Grace
Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace
Notes
11 April 2019
After the past week I might need a bigger hat, because my head might
grow. My head might grow because of all
the words I have heard from those inside and outside the parish who have said
kind things about me. The reason I won’t
actually need a bigger hat is that in listening to such words the persistent
thought in my head has been “Is he/she talking about me?” I know well my own failings. But (and here’s where theology enters), to
the extent that whatever I have done in my priestly ministry in this place has
brought forth words of praise or thanksgiving, what those who have offered
praise or thanksgiving have responded to has been the ways in which God has
used me to do His will. As a person
there are many, many limitations on what I can do, but as the apostle teaches,
“I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (in Jesus) (Phil. 4.13).
It is in Christ that ministry happens, and God uses fallible human
beings to incarnate His presence. In a
season of transition, it is as people in Christ, both as individuals and as the
Church, that you will incarnate God’s presence to each other and to those who
God places before you.
When we recognize that the praise and thanksgiving belong to God, and
give Him the glory, our hats continue to fit, and heads that bow in prayer may
lift up to look to the glory that God reveals in the myriad ways He shows forth
His will in the world. But this means,
as well, that we must be open to the reality that God will use us—everyone of
us. God will use you to reach another
person in ways that will allow that other person to come to better know, and love,
and serve God. God will use you as the
Body of Christ in ways that will make His love real in the world. God will call you through all times of
transition into blessings that cannot even now be foreseen. The constant in all is God: His love, presence, truth, goodness; His
promises that never fail. Trust in God
in all things, and your hat will fit just right.
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we
can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church,
and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21
Grace abounds: Please thank:
§ Bob and Anne Hanlon, Bill & Deb Gagin, and Bob and
Barb MacEwen for the Sunday coffee hours.
§ Bobbie May for janitorial help.
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.
Music this Week: Palm Sunday (The Sunday of the Passion)
Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey, Music Director
Procession “All
glory, laud and honor to thee, Redeemer King”
Sequence H. 435 “At the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow”
Offertory Anthem The royal banners forward go Plainsong
Communion Motet Crucifixus Antonio Lotti
Comm. H. 168 “O sacred head sore wounded”
Herzlich tut mich
verlangen
Postlude Chorale Prelude on O sacred head, sore wounded
Johannes Brahms
Parish Notices:
§ Chrism Mass: On Tuesday, April
16, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Fond du Lac. In the
early church bishops baptized catechumens at the Easter Vigil with blessed
oils. Over time this blessing was made earlier so oils could be used at the
local level. This tradition includes blessing the oil of catechumens (adults
preparing for baptism), oil of the sick (for anointing) and chrism (for
baptism, confirmation, ordination of clergy, and consecration of altars).
§ Maundy
Thursday Foot Washing: The Gospel of John (13:1-17) records that Jesus washed
the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus urged the disciples to
follow his example of generous and humble service. Jesus' washing of the
disciples' feet was a live expression of his teaching that "whoever wishes
to be first among you must be slave of all" (Mk 10:43-44). Everyone will
have the opportunity to have their feet washed and to wash someone else’s;
please wear socks and shoes that are easily removed.
§ Vigil
before the Altar of Repose: Please sign up to watch and pray for an hour
at the Altar of Repose beginning immediately following the Maundy Thursday Mass
on April 18 and concluding Friday, April 19 as the Good Friday Liturgy begins.
There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex; more than one person may
sign up for any given hour.
§ Good
Friday Offering:
Every year since 1922 the church has taken a collection for the Church in the
Middle East during Holy Week. This year our loose plate offering on Good Friday
will go to support the church efforts in Jerusalem and throughout the Middle
East. Please be generous as you are able.
§ Easter
Vigil-The Holy Noise: It is an ancient custom that parishioners bring bells
from home to make Holy Noise during the singing of the Gloria in excelsis
at the Easter Vigil. This is to symbolize the waking of the dead in Christ
because of His resurrection, as well as the proclamation to the entire world
that Christ is risen from the dead.
§ Easter
Vigil Dinner:
The first Mass of the Resurrection is on Saturday, April 20 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. A final head count has been requested by tomorrow, Monday, April 15.
§ Easter notice from St. Luke United
Methodist:
All are welcome to join St. Luke United Methodist Church for an Easter sunrise
service at 6:00 am on Easter Sunday. The service will be held at the North
Beach shelter, Deland Park, 1037 Broughton Drive, Sheboygan.
§ Easter
Gala Reception: We
will continue our Easter celebration with a Gala Reception after the 10:15 a.m.
Mass on Sunday, April 21. A sign-up sheet is on the Narthex table.
§ Annual Bake and Plant Sale: This annual event
takes place, in conjunction with St. Luke United Methodist Church Rummage Sale,
on Friday, April 26 (11:00–5:00 p.m.) and Saturday, April 27 (9:00 a.m.–2:30
p.m.) We need volunteers to provide baked items, staff tables, set-up and take
down. Look for a more detailed list and sign-up sheet in the upcoming weeks.
§ Celebratory Save-the-Date: On Sunday April 28,
we come together for ONE MASS at
10:15 as Fr. Karl celebrates his final service as the Rector of Grace Church. A
reception lunch will be held after Mass, in St. Nicholas Hall, to show our
appreciation for the many years of service by Bill May as our Sexton, as well
as celebrating the 7 ½ years of service and friendship by Fr. Karl and
Elizabeth Schaffenburg. For more information or if you have questions, contact
the Parish Office.
§ Summer Camp registration for camp
sessions are now open:
The Diocese of Fond du Lac Summer Camp is for kids age 4 through graduating 12th
graders.
§ The
registration process is now completely online and includes availability to make
payments. www.diofdl.org/camp *Scholarships are available;
inquire at the Parish Office.
§ Good
News Jail & Prison Ministry Banquet: The annual banquet in support of
ministry in the local jail is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. (Blue
Harbor Conference Center) Nicci has 8 tickets available. There is no
charge, but the cost of the meal to the ministry is $28.00; donations in support
are accepted. There will also be a silent auction. For more details,
contact the Parish Office.
§ Bishop’s
Visitation: On Sunday, May 12 (Mother’s Day) we welcome Bishop
Matthew Gunter for his annual visitation. The Bishop will preach and celebrate
at both 8:00 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 immediately following the service. A sign-up sheet is on the
Narthex table for savories, sweets and clean-up.
§ Save the Date-Eucharistic Festival, Saturday June 29: The Festival will be followed by the Bishop’s Picnic; there is no cost for
the Picnic which include hot dogs, brats and ice cream. For more details, visit
www.diofdl.org/ef
§ Reservations Required: Grace Church has
been blessed with many assets used for hospitality. Parishioners are welcome to
use rooms and these items. This is a gentle reminder that Grace’s policy is to
complete a form listing the items being borrowed and rooms being used. This
form can be obtained from the parish office.
§ 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.
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