Grace
Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace
Notes
16 November 2017
The scandals
surrounding powerful figures in the entertainment industry, in politics, and in
corporate life, are not receding. Nor
should we expect them to as more and more people find the courage to speak out
against abuse. I want to suggest,
however, that this climate of scandal is occasioned by what is truly scandalous
in a theological sense, i.e., that we can only view behavior through the
lens of power (specifically, unequal power) and not also—and primarily—through
the lens of morality.
Even raising the
topic of morals at this time will strike many as in bad taste, but the litany
of behaviors described in the current scandals reflects a culture that is broken. The underlying scandal is the failure of many
in the Church to teach moral standards that are not malleable.
In theology the
classical definition of “scandal” is “an attitude or behavior which leads
another to do evil,” even when leading is not intentional. Do efforts to accommodate to the culture, to
be pastoral and welcoming, have the effect of leading others to accommodate to
the evil of abuse of power and of the expression of sexual appetites outside of
the bounds of matrimony?
The Church doesn’t
get a pass on teaching what Jesus taught (cf. Mtt. 28.20). This is true even when (particularly when)
the background culture—the set of social norms and attitudes (including fashion
and opinion) that define a society—are scandalous. Should we condemn predatory behavior and
abuses of power? Absolutely. We should condemn, no less, the unfettered
expression and celebration of appetites, for it is the very lack of boundaries
that leads to persons becoming objects, objects to be “valued” on the basis of
utility only, and leads to God’s plan for humanity being reduced to a series of
“wink and nod” moments and off-color jokes.
Let’s be
scandalized, outraged by a culture in which “there are no rules” has become a
norm celebrated by many.
Don’t forget
stewardship! We have to date received 56 pledge cards from the 84 people who gave pledges
in 2016—2017. Thank you, to those who have pledged! In order to
fully fund the ministries of Grace Episcopal Church, we need all members to
participate.
If you do not intend to pledge, for economic
reasons, then let us know. We’ll be able to plan more faithfully, and
also better walk alongside you if you are facing particular difficulties.
We are each part of one Body.
If you do not intend to pledge for non-economic
reasons, then please share your reasoning with either the clergy or a member of
Vestry. We need to know what it is that we are not doing, or have done,
that has caused you to question your participation.
Stewardship is not optional. Jesus tells us
that where our treasure is their will be or hearts (Mtt. 6.21; Lk.
12.34). Notice the order? It’s the opposite of what most of us
remember from Scripture. Jesus is making the point that where we
choose to invest ourselves matters; it forms us. Be formed by what
you invest value in.
Plan on giving: Pray
now about the priorities God sets before you, and take the next step up in
giving.
- Giving—offering
to God—is not optional. It is commanded by God that we offer Him our
first fruits. The biblical standard for giving is the tithe.
If you tithe you will never be poor! The offering to God is pleasing
to Him.
- All
things are God’s, not only because He creates them but because He redeems
them. The only thing that creatures can claim as their own is evil.
- Stewardship
extends to every aspect of life and work in the world. Giving money
to the Church is but one aspect of how we relate to our Creator.
- The
giving of alms means literally “to do acts of mercy” (Mtt. 6.2 in the
original Greek). A merciful heart is pleasing to God.
- God
commands His people to express their faith and love in active works of
mercy (Jas. 2.15-17; 1 Jn. 3.17-18).
- The
alternative to giving always involves the words “me” and “mine”.
Substitute the word “God’s”!
Pray! Pray about your own
giving, and pray about the health of the parish. A suggested prayer is:
In the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Almighty God, it is by your blessing that we enjoy the ability to
give. All things come of you, and of your own do we give to you. So
open our hearts and fill us with your Spirit, that we may be moved to give to
advance the mission of your Church, to press on the kingdom. So open the
hearts of all in the parish that together we may discern your will and do it,
to be the salt and light in the world that you call and equip us to be; this, I
pray, by and through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, Father, in
the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Grace
abounds: Please thank:
§ Wayne
and Pat Sather, and 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 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.
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
Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28A)
Organist: R. Benjamin Dobey
Prelude
Prelude on Christe Redemptor
Omnium Hubert Parry
Entrance 410
“Praise my soul, the King of
heaven;” Lauda anima Offertory 680
“O God, our help in ages past,” St. Anne
Communion Motet Give
ear, O ye heavens Dale Wood
Communion 312 “Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands” Malabar
Closing 541
“Come, labor on” Ora labora
Postlude
Chorale Prelude on ‘O God, our help’ C.H.H.
Parry
Parish Notices:
§ Christian Formation: On Sunday, November
19th at 9:00 a.m., a Rector’s Forum will be held in St. Nicholas Hall as an
open Q & A session with Fr. Karl. On Sunday, November 26th, Jerry
Molitor will begin a three week course on the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels
of Matthew and Luke.
§ Advent
Meditations: Thank
you to all who signed up to create an Advent Meditation. Due date for your submission is SUNDAY, November 19th.
§ Thank you! To all who donated
both items and money for the Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes. This a tangible way
for us to see gifts given to children around the world and to celebrate a Merry
Christ’s Mass through mission.
§ Tripartite Thanksgiving Eve Worship: This year St. Dominic
Catholic Church, (corner of N. 21st and Geele Avenue) will be
hosting the joint celebration on Wednesday, November 22nd at 7:00
p.m. Please come and join the Tripartite Combined Choir and enjoy food and
fellowship following the service. Jane Hanson has graciously volunteered to
greet but we still need one more person to serve as a greeter. The collection
at the service will underwrite the Salvation Army Emmaus Meal Program. The
Tripartite will be providing the food and volunteers for the Emmaus Meal on
December 2nd. Please mark your calendars for this wonderful way to serve our
community in need.
§ Advent
Lessons and Carols:
On Sunday, December 3rd, a festival of Advent Lessons and Carols will be
offered at Grace Episcopal Church, beginning at 4:00 p.m.The festival prepares
us for the coming of the Messiah by following the scriptural record through
nine lessons, each followed by a seasonal carol offered by choir and
congregation. The choir will also offer seasonal anthems, and music will
include Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey on organ. The service is followed immediately by
a High Tea reception. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex for sweets and
savories.
§ Thanksgiving Love Feast: On November 23rd The
Blind Horse, in partnership with Love INC, and Plymouth Alliance Church will be
serving a Thanksgiving dinner for those in need from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in
The Blind Horse Winery. Seating begins at 11:00 a.m. and every hour after. Each
group will have 45 minutes of delicious food and fellowship. You must sign up
for your time by calling 920-204-5111. If anyone would like to assist with
volunteering for the event please call Love INC at 920-400-0402.
§ Holiday Parade: Grace Church will be
selling cocoa and coffee, brownies, apple crisp and hotdogs, before and during
the Holiday Parade which starts at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday November 26th.
The money raised goes to outreach projects both near and far. Please come by
the front of the church and enjoy a warm treat as you enjoy the parade, be sure
to bring your friends!
§ Tripartite Emmaus Meal: Will take place
Saturday, December 2nd at the Salvation Army. We will need 10 volunteers from Grace: 2 people for
Set-Up 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 8
people to serve dressed in holiday colored clothing 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Then the servers eat together and
do clean up. Bakers are also needed –
for holiday desserts, cookies, cakes, bars, cupcakes – 6 plates/trays from Grace Church to be dropped off on the Saturday
in the basement of the Salvation Army by 10:00 a.m. Please sign up on the
sheets in the Narthex by Monday November 27th.
§ Youth
and Children’s Choir:
Youth and Children’s choir rehearsals for the Christmas Eve service are at
5:30-6:00pm beginning Wednesday December 6th, downstairs in the choir room.
Additional rehearsals will be on December 13th and 20th. The choir is open
to 2nd graders through high school, and will sing for the 4pm
service on Christmas Eve. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex.
§ Christmas
Pageant Rehearsals: will
be held during Sunday School classes on December 3rd, 10th and 17th.
Participation is open to youth of all ages. The Pageant will take place during
the 4:00pm Christmas Eve Mass.
§ Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Volunteers are need
for hourly slots of bell ringing on Saturday, December 2nd, 9:00
a.m. –5:00 p.m at Festival Foods on S. Taylor Drive; Sign-up sheets can be
found in the Narthex. For any questions please call Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.
§ Salvation
Army Adopt a Family Gift tags: We have the tree up, and all the name
tags on it, for the Salvation Army Family gifts, please take a name or two and
follow the instructions on the table next to the tree. Please return the
gifts to Grace Church by 5:00 p.m. December 5th. If you have any questions
please call Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.
§ Salvation Army Toy Shoppe: We are looking for
volunteers from Grace Church to:
§ December 14th: Greet
parents/guardians and assist with distribiution of toys and gifts for local
families. 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
§ December 18th: Organize and sort toy
donations by age, gender and size. 10:00 – 12:00 pm
§ December 20th : Shop for each member
of a family using lists provided by the parents.
§ Sign
up sheets with time slots are on the table in the Narthex. 10:00 a.m. – 1:00
p.m.
§ Grace Notes is here: http://gracechurchgracenotes.blogspot.com/. You can sign
up to receive the blog every Thursday
§ Like
Grace Church on Facebook:
@gracesheboygan
§ We
Are on Itunes! Check out the
new podcast!!!
§ Love INC Monthly Bulletin is now available
online at:
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