Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace Notes
11 July 2013
In all human cultures there exists some kind of collective memory or mythology of a prior “golden age”. In other words, the idea of a fall from grace is consistent with the evidence. At Genesis 1.26 we are told that we have each been created in the image and likeness of God, and yet we understand all too well that there are many, many things in human life that are not godlike—that the image and likeness are obscured.
The fact that we experience fallenness is a sort of spiritual fossil record. One can only experience a fall from some height, and to the extent that we know that the world is not in a state of blessedness and joy, then we know that we have fallen from the state in which and for which we were created. If I am a peasant, and have known no other life, the I can accommodate to the life of a peasant. But if I have been a king, then my experience as a peasant will produce longing for what I have lost. To the extent that we experience wrongness in life this demonstrates that we are each created for blessedness—otherwise we could never understand the difference.
Fallenness can be experienced as unhappiness, provided we are careful to understand what happiness is. To us moderns happiness refers to a subjective feeling, not an objective state. But in biblical terms happiness (or, more properly, joy) is to the soul what health is to the body. Joy can include suffering, because it is not a feeling. Joy is a permanent, objective state of being in right relationship with God, and this state of being cannot be removed by a change in circumstance.
When we live into our identity as those created in God’s image and likeness; when we participate in His redemption of creation by and through the sacrifice of His Son; when we are animated by the Holy Spirit, then we live into the reality of joy and blessedness despite the reality of unhappiness (when it comes). We regain the kingship for which we were created.
Grace Abounds: Please thank Jessica Ameblang for the wonderful coffee hour.
Calling all students of New Testament Greek! If you are interested, we need to order materials by 19 July. The cost is $100, but liberal scholarships are available, based on need. The new class will form on Thursday, 5 August, and will meet every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Faith Alive: We are organizing a transportation committee under the leadership of Bill Gagin. We don’t want a lack of transportation to be an issue. As well, some of our guests may be flying in necessitating multiple rides. If you might need a ride or be able to help and need more information, give Bill a call at 452-2703.
Episcopal Youth Community: Grace and peace to you. Joy. Abounding joy. Finding joy every day. This is what I'm learning from my 14 month old. It puts me in mind of a quote I have grown to love: "Joy is the core of existence, the motive power of every living being ... it is the need of one's body as it is the goal of one's spirit.” I wonder what my world would be like if I would find joy as effortlessly as this child of mine. Hopefully I can learn from her, and find out. May you find joy today and everyday. ―Nick
Music this week:
Prelude Andantino Harold Darke
Entrance Hymn #376 “Joyful, joyful we adore thee” Hymn to Joy
Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei New English Folk Mass
Offertory Hymn #660 “O Master, let me walk with thee” Maryton
Communion Hymn #609 “Where cross the crowded ways of life” Gardiner
Closing Hymn #529 “In Christ there is no east or west” McKee
Postlude Toccata in C Joh. Krieger
Parish Notices:
Salvation Army Bell Ringing! There is another opportunity to ring bells for the Salvation Army. July 27th from 10:00am to 6:00pm Grace Church will be ringing bells at the North side Piggly Wiggly. In order to assist families in our area this summer, we are pulling out the familiar symbols of The Salvation Army - our red kettles. 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. 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 another sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex. Thank you to all who have signed up, if you would like to help it is always more fun with more people, please consider adding your name to an hour or two for a good cause. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.
Summer Lunch Volunteers Needed: By day two, Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization’s summer lunch program had already served over 900 children in four Sheboygan Elementary Schools. They are in desperate need of volunteers to help as there are an additional 300 children who could benefit from the lunch program. They are looking primarily for individuals and families to help distribute lunches at the schools during the lunch hour from 11:15 – 12:30pm. June 24th through August 15th. You can register at the volunteer center website, which is: www.volunteersheboygan.com or please call Kristin Blanchard at 920-457-7272 x 12 or email www.sheboygancountyinterfaith.org if you are interested in helping.
In the Grip of Grace: On Thursday, 8 August, we will begin a three week course which will be taught by Dcn. Michele Whitford. The class will meet from 9:30 to 11:00, following the morning celebration of Holy Eucharist. We will read In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado. If you are interested in participating please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. If you need a copy of the book please indicate that on the sheet. If you have questions contact the parish office no later than 23 July.
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.
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