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grace episcopal church
galena, illinois
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Second Sunday after Pentecost
Holy Eucharist, 10:30 am
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Ministers of the Service
Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider Nancy Cook, Erben Organist
Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon Ann Berry/Amy Hardwicke,
Terri Jackman, Lector Altar Guild
Donna Davis, Intercessor Lynn Giles, Vestry Coord.
Robin French, Music Director Charlotte Stryker, Greeter
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RECTOR'S RAMBLINGS
First off, you may have read that the State of Illinois is about to move into Phase 5 on the 11th as COVID rates continue to fall. Our diocesan task force will be reviewing the results and making further decisions for its churches. I expect to hear that news at our next clergy Zoom call on Wednesday, June 16. For the next two Sundays, then, our current restrictions will continue to apply. We will hope that more restrictions will be lifted on the 16th, that we will be able to implement for Sunday, the 20th.
Next, and importantly, thank you to all of you who have responded to the announcement of my planned retirement in November for your kind messages of love and support. To be honest, I am feeling rather numb today after making this public and, therefore, bringing it to reality. I have not looked forward to retirement as many have. Perhaps it is because I changed careers late in life and, therefore, often feel like I still have many years to go! If you did not see my letter, you may use this link: Retirement Letter
It might also be because I have been so blessed to serve God in a church like Grace with all of you wonderful people! It has been mostly nine years of joyfully walking with you on this path of deepening our faith, caring for one another as well as those we do not know who are in need of God's love and our material support.
Since many of you have preceded me in this life change, I am most hopeful that you will have insights to share with me as I reluctantly embark on this new chapter! Between now and November, we still have much time to share fellowship together as well as stories, tips for success, and things you wish you had known.
My plan will be, at least initially, to move back to my Chicago home. It is in need of a variety of improvements before I could be able to sell it and move elsewhere. So, any decisions beyond that will need to unfold over time. I expect that I will also find ways to keep active in my ministry through supply preaching and/or filling in for those on sabbatical. And, of course, travel to spend time with my Colorado son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons will be high on my list!
All of us are in transition right now as we slowly resume our in-person activities. For some, there is hesitation, even fear of moving too quickly. For others, it can't come quickly enough. And, I expect that there are those of us who have found enjoyment in some aspects of the slowing down that has come with the limitations of pandemic. This variety of reactions and feelings is normal. We take our time and trust that we are not alone. That we have God--and one another--whatever choices we make. However long it takes to make each adjustment.
See you in church or on Zoom!
Gloria+
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Events this Week:
Sunday 6/6
Holy Eucharist 10:30 am online and in-person
Monday 6/7
Executive Committee 10:00 am
Poetry Group 2:00pm
EfM online 6:30pm
Tuesday 6/8
Karen & Greg Serwich Anniversary
Wednesday 6/9
Midweek Worship online and in-person 7:30am
Morning Study Group online 10:30am
Frani Beadle's Birthday
Thursday 6/10
Rockford Deanery online 10:30 am
Friday 6/11
Centering Prayer online 9:00am
Saturday 6/12
Hal Martin's Birthday
Jayme Frank's Birthday
Debbie & Eric Kallback 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)
Website: includes a password protected members' portal where most recent Vestry minutes, financials, and Grace Church Directory are found.
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AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM
The Outreach Committee has donated $300 to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem for the support of Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.
Ahli Hospital, founded in 1882, is the oldest hospital in Gaza, serves patients regardless of religious affiliation, has been damaged by the airstrikes and is desperately in need of medicines, medical supplies, food, water, and fuel. Because of the loss of electricity, to keep functioning even at a bare minimum of care they need to run generators to keep the medical equipment (even lights) operating. It needs help now to care for the thousands of post conflict trauma cases, many of them children who have lost family members to the violence.
We ask all who wish to make a donation to send it to:
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
25 Old King’s Highway North, Suite 13
Darien, CT 06820
for benefit of AAH
You can also send it to Grace Church and we will collect the total and send it on.
On a personal note, Linda+ has known the now Most Reverend Hosam Naoum, installed last weekend as the new Archbishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem, for many years, he having visited her parish in Chicago, and she having visited St George’s Cathedral in East Jerusalem at the start of the second intifada. We can think of no better way to celebrate his installation than supporting Ahli Hospital, a particular beneficiary of his ministry.
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FORMATION AND SPIRITUALITY MINISTRY NEWS
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ADULT INQUIRER'S CLASS
Our Bishop-elect, Paula Clark will be consecrated on August 28! Prior to her medical emergency she was able to attend our Deanery meeting and talked about her intent to hold deanery-wide services to provide Confirmations, and receive new members to the church. By doing this, those wishing to be received or confirmed would not have to wait for her to visit their parish, which might take two or more years.
Because of this, I will be offering an Adult Inquirers Class sometime this summer (dates will be determined by the schedules of those interested in attending). We will be talking about our identity as Episcopalians, the Book of Common Prayer, a brief history of the Anglican/Episcopal church, our creeds, prayer, Baptism, Eucharist, the Trinity (don’t come looking for an explanation!), and the Jesus Movement as described by Presiding Bishop Curry. Attending does not commit you to being received. You may make that decision after you have completed the class.
This is open to anyone in the church or community, although if there is a large response, those considering reception into the Church will be given priority due to limited space (this is an in-person class). The time commitment is about eight hours. Last time, those taking the class decided to do the whole thing on one Saturday. Other options include but are not limited to two sessions of four hours, or four sessions of two hours. This will be determined by those interested in participating, again with priority to those considering reception.
If you are interested in this or would like more information, please contact Rev. Diane Luther at dm20luther@gmail.com, or call (815) 281-2301
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CELTIC LABYRINTH
After the EfM Seminar was introduced to labyrinths and with Gloria’s blessing, Joy VanWolffersdorff designed and drew in chalk, with Melanie Hoffman’s help, a Celtic labyrinth in the Grace parking lot. That style was chosen because it would fit in the available space. The plan was for it to be available for everyone who came to Grace on Pentecost. Sadly, it rained just enough overnight to wash most of the colored chalk down the drain. Joy and Melanie rechalked the white lines before it rained again so that some were able to walk the Celtic labyrinth.
If you have an interest in learning more about the spiritual practice of walking the labyrinth, or, if you would like to try it for yourself, please make that known to the rector or to Joy. Several of us have experience in the practice and would love to share this further!
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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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EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY ALUMNI BOOK DISCUSSION
Caste is the June EfM Alumni book selection. Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson examines different caste systems around the world and how they damaged the lives of everyone involved, even those at the top. Wilkerson’s premise is that America’s social and political landscapes derive from an infrastructure of human hierarchy implemented 400 years ago when Europeans first arrived. Discussion of this book will begin at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 17th. All wishing to participate are welcome and can obtain a Zoom invitation from Greg Serwich (gserwich@gmail.com).
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Join us to study, discuss and ponder St. Mark’s Gospel. We gather on Zoom, 10:30 – 11:30 Wednesday mornings. Contact Greg Serwich for a Zoom invitation ( gserwich@gmail.com).
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WORSHIP:
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
The first Sunday in Kingdomtide starts the second half of the year with a rather direct challenge to where we place our allegiance, and to whom we give our obedience and devotion. In the Samuel reading, which marks the start of the monarchy in Israel, the people reveal their struggle to remain committed to God. In the conversation between God and Samuel, God relates Israel’s history of turning away from God, and views this call for a king as just another case of misplaced allegiance and a quest to be like the other nations, instead of living as an alternative community under God’s Reign. In the Gospel, Jesus faces persecution both from his family who call him crazy, and from the religious leaders who claim that he is demonised. His response is decisive: he reveals the absurdity in claiming that his power to defeat the devil comes from the devil, which implies that it can only come from God. And, he embraces all who obey God, who give their hearts in allegiance to God’s Reign as he has done, as his family. The message of this week, then, is that life is hard and will bring suffering, especially when we try to live with integrity and faith. However when we keep our allegiance with God we have God’s promise that God will sustain us, and we have the hope in the eternal life that God promises us. Finally, in this life, we also have the joy of a family of faith with whom we can share our tears, our joys and our hope, while helping one another to stay faithful to God.
READINGS:
Psalm 138: Praise and thanksgiving for God’s unfailing love, God’s promises, God’s answers to prayer, and God’s protection.
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1: Paul explains his hope and faith in God that compels him to preach, for as God raised Christ, so God will raise all who believe in Christ. This gives us hope and perseverance in the face of the troubles we must deal with in this life.
Mark 3:20-35: In response to the religious teachers who claim that Jesus is possessed by a demon, Jesus teaches that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, and that Satan cannot fight against Satan. Then, when his mother and brothers come asking for him, Jesus declares that all who do God’s will are his siblings and parents.
thumbnails and commentary from sacredise.com
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RICHARD PEPPER MEMORIAL GARDEN
Soon there will be a flurry of activity in preparation for a new garden at Grace. It will be located to the right of the church, along the sidewalk leading to our Meditation Garden. This will be a pollinating garden, featuring a burst of colors to attract our native birds, butterflies and bees. Our new garden will be in memory of Richard Pepper, a generous donor to Grace Church.
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GALENA PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Galena Public Library is currently beginning their strategic planning process to create a plan for the next five years. They want to make sure they get as much community feedback as possible in order to provide the best service. Larissa Distler, the Adult Services Librarian, has asked if we would send a link to a survey which will help them with their process. Here is the link: https://forms.gle/yEtBm2qJKyQ6GXx76
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HELP WANTED!:
An apprentice to work with Zoom at Grace Church.
This is an important part of our Worship Ministry, and more people are needed to keep our live online services coming! It may seem very complicated, but those of us who have been handling it for nearly a year now all had to start from very basic computer skills and learn "on the job." If we have a small team, the responsibilities can be rotated, making it easier for all of us--and making it possible to explore better ways to assure the best audio and visual experience for those worshiping in person and those online.
Please contact Lynn Giles if interested and for more information.
lynngiles@lynngilesphotography.com
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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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Wednesday Episcopal office of Morning Prayer: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Rebecca North, Lector; Lynn Giles, Zoom Host.
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Day of Pentecost 5/23/2021: A festive celebration of the Day of Pentecost. There were technical difficulties, however, so there are some awkward edits. But it is colorful! The Rev Dr Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev Diane Luther, Deacon; Lynn Giles, Lector and Zoom Host; Debbie Kallback, Intercessor; Deb Pausz, Acolyte; Bill Foltz, Thurifer; Billie Bookless, Boat Boy; Robin French, Music Director; and Nancy Cook, Erben Organist.
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Trinity Sunday 5/30/2021: An Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist--The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Presider; The Rev. Diane Luther, Deacon; Richard Luther, Intercessor; Greg Serwich, Lector; Robin French, Music Director; Nancy Cook, Erben Organist; and Lynn Giles, Zoom Host.
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REOPENING CHURCH (Limited)
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Hybrid worship has resumed for both in-person and Zoom congregations. Since our region is in Phase 4 of the State of Illinois COVID recovery, we are able to offer 24 spaces in the nave with a maximum of 35 people. Each space can accommodate one single or a couple who live in the same household. MASKS ARE REQUIRED UPON ENTRY.
For those wishing to attend in-person, reservations are required. You may reserve by going to reserve. If you are assigned to an Altar Party role where you will be sitting in the Chancel, you need not reserve. All others, such as lectors, musicians, vestry coordinators, greeters, and altar guild do need to reserve.
On Sunday morning, you will come to the Parish House door where a Greeter will check your name(s) off on a list and admit you to the building where you will proceed into the nave to find an empty seat that is designated by a bulletin.
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.
For those on Zoom:
Please mute yourselves before the Prelude begins and immediately after the Peace.
Please review this summary of COVID precautions in worship: 10 COMMANDMENTS
Pews that are not to be used are closed off by lengths of ribbon. There are hand sanitizer stations at the entrance and also at the back of the nave.
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
Richard Luther, 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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