grace episcopal church
galena, illinois

Fifth Sunday after
Epiphany

Morning Prayer

February 6, 2022 10:30 am

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 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 until March 1st.
Ministers of the Service
Members and Guests, Celebrants
Rev. Linda Green, Priest
Diane Luther, Deacon
Carmen Ferguson, Lector
Donna Davis, Intercessor

Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Crystal Mason, Vestry Coordinator
Ann Berry & Amy Hardwicke, Altar Guild
Cathie Elsbree, ​Greeter
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.
GRACE FEBRUARY WORSHIP
2/6/22 Eucharist - Rev. Linda Green, Celebrant
2/13/22 Eucharist - Rev. Diane Luther, Celebrant; Cathie Elsbree, Homilist
2/20/22 Morning Prayer - Debbie Kallback, Leader; Joe Maffit, Homilist
2/27/22 Eucharist - Rev. Linda Green, Celebrant
REVEREND LINDA GREEN
This Sunday we will welcome the Reverend Linda Green as our visiting priest.
Linda was born and raised in Queens, New York. She graduated from Augustana College, Rock Island, then worked in mental health first in New York, then Illinois. When she was called to priesthood, Linda was serving as the Executive Director of a community mental health center in Geneva, IL. She attended Seabury-Western Theological Seminary with Rev. Linda Packard and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1991. She and her husband, Rev. Dru Green, adopted a daughter who was a refugee from Guinea, and they now have 3 grandsons. During her 30 years of ministry, Linda has worked in transitional ministry
and serving on the staff of an interim Bishop. She and Dru enjoy their family, reading and two mighty Shihchon (Shih-tzu/Bichon Frise) dogs.
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 other information shared was the Rector Compensation Cost Break-Out.
The Vestry decided to initially offer a compensation package between the diocesan minimum and median amounts.
LENTEN MEDITATION BOOKLET
It's that time of year again to think about writing a meditation or two for our annual
Lenten Meditation Booklet. Please request an assignment from Carmen at church or via email at fergusoncarmen99@gmail.com.

The deadline this year is Valentine's Day, February 14th. Thanks! And the entire congregation eagerly awaits your thoughts and insights. 
Carmen
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BARBARA HOOPER
A Memorial Service for Barb Hooper will take place on Wednesday, February 23rd at 10:30am at Grace.
SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Search Committee continues to finalize the written materials that will need to be submitted to the diocese for their review. Both the writing and pictures will need to be joined together to make our posting attract attention when it is ready to post. Currently, the diocese lists 8 openings from churches looking for new priests. How we can help make Grace stand out is quite important.
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.
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
OUTREACH MINISTRY NEWS
Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry
Bishop Anderson House Thank You

Dear Lynn & Members of the Richard Babcock Memorial Yarn Ministry,
Thank you so very much for the beautiful Prayer Shawls & caps. Your gifts of time & talent will touch the lives & bring comfort to the patients our chaplains visit at Stroger Hospital. Your love will have a ripple effect.

With much gratitude,
Kim
FROM THE NATIONAL CHURCH

The Episcopal Church Department of Faith Formation is pleased to announce the
hire of a new half-time manager for Safe Church and special projects. After conducting a national search and subsequent interviews, the hiring committee unanimously selected Bronwyn Skov for the position. Skov will shift from her current role as officer for youth ministry in late February.

Bronwyn Clark Skov was active at Grace Church while in high school and still visits on occasion.
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
SOCIAL HOUR SUSPENDED
Coffee and conversation has been suspended due to COVID.
FORMATION NEWS

WEDNESDAY MORNING STUDY GROUP 10:00am on Wednesdays
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).
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.
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.
HOLY EUCHARIST
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11
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.
Vestry:
Lynn Giles, Senior Warden
Richard Luther, Jr. Warden
Jim Berry, Treasurer
Crystal Mason, Clerk
Nancy Cook: Outreach
Phil Jackman: Fellowship/Parish Life
Eric Kallback: Building & Grounds
Crystal Mason: Pastoral Care
Carl Davis
Amy Hardwicke


Staff:
The Rev. Linda Packard, Priest Associate
The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
Nancy Kenney, Parish Administrator
Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist


grace episcopal church office

107 S. Prospect Street
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-2590