A Messenger

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

24 October 2013

Today is the feast of St. Raphael the Archangel.  Raphael appears in the book Tobit, which is in the Apocrypha in Protestant bibles.  His name means “God has healed,” and he is one of four named archangels.

The word angel means “messenger”.  Angels are created beings, pure spirit lacking bodies.  Thus, they can assume different forms, and we are taught in scripture that we can encounter angels unawares (Heb. 13.2).  The question we have to ask ourselves relates, therefore, to whether or not we are open to receiving a messenger from God?  We may, in fact, encounter an angel, but it is much more likely that God will use a human agent to give us a message.  The question is whether we are listening.  When someone tells us something that we don't want to hear, because it contradicts our own will, are we open to the possibility that it is our will that needs to be examined?

We can only discern God's will in community.  We have to discern His will together.  This means that we have to listen to each other, even when we disagree, and it means that we have to be open to the possibility that what we might not want to hear might be a message from God, given to us by a human messenger.  May our Lord grant us the grace to both listen and speak by His will, that in community we may identify His will and do it!

Grace Abounds:  Please thank Brian Heck and Joyce Wessel for the wonderful coffee hours this past Sunday. 

Call for Contributions:  If you have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshippers toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by Wednesday (noon) each week.

Experience of Grace (part of an ongoing series):  Truthfully, I can't remember for how long I have suffered from a most severe case of homesickness.  I am longing for the language, literature, cathedrals, and most of all the music of my homeland.  No wonder, I responded enthusiastically to an invitation to attend one of Dr. Dobey's organ recitals many years ago.

When I entered the nave of Grace Church on the evening of that recital, my heart stood still.  Surrounded by the very stained-glass windows, carved wooden sculptures and furnishings I had known in my youth, I felt transported back into the past.  Dr. Dobey's recital on our magnificent organ just "blew me away", as the kids would say. 

I did not want to leave after the concert.  Lucky for me, there was a reception in the narthex.  So I stayed.  "If only one person would notice me, I'll be back", I thought.  No sooner had I finished my thought, a gentleman struck up a conversation with me.  Since I had never been in an Episcopal Church, I had questions.  Many.  And I got answers.  Not only that:  Minutes later, the gentleman presented with "Amazing Grace".  I will never stop treasuring that book or the giver:  Bernie Markevitch, who is now a most dear friend.  Read the dedication he later wrote for me on the inside cover!  You'll get teary-eyed.  I did.

There's more:  Hungry for a church home, I attended Mass.  Again I played my silly game: "if only one person will say only one word to me, I know that God wants me at Grace...".  Sure enough, after a truly Holy Mass, a gentleman introduced himself and welcomed me.  I found another dear friend:  Crawford Smith.  Now I knew I was really home.  Shortly after Bishop Jacobus received me into our Church, Barb and Bob MacEwen visited us to bring us a loaf of delicious homemade bread to welcome me into the Church Family. 

And that's how it was some ten years ago.  Of course, that's not the end of the story.  Just the beginning.  I'll tell you more some day.  For now, just this:  I am home—finally!  (Juergen Pietzner)  

Small Group Ministries:

This coming Sunday, 27 October, the education hour from 9 to 10 a.m. will be dedicated to the formation of small groups for ministry.  In a session to be led by Ed Clabots, we will gather to consider how we might form small groups for mutual support, for outreach, and for ministry.  The idea is to build on the experience of sharing and caring in small groups which we had this past weekend and during the Faith Alive retreat.  We will explore who may be called to work in specific groups, for example: a mutual support and ministry group for those who suffer from clinical depression, and/or those who live with a depressed person; a group to watch a series such as Call the Midwife (or a series of films) over a light supper with discussion; a mutual support group for caregivers; a men’s fellowship; a bible study or book discussion group.  Other ideas may arise (and we hope that leaders will arise, as well!), and the session will also allow for a brief review of existing parish ministries.  Please plan to attend, and with ideas!

New Consecration Sunday:  Our stewardship Sunday will be on on 10 November, with one service at 10 a.m., followed by a parish luncheon.  Thank you, Kaleigh Kraft, for speaking this past Sunday!  We will have speakers at both services on 27 October and 3 November, to share with us what the Church means to them, and how we can all participate in the gift of being the Body of Christ.

Special stewardship opportunity:  Whichever person has the greatest increase in a 2014 pledge, over their paid 2013 pledge amount (calculated at close of the giving year), or who has the highest new pledge for 2014 (for any person who has not pledged previously), will receive a complimentary stay at a Hyatt-managed timeshare appartment in Key West, Florida (occupancy dates are 2 March to a 9 March check-out.  These dates include Mardi Gras.)  Go To: www.hyattwindwardpointe.hyatt.com  You can find all the amenities and room pictures there.

The unit is on the 3^rd level, set way back on the property, with a virtual private lani looking straight out on the grounds, pool and ocean.  Cuba 70 miles straight south.  The unit is about a 2 mile walk to the southern most point in the lower 48, on the east and quiet side of the Key, about 1 ½ mile walk to Duval St.  St. Paul's Episcopal Church is on Duval, a great place for Ash Wednesday services.

This timeshare opportunity is the gift of Bill and Debbie Gagin.

Episcopal Youth Community:  Fall Lock In / Happening / New Beginnings

In the next month or so there are three youth events that I highly encourage all youth to participate in. Registration is done through the diocesan website.You can find all of the information about the events including what to/not to bring through the links below. Please remember that there are scholarships available; a financial need is not a reason to miss out.

Fall Lock In - October 25-27 - St. Anne's, De Pere - is for all students grades 6-12 - http://diofdl.org/lockin

Happening - November 15-17 - St. Thomas, Menasha - is for all students grades 9-12 - http://diofdl.org/Happening

New Beginnings - December 7-8 - Grace Church, Sheboygan - is for all students grades 6-8 - http://diofdl.org/newbeginnings

Each of these is unique in style, delivery, and experience, and each one is a great way to learn more about God and our faith, as well as connect to the wider community of Christian youth in our diocese; many people have made life-long friends with those around the diocese and have stayed connected through events like these, camp and others.

Please contact me or the office with questions, but remember to sign up!

Grace and peace, Nick

Music this week: 

Prelude                        Andante espressivo (from Sonata for Organ)            E. Elgar

Entrance Hymn 665    “All my hope on God is founded”                             Michael

Offertory Hymn 517   “How lovely is thy dwelling place”                            Brother James’ Air

Communion Motet      Lord, forever at thy side                                              O. Gibbons

Comm. Hymn 313      “Let thy blood in mercy poured”                                Jesu, meine

 Zuversicht

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

Postlude                      Toccata in A Major                                                     F. Kuhnau  

Parish Notices

New Parish Directory updates: Please find a draft copy of a new parish directory on the table in the Narthex at Grace Church. If you would please look at your entry and make any changes necessary and then initial it so we know it is correct. We are trying to have as many email addresses as possible, it saves postage and much of the communication of the church is done electronically. We never give them out but. Thank you.

Small Group Meeting: All parishioners are invited to attend a small group organizational meeting on Sunday, October 27, at 9:00am in St. Nicholas Hall. The meeting will be used to discuss and organize small gatherings. These small gatherings could be study, discussion or support groups. They are separate from the 2nd Sunday of the month small groups that are currently meeting. After the Faith Alive weekend, parishioners expressed interest in the following topics:

1) Depression support group

2) Caregiver support group - particularly caregivers for elderly parents or spouses

3) Study/discussion group - Bible study group or a book club

4) "Order of St. Luke"/healing prayer group

5) "Call the Midwife" BBC series discussion group

Please join us to help in establishing and organizing one or more of the above groups you might be interested in joining. People interested in establishing a group will be defining the group, when and where the group will meet, and what resources the group might need.

Joining one of these small groups will give you the opportunity to support, share and better get to know your fellow parishioners. Join us on the October 27. If you are unable to make the meeting on the 27th, please look for the small group sign up sheet in the entryway of church to let us know of your interest in particular group. (Or contact information will be published once the groups are organized.)

Grace Kids and Youth: and even teachers or anyone that is so moved should come to church Sunday, November 3^rd in a depiction of their favorite saint or biblical character in honor of All Saint's and All Soul's days. Come and join in the Communion of Saints right here at Grace Church.

Simple Potluck Supper and Compline: Sunday, November 3^rd we will have our first Sunday of the month Simple Potluck Supper at 6:30pm. Come and enjoy the fellowship then stay for Compline at 8:00pm. The Schola Cantorum will be singing Compline which is the night time prayers said or sung just before retiring. It is a wonderful and peaceful way to end the day.

Christmas Shoe Boxes: Please consider bringing toothpaste and individually wrapped toothbrushes, and mild soap bars and wash cloths to church for the Christmas shoe boxes. We will also be looking for these items in the coming weeks:  pencils, colored pencils, erasers and pencil sharpeners, paper to write on. These items must be able to fit into a shoe box. Thank you so much. Pat Ford Smith

Operation Christmas Child: Miss Pat's Sunday School class is spearheading the effort to put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, and would like to invite the whole parish to participate by donating small items for the shoe boxes, or if you desire a monetary donation that will be spent to get shoe box gift items. The goal is to have this be a parish outreach lead by the youth and children of the parish. Please participate as you can, including prayers for this to be a successful project. The drop off date is in mid November (before Thanksgiving), and there will be more information in the next couple of weeks.

Formation Youth Group: St. Dominic, Holy Name and St. Clement Parishes invite you to their North side Faith Formation Youth Group which will be held on the first and third Fridays of Nov. and Dec. from 6:00-8:00 in the Youth Room on the second floor of the Faith Formation Center (old St. Dominic school building).  Join us for games, faith sharing and snacks. Contact Dianne Marshall at 458-5390 or marshalld@archmil.org for more information.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Grace Church is signed up to ring bells for the Salvation Army on November 9^th in two different locations. At the Piggly Wiggly on the north side from 1:30-7:00pm and at the Pick & Save on the south side from 1:30-7:00pm. Both of the locations are inside. The bells and kettle will be there, & a sign in sheet. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. If you have any questions please call Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.

Raking Leaves Fundraiser:  If raking your yard this year seems like too much of a task, then our Boy Scout Troop is here to help. They will be raking leaves on the following dates: November 2nd, 9th, and 16th. If you are interested please contact Paul Aparicio (paac92399@yahoo.com). A sign-up sheet will be available in the narthex.