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 THIS SUNDAY: Hybrid Zoom and limited attendance worship resumes at 10:30 am. Those planning to worship in-person MUST register, preferably by the end of the day Saturday. If you have registered and decide not to attend, please cancel your registration so someone else will have a chance to have a seat. Register: Worship Reservation
You will be greeted at the Parish House door only and guided to an open seat. MASKS COVERING NOSE AND MOUTH ARE REQUIRED and all distancing and sanitizing requirements apply. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL.There will be no coffee hour, singing, or gathering in the church or parish hall after the service. You may depart through either the front or Parish Hall door. Please review this summary of COVID precautions in worship: 10 COMMANDMENTS
WEDNESDAYS: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85320626039
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We were saddened to learn this week of Mr. Richard Pepper's death on January 28. The Peppers, whose primary re  sidence and Episcopal membership is in Barrington, Illinois (St. Michael's Episcopal Church), have a home in the Galena Territory and have been gracious supporters Grace Church through the years as well as occasional worshipers, as have their children. He was chairman of Chicago-based Pepper Construction Group, the company founded by his father and known for his generosity to our diocese, St. Michael's, Grace, and many charities and educational institutions.
Due to the pandemic, a private celebration of his life was held. The obituary may be found here: RPepper.
May his soul and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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LENTEN DEVOTIONS
Devotional booklet is coming! It will be available prior to Ash Wednesday for pickup at the church.
We thank all those parishioners who have submitted meditations to this year's Lenten booklet. If yours has not been submitted, please do so NOW!
ASH WEDNESDAY
Two services will be offered with the Ash Wednesday liturgy and safe imposition of ashes. The first will be at the usual Wednesday 7:30 am service time. The second will take place at 12 noon. Reservations will be required for both services. Use the same link as for regular services above.
The services will also be available on Zoom.
During that morning, ashes will be available in the nave for anyone who is uncomfortable attending a service.
LENTEN ZOOM 'n' STUDY Each Lenten season for a number of years, we have participated with other Galena churches in a weekly program of
Soup 'n' Study. This year is no different--except attendees will need to bring their own soup because the sessions will be held on Zoom.
This year, we will pick up with study plans from last year that were disrupted by the COVID lockdown. The book and video series will be The Walk by Adam Hamilton who says:
I wrote this book to be a simple guide for the Christian life written for ordinary people whose faith is sometimes messy. It is written for those who wish to follow Jesus, to experience more of God in their lives, and to grow to become the people God wants them to be.
It is this idea of walking with Jesus that ...is a simple way of thinking about our Christian life. We are followers of Jesus. We are seeking to learn from him, to emulate him, to go where he wants us to go, to do what he wants us to do, and to walk on the journey of life with him.
Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country.
Some of you likely have the book already since you signed up last year. For others, it is readily available online both as a hardcover or e-book. Details for linking to the Zoom 'n' Study series will be available in next week's e-Blast.
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This is the time of year that we undergo transitions in the church: the transition to the new vestry, with 1/3 of its members completing their three year term and the newly elected members taking on their roles. This year, of course, as happens every two years, new Wardens also take their place. We are newly realigned and develop new relationships and dynamics.
We also transition from the season after the Epiphany to the more reflective and somber Lenten period. This past week, I met with the Altar Guild leaders, the Worship Ministries, and the clergy from other Galena churches who will participate in our Lenten series outlined above. All three of these meetings were meant to review the plans for services that will take place in Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.
I could not help but recall that at this time last year, we were doing the same, yet with more of a pro forma mind set. Yes, there were decisions to make about curriculum for the study, schedule, and assignments, but the liturgical parts of the planning were fairly straightforward--several changes of liturgical colors and altarware for Ash Wednesday and Lent, then the various Holy Week services, and then Easter and Easter season. One change I recall from last year that was related to the developing pandemic was choosing to use the silver communionware rather than switching to glass for safety reasons. But, we had no idea how all of our plans would be turned upside down or the extent of the adjustments we had to make!
The study sessions were cancelled altogether after the first week when the COVID lockdown came. Worship evolved from two weeks of only recorded audio to our awkward entry into live filming and learning the Zoom platform. It took until Easter and beyond to find our footing.
This year, our planning took place with quite a few assumptions--that our return to our limited in-person services and continuing on Zoom, would last. But still realizing that more adjustments could be in store! The good news is that overall, we have been successful in maintaining a steady worship presence and with rolling with the punches when they inevitably came along. We have continued to be church whether or not the doors of our building have been open. We have worshiped God, prayed for our community and our world, mourned our sorrows and losses, rejoiced in our blessings, and given thanks for our life together. As we shall continue to do.
See you in worship, at church or on Zoom,
Gloria+
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READINGS:
Isaiah 40: 21-31: This stirring passage from Isaiah makes sweeping claims: the Holy One created all that exists, remains deeply engaged and will guarantee not only creation's survival, but its flourishing. This 'knowledge' or testimony reinvigorates all who admit it- "those who wait upon the Lord." Even those who are world-weary will rediscover enthusiasm for life.
Psalm 147: 1-12, 21: The stanzas of the hymn he composes recall God as builder, as healer, as the One who maintains creation, and, just as vitally, the One who brings justice. Those who sing this hymn "long for God's kindness."
I Corinthians 9: 16-23: Paul forgoes any privileges that might accrue to him because of his work and status in the early church. He also explains how he used his unique status as a scholar trained in Torah and as a Roman citizen to appeal to diverse constituencies. He has made choices in his life so that he can freely share the goods news with anyone, at any place, at any time.
Mark 1: 29-39: Mark offers a narrative that shows exactly how Jesus' influence/impact spread. He heals one person, the mother-in-law of Simon Peter. Word spreads and the neighbors show up at the front door with their needs. Jesus heals and performs exorcisms freely, to "many." The next day, before everyone else is up, Jesus goes alone to pray. The first four followers go looking for him to tell him even more people have shown up. But Jesus says they must move on to more towns and villages so he can benefit even more people.
As the text of Isaiah discovers: it is the 'knowledge' we choose to 'know' or the testimony we choose to make or the 'song' we choose to sing that can renew, reinvigorate, re-invest in life. Just as the text of Isaiah testifies that God, who is "unsearchable," can be known as "creator," "healer," and the One who "sustains," and, as the psalmist adds, the One who brings justice, so Mark's text introduces Jesus as a "healer" and one who has power over all other powers. Awareness/acceptance of relentless goodness and generosity, which places me and everyone in the position of unexpected beneficiary, feels truly 'miraculous'. If we choose to 'sing' this song, to make this testimony, we discover that the miracle is not so much something that happens to us, but in us- "on my consciousness itself."
Thumbprints and commentaries from:
Sacraconversazione.com
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The 2021 Annual Meeting of Grace Church was held on Sunday, January 31, broadcast from the Parish Hall on Zoom.
The meeting began with a vote on a resolution to adopt our online meeting format, and the following slate was elected:
Senior Warden: Lynn Giles
Junior Warden: Richard Luther
Vestry Class of 2024: Crystal Mason, Phil Jackman
Greg Serwich, Tony Packard, and Anita Sands completed their terms respectively as Senior Warden and Vestry.
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UCG Food Pantry
Have you heard that the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry has just moved to a new home? It has been an exciting move with many wonderful volunteers helping make it all possible. The Food Pantry is now located in the
 lower level of 219 Summit Street (where the Galena Center for the Arts use to be.) The move entailed walls being torn down, electrical outlets installed for the freezers and refrigerators, plumbing work, moving truck rental, securing insurance, paying rent and other expenses. If you would like to make a contribution to help, you can send donations to Grace Church and in the memo write "UCG Food Pantry" OR mail directly to:
UCG Food Pantry
P.O. Box 6401
Galena, IL 61036
Your help in serving others is greatly appreciated!
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Those who attended our October series on the Doctrine of Discovery may be interested in a Native American book discussion being sponsored by Sinsinawa Mound.
Over the course of the year, six books will be covered beginning with "The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee," by David Treuer. This first discussion will take place Tuesday, February 9, 7-8:15 pm, via Zoom. Registration may take place--by February 8--by calling
608-748-4411 or going to the website Sinsinawa. The book may be purchased on the website at the Sinsinawa book shop tab.
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Wednesday Morning Study Group
Join us to study, ponder, and discuss scripture.
Current topic: St. Mark's Gospel. We gather safely on Zoom,
10:30 - 11:30 Wednesday mornings.
Contact Greg Serwich for a Zoom invitation.
Meditative Prayer 9:00am 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.
ZOOM POETRY GROUP
A Zoom Poetry meeting from Grace Church has been organized and meets online on 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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The Very Rev.Gloria Hopewell, Rector
Lynn Giles, Sr. Warden 2021-23
Richard Luther, Jr. Warden 2021-23
Charlotte Stryker (class of 2022)
Elizabeth Ludescher (class of 2022)
Nancy Cook (class of 2023)
Eric Kallback(class of 2023)
Phil Jackman (class of 2024)
Crystal Mason (class of 2024)
Vestry Liaisons' will be assigned and Clerk and Treasurer appointed at the February Vestry Meeting. The primary purpose of Vestry Liaisons 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 and activities.
Officers: Lynn Giles, Senior Warden
Richard Luther, Junior Warden, The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
Clerk and Treasurer
Staff: Robin French, Director of Music Nancy Cook, Erben Organist Nancy Kenney, Parish Administrator
Chris Ludescher, Nursery Attendant
The Rev. Linda Packard, Priest Associate
The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
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Hybrid Zoom and limited in-person presence will resume on Sunday, February 7, at 10:30 am.
ANYONE SCHEDULED TO SERVE WHO IS NOT COMFORTABLE BEING IN THE CHURCH, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE.
PARISH HOUSE
Regular hours will continue. Nancy is available on Tuesday - Friday mornings. The rector is available Monday by appointment and Tuesday-Thursday. In-person meetings are suspended (except for the 12-step programs that are part of our community outreach). Please contact us ahead of time if you need to come by.And masks are essential!
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The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
February 7, 2021
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
Isaiah 40:21-31
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
Ministers of the Service:
Presider: Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Deacon: Rev. Diane Luther
Music Director: Robin French
Lector: Steve Coates
Intercessor: Debbie Kallback
Vestry Coordinator: Nancy Cook
Altar Guild: Ann Berry,Amy Hardwicke
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Last Sunday after Epiphany
February 14, 2021
2 Kings 2:1-12
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9
Psalm 50:1-6
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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."
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Events This Week:
Sunday
The Fourth Sunday in Epiphany
Holy Eucharist 10:30am
ONLINE ONLY on Zoom
Monday
Church Office Closed (rector available by appointment)
Executive Committee 9:30am on Zoom
Zoom Poetry Meeting
2:00pm online
EfM 6:30pm on Zoom
Tuesday
Morning Worship 7:30am on Zoom
Bible Study** 10:30am on Zoom
Thursday
Friday
Centering Prayer* 9:00am on Zoom
To receive an invitation with the link to online events, please contact *Gloria at
gracerector@
gracegalena.org
or **Greg Serwich at gserwich@gmail.com All are welcome! |
For current and upcoming events, check out the Google
calendar on the website
Calendar
Link to most current directory here:
If you have any updates to your personal information, please let Nancy know and we will update the Directory. This information is not shared with anyone outside of Grace.
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You can now get information on Formation Ministries directly from the new Grace website at the following links:
Children and Youth Adults
Spiritual Practices
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During our COVID-19 restrictions,
t he 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, If you are 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
Diane Luther
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COMMUNION FOR ZOOM CONGREGATION
 There is always time to sign up for Communion as part of our Zoom worship! You may wish to participate in communion and sign up for every Sunday.
Simply call or email the church office or contact Deacon Diane Luther.
FLOWER CHART FOR 2021
The Flower Chart for 2021 is on the bulletin board in the Parish House. Please contact Ann Berry for available dates. The flowers are $30 and come from the Blooming Basket at the Pig.
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Deadlines and Information
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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 you! News and Photos
for e-Blast!
People want to know what's going on at Grace! There are places here for your event, program, or interesting tidbit. Comments on this e-Blast may be sent here.
Files of sermons are posted Facebook, YouTube and on the Grace Church website as well as in the next week's e-Blast. Paper copies are available upon request.
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| | Meditation Garden at Grace Church |
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| | Virtual Chapel with Compline |
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| | Grace Episcopal Church, Galena IL, 4th after Epiphany 2021 |
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| | Grace Galena Wednesday Morning Prayer 1 27 2021 |
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| | Grace Episcopal Church, Galena IL, 4th after Epiphany 2021 |
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| Grace Galena Wednesday Eucharist
2 3 2021 |
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