Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace Notes
11 April 2013
It’s time to share a few “pats on the back”. Last week we noted how many people made the entire experience of Holy Week and Easter so successful and holy. This week we have received external feedback on success. On Tuesday a conference for parish administrators was held in Plymouth, with the focus being on the use of web-based communications and social media. The consultant (a retired Presbyterian minister) presented a detailed analysis of all of the parish websites in the diocese, and of all of the ways congregations are using web-based communications. His objective view was that if you didn’t know anything about The Episcopal Church, and based your reaction on what you encountered on the web, in this diocese you would think that we are focused on, and proud of, our history, our architecture, our liturgy, and that most church buildings have red doors.
But guess what? When the consultant then turned to “how it can be done” the example he used was the website and other communications of Grace. That’s right, our website and blog and Facebook page are being held up as a good way to do it—how to communicate with people who don’t know about the Church and the faith, to let them know who we are, what we believe in, how they are welcome.
This doesn’t just happen. The website has been designed and is maintained by Jon Whitford, assisted by Joann Otte. Content comes from a lot of sources. It includes photographs and links supplied by parishioners, sermons and educational materials from Fr. Schaffenburg, calendar updates maintained by Dcn. Michele Whitford and Bobbi Kraft, EYC updates from Nick Whitford. The parish blog, Grace Notes, includes weekly contributions, as well, from Nick and from Ben Dobey. A lot of people are busy, and put real thought into how we share the Good News. And, all of this is in addition to our print outlets of the monthly newsletter and the weekly worship bulletins.
Here’s how you can help. First, let us know about changes needed in the website or other media. Second, if you use social media (e.g., Facebook) then link your page to the parish pages. List “likes” that allow your net work to explore what we are saying, who we are. Use the electronic media as a way to invite people to visit and worship with us. And, thank those who are keeping the communications flow going.
Adult Christian Education: During Eastertide we will keep adult education simple. This will involve a Bible study session at 9 a.m. on Sundays, in which we will examine in detail the lessons used in worship on that day. Bible Study will not meet on Thursdays until Ascension Day.
Musical Outreach: Two CD’s exist of anthems and hymns recorded by our fine choir, under the direction of Ben Dobey. These CD’s are available for sale, but consider just taking some without paying for them. Why? The CD’s are intended to be a form of outreach, to facilitate how we can invite people to join us in worship at Grace. If you have thought about asking someone to visit the parish with you, then go ahead and give them a CD so they can get a little foretaste of worship here. If you do this, just let the office know, so that we can keep apprised of inventory, but don’t hesitate to use the CD’s whenever you think it might be helpful. Consider, as well, using parish note cards in outreach and invitation.
Episcopal Youth Community:
Being the Body: Our discipleship program shifts into its second trimester on Saturday, 13 April (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) The program examines discipleship in terms of Knowing—Being—Doing. In the first trimester we looked at how we know who God is, and what His will is for us. In this second phase we will examine how we are formed as disciples, and we will begin with an intensive examination of sacramental identity, of how we identify ourselves as members of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. The 13 April program will feature an instructed eucharist which will occupy the entire morning, to involve dramatic action as well as instruction.
Music this week:
Prelude Chorale on Haec Dies Widor
Entrance Hymn 199 “Come, ye faithful, raise the strain” St. Kevin
Offertory Hymn 305 “Come, risen Lord, and deign to be our guest” Rosedale
Communion Motet Most glorious Lord of life Harris
Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day
Didst make Thy triumph over death and sin,
And having harrowed hell, didst bring away
Captivity thence captive, us to win.
This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin,
And grant that we for whom Thou diddest die,
Being with Thy dear blood clean washed from sin,
May live for ever in felicity:
And that thy love we weighing worthily,
May likewise love Thee for the same again;
And for Thy sake, that all like dear didst buy,
With love may one another entertain.
So let us love, dear Love, like as we ought;
Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.
―Edmund Spenser (ca.1522–1599)
Comm. Hymn 343 “Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless” St. Agnes
Closing Hymn 208 “The strife is o’er” Victory
Postlude Trumpet Tune & Ayre Telemann
Parish Notices
Life Line Screening: Grace Church is sponsoring Life Line Screening Wednesday, April 24th from 8:30-5:30. This is a community event offering the “Helping Hands” program which can save your life and the lives of your loved ones through simple, painless, preventive health screenings. Special $10 discount for our members and their families PLUS a matching $10 donation to Grace Church for everyone who preregisters. There are registration forms in this bulletin or on the Narthex table or in the church office. You may sign up by calling 1-800-324-9458. They will ask for source code HSC5603.
Tripartite Ascension Solemn Evensong and Dinner: Please join the Tripartite Covenant Parishes in celebrating Ascension Day. Grace Church, will host Solemn Evensong Thursday, May 9th at 6:00pm. Evensong is a beautiful service of sung evening prayer. This will be followed by dinner in St. Nicholas Hall. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.
SCIO Spring Luncheon & Fundraiser: Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization is once again honoring women at their Spring Luncheon & Fundraiser, Saturday, May 4, 2013 from 11:00am -1:00pm at Pine Hills Country Club, 4914 Superior Ave, Sheboygan. The Spring Luncheon will include Social, Silent Auction, Lunch and Program. The cost is $40 per person or $320 for a table of eight. Please contact SCIO at 457-7272 ext. 14 for reservations.
SCIO Silent Auction: Each member church is asked to provide a themed basket to be added to the silent auction at the Spring Luncheon & Fundraiser. If anyone is interested in putting together a basket for Grace Church there is additional information and basket ideas on the bulletin board in the narthex or please contact the office.
Bishop Search: For all information concerning the search for the eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac please go to bishopsearch.info.
No comments:
Post a Comment