God Sightings, Again

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

14 June 2018

I have written in the past about “God sightings”—those experiences in life when we are aware that God is present, God is at work.  At a recent forum on adult formation a participant shared that her life had for one day been changed radically when she became intentional about looking for God.  She was able to experience beauty and blessing in things otherwise humdrum.  She was able to experience even annoying people as beloved children of the same Father.  It would seem, therefore, that a salutary element in our walk by faith is found in how we are intentional, how we pay attention.

Perhaps the simplest thing anyone of us can do is to think about God when we are faced with a decision.  I’m not talking just about big decisions (which may well require extended thinking about God).  I’m talking about those things in life that may not even seem like decisions at the time, like how to react when something unexpected or frustrating happens.  For example (and to use an example near and dear to my own personality flaws), suppose another driver cuts me off in traffic, or drives too slowly in the left lane on the highway?  My immediate reaction is one of anger, anger which can be expressed in thought and word against the supposed deficiencies in the other driver’s skill (and person!)  It’s easy to get mad, and it’s easy to just treat getting mad this way to be a reaction.  But the reality is that I have to decide to react in anger.  The fact that this might be my normal reaction, and that little thought is involved, just means that I have gotten used to not thinking about my reaction—and not thinking about something is itself a decision.

What if, when the other driver annoys me, I decide to look for God?  I know that the other driver is a creature of God, created in His image and likeness, and for whom Our Lord gave His life.  I know this in my faith, but if I just react in anger, I am treating the other driver as somehow less worthy of the love of neighbor as self that Jesus tells me is within the summary of the Law.  In other words, there’s a conflict between what I know in faith, and what I say or do, because I don’t take the time to decide that God is present, and to look for Him!  If instead of getting mad I pray for the other driver, I am recognizing that Jesus gave His life for that other driver, even if the other driver is a jerk!

The point in making decisions to look for God is that we have to practice this.  I’m not good at this.  But practice every day helps, and the simplest practice is to set aside time every day for God, time that looks like listening to God in the Bible, and speaking with God in prayer.  For example, if I read in Ps. 42 “As the deer longs for the water-brooks, so longs my soul for you, O God” (for example in Morning Prayer), then maybe I’ll be a little more conscious of longing for God throughout the day, and notice when He shows up.

Try this for a month:  Read a psalm every morning.  Let one phrase which speaks to you in the psalm stick with you all day, and become a lens through which to view the world.  You’ll be surprised at first how often God shows up.  But over time you’ll come to see Him always, everywhere.

Grace abounds:  Please thank: 

§  Elizabeth Schaffenburg and Jim Gardner, and Bob and Barb MacEwen for the Sunday coffee hours, with clean up help from Joann and Zack Sorensen.

§  Bryan Stenz for lawn care.

§  Bobbie May and Ben Dobey for gardening.

§  Scot Fabiano for fabricating a new crown for the Christus Rex statue for the front of the church.

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.

Special call!  We have issued full and partial scholarships covering diocesan camp expenses for 5 children in the community and the parish.  Funds have been disbursed from clergy discretionary accounts, and we need help to replenish these accounts so that unplanned-for aid can continue.  Please give generously.  Mark on your check memo. line “Clergy Discretionary Accounts”.

Please contribute for photocopies:  The photocopier is being subjected to frequent use that relates to parishioner’s needs and not those of the whole parish.  If you need to make copies (and please keep this to a minimum), please inform a member of the parish staff and make a contribution toward the costs of the copies.  A suggested contribution is $0.6/page.  (We are trending above budget on copy costs!)

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 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6B)

                                      R. Benjamin Dobey, Music Director

Prelude                           Prelude on Rhoseymedre            Ralph Vaughan Williams

Entrance Hymn 388         “Oh worship the King, all glorious above ”           Hanover

Offertory Hymn 598        “Lord Christ, when thou cam’st to earth”  Mit Freuden zart

Communion Hymn 587    “Our Father, by whose Name”                          Call Street

Closing Hymn 411           “O bless the Lord, my soul”                            St. Thomas

Postlude                          Voluntary in D Minor                                 Samuel Wesley

Parish Notices:

§  Summer Camp has begun: Nothing is better for a camper away from home than receiving a letter. If you would like to send our Grace Church Campers mail, please inquire about their names by calling the Parish office.

Camp Address:

Camper’s Name
FDL Camp
Camp Lakotah
N1875 21st Ave
Wautoma, WI 54982

When should the mail be sent? 

Senior Camp, June 10– June 16 (completed at this time)

Middler Camp, June 17– June 22

Junior Camp, June 17– June 22

KinderCamp, June 22 – June 24

§  All Saint’s Chapel in Elkhart Lake: The Chapel offers services at 9:00 a.m., continuing through Labor Day weekend. We are blessed to have Fr. Patrick Twomey serving as Celebrant for the entire season. Services will continue to be a shared ministry, which means volunteers will be needed for Sunday Service ownership.

This includes:

Picking up the bulletins box at Grace Church in Sheboygan

Arriving early on Sunday to:

o   Open the buildings

o   Identify readers for the readings and the prayers of the people

o   Light candles

o   Greet Fr. Twomey

Locking up at the conclusion of Mass and Returning the bulletins box and etc. to Grace Church. A printed list of instructions is on site, in the event of questions, as well as a list members available by phone to offer direct support. Call the Grace Episcopal Church office at (920) 452-9659 to schedule ownership of a Sunday(s). Thank you for your support of such an important Ministry!

§  Diocesan Eucharistic Festival and Bishop’s Picnic, Saturday June 30: Established in 1960 by Bishop William Brady, the Eucharistic Festival gathers the diocesan family to be united in its faith in the Presence of our Blessed Lord in the Bread and Wine of the Altar. In being so devoted, we can be united in making known God's presence to all people.​ The Festival includes the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Bishop's Picnic, Evening Prayer and the Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Fond du Lac. If you are interested in carpooling, contact the parish office.

§  Diocesan Choir invites members to sing at the Eucharistic Festival: If you are willing to sing at the event, register at www.diofdl.org/ef or contact the Cathedral’s Interim Organist-Choirmaster, Joseph Lindsay at (920) 322-7360. The Diocesan Choir will meet at 9:00 am on the 30 to rehearse for the 11:00 a.m. liturgy. Those participating may borrow cassocks and surplices from the Cathedral’s inventory, per availability.

§  Brat Fry and Bake Sale at Miesfeld’s: Saturday, July 7, Brat Fry at Miesfeld’s Brat Haus! A sign-up table is located in the Narthex. We are looking for: Brat fryers, stand attendants, baked goods bakers, before the sale packagers and attendants while at the sale. Contact Barb or Bob MacEwen at (920) 912-4505 if you have any questions.

§  Save the Date-Diocese of Fond du Lac Schedule for Ordination: The Ordination of the Reverend Roberta Ann Kraft to the Priesthood will take place on Saturday, July 21, 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle in Fond du Lac at 11:00 a.m. More details will be shared in the upcoming weeks about this joyous event.

§  Diocesan polo shirts are back: Every few years a Diocesan Polo Shirt embroidered with the diocesan shield is available for order and purchase. 2018 is the year! These 65/35 cotton blend shirts come in both men's and women's sizes. They are red in color and without pockets. Shirts may be ordered and paid for online or by check. Pick up your shirt at the Diocesan Office, arrange to pick up at a diocesan event, or have it shipped by U.S. Mail. Prices start at $30. Order at diofdl.org/polo

§  Volunteer Opportunities-Transformational Ministry Program, Love INC: Help local lives transform by sharing your time and your God-given gifts to bless our Neighbors across Sheboygan County.  Volunteers needed are: Mentors, Class Facilitators, Childcare, Meal Prep/Food Donor, Set up/Clean up, Greeters/Welcome Table, On-site Prayer Warriors and Financial Supporters.

To learn how you can provide a hand-up call or email Jenna at (920) 783-6701 or jenna@loveincsheboygancounty.org

§  Kairos Outside Weekend Retreat, October 12-14: This is an ecumenical Cursillo-type event for women having been impacted by incarceration. Perhaps they’ve been prisoners, or had/have family members, friends in the Corrections System. The weekend is a time of support and encouragement in a Christian community of women. The cost of the weekend is covered.  If you have questions or would like more information, contact Fr. John Ambelang, (920)453-8983.

§  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; please 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. Please email office@gracesheboygan.com to identify and claim.

§  Bulletin Prayer List and our Grace Church Prayer Team: The Episcopal Church believes in the power of prayer. Grace Church regularly prays for the needs of our own members, as well as the needs of the country, and our world.  We would be honored to pray for your needs, and the needs of your friends and relatives if they or you are in a state of trouble, sorrow, pain, or are experiencing any other adversity. Please call the Parish office at (920) 452-9659 or email a request to office@gracesheboygan.com to have a name(s) put in the bulletin, the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and/or out to the email Prayer Team.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Prayer Team, contact the office.