Grace
Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace
Notes
7 March 2019
A circle or a cross?
Consider these two symbols as you journey through Lent. A circle is in one sense a symbol of
perfection, because no matter how a circle is drawn or made, if it really is a
circle it is perfectly round—a line for which all points are equidistant from
the same point. A cross, on the other
hand, is the intersection of two lines which can vary in length, can vary in
the degree of length of each arm which is on either side of the intersection
point, and—which if we take just the examples of a cross with right angle
intersection and a St. Andrew’s cross (like the “X” on a British flag)—can
intersect at different angles. A cross
is not “perfect” as a symbol. But what
about as a sign?
A symbol can be a mark, sign or word which signifies, or is understood
to be representing an idea or concept. A
symbol can be arbitrary (like a choosing red and green for “stop” and
“go”). A sign, on the other hand, points
to a reality which it itself embodies.
For example, a human footprint in the sand signifies the recent presence
of a human being. The Cross itself
points the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice.
This instrument of shameful death by its very nature—as an instrument of
torture, public humiliation, and execution—signifies the offering made by
God. That’s why an instrument
universally understood in the ancient world as signifying ultimate punishment
and loss of honor was proudly and defiantly used by believers to mark their own
identity with the One who was cursed as “hanged upon a tree”.
In Lent we are tempted to work on improving our spiritual life. The danger in this is that we are tempted to
become a “circle”, to seek perfection while actually only succeeding in closing
ourselves in. This Lent, focus on
embodying not a circle but the Cross, a reality which is far from perfect (and cannot
be), but which by its very nature is not closed upon itself. A cross has arms, arms which reach
outward. Reach out to God and to each
other. Reach out to God, knowing that He
reaches out to you, and knowing that despite all of the language we will use in
Lent to remind ourselves of our sin, that the fundamental thing we seek to do
in Lent is to recognize how we have damaged our relationship with God, and how
in turning we can be strengthened again in this relationship. Reach out to meet the arms which reach to
you.
Grace abounds: Please thank:
§ Bob and Anne Hanlon, and Robert Beech and Jean Margret
Merrell-Beech for the Sunday coffee hours.
§ Bobbie May and Julie Davidson for janitorial help.
§ Chase Beeck and Rachel Boland for office help.
§ Mary Snyder for organizing the Fat Tuesday supper.
§ All who provided food for the Fat Tuesday supper, with
cleanup by Bob and Anne Hanlon, Elizabeth Schaffenburg, and Mary Snyder.
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.
Music this Week: The First Sunday in Lent
Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey, Music Director
Prelude Psalm
Prelude: De profundis clamavit (Ps.130, v.1)
‘Out of the deep have I
called unto thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.’
Hebert Howells
Offertory Anthem 143 “the
glory of these forty days”
Erhalt uns Herr
Communion Motet Lord for thy tender mercys’ sake John Hilton
Communion Hymn 301 “Bread of the world, mercy broken” Rendez à Dieu
Closing Hymn 150 “Forty days and forty nights” Aus der Tiefe rufe ich
Postlude Chorale Prelude on Out of the depths I cry to thee
J.
S. Bach
Parish Notices:
§ Lenten Meditation Booklets are available on the
table in the Narthex.
§ Adult
Formation: Growing a Rule of Life: Adult Formation participants will spend five more weeks using a tool
from monastic spirituality and the Society of Saint John the Evangelist to
develop their own personal Rule of Life. Participants
will discover a highly personal, guided way to gently live into who God invites
us to be.
§ 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.
§ Lenten
Program:
Friday nights in Lent beginning March 15th, we will have Stations of
the Cross at 5:30pm, followed by a simple Lenten supper at 6:00pm. At 6:30 the
program will be Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to
Holy Week, author, professor, and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores
the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story. The six-session DVD features
Dr. Amy-Jill Levine offering a fresh, timely reinterpretation of the Passion of
Jesus. The video segments are approximately 10-12 minutes each. The program
will be facilitated by Fr. Karl and Mother Michele.
§ Cooking
on Friday Evenings in lent: If you are interested in cooking and hosting a dinner on
the Fridays during Lent, please sign-up on sheets in the Narthex. Thank you for
your willingness to serve in this ministry!
§ Scout
Appreciation Pancake Breakfast, March 17: Mark your calendars and stay a few
minutes, after each service, to savor a down home Pancake Breakfast. Scouts
will supply all the know-how for the event. As an added bonus, Maple Syrup will
be supplied by the Drewry Farms of Plymouth. This award-winning Maple Syrup is
served at all the major restaurants in the area and beyond.
§ Save the Date-Chrism Mass: On Saturday, April
13, 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).
§ 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; Ushers
welcome parishioners and visitors, distribute bulletins, and ensure that the
worship service runs smoothly. They provide directions and answer
questions for newcomers as needed, collect the congregation’s offering, and
bear the alms to the altar. They also maintain an attendance record for
parochial reports. Did you realize that Ushers do so many wonderful things?
Become a part of this ministry
§ 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.
