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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Angels

Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes
28 September 2017

Tomorrow’s Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas) makes it timely to review what scripture reveals about angels.
The Greek word for angel (‘αγγελλος/angellos) means “messenger”.  Angels are supernatural created beings (not gods, Col. 1.16).  They are pure spirit (Heb. 1.7, 14), lacking any physical body.  As such, they can assume different forms (normally as a human being) to act as agents of God’s will, and are generally described with terms that refer to bright light, precious stones, and shining fire, i.e. as reflecting God’s glory (Dan. 10.5-6), and as dressed in white (Dan. 12.6).  Angels lack gender and transcend time (Mtt. 22.30ff.)  Their knowledge is superior to that of humans, but not unlimited (1 Pet. 1.12).  Their strength is greater than that of humans (2 Thess. 1.7), and they speak a language of their own (1 Cor. 13.1), but can speak to humans.
The Bible says there are seven ranks of angels.  These are angels, archangels, thrones, powers, dominions, cherubim and seraphim.  Lucifer was the highest seraph, i.e., the highest created being, before he fell, and he can appear disguised as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11.14).
The three archangels named in Scripture include Michael (the name means “Who is like God?”), the captain of the host of heaven, as described in Revelation, Gabriel (the name means “Messenger of God”), mentioned, e.g., in the Annunciation to Mary in Luke 1,  and Raphael (the name means “God has healed”), who is in The Book of Tobit.  Tobit is found in the Apocrypha in Protestant bibles.  This raises the issue of the fourth archangel, Uriel (“the light of God”).  Uriel is not found in the Bible, but in a deuterocanonical work of the Old Testament period, The Book of Enoch,  and is recognized in Judaism.  His name is invoked in the version of hymn 282 (“Christ, the fair glory”—an eighth century hymn) found in The English Hymnal, but not in our hymnal.  This may be because he was recognized by Pope Gregory the Great, who sermonized about the four archangels in the context of the four cardinal points of creation.
No archangel is thought to rank the others.  Michael is generally thought of first because of his being described as the captain of the army fighting Satan.  Note, as well, that the archangels are not the highest order, but the second lowest.  We have no names for any in the other orders, other than Lucifer/Satan.
In terms of angels who interact with us, the rank is not defined.  We think of them as ordinary angels, but remember that the word angel just means “messenger” (making Gabriel’s name rather redundant).  Angels have free will, with those in heaven choosing to obey God (Mtt. 6.10).  Angels worship Jesus Christ (Heb. 1.6).
Much outside of scripture has been written about angels.  This includes the writing of saints, but also a lot of speculation that can border on the deranged.  But before you dismiss the reality of angels, consider again that the word means “messenger”.  For God, nothing is impossible (Mtt. 19.26; Mk. 10.27; Lk. 18.27), so why should we question His ability to appoint any messenger?  Such messengers will normally be other humans given words for us, but we cannot dismiss the existence of supernatural beings without dismissing the supernatural.

Grace aboundsPlease thank: 
§  Mary Snyder for the Sunday coffee hours.
§  Mike Burg, Mary Snyder and Connie Stanley for the newcomers’ welcome reception.
§  Julie Davidson for janitorial help.
§  Paul Aparicio, Randie Barrows, Jim Gardner and Bryan Stenz for moving services for donated property.

Special “Thank You’ s” :  A supply of Thank You note cards can be found on the table at the back of church nave.  When someone in the parish does something special, take the time to write them a personal note.  Also, from time to time, think about who you might want to thank for ongoing service, and let them know you have noticed!

Call for ContributionsIf 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.

Don’t forget “Something Extra for Grace”:  Supplemental giving envelopes can be found in pews.  If you want to give something extra, please use an envelope to ensure that you are credited.

Music this Week:          The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21A)
                                       Organist:  R. Benjamin Dobey

Prelude                         Prelude on “Malabar’ (“Strengthen for service, Lord”)
                                                                                                         Leo Sowerby
Offertory no. 435           “At the Name of Jesus”                              King’s Weston
Communion Motet        Thy perfect love                                             John Rutter
Comm. Hymn no. 564    “He who would valiant be”                           St. Dunstan’s
Postlude                        Toccata in G                                               Johann Speth

Parish Notices    
§  Stewardship Kick-Off Event:  After the 10:15 a.m. mass coffee hour on Sunday, a presentation will be given by the Stewardship Committee in addition to a meal of Italian cuisine prepared by the Hospitality Committee.
§  White Board Selfie Project.  Following Mass on Sunday, a member of the vestry will be present in St Nicholas Hall to take a photograph of each parishioner. We ask that you hold up a white board with a word or phrase you choose to express what you are passionate about at Grace Episcopal Church. This will be an ongoing project to help us discover connections and priorities amongst ourselves. 
§  Parish Directory: As you may know, a picture directory is ‘in the works’ for this fall. The first step is to get the written information up to date. A print out of what we have can be found on the table in the narthex. Please check your entry. Initial the entry if it is correct, or write in any corrections necessary. 
§  Coffee Hour: Thank you to all who have volunteered for coffee hour and all who have stepped in and made coffee and put out snacks. We do have a sign-up sheet in the white binder on the Narthex table. Some of the upcoming Sundays have been taken but we are still in need of more volunteers. The weeks that are open are 8:00am: 10/8,10/15. 10/22, 10/29, 11/12. 11/19, 11/26, 12/10, and 12/17. For 10:15am: 10/15, 10/29, 11/5, 12/3 and 12/10. If you can help please sign up on the sheet in the white binder on the Narthex table. Thank you so much.
§  As a community, are we really helping?  Love INC is sponsoring a community event and volunteer training.  The community event is entitled “The Defining Difference: Helping in Ways that Transform, based on the book Redemptive Compassion, by author, Love INC of Treasure Valley Executive Director, Lois Tupyi. This community event will take place at First Reformed Church, 927 Superior Avenue, Oostburg on Friday, October 6th 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Registration fee is $10 The following day, Saturday, October 7th volunteer training will be held, details of which can be found on the notice board in the narthex, and at  www.loveincsheboygancountry.org  For those of you who would like to attend, four free tickets are available by calling Grace Church office.
§  Walsingham Pilgrimage Music and Flowers: The Walsingham Pilgrimage is just around the corner and preparations are being made. Music will include the Gaudete Brass again this year. As you are able, please donate so we can once again offer beautiful music that has become so much a part of the pilgrimage and the flowers that add so much to the beauty of holiness. Please make your check out to Grace Church with Walsingham music or flowers or both in the memo. Reservations are required for lunch at a cost of $20 per person and will be served at noon on Saturday October 14th. Please make your reservations by using the sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex or by calling Grace office at 452-9659.
§  Walsingham Volunteers Needed: There are many opportunities to help with hospitality for the Walsingham Pilgrimage. We will need volunteers to greet pilgrims as they arrive for both the quiet day on Friday as well as Saturday morning for the Solemn Mass and for the musical offering, healing prayer and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. We will need help with the set-up of St. Nicholas Hall for lunch and especially for clean-up after lunch. Please sign-up on the sheet on the Narthex table.
§  Walsingham Accommodation:  We need accommodations for 12 choir members from Nashotah House (eight men and two couples) for Friday, 13 October.  If you can take 1—2 choristers, please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex. You will not need to provide dinner. (A light breakfast on Saturday, 14 October will be appreciated.)  You will need to provide pick-up and drop-off at the parish.
§  Our Lady of Walsingham Pilgrimage
§  Friday, October 13, 2017 - Quiet Day of Prayer and Meditation.
o   12:00pm Service for Noonday and Meditation
o   3:00pm Service of Prayer and Meditation
o   5:15pm Holy Rosary
o   6:00pm Solemn Evensong and Meditation
§  The Meditations will be led by Ms. Adowa Lewis-Wilson, Episcopal laywoman active in Boston, Massachusetts and an Oblate of the Order of Julian of Norwich.
Solemn Evensong will include the choirs of the parish and of Nashotah House Theological Seminary, under the direction of The Rev. Fr. Alexander Prior, Director of Music at the Seminary
§  Saturday, October 14, 2017 - Pilgrimage
§  10:30 am Solemn Pontifical Mass with procession of Our Lady.  Celebrant is The Right Reverend Matthew A. Gunter, Eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac.
§  The preacher is The Rev. Jeffrey Queen, Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
§  Choral and organ music will include Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey Organist and the Gaudete Brass Quartet of Chicago.
§  12:00 pm Harvest Lunch. The cost is $20.00.
§  Please make reservations by October 7, 2016.
§  2:00pm Anointing with Walsingham water and Healing Prayer, musical offering, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
§  To register and for more information: (920) 452-9659,
office@gracesheboygan.com
www.gracesheboygan.com
§  Paper Drive: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Plymouth is having a paper drive! Please bring in ONLY newspapers (inserts included). We cannot accept magazines or anything with a binding. A semi-trailer will be in the Plymouth Furniture parking lot, 2133 Eastern Av, Plymouth, the month of September. Drop off times are Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00pm and Saturdays 9:00 – 4:00pm. Pickups can be arranged by calling Jesse Cortinaz at 920-464-0303.
§  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.
§  Love INC Monthly Bulletin is now available online at:
http://mailchi.mp/538d2add4a38/love-inc-monthly-bulletin-1109929.
§  Grace Notes is here: http://gracechurchgracenotes.blogspot.com/.  You can sign up to receive the blog every Thursday
§  Grace Abounds: http://www.graceabounds.online Sermons, podcasts, the Bible Challenge
§  Like Grace Church on Facebook: @gracesheboygan
§  We Are on Itunes! Check out the new podcast!!!



Thursday, September 21, 2017

Having Arisen

Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes
21 September 2017

Today is the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist.  Matthew is described at Mtt. 9.9 and 10.3 as a “tax collector”.  The word used is translated in some bibles (e.g., the King James Version) as “publican”.  In the original Greek the connotation is that of a “tax farmer”, i.e. as one who “harvests” taxes and keeps some for himself.  Such people had the reputation in Jesus’ time of being lackeys of the Romans, and self-interested and gouging.
St. Matthew (who Mark and Luke refer to as Levi:  Mk. 2.14; Lk. 5.27) is described as sitting at a tax-collecting booth.  When Jesus passes him, Jesus calls him, saying “Follow me.”  In all three gospels which describe this call, Matthew is described as then following Jesus.  Most bible translations state this as something like “And he rose and followed him” (Revised Standard Version).  In reality, however, all three evangelists use the same word, anastas, which (leaving aside the technicalities of Greek grammar) is closer to “having arisen”.  The action is ongoing.  Where things really get interesting is that the same Greek word is a form of the word for resurrection.
The word overlap, and the participial construction (of ongoing action)—particularly given the fact that Matthew, Mark and Luke all share this language—bears closer examination.  When Jesus calls us, when we follow Him, is this because in encountering Christ we are raised, we arise because of the encounter?  Matthew responds without further ado.  He leaves behind his old life and ways.  Upon a personal encounter with Jesus, his life is changed.  The call of his Lord changes the posture of his heart and of his life.
God reaches out to us always.  He reaches out to all.  Most do not respond immediately and completely.  But when we do respond, we do so as those who participate in Jesus’ resurrection.  His resurrection becomes ours.  Just as, at Easter, we sing “Alleluia!  The Lord is risen indeed!”, we must ever keep before us the overwhelming reality that we are risen, indeed.  We participate in resurrection, and the more we recognize this, the more we recognize how reality has changed, how the kingdom of heaven breaks into this world and we are saved not at some future time but in the new life in Christ.
May the prayer of each of us always include:  Having arisen in Christ, may I ever follow Him!

Grace aboundsPlease thank: 
§  Ben Crouse for lawn care.
§  Jim Gardner Leslie Kohler for the Sunday coffee hours.

Special “Thank You’ s” :  A supply of Thank You note cards can be found on the table at the back of church nave.  When someone in the parish does something special, take the time to write them a personal note.  Also, from time to time, think about who you might want to thank for ongoing service, and let them know you have noticed!

Call for ContributionsIf 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.

Don’t forget “Something Extra for Grace”:  Supplemental giving envelopes can be found in pews.  If you want to give something extra, please use an envelope to ensure that you are credited.

Music this Week:          The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20A)
                                       Organist:  R. Benjamin Dobey

Prelude                Meditation on O thou who camest from above     Francis Jackson Entrance 408     “Sing praise to God who reigns above “            Mit Freuden zart
Offertory               We will extol you                                                          Old 24th
Communion Motet  O thou who camest from above         Samuel Sebastian Wesley,
                                                                                     arr. R. Benjamin Dobey
Communion 660   “O Master, let me walk with thee”                                 Maryton                                      
Closing 541           “O bless the Lord, my soul!”                    St. Thomas (Williams)
Postlude              Fantasia in E-flat                                                    J. Pachelbel

Parish Notices    

§  Emergency Funding Appeal!  The jail ministry for women (Good News Jail & Prison Ministry) in Sheboygan has run out of bibles, for bible study, for personal meditation, for counseling.  $309 has been advanced from the Rector’s Discretionary Fund to purchase 32 bibles for this vital ministry.  If you can help, please make a contribution to help defray this cost.  Make any donation payable to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund at the parish.
§  St. Michael and All Angels: Please note there will not be a 6:00 p.m. Solemn Mass on Friday, September 29th as previously listed in The Angelus.
§  White Board Selfie Project.  Following mass on Sunday, a member of the vestry will be present in St Nicholas Hall to take a photograph of each parishioner. We ask that you hold up a white board with a word or phrase you choose to express what you are passionate about at Grace Episcopal Church. This will be an ongoing project to help us discover connections and priorities amongst ourselves. 
§  Stewardship Kick-Off Event:  Due to conflicting schedules has moved to Next Sunday, October 1st. we will hold our kick-off event on Stewardship Revealed in Christ, Community, and Compassion.  After the 10:15 coffee hour, a presentation will be given by the Stewardship Committee in addition to a meal of Italian cuisine prepared by the Hospitality Committee. Please sign-up on the sheet in the Narthex so that we may know how much food to prepare.
§  How to be Holy! Is the subject of Adult Formation continuing on Sunday. This is the second class of a seven-week series meeting each Sunday in St. Nicholas Hall 9-10 a.m. Come and discover how you can become holy as we read Peter Kreeft’s How to be Holy: First Steps in Becoming a Saint. Jerry Molitor is facilitating this course. The book is easy to read, and we will limit the weekly reading to 20—25 pages. Do you wish to be holy? Do you want to see yourself as a saint? If so, let’s explore this together. We hope to see you here!  Bring friends! Copies of the book can be purchased at the discounted price of $10, from the parish office. (Mark checks “Adult Ed”.) If you need a scholarship for this, just ask.
§  Sunday School: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Available to:
§  3-k through 1st Grade with Mrs. Andrea (Aparicio)
§  2nd through 5th Grade with Mrs. Nicci (Beeck)
§  6th-12th with Mr. Nick (Whitford)
§  The teachers have missed those familiar faces and are looking forward to some new ones, too.
§  Sunday School Snacks: One activity that is a favorite of the children is sharing in a snack together and serving each other in the Name of Christ. If you are able, we would so appreciate donated snacks and juice boxes. Snack ideas include crackers, applesauce, fruit snacks, popcorn or any other non-perishable item you think they might like. String cheese, fresh fruit and veggies are also welcome, just alert Ms. Nicci or Ms. Andrea if you placed something in the refrigerator and we'll be sure to use them. Thank you!
§  Catechumenate: Begins Tuesday, September 26th (6:30 – 8:30 p.m.) and will continue until May when Bishop Matthew Gunter makes his annual visitation. Catechumenate is a nine-month course in the basics of the Faith and its practice. It is a period of training and instruction in Christian understandings about God, human relationships, and the meaning of life. It includes the Sacrament of Baptism, if you are not already baptized, and culminates in Confirmation, Reception, or Renewal of Baptismal Vows. The study is led by Mother Michele Whitford, the Parish Catechist. If you would like more information, please call the office 452-9659 or email Mother Michele at mwhitford@gracesheboygan.com. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
§  Parish Directory: As you may know, a picture directory is ‘in the works’ for this fall. The first step is to get the written information up to date. A print out of what we have can be found on the table in the narthex. Please check your entry. Initial the entry if it is correct, or write in any corrections necessary. 
§  Coffee Hour: Thank you to all who have volunteered for coffee hour and all who have stepped in and made coffee and put out snacks. We do have a sign-up sheet in the white binder on the Narthex table. Some of the upcoming Sundays have been taken but we are still in need of more volunteers. The weeks that are open are 8:00am: 10/8,10/15. 10/22, 10/29, 11/12. 11/19, 11/26, 12/10, and 12/17. For 10:15am: 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/5, 11/19, 11/26, and 12/3. If you can help please sign up on the sheet in the white binder on the Narthex table. Thank you so much.
§  As a community, are we really helping?  Love INC is sponsoring a community event and volunteer training.  The community event is entitled “The Defining Difference: Helping in Ways that Transform, based on the book Redemptive Compasion, by author, Love INC of Treasure Valley Executive Director, Lois Tupyi. This community event will take place at First Reformed Church, 927 Superior Avenue, Oostburg on Friday, October 6th 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Registration fee is $10 The following day, Saturday, October 7th volunteer training will be held, details of which can be found on the notice board in the Narthex. To sign up for either or both events go to:
§  Walsingham Pilgrimage Music and Flowers: The Walsingham Pilgrimage is just around the corner and preparations are being made. Music will include the Gaudete Brass again this year. As you are able, please donate so we can once again offer beautiful music that has become so much a part of the pilgrimage and the flowers that add so much to the beauty of holiness. Please make your check out to Grace Church with Walsingham music or flowers or both in the memo. Reservations are required for lunch at a cost of $20 per person and will be served at noon on Saturday October 14th. Please make your reservations by using the sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex or by calling Grace office at 452-9659.
§  Walsingham Volunteers Needed: There are many opportunities to help with hospitality for the Walsingham Pilgrimage. We will need volunteers to greet pilgrims as they arrive for both the quiet day on Friday as well as Saturday morning for the Solemn Mass and for the musical offering, healing prayer and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. We will need help with the set-up of St. Nicholas Hall for lunch and especially for clean-up after lunch. Please sign-up on the sheet on the Narthex table.
§  Walsingham Accommodation:  We need accommodations for 12 choir members from Nashotah House (eight men and two couples) for Friday, 13 October.  If you can take 1—2 choristers, please see the sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex. You will not need to provide dinner. (A light breakfast on Saturday, 14 October will be appreciated.)  You will need to provide pick-up and drop-off at the parish.
§  Our Lady of Walsingham Pilgrimage
§  Friday, October 13, 2017 - Quiet Day of Prayer and Meditation.
    • 12:00pm Service for Noonday and Meditation
    • 3:00pm Service of Prayer and Meditation
    • 5:00pm Holy Rosary
    • 6:00pm Solemn Evensong and Meditation
§  The Meditations will be led by Ms. Adowa Lewis-Wilson, Episcopal laywoman active in Boston, Massachusetts and an Oblate of the Order of Julian of Norwich.
§  Solemn Evensong will include the choirs of the parish and of Nashotah House Theological Seminary, under the direction of The Rev. Fr. Alexander Pryor, Director of Music at the Seminary
§  Saturday, October 14, 2017 - Pilgrimage
    • 10:30 am Solemn Pontifical Mass with procession of Our Lady
    • Celebrant is The Right Reverend Matthew A. Gunter,
    • Eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac.
    • The preacher is The Rev. Jeffrey Queen,
    • Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky
    • Choral and organ music will include Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey Organist
    • and the Gaudete Brass Quartet of Chicago.
    • 12:00 pm Harvest Lunch. The cost is $20.00.
    • Please make reservations by October 7, 2016.
    • 2:00pm Anointing with Walsingham water and Healing Prayer, musical offering, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
§  To register and for more information:  (920)452-9659,
office@gracesheboygan.com, www.gracesheboygan.com
§  Paper Drive: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Plymouth is having a paper drive! Please bring in ONLY newspapers (inserts included). We cannot accept magazines or anything with a binding. A semi-trailer will be in the Plymouth Furniture parking lot, 2133 Eastern Av, Plymouth, the month of September. Drop off times are Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00pm and Saturdays 9:00 – 4:00pm. Pickups can be arranged by calling Jesse Cortinaz at 920-464-0303.
§  The Commission on Congregational Vitality is hosting a workshop on managing change in congregations, repeated in each of the deaneries and two workshops are still left: St. Anne’s, Depere, Saturday, September 30th, and St. John, Wausau, Saturday, October 7th. This workshop, presented by Leslie Gunter, the Rev. Diane Murray, and the Rev. Ralph Osborne, is designed for both clergy and lay leaders. The workshop will begin at 8:30 with a continental breakfast, with program beginning at 9 am. The day concludes by 3 pm. A registration fee of $15 per person includes the continental breakfast, lunch and materials. To register, please go to www.diofdlccv.weeblyc.om/workshops
§  Grace Notes is here: http://gracechurchgracenotes.blogspot.com/.  You can sign up to receive the blog every Thursday
§  Grace Abounds: http://www.graceabounds.online Sermons, podcasts, the Bible Challenge
§  Like Grace Church on Facebook: @gracesheboygan
§  We Are on Itunes! Check out the new podcast!!!


Thursday, September 14, 2017

Holy Cross Day

Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes
14 September 2017

Today is Holy Cross Day.  The hill of Calvary, upon which Jesus was crucified, stood outside of the walls of the Jerusalem of His day, and Jerusalem was, itself, razed by the Roman army in A.D. 70.  In the second century, a Roman city, Aelia Capitolina (named in honor of the emperor Hadrian and the pagan god Jupiter) was built on the same site, with a temple to Jupiter erected over the ruins of the Jewish Temple.
By the fourth century, Christianity had become the favored religion under the emperor Constantine.  As described by the Roman historian, Eusebius, Constantine decreed that building of “imperial magnificence” be erected in Aelia Capitolina (note that the name of the city was not changed!), that pilgrims might be drawn to venerate the site of Jesus’ resurrection.  In the course of this building project, Constantine’s mother, the dowager empress Helena (St. Helena; feast day is 18 August) undertook to excavate the site of Jesus’ crucifixion (then to be found within the new city).  During these excavations a relic, believed to be of the true cross, was discovered.  Modern archaeologists believe that Helena’s excavations were accurate.
The building complex decreed by Constantine was finished on 14 September 335.  This followed a solemn veneration of the true cross on Good Friday that prior Spring.  The feast day for Holy Cross reflects not the actual date of the finding, but of the solemn dedication of the new shrine, which was intended by the new imperial regime to recapitulate Jewish practice.  Constantine decreed the dedication to take place in the seventh month (September, on the Roman calendar), to echo the dedication of Solomon’s temple in the seventh month of the Jewish calendar (2 Chr. 7.8—10).
This parish holds an attested relic, purported to be a very tiny fragment of the true cross.  This relic is displayed during Easter Week.
Collect for Holy Cross Day:  Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself:  Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, in glory everlasting.  Amen.

Grace aboundsPlease thank: 
§  All who made the 10 September “Celebration of Grace” such a success:  Andrea, Carver, Chase, Don and Nicci Beeck; Julie Davidson, Kristi Ehler, Justin Panske, Elizabeth Schaffenburg, Pat Ford Smith, Mary Snyder, and Tom Wright, and members of the Vestry, and  all presenters, tour guides, scavenger hunt leaders, etc.

Special “Thank You’ s” :  A supply of Thank You note cards can be found on the table at the back of church nave.  When someone in the parish does something special, take the time to write them a personal note.  Also, from time to time, think about who you might want to thank for ongoing service, and let them know you have noticed!

Call for ContributionsIf 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.

Don’t forget “Something Extra for Grace”:  Supplemental giving envelopes can be found in pews.  If you want to give something extra, please use an envelope to ensure that you are credited.

Music this Week:          The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19A)
                                       Organist:  R. Benjamin Dobey

Prelude                Alla Sarabanda, Musette                       Ralph Vaughan Williams
                                     
Entrance 410         “Praise, my soul, the King of heaven”                    Lauda anima
Offertory Anthem    “O how amiable”                                  Ralph Vaughan Williams
Communion Motet   “God be in my head                                               Philip Wilby     
Communion 593    “Lord make us servants of your peace”            Dickinson College                                      
Closing 411           “O bless the Lord, my soul!                      St. Thomas (Williams)
Postlude              Trumpet Tune in G                                          David N. Johnson

Parish Notices    

§  Clergy Retreat: Father Karl and Mother Michele will be out of the office attending a clergy retreat on Monday September 18th and Tuesday September 19th.  There will be no mass on both days. In the case of an emergency, please call Deacon Mike Burg on 918-9944.
§  White Board Selfie Project.  Following mass on Sunday, September 17th, a member of the vestry will be present in St Nicholas Hall to take a photograph of each parishioner. We ask that you hold up a white board with a word or phrase you choose to express what you are passionate about at Grace Episcopal Church. This will be an ongoing project to help us discover connections and priorities amongst ourselves. 
§  How to be Holy! Is the subject of Adult Formation beginning this Sunday, September 17th. Come and discover how you can become holy as we read Peter Kreeft’s How to be Holy: First Steps in Becoming a Saint. Jerry Molitor will facilitate this course. The book is easy to read, and we will limit the weekly reading to 20—25 pages. We will gather for seven weeks from 9—10 a.m. in the fellowship hall, beginning today, to discuss this spiritual guide. Do you wish to be holy? Do you want to see yourself as a saint? If so, let’s explore this together. We hope to see you here!  Bring friends! Copies of the book can be purchased at the discounted price of $10, from the parish office. (Mark checks “Adult Ed”.) If you need a scholarship for this, just ask.
§  Sunday School: begins this Sunday, September 17th!
§  3-k through 1st Grade with Mrs. Andrea (Aparicio)
§  2nd through 5th Grade with Mrs. Nicci (Beeck)
§  6th-12th with Mr. Nick (Whitford)
§  The teachers have missed those familiar faces and are looking forward to some new ones, too.
§  Sunday School Snacks: One activity that is a favorite of the children is sharing in a snack together and serving each other in the Name of Christ. If you are able, we would so appreciate donated snacks and juice boxes. Snack ideas include crackers, applesauce, fruit snacks, popcorn or any other non-perishable item you think they might like. String cheese, fresh fruit and veggies are also welcome, just alert Ms. Nicci or Ms. Andrea if you placed something in the refrigerator and we'll be sure to use them. Thank you!
§  Stewardship Kick-Off Event:  Next Sunday, September 24th we will hold our kick-off event on Stewardship Revealed in Christ, Community, and Compassion.  After the 10:15 coffee hour, a presentation will be given by the Stewardship Committee in addition to a meal of Italian cuisine prepared by the Hospitality Committee.
§  Catechumenate: will begin Tuesday, September 26th 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and will continue until May when Bishop Matthew Gunter makes his annual visitation. Catechumenate is a nine-month course in the basics of the Faith and its practice. It is a period of training and instruction in Christian understandings about God, human relationships, and the meaning of life. It includes the Sacrament of Baptism, if you are not already baptized, and culminates in Confirmation, Reception, or Renewal of Baptismal Vows. The study is led by Mother Michele Whitford, the Parish Catechist. If you would like more information, please call the office 452-9659 or email Mother Michele at mwhitford@gracesheboygan.com. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
§  Parish Directory: As you may know, a picture directory is ‘in the works’ for this fall. The first step is to get the written information up to date. A print out of what we have can be found on the table in the narthex. Please check your entry. Initial the entry if it is correct, or write in any corrections necessary. 
§  Paper Drive: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Plymouth is having a paper drive! Please bring in ONLY newspapers (inserts included). We cannot accept magazines or anything with a binding. A semi-trailer will be in the Plymouth Furniture parking lot, 2133 Eastern Av, Plymouth, the month of September. Drop off times are Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 – 6:00pm and Saturdays 9:00 – 4:00pm. Pickups can be arranged by calling Jesse Cortinaz at 920-464-0303.
§  White board selfie project:  After mass today a member of the vestry will be present in St Nicholas Hall to take a photograph  of each parishioner.  We ask that you hold up a white board with a word or phrase you choose to express what you are passionate about at Grace Episcopal Church. This will be an ongoing project to help us discover connections and priorities amongst ourselves. 
§  As a community, are we really helping?  Love INC is sponsoring a community event and volunteer training.  The community event is entitled “The Defining Difference: Helping in Ways that Transform, based on the book Redemptive Compasion, by author, Love INC of Treasure Valley Executive Director, Lois Tupyi. This community event will take place at First Reformed Church, 927 Superior Avenue, Oostburg on Friday, October 6th 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Registration fee is $10 The following day, Saturday, October 7th volunteer training will be held, details of which can be found on the notice board in the Narthex. To sign up for either or both events go to:
www.loveincsheboygancountry.org Fr. Karl has 7 extra tickets:  First come/first served.
§  Walsingham Music and Flowers: The Walsingham Pilgrimage is just around the corner and preparations are being made. We will have a quiet day with meditations concluding with Solemn Evensong on October 13th; and a Solemn Pontifical Mass with the Gaudete Brass again this year on October 14th. Please donate so we can once again offer beautiful music that has become so much a part of the pilgrimage and the flowers that add so much to the beauty of holiness. Please make your check out to Grace Church with Walsingham music or flowers or both in the memo. Thank you.
§  Walsingham Pilgrimage:  We need accommodations for 15 choir members from Nashotah House for Friday, 13 October.  If you can take 1—2 choristers, please contact the office.  You will not need to provide dinner.  (A light breakfast on Saturday, 14 October will be appreciated.)  You will need to provide pick-up and drop-of at the parish.
§  Sheboygan Christian Women’s Connection: Will be holding a brunch on Tuesday, September 19th, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Pine Hills Country Club. Ellein (Elly) Lutz will be the guest speaker – “Goals, Strategies: Where is Your Life Going?” Special Feature will be Christina McWilliams with The Dressbarn Fall Fashion Show. Cost is $12, call Ann Keckonen at 457-4318.
§  27th Annual Coats for Kids: is a community service campaign in which area residents are asked to donate clean coats in good repair. Coats of all sizes for people of all ages are accepted, with the need being greatest for children’s coats. These coats will be distributed to Sheboygan county residents who would otherwise go without. Drop off location: Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12 St. Sheboygan, Friday, September 1st – Monday, October 23rd, Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:00 pm. Distribution Location: Salvation Army, 710 Pennsylvania Ave. Sheboygan, Thursday, October 26th, from 1:00 – 6:00pm.
§  Coffee Hour Schedule: We need volunteers following the 8:00 a.m. and10:15 a.m. masses this month through beginning of November. If you would like to host, please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please see Katy Larson. Thank you so much.
§  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.
§  Love INC Monthly Bulletin is now available online at:
§  Grace Notes is here: http://gracechurchgracenotes.blogspot.com/.  You can sign up to receive the blog every Thursday
§  Grace Abounds: http://www.graceabounds.online Sermons, podcasts, the Bible Challenge
§  Like Grace Church on Facebook: @gracesheboygan
§  We Are on Itunes! Check out the new podcast!!!