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Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Foster Parenthood


Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes
22 March 2018

A recent health problem resulted in my being unable to celebrate Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph (19 March).  This was after we had already been forced to reschedule from a solemn celebration to a daily Mass, and so it seems only fitting that we can at least write about Our Lord’s foster father.
We know nothing about Joseph other than what is revealed in the Bible, that he was of the house of David, a righteous man.  After the incident of the twelve year-old Jesus being found in the Temple (Lk. 2.41—49), Joseph never figures as a character in the narrative.  Joseph is referred to as Jesus’ father, in the home synagogue in Nazareth (Lk.  4.22; Jn. 6.42), but the fact that Mark’s and Matthew’s accounts of this incident have Jesus’ home town neighbors refer to Jesus as Mary’s son would indicate either that Joseph is already dead or, perhaps, that the neighbors remember something about Mary being with child while betrothed, and are being snide about His parentage.  At any rate, we must presume Joseph’s death, although this is not recorded.  Certainly, by the time Jesus dies on the cross, in commending His mother to the apostle John’s care (Jn. 19.26—27) He makes clear that she lacks a spouse.
My absence from Joseph’s feast illuminates an important parallel between Joseph and any parish priest.  Perhaps this is why the Catholic Church has declared Joseph to be the patron saint of the Church (as well as of workers), for however faithfully Joseph executed his commission to serve as Jesus’ foster father and Mary’s spouse his role in God’s plan was secondary.  He could not live to see the result of his faithfulness, but served faithfully in hope, trusting in God’s promises and abiding by His law.  It is God whom we truly address as Father, both as individuals and as the Church.  It is Jesus whom we address as Lord.  Some believers also address Mary, asking that she pray to God in aid of their petitions.  In this economy of grace Joseph looks on.  He has been instrumental in the plan; the results of the plan are out of his hands.
Whatever becomes of the ministry of any parish priest, he or she can never do more than did Joseph.  We can seek always to serve faithfully, to trust in God’s promises, and to abide by His law.  But we can never determine outcome, the next stage in the plan.  Our vocation is to serve in ways like Joseph, as foster father or mother, providing care and instruction, counsel and protection.  Just as the baby who came forth from Mary resulted not from Joseph’s seed but from God, so will the fruit to be born of the Church.  May she ever be served by faithful clergy graced with the wisdom of Joseph—to know that our role is to care and to let God direct.

Are you called to leadership?  A member of the Vestry has been compelled to resign by reason of health.  The bylaws of the parish provide for the appointment of another member to serve out this Vestry duty for the balance of this year, subject to reĆ«lection to a full (3 year) term in 2019.  If you wish to explore a call to leadership, what is involved, and what will be the priorities of the Vestry, please discuss this with any member of Vestry or the clergy.  Names of all Vestry members may be found in each worship bulletin and in the newsletter.

Stations of the Cross:  If you were unable to make it this past Sunday to experience the Stations of the Cross with the youth group, you're in luck! You can view the full program right now.
The link below will take you to a Google Drive folder which includes the full program video, and the booklet that goes along with it. If you don't use Google Drive that's okay, they don't require anything of you to use my link.
The program is basically an hour long. For the best experience, try to give yourself at least an hour of uninterrupted time. I would love to hear your reactions, you can find me at church, or email me at njwhitford@gmail.com
For any who are unfamiliar: Stations of the Cross is a tradition in some churches where, essentially, we tell the story of Jesus' arrest, condemnation, death, and burial through a series of locations, or stations (kind of like the chapters of a story). This version is special because we are using so-called secular movies to show how we can find God through our cultural storytelling.
Thank you to everyone who came out on Sunday, there were about 30 people. I appreciated the conversation afterward, and am glad that you found it worthwhile.
Here's the link: http://bit.ly/VideoStations

Grace and Peace, Nick Whitford

Grace abounds:  Please thank: 
§  Bill and Deb Gagin for the Friday Lenten supper.
§  Bob and Anne Hanlon, Jasmin and Sandie Palmer, and Susan McIntosh 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. 

Lenten Series:  This week:  Love in the Name of Christ (LoveINC) Sheboygan County.  LoveINC is supported on a budget line item basis by this parish, so come and learn more about this ministry of your church.  Stations begin at 5:30 p.m.; the supper at 6, with the program beginning at 6:30.
Come to pray!  Come enjoy fellowship!  Come to learn!

Music this Week:          Palm Sunday (The Passion of Our Lord)
                                      Music Director:  R. Benjamin Dobey

The Liturgy of the Palms
Processional Hymn 154   “All glory laud and honor to thee, Redeemer King”                                                                                                      Valet will ich dir geben
The Holy Eucharist
Sequence Hymn 435       “At the name of Jesus”                              King’s Weston
Offertory Hymn 162        “The royal banners forward go”      Vexilla Regis prodeunt 
Communion Motet           Crucifixus                                                    Antonio Lotti
Communion Hymn 168    “O sacred head, sore wounded”                                                                                                                           Herzlich tut mich verlangen
Postlude                         Chorale Prelude on O sacred head, sore wounded
                                                                                                  Johannes Brahms

Parish Notices:
§  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.
§  First Communion Instruction: Pat Ford Smith will be providing Communion Lessons in preparation for the Bishop's visit on Sunday, 22 April.  Classes begin Sunday at 1:30-3:00 p.m. and continue on 8 and 15 April.  Children will meet Mrs. Pat at the Ontario Street entrance.
§  Easter Vigil Dinner: The first Mass of the Resurrection is on Saturday, 31 March at 7:00 p.m. The Easter celebration then continues at Trattoria Stefano, 522 South 8th 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 challenged by the cost.
*As a courtesy to Trattoria Stefano, please sign up no later than today so they can have time to prepare the room and seating arrangements.
§  Parish Spring Clean-Up Day: Saturday, 7 April has been set for clean-up of the Grace Church buildings and grounds.  (Rain date is Saturday 14 April) We will begin at 8:30am and work until noon. Please put this date on your calendar; many hands will make light work. A subs and chips lunch will be provided. A sign-up sheet is on the Narthex table.
§  Bishop’s Visitation: On Sunday, 22 April 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 those Received and Confirmed. A sign-up sheet is located on the Narthex table for savories, sweets and clean-up.
§  The Feast of the Annunciation: We celebrate on Monday, 9 April at 12:10 p.m. the Eve of the Feast of the Annunciation, which commemorates the annunciation by the archangel Gabriel to Mary that she will bear the Messiah (Luke 1.26-38).
§  Adult Formation-Sacramental Life (Holy Eucharist): Please join Leslie Kohler on 22, 29 April, AND 6, 13, 20 May as she finishes guiding us through the sacrament of Holy Eucharist using the book Sacramental Life by David DeSilva. This book explores spiritual formation through the Book of Common Prayer. “Those that have participated before know that this is a fairly freeform guided discussion. I am as interested in learning from you, as I am teaching you.” -Leslie
§  Good News Jail & Prison Ministry Banquet: The annual banquet in support of ministry in the local jail is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 April (Blue Harbor, 6 p.m.) 
Fr. Karl; has 8 tickets available. There is no cost, but the cost of the meal to the ministry is $28.00, and you are encouraged to donate in support. There will also be a silent auction. Come and learn about how lives can be changed through the Gospel, behind bars as well as on the outside. For details contact Fr. Karl.
§  Annual Bake/Plant/Rummage Sale: This annual event takes place, in conjunction with St. Luke United Methodist Church Rummage Sale, on Friday, 27 April(noon–3:00 p.m.) and Saturday, 28 April (9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)
We are in need volunteers to provide baked items (brownies already provided) and help monitor the tables, set-up and take down. Sign-up sheets will be on the Narthex table after Easter Sunday.
*Do you have rummage items to donate? Please price and bring to the lower level room marked “Rummage Sale items”.
§  Spring Conference 2018: Faithful Innovation in a Disruptive Age, Saturday,
28 April, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, Liberty Hall in Kimberly. https://www.diofdl.org/eventsblog/spring-conference-apr-28 Registration fee of $30 per person, includes breakfast, lunch speaker and supplies.  If you are interested in attending, but are challenged by the fee, contact the parish office. 
§  Monarch 74 Cursillo Weekend: Thursday, 3 May- Sunday, 6 May at Spencer Lake Christian Center in Waupaca.
What is Cursillo? It is a movement of the church.  Its purpose is to help those in the church understands their individual callings to be Christian Leaders.  The leadership may be exercised in work situations, in family and social life, in leisure activities and within the church environment.  Leadership, in Cursillo, does not mean power over others, but influence on others; all of us need to be aware that we can exert a positive influence on those around us. Visit http://www.monarchcursillo.org/ for more information or to register.
§  Save the Date! Summer Camp: The Diocese of Fond du Lac Summer Camp is for kids age 4 through graduating 12th graders. Camp is an opportunity for campers and staff to learn more about God, about community, about themselves and have fun!
Registration forms will be available soon. *Scholarships are available.
Senior Camp (completed grades 9-12) June 10– June 16
Middler Camp (completed grades 6-8) June 17– June 22
Junior Camp (completed grades 2-5) June 17– June 22
KinderCamp (parent & kids ages 4-7) June 22 – June 24
§  Bible Challenge: Videos for all 52 weeks of the year are now available on Grace Abounds. If you take this challenge, you will find that in one year you will read all of the Bible! This will require less than an hour of your time, six days a week. A schedule of readings is provided on the parish website, along with weekly study summaries and a weekly video summary of the readings. If you need a good study bible for the challenge, contact the parish office. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the mantle of the Lord does fall upon us. We are equipped to discern God’s will and to lead others to know and love and serve the Lord.
§  Ushers Needed: Ushers are often the first people seen by newcomers, visitors, and even regular parishioners when coming to Grace Church. People enjoy being greeted by a smile; become a part of this ministry today!
§  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.
§  Lost and Found: If you have ever lost anything while at Grace Church, it may be in the office lost and found box. Please email the office nbeeck@gracesheboygan.com to identify and claim.
§  Please continue to pray for those listed in this Mass booklet. Thank you.
§  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!!!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-church-sheboygan/id982836791
§  Holy Week:  Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, the Sunday of the Passion of our Lord.
Services in Holy Week:
Palm Sunday                       Holy Eucharist                 8 and 10:15 a.m.
Monday in Holy Week           Morning Prayer                8:45 a.m.
Holy Eucharist            12.10 p.m.
Evening Prayer           5:10 p.m.
Corporate Rosary                 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday in Holy Week          Morning Prayer                8:45 a.m.
Evening Prayer           5:10 p.m.
Holy Eucharist            5:30 p.m.
Wednesday in Holy Week               Morning Prayer                8:45 a.m.
Evening Prayer           5:10 p.m.
Holy Eucharist            5.30 p.m.
Maundy Thursday                          Morning Prayer                8:45 a.m.
Evening Prayer           5:10 p.m.
Mass of Maundy Thursday    6:00 p.m.
[Stripping of the altar.]
Good Friday:                                 Morning Prayer                7:00 a.m.
Good Friday Liturgy    1:00 p.m.
Holy Saturday:                    Liturgy of Holy Saturday  9:00 a.m.
Great Vigil of Easter    7:00 p.m.
Easter Day                                    Holy Eucharist                 8 and 10:15 a.m



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