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grace episcopal church
galena, illinois
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Twentieth Sunday of Pentecost
October 10, 2021
Holy Eucharist, 10:30 am
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October 10, 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. Linda Packard, Presider
Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
Lynn Giles, Lector
Donna Davis, Intercessor
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Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Elizabeth Ludescher,
Vestry Coordinator
Alice Maffit & Kim Kreiser,
Altar Guild
Charlotte Stryker, Greeter
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Rector's Ramblings
Call me crazy, but Wednesday night I slept on the floor. The floor of my front porch. I did not have a cot or a sleeping bag handy, so I simply folded a quilt, got a couple of pillows and a stadium blanket to put over me, and curled up there with my headlight and novel.
I didn't read more than a few pages because the feeling of the fresh autumn air, the sounds of quiet bird chirpings and cicadas or locusts was too delicious. And the clear, dark sky with twinkling stars beckoned. I soon fell asleep and slept soundly until just a bit before dawn.
I doubt that I will do that in Chicago--though I might. The sounds will be quite different from my deck that overlooks the alley from three floors up. There is the sound of traffic all night long, including sirens and the occasional, annoying car alarm. There are people walking through the alley, talking on their phones or conversations from decks next door that float across the space. The light is different, too. It is never totally dark in the city where the glow of street lights hovers everywhere.
But sometimes, when there is a stiff breeze, I can hear the rhythm of the waves in Lake Michigan lapping at the limestone barriers. And the tapping of dog paws on the street on their late evening or early morning walks. And runners and cyclists. The city never sleeps.
I think of Jacob, dreaming under the stars with a stone for a pillow. I've not seen a ladder of angels--yet--but I do hear a message about God's good and diverse creation. It can be found in every place and time, if only we look and listen.
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. 19 He called that place Bethel [meaning "the House of God,"]
With what shall I mark this place?
See you in church,
Gloria+
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Events this Week:
Sunday 10/10
Holy Eucharist 10:30 am online and in-person
Social Hour suspended at this time.
David Robertson's Birthday
Monday 10/11
Poetry Group 2:00pm
Debbie Kallback's Birthday
Tuesday 10/12
Compline online 8:30 pm
Wednesday 10/13
Midweek Worship online and in-person 7:30 am
Morning Study Group on Zoom 10:00 am
Thursday 10/14
Richard Babcock Mem. Yarn Ministry 1:30 pm
Friday 10/15
Centering Prayer online 9:00 am
Saturday 10/16
Choir Practice 10 am
Diann & Robert Marsh's Anniversary
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)
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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SEARCH COMMITTEE
The Search committee wants everyone to complete The CAT Survey.
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 was 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.
If you did not receive the special e-Blast with the link to the CAT, please check your e-mail spam or promotion boxes or contact the church office.
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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Steve Coates,
Co-chair of the Rector Search Committee's "Ministry Moment on 9/12/21.
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OUTREACH MINISTRY NEWS
United Churches of Galena
The Board of the United Churches of Galena is made up of clergy and lay representatives of all churches that wish to participate in this ecumenical group. You may know UCG best from its Food Pantry--by far its largest project! Or from its annual Hunger Luncheon and Christmas Concert that are fund raisers for the Food Pantry--both of which have not taken place during this pandemic.
There are other events and projects, though, that some or all of the member churches engage in. Joint services at Thanksgiving, Good Friday, and the World Day of Prayer; the Apple Tree project that provides back packs and school supplies to those who need them in the Galena schools; a Community Assistance Program for residents in need of help paying utility bills, rent, and other day to day living expenses.
Grace Church is in need of a representative--at least during this transitional time between rectors. Grace has been a member since the beginning. The meetings of the Board are on the first Thursdays of each month at from 10:30 - 11:30 am from September through June. The location is rotated amongst the churches. If you might be interested in serving in either a temporary or longer term capacity, please contact the Rector.
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ANNUAL PLEDGE CAMPAIGN BEGINS
By the end of the week, you should receive a mailing from the Rector about this year's pledge campaign. The theme is "Every Perfect Gift," and there will be weekly reflections printed in the Sunday bulletin on that theme. There will also be personal reflections offered by parishioners in Sunday worship on October 17, 24, and November 7.
The Commitment Sunday this year will be November 21. A letter from the Sr. Warden including a pledge card, will be mailed the week before so that you may bring the Perfect Gift your pledge to church that day to be dedicated to God for the furtherance of ministry at Grace Church. Please use these materials as you prayerfully discern your promise to the church.
This year, the first mailing will also include information for those who must receive Required Minimum Distributions from their IRAs and pension funds. It is possible to direct your pledge from such a distribution, in which case the amount pledged will not be included in your taxable income.
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH & DIOCESAN NEWS
Native Voices Discussion October 11
A response to The Episcopal Church’s history with Indian boarding schools
On Monday, October 11, Indigenous People's Day, a panel of Indigenous Episcopalians will discuss The Episcopal Church's history with Indian boarding schools and the July 12 statement issued by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and House of Deputies President Gay Jennings. A moderated Q&A will follow the panel. It will take place from 4-5:30 pm on October 11, day increasingly known as "Indigenous Peoples Day." Registration information is here: Boarding Schools. The link also includes information about accessing a recording that will be available for those who are unable to attend the online meeting.
Episcopal Church 2020 Parochial Report data available
Office of Public Affairs 10/6/2021
While the report is often known for the quantitative metrics of average Sunday attendance (ASA) and “pledge and plate” (funds collected through offerings and pledges), the 2020 Parochial Report was changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to include qualitative data. Congregations were asked narrative questions related to how their mission and ministry were impacted by the pandemic.
“Clergy and lay leaders showed great diligence in responding to the narrative questions,” said Iris DiLeonardo, research and language specialist. “Over 4,000 pages of text were received in response to the narrative questions.”
From the Executive Summary:
- Though all churches encountered significant challenges to during the pandemic, barriers to engagement were not experienced equally across The Episcopal Church. Rather, fault lines of inequality were exacerbated and exposed...The responses suggest that congregations in poor and rural areas; those with limited clergy, staff, and volunteers; and those with aging congregations were especially challenged by the circumstances of the pandemic. Some of the most vulnerable congregations ceased operations altogether.
- Even in the midst of these challenges, however, there is also evidence of innovation and growth. Many churches described novel opportunities for connection and engagement during the pandemic.
- The pandemic challenged many long-standing assumptions about Episcopal identity. When churches were prevented from continuing standard operations, clergy and parishioners were forced to re-evaluate core principles and practices. Many expressed a renewed recognition that the church is “not a building” but rather a people. In a similar vein, responses frequently included comments about desiring to keep the flexibility and creative spirit that the pandemic environment evoked in their church.
“Our 2020 data tells us much about the adaptability and creativity of our congregations, as well as helping to highlight areas of ongoing challenge and opportunities for growth,” said the Rev. Molly James, deputy executive officer of the Generation Convention.
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FELLOWSHIP NEWS
SOCIAL HOUR SUSPENDED
Coffee and conversation has been suspended due to COVID.
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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 continues on Sundays in the Chapel shortly after the end of worship.
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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. Currently we are studying the Gospel of Luke. Meetings (in the Parish Hall and on Zoom) begin at 10:00 a.m.
(Those in the Parish Hall need to wear a mask.)
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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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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:
TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Job 23:1-9, 16-17: Job longs to put his case before God, but he does not know how to find God. If he could get to God’s dwelling place, he believes, he could lay out his case, but God is absent to him.
Psalm 22:1-15: A cry for God’s presence and rescue in a time of great persecution and trial in which God seems to have forsaken the Psalmist. God is holy and the Psalmist’s ancestors trusted God and were saved, but now the Psalmist is being attacked, and is suffering greatly, and no rescue seems to be forthcoming.
Hebrews 4:12-16: God’s word is sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing into the deepest parts of our beings and judging our thoughts and intentions. Therefore we need to keep our trust in Jesus who was tempted in every way, as we are but did not sin. In him we can draw near to God’s throne and find grace.
Mark 10:17-31: A wealthy man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus answers that he must follow the commandments – which the man claims he has done. Then Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow him, at which point the man goes away sad. Then Jesus teaches that it is very hard for the wealthy to enter God’s Reign. When Peter points out that the disciples have left everything to follow him, Jesus responds that those who have left behind loved ones and possessions for the Reign of God will receive much more in return, both in this life and in the one to come.
The overwhelming awareness in this week’s Scripture passages is of the reality of suffering, and the pain and indignity that it brings. In Job, the suffering of Job is made worse by his sense of abandonment by God, and his longing to put his case before God. In Psalm 22 the sense of abandonment is echoed, as the Psalmist speaks of being persecuted, without any sense of God’s presence or rescue.. In Hebrews we find the assurance that Jesus is trustworthy because he was tempted as we are and overcame, and because he offers us mercy. A huge part of the struggle for those who suffer is the sense of loneliness, isolation and unwantedness that is brought on by the pain, and that heightens it. Even Jesus shared this experience. However, underlying all of it, is the assurance of God’s compassion and the mercy that God offers. And, in Jesus’ words in Marks’ Gospel, there is the call for us to be agents of God’s mercy, grace and friendship.
Simply getting rid of our stuff isn’t the action Jesus is calling for. Not exactly. Though it is certainly much closer than “GOD wants you to be rich.” Jesus is talking about the Great Economy. He’s talking about our restored world. He’s talking about the here and now world transformed into the world that GOD intended from the beginning. And that camel and that needle image is to say that there isn’t any room in GOD’s vision of the world for rich or for poor. It is an economy of abundance, generosity, and love. A world in which we all are loved and protected and treated as special.
thumbnails and commentary from sacredise.com
Commentary on the gospel: © Drew Downs 2021
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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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An Episcopal Wednesday service of Holy Eucharist: The Rev. Linda Packard, Presider; The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Joe Maffit, Lector; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host.
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An Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist 9/26/21: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; Debbie Kallback, Intercessor; Nancy Cook, Lector and Erben Organist; Robin French, Music Director; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host. |
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An Episcopal Service of Holy Eucharist 10/3/21, "The Higher Law" The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Debbie Pausz, Intercessor; Terri Jackman, Lector; Robin French, Music Director; Nancy Cook, Erben Organist; 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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