Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace Notes
23 May 2013
What does a Spirit-filled church look like? As the Body of Christ in this place, what evidence do we have that we are in fact filled with the Holy Spirit? Past editions of Grace Notes have included a brief meditation on some aspect of the intersection of faith and culture, or on the development and practice of faith. But this week it is your turn. We have just celebrated the feast of Pentecost, when we recall the birth of the Church, and the reality that the Holy Spirit is given to each one of us—not just to select prophets and apostles. Having this Spirit we are called to specific ministries as disciples and apostles, and to a new life which relates to God and to each other in ways not possible without the Holy Spirit.
So, to get back to that point about it being “your turn,” this week’s blog is not issued in the form of a meditation but rather one of challenge. Let everyone who reads this blog add a comment. Tell all the other readers of this blog what a Spirit-filled church looks like to you; how you experience and share the Spirit here. Let’s follow all of these comments together, to be better informed of the many ways in which God is working among us!
Grace Abounds: Please thank those who helped prepare and serve food for the meeting of diocesan clergy held here this week: Nicci Beeck, Bill & Deb Gagin, Barb MacEwen and Bernie Markevitch. Please than Pat Ford Smith for managing the office during the clergy meeting.
As the term ends, please thank all of the Sunday School teachers, and those who help in the school and the nursery: Jessica Ambelang, Nicci Beeck, Pat Ford Smith, Mary Ann Portz, Brian Stenze, and Nick Whitford.
Episcopal Youth Community: Waiting Up
Why is it that sometimes when you want everything to go according to plan, it all falls apart at your finger tips. There's nothing you can do to prevent it, and there's nothing to do except accept, adapt, and move forward.
This happened in my house this week. And it happened to my one year old. She and I had been absent from each other for a good chunk of the weekend, and definitely during the week while I work the evening shift. On Monday, she was getting her routine back in order, and she was doing it herself. She took two naps, ate dinner, and was ready to go upstairs for bed. After reading three books, and cuddling with mama, she sat up, and waited. After a couple more read-throughs of the books, she cuddled again, and then sat up and waited. Then things got desperate.
Meanwhile I was working, and at my work a technical failure left me with a lot of catching up to do. I would normally have been done and home in time for the whole routine listed above, but I couldn't leave until two hours past my normal time.
After going back downstairs and sitting in front of the front door waiting for me, mama insisted that it was bed time, and the whole thing came crashing down. It wasn't right because I wasn't home. Daddy is part of the routine.
She had done her best to get it together, she had tried, and done everything in her tiny (though mighty) power, but she couldn't stay awake long enough, and even though she fought, and cried to stay awake, to have it be right. She fell asleep mere minutes before I walked in the house.
I picked her up and carried her to her bed. I was so touched by her wanting me to be home, and simultaneously pleased that she was asleep like she should be when I got there. I am proud to be her daddy. And I wondered when the last time I was trying so hard to make something right, and it wouldn't happen. And yet, when at last I couldn't fight for it any longer. I was given rest and peace, and even though it didn't happen the way I wanted it to, everything was alright in the morning.
―Nick
Adult Christian Education: On 12 May we began a four week study of the First Letter of Peter. Join as at 9 a.m. on Sundays.
Music this week:
Prelude Kyrie, God the Father in Eternity J. S. Bach
Christe, Savior of the World
Kyrie, God the Holy Ghost
Entrance Hymn 362 “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty” Nicaea
Offertory Hymn 370 “I bind unto myself today” St. Patrick’s
Breastplate
Communion Motet From the rising of the sun Ouseley
Communion Hymn 365 “Come thou almighty King” Moscow
Closing Hymn 579 “Almighty Father, strong to save” Melita
Postlude Fugue in E Flat J. S. Bach
Parish Notices
Knit Together: Knit Together is re-grouping! We will meet this Saturday, May 25th at 1:00pm. Please join us every 4th Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00pm for fellowship and handwork. Knitting, needlepoint, crochet - all are welcome. We look forward to seeing you! Please call Polly Schmeiser at 889-6796 with questions or if you need a ride.
Being the Body: The second block of the Being the Body program will begin on Saturday, June 1st, when we will continue with the “Being” trimester. The session will be focused on Participating in Grace: Sacramental Identity. The Rev. Paul Feider from St. John’s Church, New London will be the presenter Being the Body involves an examination and experience of knowing (who God is and what His will is for us), being (experiencing and living who we are called to be as Jesus’ Body), and doing (doing God’s will as His people, and each as His son or daughter).
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.
Scholarships are available.
Senior Camp (completed grades 9-12) June 9 (Sun 3pm) – June 15 (Sat 12noon)
Middler Camp (completed grades 6-8) June 16 (Sun 3pm) – June 20 (Thu 4pm)
Junior Camp (completed grades 2-5) June 16 (Sun 3pm) – June 20 (Thu 4pm)
KinderCamp (parent & kids ages 4-7) June 20 (Thu 5pm) – June 22 (Sat 11:30am)
There are application forms on the Narthex table.
Woman’s Bible study: will be taking the summer off starting Monday 5/27/2013 until Wednesday September 4th at 1:00 pm. Location to be announced.
Friday Date Night: It’s easy to fall in love, but staying in love is another thing entirely! Come for a program and free simple supper to share with your partner. A fun, simple and easy way to spend an enjoyable evening together. Friday, June 14, 2013, 5:30—9 p.m. at the Great Marriages Office. It is free, but registration required. Please call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.
Food For Freedom: Have you heard about the mega food drive happening this spring in Fond du Lac to fight hunger in our area? Food for Freedom will take place at the Fond du Lac High School west parking lot May 25-26, 2013 from 1:00pm on Saturday and 1:00pm on Sunday. This event will happen over a 24-hour period on Memorial Day weekend. Food for Freedom is being coordinated by a Fondy High School junior, Danny Loomans, in a effort to raise food for distribution in five counties, Sheboygan County being one of them. This event will attempt to break the current world record for the largest food drive in 24 hours at a single location. More details can be found at www.foodforfreedom.org.
Song of Solomon: It’s known the Bible provides great wisdom for righteous living and spiritual growth. But it can guide us in our dating, courtship and marriage relationships as well! Pastor Andy Shanholtz will guide married and engaged couples in this informative, 8 week study of one of the earliest known books on relationship advice. Mondays, Jun 17-Aug 5, 2013 at the Great Marriages Office. Please bring a Bible to class. Suggested donation for materials, $5. Registration is required. Call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.
Bishop Search: For all information concerning the search for the eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac please go to bishopsearch.info.
To me, at least part of the answer to the question about what a Spirit-filled church looks like is these words of Richard Rohr:
ReplyDelete"The Kingdom of God (Spirit-filled church) breaks into this world whenever people act as God would act."
Pat Sather