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 7th 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 12th 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 15th, 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.
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