A Little Gate to God

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

5 July 2018

The Baptist theologian Walter Rauschenbusch (d. 1918) is remembered as a “prophetic witness” on 2 July, under the calendar of commemorations adopted in 2012 (Holy Women, Holy Men) as a trial use in The Episcopal Church.  This resource was never officially approved, and the work of The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music continues, but we may, regardless, remember Rauschenbusch as one of the most prominent figures of the Social Gospel.

The Social Gospel involves how the kingdom of God is to be spread not through any preaching of “fire and brimstone” but through the Christ like witness of followers of Jesus; through how Christians live and work to alleviate injustice, oppression, ignorance and want.

Known as a theologian, Rauschenbusch also wrote poetry, including this poem (shared by Fr. John Ambelang):

A Little Gate to God

In the castle of my soul

Is a little postern gate,

Whereat, when I enter,

I am in the presence of God.

In a moment, in the turning of a thought,

I am where God is. This is a fact.

The world of men is made of jangling noises.

With God it is a great silence.

But that silence is a melody Sweet as the contentment of love,

Thrilling as a touch of flame.

When I enter into God, All life has a meaning.

Without asking, I know;

My desires are even now fulfilled,

My fever is gone

In the great quiet of God.

My troubles are but pebbles on the road,

My joys are like the everlasting hills,

So it is when I step through the gate of prayer

From time into eternity.

When I am in the consciousness of God my fellow men are not far off and forgotten, but close and strangely near.

Those whom I love Have a mystic value.

They shine, as if a light were glowing within them.

So it is when my soul steps through the postern gate

Into the presence of God.

Big things become small, and small things become great.

The near becomes far, and the future is near.

The lowly and despised is shot through with glory . . .

God is the substance of all revolutions;

When I am in him, I am in the Kingdom of God

And the Fatherland of my Soul.

Grace abounds:  Please thank: 

§  Jessica Ambelang and Andrea Aparicio for the Sunday coffee hour.

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 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 9B)

                                      Sandie Palmer, Guest Organist

Prelude                           Preludium                                                Simon Sechter

Entrance Hymn 1             “Father, we praise thee”                       Christe sanctorum

Offertory Hymn 544        “Jesus shall reign”                                        Duke Street

Communion Hymn 321    “My God, thy table is now spread”                 Rockingham   

Closing Hymn 637           “How firm a foundation”                                        Lyons

Postlude                         Gavotte                                                    Samuel Wesley

Parish Notices:

§  Requiem Mass for Michelle Kohler, Wednesday, July 11: Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, followed by a Requiem Mass.

§  All Saints’ 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. Volunteers for Sunday Service ownership are still needed for August 5 and August 19. Thank you for your support of such an important Ministry.

§  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.

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

§  Education for Ministry (EfM): Do you sometimes wonder why you go to church & what it means for your life today?  Do you hear or read scripture & wonder what it means to your life now?  EfM was created to accompany people on the Way of Jesus to help them reinterpret their lives & their world in light of the gospel with a trusted group of friends.  Our identities are gifts from our Creator & are grounded in trusting God’s calling in our lives. 

We don’t have to write our own stories for we are already part of God’s story.  Two groups are starting September 10, 2018.  The Monday group meets at 9:30 am and the Wednesday group meets at 4 pm.  Sign up by August 1st in order to get your books before the first class. 

Cost is $360 and this includes college credits and all your materials.  Scholarships are available, so don’t let the cost keep you from participating.  To get registration materials or if you have questions, contact Barb Drewry-Zimmerman at:  bzimmy@excel.net or 920-893-5189.

§  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.

§  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.

§  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.