune God.

This year the focus of Trinity Sunday is on two complementary themes. In the first, we are called to recognise and open ourselves to the work of the Triune God in creation - in the act of creating, in revealing God's self to humanity, and in empowering humanity to participate with God in the care of the universe. Both the Genesis reading and the Psalm reflect this theme. In the second theme we are called to recognise the uniting, community-creating work of the God who is, within God's self, a Triune community. Paul's letter to the Corinthians speaks of the unity of the church and of the Trinity's gifts to bring us together and in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus calls his followers to bring others into the community of faith, giving them a place of belonging through the act of baptism in the name of the Triune God. Both themes - God's work in creation, and God's work in community - lead us to a recognition of the connectedness of all things, and of God's presence and life in all things. God is always creating and always connecting (or revealing the connections that are always there), and so we are called to participate in God's work by participating in God's community and bringing others - including all of creation - into the gracious, growing, interconnected, life-sharing, just and creative communion of the Trinity.

Thumbprints and commentaries from:
sacredise.com
Worship and Ministry in the Midst of COVID-19! 
Pentecost Season Worship
Sunday services will begin at our usual 10:30 time 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 and Bible Study 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, 
Outreach Ministries 
Mission moment June
The Outreach committee has made several donations to the League of Women Voters for their on going work to improve the quality of water in our county. We have also supported the effort to educate the county on good water practices with the use of the Watershed Game. We found a great location to present this game at Prairie Ridge. A year of presentations were scheduled. Two successful ones took place before the facility was closed due to COVID 19. Carmen and I have served as facilitators for the game during the last few years.
 
Just a review of the significance of the League's work. This was taken from an article which appeared in the Gazette on 8/24/19.
 
"The League of Women Voters of Jo Daviess County is the recipient of a $50,000 prize for a study of water quality on the Galena River from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and four other partners.
 
The League's project involved setting up low-cost water quality monitoring sensors on the Steve Ehrler farm which borders the Galena River. The sensors tested for nitrates running off the soil and into the Galena River.
 
League member Beth Baranski, who helped orchestrate the project, noted that it has become a federal priority to deal with the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the Mississippi River. States are being asked to reduce nutrient runoff pollution into water resources such as the Galena River which flows into the Mississippi and then into the Gulf.
 
Since one can't see nitrates or phosphates in water, the sensors play an important role in detecting them. They also enabled Ehrler to see what was happening in real time on his farm.
 
Baranski said the prize money is being split with the manufacturers if the sensors. The great thing about the prize is that it comes without strings. It's important money because it is flexible."
 
I will be contacting Beth to follow up on this story.
Debbie Pausz


Dear Friends,
We know we are all concerned for our neighbors and friends who live in Galena who are not as lucky as we are.  There are many here who have not been paid for 3 month and still have bills to pay and food to buy.  In order to lend a helping hand, Grace Outreach Ministries has included a list of local charities who are helping our own needy to make it easier for you to donate. We will get through this together!
  • United Churches Food Pantry,  971 Gear Street
  • The Workshop, a Salvation Army Extension Service Unit,   706 S. West St
  • Galena Elks Club, 123 N Main St
  • Women and Friends Make a Difference- this group provides aid to any family in the area who has either been hit by the pandemic or are going through tough times. Checks may be made out to WFMAD and dropped off or mailed to Illinois Bank and Trust, 971 Gear Street. This money goes to help people as identified by the school food pantry or Carmela Cordero.
  • Grocery Gift Card- Michelle Heurung, owner of the Lamberson House Bed and Breakfast has been providing grocery gift cards to families who need food. If you woud like to help her in this good work,  make a check out to her and mail it to 113 S Prospect St. She then buys the cards so that we do not need to go to the grocery store.  If you would rather buy cards yourself, they can be dropped off at Lamberson House.
  • Hispanic Council, Galena Chapter at Illinois State Bank- Our own Carmela is checking on the Hispanic families in our area who usually work in our restaurants and hotels.  Their jobs have, in many cases, disappeared. They also can receive no money from the government.  The money this group receives helps these families with medication, rent and other emergencies.  Make out the check to the Council as it is listed above.. mail to Illinois Bank and Trust, 971 Gear Street.
  • Galena Unit School District Food Pantry- Because many children in Galena get their breakfast and lunch at school, during the pandemic the school pantry serves meals in the mornings every weekday to any child who comes to eat.  They also send care packages home with the children for their families. Anyone can make an appointment to come and shop for food and supplies in the pantry. Heidi O'Shea is in charge of the pantry.  She also helps the other charities in Galena by identifying families who are in crisis.  Make your check out to GUSD Food Pantry, in care of Heidi O'Shea and mail to the school district office, 1206 Franklin Street
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)                 
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      
This Sunday 
First Sunday after Pentecost
Trinity Sunday
June 7, 2020

Zoom Worship-10:30 am 
Meeting ID: 860 2109 4131  

At the end of worship and exchanging the peace, we will again offer a Zoom conversation time where you will spend about 15 minutes in a break-out room with a few others parishioners.

For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
 
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20

Ministers of the
Service:
Presider:
Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Lector:
Terri and Phil Jackman
Intercessor:

Pianist: Robin French

ROTA: December 2019-May 31,2020
Next Sunday's
Readings: 
Second Sunday after Pentecost
June 14, 2020

Romans 5:1-8
Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23)

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 
Events This Week:
Sunday
Trinity Sunday
Holy Eucharist with Spiritual Communion  online

Monday
Executive Committee
 
Tuesday
Covid-19 Response Committee mtg online --
10:00 am  
 
Wednesday 
Morning Prayer* online --7:30am  
Bible Study** online--10:30am

To be receive an invitation with the link to online events, please contact Gloria at
gracerector@
gracegalena.org

or **Greg Serwich at gserwich@gmail.com
 
Compline or Evening Prayer TBD  
 
All are welcome!
Looking Ahead 
For current and upcoming events, check out the goog le 
calendar on the website
Updated Directory
Link to most current directory here:
Sunday Social Hour Hosts

Reminder 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 who can assist you and connect you with parishioners who have trained and committed 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
Bonnielynn Kreiser
Terri Jackman
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 p osted on the Grace Church website as well as in the next week's e-Blast. Paper copies are available upon re quest. 
 
 
Newest sermons/services:
 
 
Morning Prayer 6-3-20 
Morning Prayer 6-3-20
 
 
 
 
Day of Pentecost 2020 
Day of Pentecost 2020


 
Grace Episcopal Church, Galena, IL. Ascension Sunday 2020 
Grace Episcopal Church, Galena, IL. Ascension Sunday 2020
 
 
 
 
 
Grace Galena Easter 6 Morning Prayer 
Grace Galena Easter 6
Morning Prayer
 
 
 
Grace Galena Morning Prayer for the 5th Sunday of Easter 
Grace Galena Morning Prayer for the 5th Sunday of Easter
 
 
 
Grace Galena 4 Easter 
Grace Galena 4 Easter
 
 
 
Grace Galena 3rd Easter 2020 
Grace Galena 3rd Easter 2020
 
   
 
Grace Morning Prayer 42920 
Grace Morning Prayer 42920
   
          
 
 
Virtual Chapel with Compline 
Virtual Chapel with Compline
 
 
The following is a statement from Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry:   
 
 
 
 
This evening, the President of the United States stood in front of St. John's Episcopal Church, lifted up a bible, and had pictures of himself taken. In so doing, he used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes. This was done in a time of deep hurt and pain in our country, and his action did nothing to help us or to heal us.
The bible teaches us that "God is love." Jesus of Nazareth taught, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The prophet Micah taught that the Lord requires us to "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God."
The bible the President held up and the church that he stood in front of represent the values of love, of justice, of compassion, and of a way to heal our hurts.
We need our President, and all who hold office, to be moral leaders who help us to be a people and nation living these values. For the sake of George Floyd, for all who have wrongly suffered, and for the sake of us all, we need leaders to help us to be "one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all."
 
   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