Three Phases to Heaven

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

28 June 2012

It is common to observe three phases of development in the attitude of soldiers who endure prolonged close combat to their environment and their fate.  The first phase involves the soldier convincing himself, “Nothing will happen to me because I am special.  God won’t let me get killed.”  The second phase (after the soldier has experienced those around him getting wounded or killed) is, “If I am especially vigilant and skilled, and focus on what I need to do, I can avoid getting hurt.”  The third phase involves the descent into a state in which the random violence of combat convinces the soldier, “I’m dead already.  It doesn’t matter.”  The third phase can resemble clinical madness, and if the soldier is not removed from combat long term psychological debility is a very real danger.  Here’s the ugly paradox of combat, however:  The soldier who is convinced that he is already dead is far and away the most effective combatant.

What does this have to do with the life of faith?  Consider that in our baptism we are “... buried with Christ in his death” (BCP 306).  Our old self must die in order that we may become a new creation in Jesus Christ.  When a combatant clings to his understanding of the world outside of the random and insensate violence of combat, he is in grave danger, indeed.  The old “rules” don’t apply.  When we cling to the self that is comfortable with and in the world, we are in grave danger, for then we will not truly follow our Lord.  But when we do forsake the old, then as we are buried with Christ, we “... share in [Jesus’] resurrection ... [and] are reborn by the Holy Spirit” (BCP 306).

Walking in new life, living in new life, can look strange to the world, but to the world the message of the Cross is folly (1 Cor. 1.18).  And here’s where that combat metaphor comes back into the equation.  The combatant is changed by his environment (combat).  He approaches a state in which his ability to live and function in his true home is impaired, unless he is removed from a combat environment.  The world around us is an environment that diminishes our ability to live in our true home, our everlasting home in the kingdom of heaven.  We cannot just remove ourselves from our environment, but we can work to change it, and to control its effects in our lives.  We, whose true citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3.20) can focus on this home and seek to bring it into the world, just as a soldier who survives combat without lingering spiritual scars does so by importing into the crazed environment of a combat zone such tokens of home as acts of kindness to others.

We do not war against flesh and blood alone (Eph. 6.12).  When we die to the world our struggle in the world changes the world and maintains our communion with our true self, the self made in the image and likeness of God.  Importing this little bit of “home” into our daily struggle preserves us and shows others that life is more than just what they experience in the here and now.  Is your focus on the world or on your true home?

Being the Body: Ed Clabots has been very instrumental in cleaning up corners of the church that have been overlooked and now are useable again. Pat Sather couldn’t be here for the Spring clean up day so she came in on Tuesday of this week and cleaned and organized under the sink in the office area and the old sacristy. These areas had long been neglected and now are tidy and clean. Thank you so much.

Please take the opportunity to notify the office of any member or friend of the parish to whom we owe thanks, in order that we can publicize this in the weekly newsletter.

Biblical Literacy:  The Bible Challenge and bible study will resume this week.  The Bible Challenge meets on Tuesdays, following the 5:30 p.m. celebration of Holy Eucharist, and a light supper (pot luck).  The 3 July session will review Week 18.  Bible study for the Sunday lessons takes place on Thursdays, following the 9 a.m. celebration of Holy Eucharist.

All Saints’, Elkhart Lake:  Throughout the Summer, please be intentional about two things (whether or not you attend All Saints’):  (1)  Pray for this ministry, and for those who serve in it, that they may serve our Lord by bringing more to know, love, and serve Him; (2) Engage in mission yourself.  You may know or meet people who you can ask to join you in worship, and All Saints’ can serve as a less formal setting that is more user-friendly in outreach.  Invite seekers to worship with you.

Music this week:

Prelude   Fantasy in E Major  Harold Darke

Entrance Hymn #525  “The Church’s one foundation”   Aurelia

Mass Setting   New English Folk Mass  Timms & Warrell

Offertory Hymn #567 “Thine arm, O Lord”   St. Matthew

Communion Hymn #691  “My faith looks up to thee”  Olivet

Closing Hymn #542  “Christ is the world’s true light”  St. Joan

Postlude  Voluntary in C  William Boyce

                                               

Parish Notices

·         Boy Scouts 100^th Anniversary Time Capsule Ceremony: Sunday, July 1 after the 10:15am. service we will be holding a ceremony for the installation of the 100^th Anniversary Time Capsule that will be buried on church grounds and won’t be opened until 2062. The capsule will include items that represent the long standing relationship between Grace and the Boy Scouts.

·         Stewardship/Fundraising Committee: The Vestry has approved the creation of an on-going Stewardship/Fundraising committee that will be responsible for our annual pledge campaign as well as developing multiple fundraising events. The goal is to charter this committee at the May Vestry meeting. If you are interested in serving on this committee or have suggestions or comments please contact a Vestry member.  We appreciate your consideration.

·         Women’s Bible Study: will begin on Wednesday, July 11^th and run for 6 weeks. The class will meet at Grace Church on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 until 8:00pm. The class will study Beth Moore’s “Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Assent” a study of Psalms 120 through 134. This is an educational journey tying the Old Testament to the New by relating events of prophetic fulfillment from Jesus’ life with the ancient pilgrims. Two days worth of study is spent on each Psalm, offering a decent and rich overview. The video teaching is by Beth Moore delivering truth that can change lives and accompany the written material beautifully. This is an excellent study to be experienced each day through personal study and through participation in the group discussion each Wednesday evening. Please call the office at 452-9659 to register.

·         Sign-Up to Host Coffee Hour in 2013: A sign-up sheet for hosting coffee hour in 2013 is on the table in the narthex. Please sign-up for dates you would like to host.  A final schedule and reminders will be generated from the sign-up sheet and distributed in November 2012. Please consider signing up for 2-3 Sundays to help us cover the year! Contact Katy Prange at 920-889-1252 or katyprange@hotmail.com with questions.

·         Register Now for EfM: Two classes are again forming this fall for EfM or Education for Ministry. Through the study of scripture, each individual is encouraged to learn more about who they are so they have a closer vision of what God desires for their lives. Each group gets to know each other, worships together and help each other discern God’s will for their lives and their ministries.  It takes time and commitment to change ourselves and consequently our communities, but the rewards are great! Classes start on Tuesday, September 4, 9am at St. Paul’s in Plymouth, and at 6:00 pm. place to be determined.  Cost is $350 for this college level class which starts the first year studying the Old Testament. Scholarships are available and clergy have been generous with their discretionary funds, if assistance is needed. Contact Barb Drewry-Zimmerman for registration materials at bzimmy@excel.net or 920-893-5189. Get registered by August 15^th, so you can receive your materials in time for the first class. These classes are not just for laity, clergy are always welcome and encouraged to attend so that they, too can be better leaders in their congregations. 

Mutual Accountability

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

21 June 2012

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy ...”  So begins the famous lullaby in George and Ira Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess.  In the summer we can enjoy longer hours of daylight and warmth.  The social calendar becomes more crowded, and a more generalized spirit of relaxation makes a lazy morning an attractive option.  In this parish an additional and attractive option is worship at our chapel, All Saints’, Elkhart Lake, where there are new faces as well as old friends from summers past.

When I lived in England, in late June it would get light about 4 a.m., and stay light until about 10:30 p.m.  Perhaps because of this much longer day, and a lot of time after work in which to play outside, I found it all too easy to do too many things, which meant sometimes doing some things less well.  Don’t let this happen in your life of faith.  Worshipping our Lord is not one of many competing priorities.  It is central to our life of faith; it is something we have each promised to do in our Baptismal Covenant; it is not optional.

That last statement, that worship is not optional, will strike some as quite different from what they might have grown accustomed to in much of the wider Church.  But as we mature in our discipleship we will discover a number of realities:  (1) Church communities which demand more of members thrive, while those that take a laissez faire attitude do not.  (2) Mutual accountability is a sign of maturation is spiritual growth.  (3)  Canonically, the clergy are not members of the parish, so if the parish is going to do anything laity must be engaged.

Last week I alluded to challenges in the life of the parish.  One challenge is financial.  We have a deficit budget, and have a quite lop-sided pattern of giving in which the top 5 out of 82 pledges give the equivalent of 50% of our operating budget.  In any business model this revenue distribution would be considered to be too risky, and it certainly is in a parish.  Four years ago we had 104 pledges.  We not only need to increase the number of pledges, but increase how we give.  For example, if you are giving X% of income in a pledge, what would X + 1% look like in your budget in 2013?  On average, in The Episcopal Church, members give a little over 2% of their income (and remember that the biblical standard is a tithe).  2% translated into 3%, for the 82 current pledges that give 50% of the budget, wipes out the operating deficit.

Speaking of money is not pleasant, but it is part of mutual accountability.  Every one of us who pays a mortgage or rent, and who pays to operate our household, knows that not paying is not an option.  The same reality obtains in the life of our parish.  Pray about how you are called to give, if not in treasure then in time and talent.  Pray for the life of the Church.  Continue to walk with us as, together, we grow in faith.

Fr. Schaffenburg on vacation:  Fr. Schaffenburg and Elizabeth will be on vacation from 22 through 30 June.  There will be Holy Eucharist offered on Saturday, 23 June, at 9 a.m., on Monday, 25 June, at 12:10 p.m., and on Friday, 29 June, at 12:10 p.m.  Morning and Evening Prayer:  The scheduled services will be offered throughout the time period.  In the event of a need for pastoral care, please contact the parish office, and a member of clergy will be notified.

Welcome Fr. Peay:  The services of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, 24 June will be celebrated by Fr. Steven A. Peay, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Assoc. Prof. of Homiletics and Church History, of Nashotah House.  Please welcome Fr. Peay back to Grace.

Being the Body:  Over the past week, as a parishioner lay dying in hospice, I witnessed the following:  Dcn. Mike Burg sitting silently for hours, just to be there.  Deb Gagin, sitting, just to hold the patient’s hand.  Barb McEwen, sitting and holding hands long enough that she had to put her head down to sleep.

What manifestations of the incarnation of our Lord have you witnessed?  How have you embidied Jesus to others?  When we pay attention, we notice the truth of Paul’s words “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation ...” (2 Cor. 5.17).

Please take the opportunity to notify the office of any member or friend of the parish to whom we owe thanks, in order that we can publicize this in the weekly newsletter.

Biblical Literacy:  The Bible Challenge and bible study will not meet this week.  Fr. Karl is on vacation.

All Saints’, Elkhart Lake:  Throughout the Summer, please be intentional about two things (whether or not you attend All Saints’):  (1)  Pray for this ministry, and for those who serve in it, that they may serve our Lord by bringing more to know, love, and serve Him; (2) Engage in mission yourself.  You may know or meet people who you can ask to join you in worship, and All Saints’ can serve as a less formal setting that is more user-friendly in outreach.  Invite seekers to worship with you.

Music this week:

Prelude                        Monastic Peace Aria                                                   Flor Peeters

Entrance Hymn 493    “O for a thousand tongues to sing”                            Azmon

Offertory Hymn 379   “God is love, lest heaven adore him”                         Abbot’s Leigh

Comm. Hymn 482      “Lord of all hopefulness”                                           Slane

Closing Hymn 563      “Go forward, Christian soldier”                                 Lancashire

Postlude                      Festival Voluntary                                                       Flor Peeters    
                                               

Parish Notices

§  Sign-Up to Host Coffee Hour in 2013: A sign-up sheet for hosting coffee hour in 2013 is on the table in the narthex. Please sign-up for dates you would like to host.  A final schedule and reminders will be generated from the sign-up sheet and distributed in November 2012. Please consider signing up for 2-3 Sundays to help us cover the year! Contact Katy Prange at 920-889-1252 or katyprange@hotmail.com with questions.

§  Love Thinks: Dating can be tough...want some help?  Great Marriages is offering a free seminar called Love Thinks.  The program is for adults who want to make smart choices in dating including: never married singles, individuals who have experienced a divorce and are dating again, and anyone who wants to know how to find a mate who is compatible for a strong, healthy relationship.  It will be held on Saturday, June 30 in Sheboygan from 9:00am-4:00pm. Come learn to break negative dating patterns and make healthy choices for lifelong, happy relationships! Pre-registration is required so call Great Marriages at 920-783-3660 for details and to sign up today.

§  Register Now for EfM: Two classes are again forming this fall for EfM or Education for Ministry.  Through the study of scripture, each individual is encouraged to learn more about who they are so they have a closer vision of what God desires for their lives.  Each group gets to know each other, worships together and help each other discern God’s will for their lives and their ministries.  It takes time and commitment to change ourselves and consequently our communities, but the rewards are great!  Classes start on Tuesday,  September  4, 9am at St. Paul’s in Plymouth, and at 6:00 pm. place to be determined.  Cost is $350 for this college level class which starts the first year studying the Old Testament.  Scholarships are available and clergy have been generous with their discretionary funds, if assistance is needed.  Contact Barb Drewry-Zimmerman for registration materials at bzimmy@excel.net or 920-893-5189.  Get registered by August 15^th, so you can receive your materials in time for the first class.  These classes are not just for laity, clergy are always welcome and encouraged to attend so that they, too can be better leaders in their congregations. 

§  BoyScouts time capsule:  Following the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday, 1 July, Troop 1 will bury a time capsule near the flag pole in front of the church, on Ontario Ave.  The capsule will include artifacts from the first 100 years of the BSA at Grace.  Please welcome the Scouts our worship together, and join with them after worship for the placement of the time capsule.

·         Women’s Bible Study: will begin on Wednesday, July 11^th and run for 6 weeks. The class will meet at Grace Church on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 until 8:00pm. The class will study Beth Moore’s “Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Assent” a study of Psalms 120 through 134. This is an educational journey tying the Old Testament to the New by relating events of prophetic fulfillment from Jesus’ life with the ancient pilgrims. Two days worth of study is spent on each Psalm, offering a decent and rich overview. The video teaching is by Beth Moore delivering truth that can change lives and accompany the written material beautifully. This is an excellent study to be experienced each day through personal study and through participation in the group discussion each Wednesday evening. Please call the office at 452-9659 to register.

·         Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice: Facing the final stage of life can be a frightening experience; this is when we encircle those with life-limiting illnesses with comfort, compassion and expertise – since our opening in 2007, the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice has served over 1,500 families.  In honor of our 5^th Year of Service, we are inviting you and your congregation to a community celebration . . .  a Benefit for our Hospice Patient Care Fund on June 30^th at the Duke of Devon in Sheboygan from 4-10 p.m.  Our website www.ssrhospicehome.org provides the details. One of every four families that we have served needed financial assistance – made possible by the generosity of donors, attending special events – providing memorial gifts and other contributions. The community has rallied around this cause, and we’re going to celebrate together.  Your partnership in our mission makes a difference!

·         Stewardship/Fundraising Committee: The Vestry has approved the creation of an on-going Stewardship/Fundraising committee that will be responsible for our annual pledge campaign as well as developing multiple fundraising events. The goal is to charter this committee at the May Vestry meeting. If you are interested in serving on this committee or have suggestions or comments please contact a Vestry member.  We appreciate your consideration.

Living in Christ

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

14 June 2012

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Cor. 5.17).  St. Paul’s teaching presents two challenges to every one of us:  (1)  Am I “in Christ”?  (2)  How is this lived?  No one of us can look at another and determine whether he or she is “saved,” but we can make some judgments about how a person is living in Christ.  How do they live out their faith:  in gathering in worship; in advancing the mission of the Church; in ministering to each other; in proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ Jesus by how they live, and by how they seek and serve Christ in all persons?

These are not speculative questions.  They focus on evidence of new life, of being a new creation, and to the extent that we each ask our self how we evince new life, we need to ask this of each other, as members of the common Body of our Lord.

In asking these questions let’s focus first on objective evidence, those dreaded numbers.  Overall, we are in decent condition.  Our average Sunday attendance is slightly ahead of where it was at this time last year, but last year was a down year in a series of down years.  Our giving has advanced from where it was last Fall, but we have a deficit budget.  Our worship offerings continue on every day of the year, but attendance on weekdays is down.  Our program offerings have increased, but attendance is low. 

If we want to continue to experience of the fullness of life in the Body, we need to connect better, and to hold each other accountable.  This means that worship is not something I do only  if there is not a “competing priority”.  It means that if I think it good to have regular Christian Education and The Bible Challenge, I will support it through participating.  It means that I will step forward as an additional volunteer/candidate in parish ministries and for parish offices.  Ask yourself:  Is my faith something which guides me in life, or something that just tags along on my own journey? 

As your rector I will continue to focus on how we serve together, on how every member of the Body is called into active discipleship.  I invite you to consider your own gifts and call, and to reflect on how you can advance the mission of the Church.

Being the Body:  In addition to the clergy of the parish, many members of the Body have recently been very engaged in pastoral care, in being an embodiment of our Lord’s love to those who by reason of illness or debility are separated from the assembly.  In addition to the weekly rota of pastoral visits provided by clergy and by our Lay Eucharistic Visitors (Lisa Krueger, Dale and Mary Massey, Elizabeth Schaffenburg), the amount of time offered in ministry in hospital and hospice rooms has been a remarkable blessing.  This ministry of presence and care has been embodied by Bill and Deb Gagin, Pat Sather, Ben Dobey, Pat von Rautenkranz, Barb and Bob McEwen, Bev Evans and Nancy Yurk, and Mary Clabots.  Doubtless there are others.  Please thank those who are here named, and also name those who have not been identified.

Please take the opportunity to notify the office of any member or friend of the parish to whom we owe thanks, in order that we can publicize this in the weekly newsletter.

A “Holy Roller”?  In the narthex of the church there is a collection basket for food pantry.  With the twin aim of increasing contributions of in-kind donations, and of involving young children more in worship, the parish has procured a small wagon, which will be used at the 10:15 a.m. Sunday services for children to bring the food offerings forward (with the ushers bringing the altar gifts of bread and wine) at the offertory.  Please be generous in your donations, and thank the children for their service.

Biblical Literacy:  The Bible Challenge review session on Tuesday, 19 June, will review Week 16 readings.  Bible study on Thursday (following the 9 a.m. Mass) will focus on the lessons for Sunday, 24 June (The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B).

All Saints’, Elkhart Lake:  Throughout the Summer, please be intentional about two things (whether or not you attend All Saints’):  (1)  Pray for this ministry, and for those who serve in it, that they may serve our Lord by bringing more to know, love, and serve Him; (2) Engage in mission yourself.  You may know or meet people who you can ask to join you in worship, and All Saints’ can serve as a less formal setting that is more user-friendly in outreach.  Invite seekers to worship with you.

Music this week:

Prelude                                    Prelude on “Rhosymedre”                             R. Vaughan Williams

Processional Hymn                 No. 388, O worship the King                         Hanover

Offertory Hymn                      No. 598, Lord Christ, when first thou cam’st to earth

                                                                                                                        Mit Freuden zart

Communion Hymn                 No. 587, Our Father, by whose Name            Rhosymedre

Recessional Hymn                  No. 411, O bless the Lord my soul!                St. Thomas

Postlude                                  Voluntary in D Minor                                      Samuel Wesley

                                               

Nashotah House:  As a follow-up to Bp. Salmon’s appeal found in last week’s edition, please note that the end date for this campaign is 30 June.  Any parishioner donations made to Nashotah House 30 June will be matched, dollar for dollar.

Parish Notices

§  Fr. Schaffenburg on vacation:  Fr. Schaffenburg and Elizabeth will be on vacation from 22 through 30 June.  There will be Holy Eucharist offered on Saturday, 23 June, at 9 a.m., on Wednesday, 27 June, at 5:30 p.m., and on Friday, 29 June, at 12:10 p.m.  Morning and Evening Prayer:  The scheduled services will be offered throughout the time period.

        In the event of a need for pastoral care, please contact the parish office, and a member of clergy will be notified.

§  Vacation Bible School:  St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church and St. Peter Lutheran Church (our tripartite partners) will each offer VBS.  St. Dominic will offer a 9 to 11 a.m. session from 25 through 29 June.  St. Peter will offer a 6 to 8 p.m. session from 15 through 18 July.  If you wish your child to participate you need to sign up now.  Contact the Grace parish office by not later than Wednesday, 20 June, so that we can provide one list to our partners.

§  Sign-Up to Host Coffee Hour in 2013: A sign-up sheet for hosting coffee hour in 2013 is on the table in the narthex. Please sign-up for dates you would like to host.  A final schedule and reminders will be generated from the sign-up sheet and distributed in November 2012. Please consider signing up for 2-3 Sundays to help us cover the year! Contact Katy Prange at 920-889-1252 or katyprange@hotmail.com with questions.

§  The Bible Challenge: The Tuesday evening study will follow the weekly readings from The Bible Challenge. We begin with 5:30 p.m. Mass, followed by a light, pot-luck supper, with study commencing at 6:30 p.m. Lesson summaries for both the Bible Challenge readings and for the weekly lectionary lessons continue to be posted on the parish website.

§  Love Thinks: Dating can be tough...want some help?  Great Marriages is offering a free seminar called Love Thinks.  The program is for adults who want to make smart choices in dating including: never married singles, individuals who have experienced a divorce and are dating again, and anyone who wants to know how to find a mate who is compatible for a strong, healthy relationship.  It will be held on Saturday, June 30 in Sheboygan from 9:00am-4:00pm. Come learn to break negative dating patterns and make healthy choices for lifelong, happy relationships! Pre-registration is required so call Great Marriages at 920-783-3660 for details and to sign up today.

§  Stewardship/Fundraising Committee: The Vestry has approved the creation of an on-going Stewardship/Fundraising committee that will be responsible for our annual pledge campaign as well as developing multiple fundraising events. If you are interested in serving on this committee or have suggestions or comments please contact a Vestry member.  We appreciate your consideration.

§  Register Now for EfM: Two classes are again forming this fall for EfM or Education for Ministry.  Through the study of scripture, each individual is encouraged to learn more about who they are so they have a closer vision of what God desires for their lives.  Each group gets to know each other, worships together and help each other discern God’s will for their lives and their ministries.  It takes time and commitment to change ourselves and consequently our communities, but the rewards are great!  Classes start on Tuesday,  September  4, 9am at St. Paul’s in Plymouth, and at 6:00 pm. place to be determined.  Cost is $350 for this college level class which starts the first year studying the Old Testament.  Scholarships are available and clergy have been generous with their discretionary funds, if assistance is needed.  Contact Barb Drewry-Zimmerman for registration materials at bzimmy@excel.net or 920-893-5189.  Get registered by August 15^th, so you can receive your materials in time for the first class.  These classes are not just for laity, clergy are always welcome and encouraged to attend so that they, too can be better leaders in their congregations. 

Caring for our Parish

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

7 June 2012

In past issue of Grace Notes the reflection offered has tended to focus on what we believe and why, on how we live our faith.  Let’s get very practical this week.  We have specific issues to address, and how we address these will reflect on how we live our faith.

The issues relate to grounds maintenance.  Bill May keeps the grass cut, and removes exterior trash.  Ben Dobey keeps the area around the columbarium in order.  The Jungs, assisted by Ben, Bobbie May and Elizabeth Schaffenburg, have kept the cutting garden in order, as well as ornamental plants outside of the church building.  In the case of the cutting garden and ornamentals, the hours this has required (with the Jungs doing most of the work) has amounted to more than one quarter of a full-time employee, for three months.

The parish is not paying for all of this work, and the budget would not support 0.25 FTE absent us deciding to cut back in another ministry.  The bottom line:  Help is needed.  Ed Clabots will manage the formation of a Grounds Committee.  We need 5 to 6 people who are willing to put in regular work on the grounds, in weeding, trimming, etc.  We will need to make an inventory of needed equipment, so if you have equipment that can be loaned, let Ed know.  If you are willing to serve, please contact Ed Clabots.

Another practical (and spiritual issue):  When we re-start Sunday School next Fall, we need to ensure that the curriculum for each age group is up-to-date, and in synchronized in progression with the other classes.  Mary Gallimore is the Vestry member with reporting authority for Sunday School.  Please relay your ideas about curricula to her and to Fr. Karl.

Being the Body:  There are many, many people to thank for all of the help in set-up and clean-up for two funerals and two receptions in three days.  Because the risk of leaving someone out is too high, this is a blanket recognition of how the people have come together in service, as an expression of God’s love.

Please take the opportunity to notify the office of any member or friend of the parish to whom we owe thanks, in order that we can publicize this in the weekly newsletter.

A “Holy Roller”?  In the narthex of the church there is a collection basket for food pantry.  With the twin aim of increasing contirbutions of in-kind donations, and of involving young children more in worship, the parish has procured a small wagon, which will beu used at the 10:15 a.m. Sunday services for children to bring the food offerings forward (with the ushers bringing the altar gifts of bread and wine) at the offertory.  Please be generous in your donations, and thank the children for their service.

Biblical Literacy:  The Bible Challenge review session on Tuesday, 12 June, will review Week 15 readings.  Bible study on Thursday (following the 9 a.m. Mass) will focus on the lessons for Sunday, 17 June (The Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year B).

All Saints’, Elkhart Lake:  Throughout the Summer, please be intentional about two things (whether or not you attend All Saints’):  (1)  Pray for this ministry, and for those who serve in it, that they may serve our Lord by bringing more to know, love, and serve Him; (2) Engage in mission yourself.  You may know or meet people who you can ask to join you in worship, and All Saints’ can serve as a less formal setting that is more user-friendly in outreach.  Invite seekers to worship with you.

Music this week:

Prelude                        Chorale Prelude on ‘Melcombe’                                             H. H. Parry

Entrance Hymn 444    “Blessed be the God of Israel”

Offertory Hymn 690   “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”

Comm. Hymn 314      “Humbly I adore thee”

Rec. Hymn 533           “How wondrous and great thy works”

Postlude                      Prelude and Fugue in G Major                                               J. S. Bach

Nashotah House:  As a follow-up to Bp. Salmon’s appeal found in last week’s edition, please note that the end date for this campaign is 30 June.  Any parishioner donations made to Nashotah House 30 June will be matched, dollar for dollar.

Parish Notices

§  Corpus Christi and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament: Today, Thursday, June 7^th is the Feast of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi (Latin for Body of Christ), which celebrates the Body and Blood of Christ being really present in the Eucharist. We will have Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 6:00 p.m., in which the Blessed Sacrament (i.e., consecrated Host) is placed in a monstrance set upon the altar. This devotional service includes prayer and singing and quiet time before our Lord.  Please plan to attend this holy service.  Holy Eucharist will be at 9 a.m.

§  End of School Break-Out Bash: Tomorrow, June 9th 6:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Now that the end of school is upon us let's celebrate with a beach party! Expect food, fire, and fun at Deland Park. We'll be claiming the fire pit just to the north of the beach house/playground. The grill will be available if you want to bring a dinner to cook, and we'll have all the things necessary: condiments, plates, drinks, not to mention all the fixings for a delicious dessert (camp fire style!). Beach volleyball, Frisbee, football, or bring your own! All friends invited, so bring them all!  In order to ensure enough delicious dessert, please text Nick at 920-889-8003 and let him know if you are coming and how many people you're cramming into your car with you!

§  Summer Camp: Diocese of Fond du Lac Summer Camp is for kids age 4 through graduating 12^th graders. Camp is an opportunity for campers and staff to learn more about God, about community, about themselves and have fun! If you have questions about what camp is like please call Michele at the office. Scholarships are available.

o   Senior Camp (completed grades 9-12) June 10 (Sun 3pm) – June 16 (Sat 12noon)

o   Middler Camp (completed grades 6-8) June 17 (Sun 3pm) – June 21 (Thu 5pm)

o   Junior Camp (completed grades 2-5) June 17 (Sun 3pm) – June 21 (Thu 5pm) KinderCamp (parent & kids ages 4-7) June 21 (Thu 3pm) – June 23 (Sat 12noon) There are application forms on the Narthex table.

§  Sign-Up to Host Coffee Hour in 2013: A sign-up sheet for hosting coffee hour in 2013 is on the table in the narthex. Please sign-up for dates you would like to host.  A final schedule and reminders will be generated from the sign-up sheet and distributed in November 2012. Please consider signing up for 2-3 Sundays to help us cover the year! Contact Katy Prange at 920-889-1252 or katyprange@hotmail.com with questions.

§  The Bible Challenge: The Tuesday evening study will follow the weekly readings from The Bible Challenge. We begin with 5:30 p.m. Mass, followed by a light, pot-luck supper, with study commencing at 6:30 p.m. Lesson summaries for both the Bible Challenge readings and for the weekly lectionary lessons continue to be posted on the parish website.

§  Love Thinks: Dating can be tough...want some help?  Great Marriages is offering a free seminar called Love Thinks.  The program is for adults who want to make smart choices in dating including: never married singles, individuals who have experienced a divorce and are dating again, and anyone who wants to know how to find a mate who is compatible for a strong, healthy relationship.  It will be held on Saturday, June 30 in Sheboygan from 9:00am-4:00pm. Come learn to break negative dating patterns and make healthy choices for lifelong, happy relationships! Pre-registration is required so call Great Marriages at 920-783-3660 for details and to sign up today.

§  Stewardship/Fundraising Committee: The Vestry has approved the creation of an on-going Stewardship/Fundraising committee that will be responsible for our annual pledge campaign as well as developing multiple fundraising events. The goal is to charter this committee at the May Vestry meeting. If you are interested in serving on this committee or have suggestions or comments please contact a Vestry member.  We appreciate your consideration.

§  Register Now for EfM: Two classes are again forming this fall for EfM or Education for Ministry.  Through the study of scripture, each individual is encouraged to learn more about who they are so they have a closer vision of what God desires for their lives.  Each group gets to know each other, worships together and help each other discern God’s will for their lives and their ministries.  It takes time and commitment to change ourselves and consequently our communities, but the rewards are great!  Classes start on Tuesday,  September  4, 9am at St. Paul’s in Plymouth, and at 6:00 pm. place to be determined.  Cost is $350 for this college level class which starts the first year studying the Old Testament.  Scholarships are available and clergy have been generous with their discretionary funds, if assistance is needed.  Contact Barb Drewry-Zimmerman for registration materials at bzimmy@excel.net or 920-893-5189.  Get registered by August 15^th, so you can receive your materials in time for the first class.  These classes are not just for laity, clergy are always welcome and encouraged to attend so that they, too can be better leaders in their congregations.