Grace Notes: March 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016

A Holy "Wow!"

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

31 March 2016

It is fairly common for a collective sigh to reflect what it feels like in a parish during Easter Week. After the extra services of Holy Week, all of the extra preparations, and the marathon of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil of Easter, and Easter Sunday, it’s natural to let out a collective “Whew!” and take a little comfort in the fact that we “survived” again. This is natural because all of the extra effort results in a need for rest, and it’s also possible to feel “churched out,” but in the greater reality of God’s timeless plan, should we not exhale in a much greater “Whew!,” that we have survived death through Jesus’ triumph.

Ok, most who just read that last line have perhaps raised an eyebrow, and thought “Isn’t that a bit dramatic?” It is. Salvation, the triumph of life over death, is as dramatic as it gets. We just don’t often stop to consider extent of the drama, the eternity of the actors. But when we stop and remind ourselves that God gave His infinite substance of good, and truth, and beauty, and love and being, in the person of His Son, for the life of each one of us—of all created in His image and likeness—then a “Whew!” can be best subsumed into a collective mouth agape in amazement.

Jesus didn’t die for just the most saintly person you can imagine, but for the worst sinner you can imagine. All of creation changed in the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene in the garden—the words we just heard on Sunday? He said “… I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (Jn. 20.17). Just as He taught us to call God “Father,” in His words to Mary He reaffirms that by His resurrection we now can call God “Father;” that how we relate to creation has changed; that salvation happens now. Each one of us can stand before God and know that He is our God and Father. It is dramatic, indeed, so let your “Whew?” become some sort of combination of “Wow!” and “Thanks be to God!”

Grace abounds: A lot of people worked very hard throughout Holy Week and the Easter Triduum. Please thank:

§ The Altar Guild, as led by Claudia Fischer.

§ Dr. Ben Dobey and the choir.

§ The acolytes, as led by Scott Fabiano.

§ Bill May (assisted by Bobbi) for extra cleaning.

§ Ellen Aparicio and Michele Whitford for extra administrative work, service bulletins, etc.

§ Anonymous donors who hosted the fundraising dinner on Saturday and provided reception wine on Sunday.

§ All who donated savories, and helped clean up on Sunday.

§ Bernie Markevitch for a lot of extra work in church decoration.

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 in the week of publication.

Music this Week: The Second Sunday of Easter

Prelude Fantasia in G Major J. S. Bach

Entrance Hymn 193 That Easter day with joy was bright Puer nobis

Offertory Hymn 203 O sons and daughters, let us sing! O filii et filiae

Communion Motet “This Joyful Eastertide” arr. C. H. Wood

Communion Hymn 209 We walk by faith St. Botolph

Closing Hymn 180 He is risen Unser Herrscher

Postlude “Offertory on ‘O Sons and Daughters’” J. F. Dandrieu

Parish Notices

§ Vestry Meeting: Will take place on Sunday April 3^rd at 11:45 a.m.

§ Potluck Dinner and Compline: Bring a dish to pass and join us Sunday, April 3rd at 6:30pm, for a potluck dinner and fellowship. At 8:00pm the Schola Cantorum will sing Compline, a beautiful restful service full of candles and music.

§ Deacon School: Following the 8:45 a.m. Mass on Saturday, April 9^th, we will continue with Church History and the Old Testament. Deacon School is 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

§ Adult Formation: Will resume Sunday, April 10^that 9:00 a.m.

§ First Communion Instruction: Pat Ford Smith will be providing Communion Lessons during the month of April in preparation for the Bishop's visit on Sunday May 1st, 2016. If you or your child are interested, please contact the office to sign up. Dates have been set for each Thursday in April (April 7, 14, 21 & 28), times are still being determined.

§ Volunteers needed for Royal Holloway Concert: The Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London will present a concert at Grace Church on April 9^th at 7:00 pm. We need volunteers for: setup and cleanup for the choir supper prior to the concert, homemade sweets for the reception following the concert, and overnight housing for 25 choir members. Two separate sign-up sheets for the supper and housing can be found in the Narthex.

§ Something Extra for Grace: Envelopes are available in the pews if you are moved to give an extra gift, beyond your pledge or regular plate donation, toward the life of the church. Gifts are tax deductible if you write your name on the envelope.

§ Cursillo: Many of you have heard of Cursillo. It could be that you are looking for such an experience and may not even know it. If the Holy Spirit nudges you, there is one coming up April 21-24, Thursday evening till Sunday afternoon. For many it's a great experience, revitalizing and memorable. Fr. Ambelang will be the spiritual leader of this one with the Bishop assisting, as well as a team of lay people. If you have questions talk to Ed or Mary Clabots, Jennifer Pawlus, or Fr. John Ambelang.

§ Bake Sale/Plant Sale/Rummage Sale: Friday, April 29^th from 12:00-3:00pm and Saturday, April 30^th, from 9:00-2:00, in conjunction with St. Luke Methodist rummage sale, Grace will be selling baked goods with proceeds going to Sunday School’s outreach projects. Baked goods will be accepted from anyone who would like to bake: pies, breads, muffins, bars, puppy chow, cookies or anything you would like to donate (cupcakes do not sell well). Baked goods can be dropped off at the church any time before Friday at noon. We will be once again selling plants from our cutting garden. Proceeds go to maintain the garden. Grace will also have a small rummage. Please bring your pre-priced items to the northeast room in the basement (under the office). The proceeds will go to Grace Church fund raising. Unsold items will be taken to the Salvation Army. If you have any questions, please call Jessica Ambelang on 920-918-5667 or leave a message on 920-452-5667.

§ Bishop’s Visitation: May 1^st we welcome Bishop Matthew Gunter for his annual visitation. The Bishop will preach and celebrate at both 8 and 10:15 services. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Communions at the 10:15 am service. Please join us for a gala reception to welcome Bishop Gunter and honor the Received and Confirmed. Please sign up to bring sweets and savories and to clean up.

§ Like Grace Church on Facebook

§ Follow Grace Church on Twitter: @GEC_Sheboygan

§ We Are on ITunes! Check out the new podcast!!!

§ https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-church-sheboygan/id982836791

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Do This

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

24 March 2016

We are periodically reminded that the name for today, “Maundy Thursday,” comes from the Latin word mandatum (commandment), from Jesus’ injunction to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another …” (Jn. 13.34). This is certainly true, but on this day when we recall the institution of the Holy Eucharist let’s focus, as well, on another commandment: “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Do this: Gather in my Name; proclaim the Good News of God; offer prayer and thanksgiving; take, offer, bless bread and wine, and enter into communion with God; go forth. In the words of the preface to the prayer book, the Holy Eucharist is “the principal act of Christian worship on the Lord’s Day and other major feasts …” In Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist, we comply with God’s commandment to honor the Sabbath in how we do this. And what is that this, above all, requires? It requires that we gather. A priest cannot celebrate Eucharist alone. At least one other person is required, fulfilling Our Lord’s instruction that He will be with us to the end of the age when we a gathered, two or three. The principal act of faith requires that we act together, no matter how strong our individual faith may be.

Which brings us back to the “new commandment,” to love one another. Loving one another can be best accomplished in how we gather, that we do this and participate in communion with God.

Gather. Gather in response to Our Lord’s command. Gather because the love He gives to us is love to be shared. Invite all to the gathering.

Grace abounds: Please thank:

§ Kevan and Traci Revis, and Mary Kohler with Barb MacEwen, for the Sunday coffee hours.

§ Jon and Michele Whitford, Jeanna Werbeckes, and Mark and Barb Zimmerman hosting the Lenten Friday supper, with cleanup help from Julie Davidson and Jennifer Pawlus.

§ The Altar Guild for a lot of extra work (polishing, etc.), with a special thank you for Bev Evans, for laundering the clergy albs and amices.

§ Bobbie May and Mary Massey for ongoing work in organizing the parish library.

§ Nick and Jenni Whitford and Gary and Elaine Dinstuhl for providing food for the Family Game Night, with cleanup by Michael Boland, Susan McIntosh, Emily and Beth Boland.

§ Jon Whitford for setting up remote access for a hospitalized parishioner to follow the Sunday service as streamed live on Grace Abounds.

§ Ben Dobey for cleanup of the columbarium garden.

Holy Week Schedule

Maundy Thursday, March 24, 2016

8:45 a.m. Morning Prayer

9:30 a.m. AA Meeting in St. Mark’s Room

5:10 p.m. Evening Prayer & Shrine Prayers

6:00 p.m. Solemn Mass with Foot Washing,

Stripping of the Altar, and Procession to the Altar of Repose

7:00 p.m. Beginning of the Vigil before the Altar of Repose

Good Friday, March 25, 2015

7:00 a.m. Morning Prayer

1:00 p.m. Liturgy of Good Friday with

Veneration of the Sacred Cross and Mass of the Pre-Sanctified

Holy Saturday, March 26, 2016

8:45 a.m. Morning Prayer

9:00 a.m. Holy Saturday Liturgy

7:00 p.m. The GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER

The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter, March 27, 2016

8:00 a.m. Mass

8:00 a.m. Nursery Open

10:15 a.m. Solemn Mass

followed by the Easter Gala Reception

Music this Week: Holy Week and Easter

Maundy Thursday at 6 p.m.

Prelude Le Banquet Celeste Messiaen

Entrance Hymn “Zion, praise thy Savior singing” (Lauda Sion)

Gloria Missa ‘Alme Pater’ Plainsong

At the Maundy Ubi caritas Duruflé

God is love, and where love is Proulx

Offertory Hymn 315 “Thou, who at thy first Eucharist didst pray”

Communion Anthem Ave verum Corpus Plainsong

Communion Hymn 314 “Humbly I adore thee”

At the Procession to the Altar of Repose: Hymn 329 “Now, my tongue the mystery telling”

Good Friday at 1 p.m.

Sung Passion Gospel at the Veneration of the Cross:

The Reproaches Victoria

Crux Fidelis attrib. John IV of Portugal

Procession from the Altar of Repose:

Hymn 166 “Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle”

Easter Vigil at 7:00 p.m. With Michael Winkler & Scott Winkler, trumpets

Gloria in excelsis Mathias

Offertory Anthems Dextera Domini Dobey

Christus Vincit Noyon

Communion Motet Most glorious Lord of life Harris

Communion Hymn 305 “Come, risen Lord”

Closing Hymn 208 “The strife is o’er”

Postlude Sinfonia from the Easter Oratorio Bach

Easter Day at 10:15 a.m., with String Quartet

Prelude Air in D Bach

Opening Hymn 207 “Jesus Christ is risen today”

Mass setting Missa in C (‘Organ-solo’ Mass) Mozart

Offertory Hymn Anthem Regina Coeli Mozart

Communion Motet Jesus, Sun of Life Handel

Communion Hymn 174 “At the Lamb’s high feast we sing”

Closing Hymn 210 “The day of resurrection”

Postlude Toccata from Symphonie V Widor

Parish Notices

§ Maundy Thursday Foot Washing: Everyone will have the opportunity to have their feet washed and to wash someone else’s feet following the example of Jesus washing his disciple’s feet. Please wear socks and shoes that are easily removed.

§ Vigil before the Altar of Repose: Please sign up to watch and pray for an hour at the Altar of Repose beginning immediately following the Maundy Thursday Mass March 24^th and concluding Friday, March 25^th as the Good Friday Liturgy begins. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex, more than one person can sign up for any given hour.

§ Good Friday Offering: Every year since 1922 the church has taken a collection for the Church in the Middle East during Holy Week. This year our loose plate offering on Good Friday will go to support the church efforts in Jerusalem and throughout the Middle East. Please be generous as you are able.

§ Easter Gala Reception: We will continue our Easter celebration with a Gala Reception after the 10:15 a.m. Mass on Sunday, March 27^th. Please sign up to bring sweets or savories and to help clean up afterwards. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex.

§ Compline: On April 3^rd we will meet at 6:30 p.m. in St. Nicholas Hall for a potluck supper. At 8:00pm the Schola Cantorum will sing Compline, a beautiful restful service full of candles and music.

§ Volunteers needed for Royal Holloway Concert: The Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London will present a concert at Grace Church on April 9^th at 7:00 pm. We need volunteers for: setup and cleanup for the choir supper prior to the concert, homemade sweets for the reception following the conert, and overnight housing for 25 choir members. Two separate sign-up sheets for the supper and housing can be found in the Narthex.

§ Like Grace Church on Facebook

§ Follow Grace Church on Twitter: @GEC_Sheboygan

§ We Are on Itunes! Check out the new podcast!!!

§ https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-church-sheboygan/id982836791

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Grace Abounds!

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

17 March 2016

Grace Abounds here at Grace Church! We have been adding podcasts and video casts to www.graceabounds.online, also found at www.gracesheboygan.com.

Grace Abounds, a ministry of Grace Church, was created to promote outreach through the use of electronic media. Initially our goal was to provide access to Sunday Sermons for the shut-ins and snow birds of our own parish, but our plans changed when we were blessed with resources that could do so much more. Now the focus of Grace Abounds is to reach outside our doors. We have so much to offer - teachings, music and wonderful Anglican traditions that we want to share. God's GRACE ABOUNDS and we want to share that grace.

Presently we have Sunday sermons, a series on Spiritual Practices, Musical Offerings, Evensong, Compline, and more all available online.

Recently we added a program called Daily Office Basics. This 5-part series teaches you how to simply and accurately pray Morning and Evening prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and Bible. Join Deacon Rodger Patience as he explains in plain language the history, order, and details of these prayers known as the daily office.

Deacon Rodger Patience serves at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Menasha, WI, Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac. He also blogs about the daily office at www.dailyofficeanchorsociety.com

Another program we’ve been working on is the Bible Challenge. Participation in the Bible Challenge will allow you to read the entire Bible in one year, in a structured fashion. Every Monday we post a video overview discussion of the major themes encountered in the week’s readings, together with insights on the origins of the readings and their overall theological context. A reading schedule and text versions of the weekly summaries are available along with the videos at Grace Abounds.

Most recently we have started streaming our Sunday morning 10:15 am service. At this time a program or app is needed to view the live event. Below you will find a link to VLC Media player, a free program which can be downloaded for use with most devices.

If you are using a mobile device, search the App Store for "VLC". Alternatively, you can search the App Store for "rtsp" which will provide more app choices.

Download: VLC Media Player

Once installed, open VLC's main menu, select "Open Network Stream" and enter the following URL: rtsp://sbs.gracesheboygan.com/live.sdp. Click Here for HELP

If you are having trouble and live in the area, call the church office for help. The office will put you in touch with a tech person. Otherwise, bring your computer to Grace and one of the tech folks can help you get it going.

We are always looking for those who have ideas for new podcasts and for help with the recording. (Archdeacon Michele Whitford)

Grace abounds: Please thank:

§ Kevan and Traci Revis, and Gary and Elaine Dinstuhl, for the Sunday coffee hours, and Boy Scout Troop 801 for the pancake breakfasts!

§ Jessica Ambelang for hosting the Lenten Friday supper, with cleanup help from Julie Davidson and Jennifer Pawlus.

§ The crew which helped after the Lenten supper to set up for Deacon School: Michelle Abrashinsky, Paul Aparicio, Julie Davidson, Scot Gedemer, Judy Goes, and Elizabeth Schaffenburg.

§ Bobbie May and Mary Massey for ongoing work in organizing the parish library.

§ Andrea Aparicio for providing food for the Deacon School

Candidacy for Ordination: The Ven. Michele Whitford, archdeacon of the diocese, deacon and Associate Minister of this parish, has now, in her tenth year of ordained life been named as a Candidate for Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests. This follows a multiyear process of personal discernment, which has been complemented and confirmed by the diocesan discernment process (Circles of Light) administered by the Commission on Ministry. The Circles of Light group have affirmed an unanimous belief that Michele is called to the priesthood, and this has been endorsed by the Rector and the vote of the Vestry of this parish.

Michele will now enter a period of discernment working with a local committee, which will include two representatives of the parish, a member of the broader community, a diocesan priest (not the rector), and a representative of the Commission on Ministry. The findings of this committee will be reviewed with the Commission on Ministry in the Fall of this year. In parallel with this, Michele will be directed into specific areas of study intended to reinforce and develop Michele’s existing knowledge and experience derived from her original education and training as a deacon, and her ten years of experience in ordained ministry. These areas of study will be subject to canonical examinations administered by the Board of Examining Chaplains. Study will not involve separate schooling, but will proceed under the “reading for orders” model of formation.

What comes next, besides process and further education? The short answer is that we don’t know. We do know that Michele’s duties here will not change during the formation process, and we have no information indicating that she will not continue to serve here in her new capacities as a priest. Please continue to hold Michele in prayer.

Music this Week: Palm Sunday: The Sunday of the Passion of Our Lord

Blessing of the Palms Hosanna in the highest Dobey

Processional Hymns: 154 “All glory, laud and honor” Valet will

156 “Ride on! Ride on in majesty” Winchester New

Psalm 22:1-11 (responsorial) Chant: Dobey

Tract: Ps. 22:26-30 Plainsong

Offertory Hymn 162 “The royal banners forward go” Vexilla Regis

Communion Motet Crucifixus Antonio Lotti

Communion Hymn 168 “O sacred head, sore wounded” Passion Chorale

Postlude Chorale Prelude on ‘O sacred head, now wounded’

Brahms

Parish Notices

§ Easter Flowers and Music: It is not too late to donate for Easter Flowers and Music. We enjoy the Beauty of Holiness in both the flowers that adorn the church and the special music which includes brass at the Easter Vigil and strings at the Solemn Mass on Easter morning. Please be generous if you are able. Please call the office or fill out a pink slip to indicate your wish for memorials and/or thanksgivings. The deadline is tomorrow, March 21^st at noon.

§ Sacrament of Reconciliation: Lent is a time of self-examination preparing for the death and resurrection of our Lord. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered by appointment. Please contact Fr. Schaffenburg to set up an appointment to make your confession.

§ Easter Vigil Dinner: The first Mass of the Resurrection is next Saturday, March 26^th, at 7:00 p.m. The Easter celebration then continues at Trattoria Stefano, 522 South 8^th Street, at 9:30 p.m. The actual cost of the meal is a gift to the parish, so you not only get a delicious meal but you help the church by purchasing a ticket for the dinner. Tickets can be bought in the parish office or in the narthex after mass for $50 a person. Everyone is invited, but seats are limited. There are scholarships for anyone wishing to attend but are unable to donate. The deadline is tomorrow, Monday March 21^st.

§ A volunteer is needed: to head up the organization of the Easter Gala Reception. If you feel moved to serve in this capacity, please call the office for details.

§ Volunteers needed for Royal Holloway Concert: The Choir of Royal Holloway, University of London will present a concert at Grace Church on April 9^th at 7:00 pm. We need volunteers for: setup and cleanup for the choir supper prior to the concert, homemade sweets for the choir supper, and overnight housing for 25 choir members. Two separate sign-up sheets for the supper and housing can be found in the Narthex.

§ Like Grace Church on Facebook

§ Follow Grace Church on Twitter: @GEC_Sheboygan

§ We Are on Itunes! Check out the new podcast!!!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-church-sheboygan/id982836791

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Thursday, March 31, 2016

A Holy "Wow!"

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Do This

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Grace Abounds!