Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace Notes
26 June 2013
This commentary is being posted a
day early, in response to the important rulings of the United States Supreme
Court about the power of the federal government allow or deny benefits and rights
on the basis of how marital status has been defined under state law, and that those
who challenged a court decision invalidating a California election initiative
to define marriage did not have the legal standing to appear before the court.
As the debate inevitably heats up
about how to define what is and is not considered (in the law, not in faith) a marriage,
we will hear a lot about the nature of human union. Is this “organic” or “emotional,” or, indeed
“experiential”. Regardless of what
personal views a person may have on the issues presented, underlying all
disputes in modern debate is a fundamental disagreement over what human life is
for, about how we define human
flourishing.
People of faith and secularists
can both agree that each human being possesses a profound, inherent and equal
dignity and is an end in himself or herself.
But is the locus of the authentic self
of each person a desiring mind (a secularist view)? If it is, then each person has the right to
use his or her own body to pursue his or her own ends. If, on the other hand, the self is a dynamic
unity of mind, body and spirit (as is taught, for example, in the apostle
Paul’s writings), then this integrated person cannot separate his or her mind
(and fears, desires, and feelings) from his or her body and spirit.
We are surrounded by a culture
that accepts that the person may defined with reference to a desiring
mind. That is why we are surrounded by
messages—on television and in other media, in schools and universities, musical
lyrics and videos, laws and judicial decisions—that assume a secular orthodoxy
in which we are objects (for example) of sexual desire and satisfaction rather
than integrated persons. The so-called
sexual revolution has made people into objects, in the name of liberation!
No person is an object. Each person is created in the image and
likeness of God, and we are redeemed by and through the offering of God’s
only-begotten Son. God invests infinite
value in each person. Whenever we argue
over what human flourishing is, let us ever keep in mind that we are concerned
with people, each one considered
infinitely valuable to God, and so let us engage on a personal level and not by
objectifying the other. Whenever we are
tempted to use a label, let’s use a name.
Both within the Church and in society, however you react to the decision
of the Supreme Court, remember that in reacting to another person, or about
another person, you are dealing with a person, someone and not something.
Grace Abounds: Please thank Dale and Mary Massey for the
wonderful coffee hour. Please thank Pat
Ford Smith and Jane Hanson for providing office coverage during Dcn. Michele’s attendance
at continuing education.
Faith Alive: Faith
Alive is coming to Grace! On September 20-22 Grace will be hosting a
Faith Alive event. For those of you who
have not heard, Faith Alive is a spiritual retreat held in the comfort of our
own church and city. It will include
numerous activities developed to bring our church closer together and ourselves
closer to God and understanding the unique relationship we share with Him. More information will be shared throughout
the summer to prepare you and your family for this valuable journey to strengthen
your faith and unify our church family.
Episcopal Youth
Community: Hello, welcome, and grace
and peace.
This week our bonfire on the beach
was winded out, but we still had a lot of fun! We instead met together in St.
Nicholas Hall and had a family game night. We were a little bummed about the
fire, so we built one in the hall. The only difference is that we used a lot of
streamers and a fan tipped upward. It was beautiful. I look forward to our next
adventure! Stay tuned.
Thanks!
―Nick
Music this week:
Prelude Cantabile Franck
Entrance Hymn 518 “Christ
is made the sure foundation” Westminster Abbey
Offertory Hymn 359 “God
of the prophets” Toulon
Communion Hymn 550 “Jesus calls us o’er the tumult” Restoration
Closing Hymn 551 “Rise
up, ye saints of God” Festal Song
Postlude Sortie in F Franck
Parish Notices:
§ Dcn.
Michele will be attending The Washington Island Forum: for continuing education all week June 24
-28. The office will be open 9:00 am -12:00 pm.
§ Christmas
is coming! Christmas is coming! No,
really, our Christmas in July Red Kettle Campaign is coming to a kettle stand
near you. In order to assist families in our area this summer, we are pulling
out the familiar symbols of The Salvation Army - our red kettles. For
several weeks, our homeless shelter has housed several families and their
children. As the summer goes on, we expect to see even more. Need
truly doesn't have a season and this summer is no exception. We hope you
will help us make a difference for these families in need. On Tuesday, July 23rd,
Grace Church will be ringing bells at Pick & Save - South – Sheboygan from
10:00am to 6:00pm - and we need you! Bring the kids, invite the neighbors
and enjoy the sun. Help us provide assistance to area families in need
this summer. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex. If you
have any questions, feel free to contact Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.
§ Bishop’s
Retirement Celebration: Everyone is
invited to attend the Celebration for Bishop Russ and Jerrie Jacobus Sunday,
August 18, 2013 from 3:30 – 9:00pm at Homestead Meadows, W7560 Spencer Rd.
Appleton, WI 54914. This will be a casual event including Hayrides & games,
dinner, a program, concluding with a dance with a DJ. Please register at diofdl.org/celebration . The cost to attend is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 12-18 and
children under 12 free. Please do not let cost be a factor in attending,
assistance is available for all.
§ Bishop
Search: For all information
concerning the search for the eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac please go to bishopsearch.info.
§ 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. Class will be Monday evenings at the Great Marriages
office, beginning Sept 9th. *Please note the new date!*
Call 920-783-3660 for more information and to register.
§ Love Thinks: This program is for adults who
want to make smart choices in dating including: individuals who have
experienced a divorce and are dating again, never married singles, and anyone
who wants advice on how to find a mate who is compatible for a healthy
relationship. This one day, free and informative program will be held
Sat, Sept 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Great Marriages office. Please call
920-783-3660 for more information and to register.
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