Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace Notes
2 October 2013
This Sunday we kick off the 2014
stewardship campaign. The process will be completed on New Consecration Sunday,
10 November. The opening and closing
Sundays will feature our former seminarian, The Rev. Dcn. Charleston Wilson, as
preacher.
The budgeting process for 2014 is
running in parallel, to allow for a good appreciation of the financial picture,
but in this context it is necessary to remind that we are over $22,000 behind
on current year pledges.
It is vitally important to
understand that an increase in the budget needs for 2014 is likely, because in
order to manage the 2013 deficit we have deferred certain expenses in physical
plant maintenance. Despite unscheduled expenses
(water damage, etc.) we have succeeded in holding spending to a figure
consistently below budget, but just.
Even if all 2013 pledges were paid in full, and on time, we would still
be running a year-end deficit of about $19,000.
This is not sustainable, and in our 2014 stewardship campaign we will
need to grow in how we give.
Giving in support of the ministry
of the Church is not optional. We cannot
be consumers only. Our Lord enjoins us
to an active faith, and this activity is expressed partly in the giving of
time, talent, and treasure. Remember,
Jesus does not say that our treasure
will be where our heart is; He says that our heart will be where our treasure
is (Mtt. 6.21). In other words, we must
choose where we invest value, and we are called to invest value in the mission
of the Church.
The biblical standard for giving
is the tithe. Whether you choose to
calculate this on a gross or net basis is your decision, although recall that
when Jesus enjoins that we are to “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”
(Mtt. 22.21) He is talking about taxes, and He makes clear that this reckoning
is separate from rendering unto God the things that are God’s. However you calculate your support, consider
that our campaigns have focused on current needs. Later in 2014 we will need to consider how to
plan to raise funds for capital (e.g.,
a new roof) in the coming years.
Deferring needed maintenance exact a price in the medium and long term.
It is traditional in the Church to
be a bit embarrassed in talking about money.
There is no need to be. This is
just one aspect of how we live together and serve together. If you are suffering from financial
difficulties that are having an impact on how you can meet your existing
obligations, or take on a new one, then this can be discussed in confidence
with Fr. Karl. We are here to serve each
other, and we will all at some time need each other. We live together
as the Church. Let us focus on sharing
that proceeds in all directions.
Grace Abounds: Please thank Barb MacEwen and the Apparicio
family for the wonderful coffee hours this past Sunday.
Call for
Contributions: .
Faith Alive
reflection:
The first six or so times I heard and read about Faith Alive coming to Grace, I
pretty much ignored it, and I bet I'm not alone in that. After a while, though,
I got curious and wanted to know more: what is Faith Alive, really? What
really happens?
I wasn't afraid of a “Holy
Roller” experience. In fact, I was kind of hoping the weekend would at least
border on that. I was hungry for renewal. The last few years have been very
difficult, and while I know Christ is with me all the time, I don't
always feel him and I miss that. So, even though I still didn't have a
clear picture of what to expect, when the opportunity came to sign up I did.
No, there weren't
tambourines or people talking in tongues, shouting “AMEN” or “falling out in
the spirit.” The Holy Spirit must have known that wouldn't be received well at
Grace. Instead, the Holy Spirit gently and lovingly moved among us and touched each
one of us where we needed it most. For some, like me, it was incredibly
emotional. I am very grateful I attended. I look forward to the fruits of our
experience and I pray that next time, we'll see you there also.
―Martha
Following Up on the Weekend
Two different meetings have been
scheduled. The First called, “Talk &
Share,” will be held monthly in the Education Hour between services the second
week of the month (in October, it’d be the 13th) running between
9:10ish & 10:00 am. It will consist
of a process much like the FA weekend; counting off & going off in small
groups to discuss several open-ended questions that would encourage people to
share on a Spiritual Level. The same
expectations will be in effect: begin
with introductions; there should be no attempts to 'fix'; listening with
non-judgmental attitudes; permission given not to share; maintaining
confidentiality, & possible closing prayer(s) of some nature. It’s a new beginning, open to anyone. There willl be facilitators & a few
questions to guide the small group discussions.
The Second meeting will be held the last
weekend of October the 27th, at the same time between the services,
but will be of a different nature. At
the follow-up meeting concluding the weekend there were a number of very
focused suggestions for small groups aloud & in the evaluations: among them
were book studies, mutual support groups, service (outreach) groups,
entertainment (social groups) as well as others. This meeting will help facilitate the
establishing of these groups & be a one-time event. People interested in
these groups would get a chance to meet & plan how to proceed with
organizing themselves.
John Davis will be making an
announcement about the meetings at both services this coming Sunday, the 4th,
& signup sheets for both events will be available.
No doubt there will be issues to
be addressed as we proceed, but it seems to me to be a timely & effective
way to get started. May the Holy Spirit,
guide, guard, & energize this process.
Music this week:
Prelude Prelude
on ‘Malabar’ Sowerby
Entrance Hymn 408 “Sing
praise to God who reigns above” Mit Freuden zart
Offertory Hymn 541 “Come,
labor on” Ora Labora
Communion Motet O Salutaris Hostia Gounod
Communion Hymn 312 “Strengthen for service, Lord” Malabar
Closing Hymn 551 “ Rise
up, ye saints of God” Festal Song
Postlude Prelude
& Ricercar in B flat Krieger
Parish Notices
§ Catechumenate!
It’s not to late to join the class! Do you wish you knew more about the Creed,
church history, the Book of Common Prayer and why we do the things we do during
worship? Would you like to confirm your Baptismal Vows in the sacrament of
Confirmation? Would you like to be received into the Episcopal Church from the
Roman Catholic Church? Would you like to practice Discipleship? If you answered yes to any of these
questions, I am inviting you to be a part of the Catechumenate this year. The Catechumenate
will meet on Monday evenings each week starting at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
and will continue until May when the Bishop makes his annual visitation. The
first class will begin Monday, September 30, 2013 and will meet from
6:00-7:00pm. The study is led by Deacon Michele Whitford, the Parish Catechist.
If you would like to be a part of this exciting study and fellowship or would
like more information, please e-mail Deacon Michele at
mwhitford@gracesheboygan.com or call the office 452-9659. Please prayerfully
consider this invitation.
§ Nourish
Annual Harvest Celebration & Fundraiser: Nourish a program of SCIO will be holding its Harvest Celebration &
Fundraiser Friday, October 4th from 5pm - 9pm. Nourish is a two prong
educational program through demonstration & execution that serves the
community's fundamental need for healthy food by linking local farmers with
individuals/children/families via experiences that change behaviors. This
year's event will again feature locally inspired appetizers & desserts
prepared by LTC Lakeshore Culinary Institutes student chefs and staff.
Live music by Annie B, wine, beer and non-alcoholic Haymakers will also
be served. Live and silent auctions will take place. Nourish Harvest
Celebration will be held at the Lakeshore Culinary Institute, 712 Riverfront
Drive Sheboygan, formally Riverside City Streets. Tickets for the event will be
available at the door or prior for $25 or reserved tables of 8 for
$300. Contact Linda at 920-918-0251 or lindaq@nourishfarms.org or www.nourishfarms.org.
§ Opera
lovers small group outing: The
first broadcast of the season for The Metropolitan Opera is a new production of
Tchaikovsky’s Yevgeny Onegin on Saturday, 5 October, at 11:55
a.m. The showing will be at the Marcus theatre in Sheboygan. A group
of parishioners who love opera will be gathering to enjoy the production, and
then join afterword in light refreshment. If you want details, go
to:
http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/liveinhd/LiveinHD.aspx. You can follow the links for ticket
purchase, but tickets can also be purchased at the theatre. This
production is getting positive reviews. Come join us!
§ The
Blessing of the Animals: On
Saturday, 5 October, we will observe the “translated” feast of St. Francis of
Assisi. Following the 9 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist, at 9:30 a.m. we will
bless animals outside the church entrance on Ontario Avenue (rain
or shine). If you have an animal companion for blessing, please secure
your friend on a lead or in a suitable cage. If your companion would suffer
undue stress from being brought to the parish, you can request a “house call”
for a blessing, and a schedule can be agreed for blessings that will take place
after 5 October.
§ Simple
Potluck Supper and Compline:
Sunday, October 6th we will have our first Sunday of the month
Simple Potluck Supper at 6:30pm. Come and enjoy the fellowship then stay for
Compline at 8:00pm. The Schola Cantorum will be singing Compline which is the
night time prayers said or sung just before retiring. It is a wonderful and
peaceful way to end the day.
§ Game
Night at Grace: Game Nights are
times when people of all ages can come together to play different games that
are enjoyed by everyone. There will be board games, card games, and almost any
type of game that you’d want to play. Invite your parents or your friends or
anyone who you’d want to come. Game Night is open to all: young and old,
singles, couples or families. The next Game night will be Sat, Oct 19th
6:30-9:00 PM. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks. We hope to see you there!
§ Raking
Leaves Fundraiser: If raking
your yard this year seems like too much of a task, then our Boy Scout Troop is
here to help. They will be raking leaves on the following dates: November
2nd, 9th, and 16th. If you are interested please contact Paul Aparicio (paac92399@yahoo.com). A sign-up sheet will be available in
the narthex.
§ Bishop
Search: For all information
concerning the search for the eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac please go to bishopsearch.info.
§ New
Parish Directory updates: Please
find a draft copy of a new parish directory on the table in the Narthex
at Grace Church. If you would please look at your entry and make any changes
necessary and then initial it so we know it is correct. We are trying to have
as many email addresses as possible, it saves postage and much of the
communication of the church is done electronically. We never give them out but.
Thank you.
§ Walsingham
Flowers: The Walsingham Pilgrimage
is almost here and preparations are being made. If you can please donate to the
Walsingham Flowers please make you check out to Grace Church with Walsingham
flowers in the memo. We will also need help greeting our guest as they arrive
both on Friday at 12:00pm, 3:00pm and 6:00pm and Saturday at 10:30am. There is
also an opportunity to help with
cleanup! Please call the office is you are able to help in anyway. Thank
you.
