Grace
Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace
Notes
23 June 2016
Upon my return from a week at an icon-writing
workshop I have had many ask if I “was able to relax”. Far from it!
While I had understood that the retreat was not really time off, I had
not expected how hard the work would be.
Over five days the actual time spent in labor was 59 hours, and the
conditions included high heat complicated by the smell of egg tempera. It was exhausting, but in the end an icon
resulted which is at least credible as a first effort. (I was ribbed about my eyepiece; hence the
ditty appended below.)
What was particularly noteworthy was the
contrast between those who approached the workshop as a learning experience
only—as part of their own exploration of “spirituality” and art—and those who
recognized that icon writing is a prayer, not art. The latter group began each day with Mass and
each work session with the iconographer’s prayer. The latter group did seem to tolerate the
adverse conditions better, and even joked about the “need to suffer”.
Whether or not you believe that suffering can
be necessary, suffering can be redeemed when it is offered to God; when we can
participate in Jesus’ suffering. More to
the point of what is intended in iconology, it is to participate in revelation,
in little glimpses into the kingdom of heaven.
This is why, for example, in icons there are no shadows, for the light
infuses the scene, and the highlights on a figure of Jesus (for example) are
not of reflected light, but of light from within. It is why an icon may be used in prayer.
The icon we each wrote (Our Lady of Perpetual
Help) is quite famous, and currently subject of a decree of jubilee by the
Roman pontiff. In the icon Mary’s eye’s
gaze up and out (toward God), while Jesus’ looks away to the cross. The child in His mother’s arms looks,
already, to the instrument of the redemption of creation. May our eyes by directed both by those of
Mary and of her Son—to God by and through the sign and symbol of His redeeming
love.
Grace
abounds: Please thank:
§ Mary Ann Neuses and
Barb MacEwen for the Sunday coffee hour.
§ Bryan Stenz and
Archdeacon Michele for their work in cleaning basement rooms to prepare for
Grace Abounds ministry space.
§
Bobbie
May for work in the garden.
Call for
Contributions: If you
have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshipers
toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by
Wednesday in the week of publication.
The
Monocular Iconographer
The monocular
iconographer
Endeavored to discern
A vocation of true
vision,
But he had much to
learn!
By humbling himself
In work, and in failures
many,
That by imposed abasement,
God’s Spirit might
reveal
A pattern in holy
image,
And in holy zeal!
Music
this Week: The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8C)
Prelude Andantino César Franck
Entrance Hymn 518 “Christ is made the sure foundation” Westminster
Abbey
Offertory Hymn 359 “God
of the prophets” Toulon
Communion Hymn 566 (1940
Hymnal)(words: 550,1982)
“Jesus call us o’er
the tumult” Galilee
Closing Hymn 564 “He
who would valiant be” St.
Dunstan’s
Postlude Sortie in F
Franck
Parish
Notices
§ Elkhart Lake Chapel: We are in need of help for the
following Sundays: July 17 & 31, August 7, 14 & 21 and September 4.
This includes: picking up the box of bulletins at Grace Church, arriving a
little early to open the buildings, finding readers for the lessons and the
prayers of the people, lighting candles, greeting the visiting priest, various
other tasks, locking up at the end and returning the box to Grace Church. There
are instructions printed and several people who would be able to help if you
have questions. Please sign up for a Sunday or two by calling the office at
452-9659 with dates you are available. Thank you.
§ Coffee Hour: Currently
we have only one person signed up for the months of July and August.
Please see the sign-up book on the table in the Narthex.
§ Lobster Boil: Once
again, for the 24th year, on July 15 the Sheboygan Early Bird Rotary
are offering a Lobster Boil. For more details, see the notice board in the Narthex
or call Greg Burgett at 451-6264.
§ EfM or Education for Ministry:
This class was
created to help you find your vocation and ministry with a trusted group of
friends. By studying scripture, history and reading other people’s writings, we
discover more about God’s wonderful plan for our lives. The EfM class will meet
on Tuesday nights starting September 13 at 5:30 pm. at the St Peter’s Church
House, Sheboygan Falls. Interested individuals can contact Barb
Drewry-Zimmerman at: bzimmy@excel.net or call 920-893-5189 for registration
materials. Cost is $350 & scholarships are available. Registrations
are due by August 1. They can be mailed to Barb at: PO Box
67, Boulder Junction, WI 54512.
§ Like Grace Church on Facebook
§ Follow Grace Church on Twitter: @GEC_Sheboygan
§ Follow Grace
Church on Instagram: @GEC_Sheboygan
§ We Are on Itunes! Check
out the new podcast!!!
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