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grace episcopal church
galena, illinois
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Twenty-First Sunday of Pentecost
October 24, 2021
Holy Eucharist, 10:30 am
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October 24, 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. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider
Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon
Steve Coates, Lector
Debbie Kallback, Intercessor
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Robin French, Music Director
Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Eric Kallback, Vestry Coordinator
Pat Golden & Charlotte Stryker
Altar Guild
Maren Coates, Greeter
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Rector's Ramblings
Waiting, waiting, waiting some more. It always seems to take longer than expected to coordinate details on a project. At this point in time, with shipping delays on everything from computer chips to foodstuffs, things can stretch on and on.
But, I am happy to announce that the upgrade to our streaming technology that we've been waiting for these several months appears to be about to happen on November 1st or 2nd. Lifeline technicians will be installing the cameras, microphone, and software necessary to relieve Lynn and Greg from carrying around that tripod and iPhone.
The wait was multi-faceted: first it was the cameras that were backordered. When they became available, it was the computer needed to run the software that was delayed. The monitor was supposed to be delivered in September, but instead was delayed first until October 21, and then, on October 19, I was notified that it would not be available until February. Fortunately, other monitors were available for immediate shipment and the computer showed up a few days early. So, the equipment, as far as we know, is all here. Meanwhile, electricians installed the necessary wiring to bring wired internet into the church building so that we do not need to rely on the instability of wifi for our services.
Now it will be set up and programmed so that the service viewed by those on Zoom--and on other social media--will provide an authentic visual sense of our Episcopal worship from procession to procession, service of the Word to Holy Communion, choir, altar party, and congregation with intelligible sound, whether spoken or sung. When we surveyed the congregation--seems so long ago--that is what was wanted, to get as close as possible for those on Zoom to feel like they are present in the room.
I'm certain there will be some glitches along the way that will need adjustment. I regret that it has taken so very long. But, I think we are almost there.
A critical component, though, is having a team of folk who will rotate the responsibility of making this happen each Sunday. This is a ministry that should be reasonably easy--you do NOT need to be a programmer or coder. You should be able to follow a service bulletin and push the appropriate button. But it will make all the difference in the world for those who cannot be physically present. Won't you prayerfully consider joining the team?
See you in church,
Gloria+
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Events this Week:
Sunday 10/24
Holy Eucharist 10:30am online and in-person
Social Hour suspended at this time.
Monday 10/25
Poetry Group 2:00pm
Tuesday 10/26
Compline online 8:30pm
Outreach Committee Meeting 10:00am
Wednesday 10/27
Midweek Worship online and in-person 7:30am
Morning Study Group on Zoom 10:00am
Thursday 10/28
Richard Babcock Mem.Yarn Ministry 1:30pm
Jim Posts's Birthday
Brian Beadle's Birthday
Friday 10/29
Centering Prayer online 9:00 am
Saturday 10/30
Choir Practice 10 am
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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Rector Search Committee Members
Steve Coates,
Pete Stryker,
Co-chairs
Greg Anderson
Teresa Burke
Elizabeth Ludescher
Dave Mikelson
Joy Von Wolffersdorff
Their contact information is available in the church directory on our website at this link: directory
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SEARCH COMMITTEE
The search committee and vestry met a week ago Thursday with
Rev. Andrea Mysen to review the results of our recently completed CAT surveys. We’re very pleased to provide you the following summary:
Broadly the results show our congregation as healthy and vibrant, with a very high level of satisfaction, and a high level of engagement (the number of completed surveys clearly indicates a very high degree of commitment to the ongoing life of our church as well as to the call process.)
More specifically we self-assess as very high on hospitality, morale, ability to manage conflict, trust in leadership, and readiness for ministry. We view our congregation as strong in providing educational opportunities.
The Grace congregation is theologically very progressive, and we lean toward being more flexible. Note the word “lean”; flexibility is an area that could be further developed, as it strongly correlates to congregational health.
In 2014 the results of our survey brought out the importance to our congregation of welcoming guests and of improving the physical facility. Of course the significant positive change in those areas showed up in our current survey!
We also have a couple areas that left the search committee and vestry “wondering”, and we offer these here:
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Our survey identified growth as a priority, but there is a question as to whether growth in families with children is realistic (Do area and congregational demographics support this? Are we willing to make the significant changes that would be needed to appeal to this population? Or, is God leading us in a different direction?)
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We identified worship/music as an area that could further boost satisfaction (but another portion of the survey suggests that people are content with music and worship.) This is an area to work on, to find out just what is meant by these seemingly conflicting results!
So, overall a very positive result! Again, we thank you for all this data that will help illustrate who Grace church is! And, you have another (last) opportunity to help fill out this picture! While providing data through the CAT survey was maybe a bit dry, meeting in small groups (which we’ll be doing shortly) to share answers to a half-dozen questions will be anything but! More on that in the coming week!
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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WORSHIP MINISTRY NEWS
ALL SAINTS' DAY is coming! Since November 1 falls on a Monday this year, we will observe this Principle Feast Day on Sunday, October 31.
As is customary, we will remember those who have died since All Saints' Day with the tolling of the bell and all others whose names we wish to lift up by lighting candles in their memory.
Please use the sign-up sheets at each entrance for the names of loved ones that we will remember. You are also invited to bring photographs that will be displayed in the chancel on that day.
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OUTREACH MINISTRY NEWS
United Churches of Galena--HELP NEEDED!
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
If you have not yet received a mailing from the Rector about this year's pledge campaign, it is on its way! The theme is "Every Perfect Gift," and a weekly reflection will appear in each Sunday's bulletin relating to that theme. There will also be two more personal reflections offered by parishioners in Sunday worship on October 24 and November 7. This will Sunday will be Amy Hardwicke.
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.
To see the reflection by Dave Mikelson on October 17, please click this link: Stewardship
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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 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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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:
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY
AFTER PENTECOST
Jeremiah 31:7-9: God’s promise to restore all of Israel’s people, including the weak and marginalised, and bring them into a life of peace and well-being.
Psalm 126: When God restored the fortunes of God’s people, they were so joyful, and now they continue to pray that God will bring them prosperity and joy.
Hebrews 7:23-28: Jesus is an eternal priest who constantly prays for God’s people. He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day because he offered himself once and for all.
Mark 10:46-52: As Jesus enters Jericho a blind man named Bartimaeus shouts out asking for Jesus to have mercy on him. Then Jesus calls the blind man, and asks him what he wants. When he answers that he wants to see, Jesus heals him, and he follows Jesus.
IMark’s distinctive storytelling genius is on full display in this short incident, packed with meaningful details. That pushy blind man every traveler from Jerusalem to Jericho had to pass shouts out to Jesus, “Son of David,” a title Mark has reserved to this pivotal point in his narrative. Immediately and out of nowhere, the blind man “sees” what others have not seen; this is the One for whom Israel has been longing as a new breakthrough of God’s love and saving work. Anyone who reads/hears Mark’s narrative is in the same place as Bartimaeus. We are not “eye” witnesses, we only know what we have heard (and read) about this Jesus and his message. But also like Bartimaeus, what we have heard/read is enough to enable us to “see” what cannot be seen in any other way. In the same way we say everyday, “I see” when we finally understand something someone has tried her best to describe in words, we can finally say, I get it. Joining such an unlikely witness as the “blind” Bartimaeus, who “saw” what others had missed, relying only on what he had heard, we, too can declare this “Son of David” as “my teacher.”
thumbnails from sacredise.com
commentary excerpted from sacraconversazione.org
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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 10/17/21: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider, The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Greg Serwich, Lector and Zoom Host.
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An Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist 10/17/21: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Elizabeth Ludescher, Intercessor; Richard Luther, Lector; Robin French, Music Director; Nancy Cook, Erben Organist; Dave Mikelson, Stewardship Moment; 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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