Of Human Flourishing

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

26 June 2013

This commentary is being posted a day early, in response to the important rulings of the United States Supreme Court about the power of the federal government allow or deny benefits and rights on the basis of how marital status has been defined under state law, and that those who challenged a court decision invalidating a California election initiative to define marriage did not have the legal standing to appear before the court.

As the debate inevitably heats up about how to define what is and is not considered (in the law, not in faith) a marriage, we will hear a lot about the nature of human union.  Is this “organic” or “emotional,” or, indeed “experiential”.  Regardless of what personal views a person may have on the issues presented, underlying all disputes in modern debate is a fundamental disagreement over what human life is for, about how we define human flourishing.

People of faith and secularists can both agree that each human being possesses a profound, inherent and equal dignity and is an end in himself or herself.  But is the locus of the authentic self of each person a desiring mind (a secularist view)?  If it is, then each person has the right to use his or her own body to pursue his or her own ends.  If, on the other hand, the self is a dynamic unity of mind, body and spirit (as is taught, for example, in the apostle Paul’s writings), then this integrated person cannot separate his or her mind (and fears, desires, and feelings) from his or her body and spirit.

We are surrounded by a culture that accepts that the person may defined with reference to a desiring mind.  That is why we are surrounded by messages—on television and in other media, in schools and universities, musical lyrics and videos, laws and judicial decisions—that assume a secular orthodoxy in which we are objects (for example) of sexual desire and satisfaction rather than integrated persons.  The so-called sexual revolution has made people into objects, in the name of liberation!

No person is an object.  Each person is created in the image and likeness of God, and we are redeemed by and through the offering of God’s only-begotten Son.  God invests infinite value in each person.  Whenever we argue over what human flourishing is, let us ever keep in mind that we are concerned with people, each one considered infinitely valuable to God, and so let us engage on a personal level and not by objectifying the other.  Whenever we are tempted to use a label, let’s use a name.  Both within the Church and in society, however you react to the decision of the Supreme Court, remember that in reacting to another person, or about another person, you are dealing with a person, someone and not something.

Grace Abounds:  Please thank Dale and Mary Massey for the wonderful coffee hour.  Please thank Pat Ford Smith and Jane Hanson for providing office coverage during Dcn. Michele’s attendance at continuing education.

Faith Alive:  Faith Alive is coming to Grace!  On September 20-22 Grace will be hosting a Faith Alive event.  For those of you who have not heard, Faith Alive is a spiritual retreat held in the comfort of our own church and city.  It will include numerous activities developed to bring our church closer together and ourselves closer to God and understanding the unique relationship we share with Him.  More information will be shared throughout the summer to prepare you and your family for this valuable journey to strengthen your faith and unify our church family. 

Episcopal Youth Community:  Hello, welcome, and grace and peace.

This week our bonfire on the beach was winded out, but we still had a lot of fun! We instead met together in St. Nicholas Hall and had a family game night. We were a little bummed about the fire, so we built one in the hall. The only difference is that we used a lot of streamers and a fan tipped upward. It was beautiful. I look forward to our next adventure! Stay tuned.

Thanks!

―Nick

Music this week: 

Prelude                                    Cantabile                                                         Franck

Entrance Hymn 518                “Christ is made the sure foundation”             Westminster Abbey

Offertory Hymn 359               “God of the prophets”                                                Toulon

Communion Hymn 550          “Jesus calls us o’er the tumult”                       Restoration

Closing Hymn 551                  “Rise up, ye saints of God”                            Festal Song

Postlude                                  Sortie in F                                                       Franck

Parish Notices:

§  Dcn. Michele will be attending The Washington Island Forum: for continuing education all week June 24 -28. The office will be open 9:00 am -12:00 pm.

§  Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! No, really, our Christmas in July Red Kettle Campaign is coming to a kettle stand near you. In order to assist families in our area this summer, we are pulling out the familiar symbols of The Salvation Army - our red kettles.  For several weeks, our homeless shelter has housed several families and their children. As the summer goes on, we expect to see even more.  Need truly doesn't have a season and this summer is no exception.  We hope you will help us make a difference for these families in need. On Tuesday, July 23^rd, Grace Church will be ringing bells at Pick & Save - South – Sheboygan from 10:00am to 6:00pm - and we need you!  Bring the kids, invite the neighbors and enjoy the sun.  Help us provide assistance to area families in need this summer. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.

§  Bishop’s Retirement Celebration: Everyone is invited to attend the Celebration for Bishop Russ and Jerrie Jacobus Sunday, August 18, 2013 from 3:30 – 9:00pm at Homestead Meadows, W7560 Spencer Rd. Appleton, WI 54914. This will be a casual event including Hayrides & games, dinner, a program, concluding with a dance with a DJ. Please register at diofdl.org/celebration . The cost to attend is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 12-18 and children under 12 free. Please do not let cost be a factor in attending, assistance is available for all.

§  Bishop Search: For all information concerning the search for the eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac please go to bishopsearch.info.

§  Song of Solomon:  It’s known the Bible provides great wisdom for righteous living and spiritual growth. But it can guide us in our dating, courtship and marriage relationships as well!   Pastor Andy Shanholtz will guide married and engaged couples in this informative, 8 week study of one of the earliest known books on relationship advice.  Class will be Monday evenings at the Great Marriages office, beginning Sept 9^th. *Please note the new date!*   Call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.

§  Love Thinks:  This program is for adults who want to make smart choices in dating including: individuals who have experienced a divorce and are dating again, never married singles, and anyone who wants advice on how to find a mate who is compatible for a healthy relationship.  This one day, free and informative program will be held Sat, Sept 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Great Marriages office.  Please call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.

The Offering of Burdens

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

20 June 2013

Today’s date includes the commemoration, in a minority of Anglican churches and more widely in the eastern Orthodox Church, of the translation of the relics of King Edward the Martyr (d. 980), not to be confused with the more famous King Edward the Confessor (d. 1066).  Edward is an obscure saint, never officially canonized, but culted following his murder during a succession struggle.  So why is he remembered, and why mention him in a parish blog?  It is because of the nature of his cult, as what the Orthodox refer to as a “passion bearer”.

A passion bearer (Russian = strastoterpets) is a person who faces his or her death in a Christ-like manner.  A passion bearer is not explicitly killed for his or her faith, but hold to their faith in the face of death through piety and love of God.  Thus, all martyrs are passion bearers, but not all passion bearers are martyrs.

We pray for protection from attack and untimely death.  Indeed, we pray this explicitly in The Great Litany, praying for deliverance from “... oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared ...” (BCP 149), but the example of a passion bearer is perhaps must relevant to us when we consider how we have to face challenges far less daunting but far more prevalent than sudden mortal threat.  Do we, in fact, bear Jesus’ passion and share in His suffering, in how we face the many small details of suffering in this life?  These can include minor indignities or major assaults upon our well-being.  They can include annoyance or real pain.  The question becomes, how do we respond to suffering?  Do we rage against it (and against others) because we somehow believe that we should be treated better?  Do we withdraw into a calculating rationalism, in which our only response to suffering is to try to figure out how to shift it to somebody else?  Or do we bear pain for the sake of God’s love, for the sake of Jesus’ sacrifice?  The example our Lord gives us is to always hate the evil which causes suffering, but to bear the suffering as a participation in the redemption of creation.

Bearing suffering—acting as small, day-to-day passion bearers—is certainly countercultural.  It is also something that we cannot do on our own.  We can only bear suffering by allowing our Lord to take our burden from us (Mtt. 11.28).  And let’s be clear, while we may be called to bear our own suffering, we are never called to condone the suffering of another, but to be God’s own agents to relieve the suffering of others.  When we participate in the redemption of creation by offering up our own burdens, and by working to lift the burdens of others, we become more Christ-like. 

Grace Abounds:  Please thank Dale and Mary Massey for the wonderful coffee hour.  Please thank Pat Ford Smith and Jane Hanson for providing office coverage during Dcn. Michele’s service at camp.

Faith Alive:  Faith Alive:  The Weekend takes place Friday to Sunday, the 20th to 22nd of September.  You are encouraged to pray for the Weekend as we’ve been doing in our worship every Sunday morning.  There’ll be other opportunities: a Thursday night Prayer Vigil just before it all begins.  AND, let’s not just pray before, but continue giving thanks afterwards; praying for those good things begun & the commitments made.  Stay tuned. 

Episcopal Youth Community:  Bonfire on the Beach UPDATE!

Grace and Peace to you in the name of the risen Lord!  Please don't forget that tomorrow is our 2nd annual Start of Summer Bonfire on the Beach! June 21, 2013 between 6:30pm-10:00pm in Deland Park, Sheboygan, North of the playground.

Due to competition for space, we will defer to the other group (who was featured in the newspaper) and move our party up the beach to the next fire pit. It is approximately 400 yards north of the other one. I expect that this will make for a closer group rather than a more spread out group only because the walk would seem so long. However, if you find yourself at the other fire pit or curious about what is going on or wondering who they are, they will be singing worship songs and Campus Life of Sheboygan is hosting. You are welcome to check it out, and sing along if you wish, but the food and things will be with us, just to the north.

Second point to consider. There is an increasing chance of rain tomorrow, so the contingency plan will be to meet in St. Nicholas Hall at Grace Church. We'll get the stove going and cook our food there, and we'll bring out other entertainments. In fact we'll probably bring out a few board games, and then we'll really get rowdy. Obviously we will keep an eye on the weather situation, and plan accordingly.

I look forward to this time, and can't wait to see all of you!

For the most up-to-date information find this event on facebook with this link. https://www.facebook.com/events/313873442079025/  You don't need an account to view it.

Music this week: 

Prelude                        Prayer; Invocation                                          Alexandre Guilmant

Entrance Hymn #427  “When morning gilds the skies”                     Laudes Domini

Offertory Hymn #366  “Holy God, we praise thy Name”                 Grosser Gott

Comm. Hymn #482   “Lord of all hopefulness”                                 Slane

Closing Hymn #561    “Stand up, stand up for Jesus”                       Morning Light

Postlude                      Grand Triumphal Chorus                               Guilmant        

Parish Notices:

Dcn. Michele will be attending The Washington Island Forum: for continuing education all week June 24 -28. The office will be open 9:00 am -12:00 pm.

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! No, really, our Christmas in July Red Kettle Campaign is coming to a kettle stand near you. In order to assist families in our area this summer, we are pulling out the familiar symbols of The Salvation Army - our red kettles.  For several weeks, our homeless shelter has housed several families and their children. As the summer goes on, we expect to see even more.  Need truly doesn't have a season and this summer is no exception.  We hope you will help us make a difference for these families in need. On Tuesday, July 23^rd, Grace Church will be ringing bells at Pick & Save - South – Sheboygan from 10:00am to 6:00pm - and we need you!  Bring the kids, invite the neighbors and enjoy the sun.  Help us provide assistance to area families in need this summer. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.

Ladies and Gentlemen: I write to you as congregations nearest our Cathedral. The Cathedral graciously hosts the Eucharistic Festival, but it is becoming more of a struggle to have enough hands to set-up and clean-up. I appeal to you for assistance. If you are attending and have a willingness to serve, would you please assist with set-up before or clean-up after? Set-up will be moving chairs, tables, coolers, setting up serving lines and filling coolers with soda and ice. Clean-up will be returning tables and chairs inside the building, garbage detail, and other cleaning needs. Please sign up at www.diofdl.org/ef

Bishop’s Retirement Celebration: Everyone is invited to attend the Celebration for Bishop Russ and Jerrie Jacobus Sunday, August 18, 2013 from 3:30 – 9:00pm at Homestead Meadows, W7560 Spencer Rd. Appleton, WI 54914. This will be a casual event including Hayrides & games, dinner, a program, concluding with a dance with a DJ. Please register at diofdl.org/celebration . The cost to attend is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 12-18 and children under 12 free. Please do not let cost be a factor in attending, assistance is available for all.

Bishop Search: For all information concerning the search for the eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac please go to bishopsearch.info.

Song of Solomon:  It’s known the Bible provides great wisdom for righteous living and spiritual growth. But it can guide us in our dating, courtship and marriage relationships as well!   Pastor Andy Shanholtz will guide married and engaged couples in this informative, 8 week study of one of the earliest known books on relationship advice.  Class will be Monday evenings at the Great Marriages office, beginning Sept 9^th. *Please note the new date!*   Call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.

Love Thinks:  This program is for adults who want to make smart choices in dating including: individuals who have experienced a divorce and are dating again, never married singles, and anyone who wants advice on how to find a mate who is compatible for a healthy relationship.  This one day, free and informative program will be held Sat, Sept 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Great Marriages office.  Please call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.

The Season after Pentecost

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

13 June 2013

Grace Notes this week is focused on information, not commentary.  Now that we are in the season after Pentecost, the lectionary of lessons for Sunday worship offers two options, the so-called “Semi-continuous Track” (Track 1) and the “Gospel-related Track” (Track 2).  It is our practice at Grace to follow Track 2.  What are the differences between the two options, and why have we selected the latter?

The track options arose with the adoption of the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) in 2006.  Under the old lectionary found in The Book of Common Prayer, the lessons from the Old and New Testaments were selected to resonate with the message or story found in the gospel lesson.  Thus, and Old Testament lesson might provide a foreshadowing or a parallel of what is revealed more fully in the gospel lesson, and the epistle would be related thematically.  (The psalm was selected to relate most closely to the Old Testament lesson.)  The lessons were thus intended to fit together, and to provide a mutual reinforcement of message.  This is the approach maintained in Track 2 readings, the selection of which is very close to that found in the old prayer book lectionary.

Track 1 Old Testament readings are “semi-continuous,” that is, they start in one book and keep working their way through the book.  The thinking behind this approach is that it exposes the worshipper to more Scripture.  However, this exposure requires that the worshipper not miss any Sundays, in order to make any sense out of the O.T. readings!  An additional problem with the Track 1 approach is that it reinforces the academic perspective that the Old and New Testaments are not integrated into an organic whole.  This perspective is reflected in the academic practices of referring to the “Hebrew Bible” and the “Christian Bible” rather than the Old and New Testaments, and using B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) and C.E. (Common Era) instead of B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, “in the year of our Lord”) in referring to historical dates.  But the Church has always maintained that no such separation is valid!  Indeed, our Lord makes the same point at Luke 24.27, “... and beginning with Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

We use Track 2 for the practical reason that the lessons “make sense” more when they are related to each other, and for the theological reason that God’s revelation to us is integrated throughout all of Scripture.

Grace Abounds:  Please thank Houa Wa, Neng Her and Dustin Yang for the wonderful coffee hour and Hmong delicacies this past Sunday, and thank Jennifer Pawlus for a wonderful cake.

Faith Alive:  Faith Alive:  The Faith Alive weekend is 20 to 22 September.  Something you may not know about the Weekend:  The Visiting Team will all be Episcopalians—about 20 of them—coming at their own expense.  They aren’t going to teach or preach, just to share their lives & how they’ve come to a deeper faith in Jesus.  They'll be doing the sharing; you can say nothing, or speak up when you feel comfortable. 

Episcopal Youth Community:  Camp and Campfire:  Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord!

This week, our diocese has kicked off its summer camp program, so let's do our part as a parish and keep all of our campers, and the staff in our prayers. This week the senior campers (high schoolers) are having their session. These last couple of days are crucial to the camp experience as the group has had time to come together as a community, and now they can focus on growing together in Christ.

From there some of them will carry on into the junior camp (elementary school) session staff. Both Junior and Middler sessions will take place next week (simultaneously but separate). When they finish, the kinder campers with arrive with their parent or guardian for a fun filled couple of days of camping experiences!

The lessons learned, the friends made, the self growth that happens at camp at all levels is one of the greatest things we do in our diocese, please keep them in our prayers!

When all campers have returned to us, on the first day of summer (June 21st) we will have our 2nd annual Start of Summer Bonfire on the Beach! We'll meet at north beach between 6:30pm and 10:00pm. We will have a campfire grill for you to cook your dinner. For more information please find the link below helpful, otherwise there are posters hanging in the church, or you can call/text me at 920-889-8003.

https://www.facebook.com/events/313873442079025/

Music this week: 

Prelude                        Partita on ‘What God decrees is always good’           Pachelbel

Entrance Hymn 410    “Praise, my soul, the King of heaven”                        Lauda anima              

Offertory Hymn 460   “Alleluia, sing to Jesus”                                              Hyfyrdol

Comm. Hymn 691      “My faith looks up to thee”                                        Olivet

Closing Hymn 408      “Sing praise to God who reigns above”                      Mit Freuden zart

Postlude                      Prelude from the Te Deum                                         Charpentier

Parish Notices:

§  It is not too late to sign up for Camp!!  Diocese of Fond du Lac Summer Camp is for kids age 4 through graduating 12^th graders. Camp is an opportunity for campers and staff to learn more about God, about community, about themselves and have fun! If you have questions about what camp is like please call Michele at the office.

Scholarships are available.

Middler Camp (completed grades 6-8) June 16 (Sun 3pm) – June 20 (Thu 4pm)

Junior Camp (completed grades 2-5) June 16 (Sun 3pm) – June 20 (Thu 4pm)

KinderCamp (parent & kids ages 4-7) June 20 (Thu 5pm) – June 22 (Sat 11:30am)

• There are application forms on the Narthex table.

§  The 54th Annual Eucharistic Festival: at St. Paul's Cathedral, Fond du Lac is Saturday, June 29th, including the Bishop's Picnic and a Diocesan Summer Camp Reunion for any who have attended camp at anytime. The Rt. Rev. Ed Little, Bishop of Northern Indiana is the Homilist. Bishop Jacobus' goal is to make this Festival truly diocesan with every congregation represented by carrying their banner, singing with the choir, or worshipping from the pew. Read the details, including volunteering to serve by helping with set-up, serving, or clean-up, at diofdl.org/ef.

§  Bishop’s Retirement Celebration: Everyone is invited to attend the Celebration for Bishop Russ and Jerrie Jacobus Sunday, August 18, 2013 from 3:30 – 9:00pm at Homestead Meadows, W7560 Spencer Rd. Appleton, WI 54914. This will be a casual event including Hayrides & games, dinner, a program, concluding with a dance with a DJ. Please register at diofdl.org/celebration . The cost to attend is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 12-18 and children under 12 free. Please do not let cost be a factor in attending, assistance is available for all.

§  The Fifth Annual “Good Stock” Music Festival: will be held on Saturday June 22^nd at the Fountain Park band shell in downtown Sheboygan. Music featuring praise bands from all over Sheboygan County, a kid’s activity area and good food will all begin at 11am and run until 8:30pm. Admission is free. For more information visit the website at www.goodstocksheboygancounty.com.

§  Bishop Search: For all information concerning the search for the eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac please go to bishopsearch.info.

§  Friday Date Night:  It’s easy to fall in love, but staying in love is another thing entirely! Come to the Great Marriages office for a program and free simple supper to share with your partner on Friday, June 14^th, 5:30 – 9:00pm. It’s a fun and informative way to spend an enjoyable evening together as we discuss the topic, Staying in Love.  Please call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.

§  Song of Solomon:  It’s known the Bible provides great wisdom for righteous living and spiritual growth. But it can guide us in our dating, courtship and marriage relationships as well!   Pastor Andy Shanholtz will guide married and engaged couples in this informative, 8 week study of one of the earliest known books on relationship advice.  Class will be Monday evenings at the Great Marriages office, beginning Sept 9^th. *Please note the new date!*   Call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.

§  Love Thinks:  This program is for adults who want to make smart choices in dating including: individuals who have experienced a divorce and are dating again, never married singles, and anyone who wants advice on how to find a mate who is compatible for a healthy relationship.  This one day, free and informative program will be held Sat, Sept 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Great Marriages office.  Please call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.

Found, not Sought

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

6 June 2013

We recently heard the story from Acts 16.16-34, in which the apostle Paul rebukes a spirit which dwells in a slave in Philippi.  In writing in reponse to a truly bizarre interpretation of this story, preached recently by a well-known figure in the Church, Bp. Dan Martins of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield  has “cut to the chase” about what is problematical about Church leaders deconstructing Scripture.  His words apply not only to Church leaders, but to all of us, and are good enough to share:

[A]ll Christians, but particularly those in ordained leadership, [have the duty] to operate from within the tradition, as an insider looking out, and not from a critical distance, as an outsider looking in.  The Christian tradition (a term I use in what I think is an Eastern Orthodox sense, inclusive of scripture, liturgy, ascesis, and the mainstream of theology) is certainly an appropriate object of critical inquiry by detached outsiders, whether sympathetic or hostile.  But such critical inquiry is not in the remit of a bishop; in fact, bishops pretty much surrender the option of engaging in that sort of work the moment they are consecrated.  A bishop is, by definition, by job description, thoroughly a conservative, operating as a custodian of the tradition and articulating an insider's point of view.  Is there room on the margins for prophetic voices that challenge the establishment, speaking words of truth and justice?  Yes, there certainly is room for those voices.  But they are not the voices of bishops.  It is, rather, the job of bishops, speaking as consummate insiders, to equip the baptized faithful to listen to the voices from the margins and discern between true prophets and false ones. 

As believers we are not called to “seek the truth,” but to proclaim that we have found it.  Always be prepared to testify to the hope that is within you (1 Pet. 3.15).  Listen to those who question the faith, and be prepared to learn more about your own faith by how you come to answer this questioning, but remember that we are called to proclaim, not to engage in a “discussion club” about what is and is not the faith.  Tell your own story, and relate this to your faith story, that those who do not know God may meet Him because of how you have shown them the way.

Grace Abounds:  Please thank Houa Wa, Neng Her and Dustin Yang for the wonderful coffee hour and Hmong delicacies this past Sunday.

Faith Alive:  The Faith Alive weekend is 20 to 22 September.  Throughout the summer, you will hear and read brief answers to the question, “What is Faith Alive?”  Here is the first answer:

Faith Alive involves an intentional inventory of our life in Christ.  It’s not about how we “do church” on a Sunday, but about how we are the Church at all times, alive in the Holy Spirit and in life together.

Episcopal Youth Community:  The best friends you'll ever have for your whole life.

Grace and Peace to you!

Lately on my social media "news" feeds I have had many of my friends post reminiscences, memories, or pictures from our time at camp. These people that I went to camp with, or worked at camp with have been my confidants, my away-from-home family, my this-is-random-but-I-know-you'll-understand friends, my roommates, table-mates, swim buddies. My late-night walk, look at the stars, watch the moon set kind of friends. These are the people I worshiped with, played with, had heart warming discussion with, shared heart-aching tears with, and prayed with. From these people I have seen sudden and amazing changes, and watched them change slowly over the course of a week, summer, year, or life, and in turn they have shown me the changes I have gone through. They are my pen pals, my long-lost, never-forgotten, always-answer-the-phone friends that know who you are and where you come from even when you haven't spoken in years. These are the people I went to camp with. These are the people who shaped me, as a boy, as a man, as a Christian. It's through these people that I began to understand who God is in me, by them showing me who God is in them. Without them, I don't know who I might be today.

This is my best testimony for why all of our youth should go to camp. By and through the people we meet, the relationships we make, and the God we serve we become who we are today.

Please consider the Diocesan Summer Camp Program, it's just about the best thing our Diocese does for our youth, or maybe I should say it simply is the best.

There's still time! If you are interested in camp, but don't know how to get registered please contact the church office. If you are interested, but you don't think it's something you can afford please know that we full-heartedly believe that cost should never ever be a reason not to go to camp. There are scholarships and funds to campers available for anyone who might need them.

Senior Camp - held June 9 (3pm)-15 (12noon), Completed Grades 9-12Middler Camp - held June 16 (3pm)-20 (4pm), Completed Grades 6-8
Junior Camp - held June 16 (3pm)-20 (4pm), Completed Grades 2-5
Kindercamp - held June 20 (5pm)-22 (11:30am), Ages 4-7 with parent or adult family member

Congratulations Graduates!

Eighth Grade

Beth Boland - Lake Country Academy

Dee Crouse - Bethlehem Lutheran

High School

Olivia Gallimore - North High School, National Honor Society
          Will attend UW- Stevens Point

Alaina Gedemer - North High School, National Honor Society

          Will attend Saint Louis University

Stuart Schmidt - South High School, Valedictorian, National Honor Society

          Will attend Northland College

Elli Westfall - North High School, National Honor Society

          Will attend UW-Whitewater

University

Jon Whitford - UW Milwaukee, Bachelor of Science in Information Science & Technology        Magna Cum Laude

Deanna Yang – UW Madison, Bachelor of Science in Education

          with Dual Certificate in Math & Science

          Will be teaching English in South Korea through the English Program in Korea.

Music this week: 

Prelude                        Prière                                                                          Jongen

Entrance Hymn 616    “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”                                                Es flog ein kleins

                                                                                                                        Waldvögelein

Offertory Hymn 448   “O Love, how deep, how broad, how high”              Deus tuoroum militum

Comm. Hymn 693      “Just as I am, without one plea”                                 Woodworth

Closing Hymn 411      “O bless the Lord, my soul”                                       St. Thomas (Williams)

Postlude                      Prelude & Fugue in G Major                                      J. S. Bach

Parish Notices:

Michele will be at camp all week June 9 -15. The office will be open 9:00am -12:00pm. Please keep Diocesan Summer Camp in your prayers.

It is not too late to sign up for Camp!!  Diocese of Fond du Lac Summer Camp is for kids age 4 through graduating 12^th graders. Camp is an opportunity for campers and staff to learn more about God, about community, about themselves and have fun! If you have questions about what camp is like please call Michele at the office.

Scholarships are available.

Senior Camp (completed grades 9-12) June 9 (Sun 3 pm) – June 15 (Sat 12 noon)

Middler Camp (completed grades 6-8) June 16 (Sun 3 pm) – June 20 (Thu 4 pm)

Junior Camp (completed grades 2-5) June 16 (Sun 3 pm) – June 20 (Thu 4 pm)

KinderCamp (parent & kids ages 4-7) June 20 (Thu 5 pm) – June 22 (Sat 11:30 am)

• There are application forms on the Narthex table.

The 54th Annual Eucharistic Festival: at St. Paul's Cathedral, Fond du Lac is Saturday, June 29th, including the Bishop's Picnic and a Diocesan Summer Camp Reunion for any who have attended camp at anytime. The Rt. Rev. Ed Little, Bishop of Northern Indiana is the Homilist. Bishop Jacobus' goal is to make this Festival truly diocesan with every congregation represented by carrying their banner, singing with the choir, or worshipping from the pew. Read the details, including volunteering to serve by helping with set-up, serving, or clean-up, at diofdl.org/ef.

Bishop’s Retirement Celebration: Everyone is invited to attend the Celebration for Bishop Russ and Jerrie Jacobus Sunday, August 18, 2013 from 3:30 – 9:00pm at Homestead Meadows, W7560 Spencer Rd. Appleton, WI 54914. This will be a casual event including Hayrides & games, dinner, a program, concluding with a dance with a DJ. Please register at diofdl.org/celebration . The cost to attend is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 12-18 and children under 12 free. Please do not let cost be a factor in attending, assistance is available for all.

The Fifth Annual “Good Stock” Music Festival: will be held on Saturday June 22^nd at the Fountain Park band shell in downtown Sheboygan. Music featuring praise bands from all over Sheboygan County, a kid’s activity area and good food will all begin at 11am and run until 8:30pm. Admission is free. For more information visit the website at www.goodstocksheboygancounty.com.

Bishop Search: For all information concerning the search for the eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac please go to bishopsearch.info.