Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace Notes
4 July 2013
On this two hundred and thirty seventh anniversary of the birth of this nation, we celebrate the ideal of a free society. A free society is one in which the dictates of conscience and virtue are not ignored, let alone vilified. Make no mistake, as we gather to celebrate freedom. Freedom is under attack always. This point is made most eloquently by the Chief Rabbi of England in a recent opinion piece in The Spectator. His words are better than those that I might write, and so I’ll simply supply this link:
May God bless the United States of America and all of her people.
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: So what do we do about our kids during the weekend? Great Question; the teenagers will have their own program with teenagers coming in as guests to share with our teens. The children will also have their own program again with a guest prepared to share with them age appropriate materials. Then of course we will have a nursery. All the bases will be covered.
Episcopal Youth Community:
Grace and Peace to you.
This post doesn't have a lot to do with youth ministry, but it is a message I once spoke about while doing youth ministry.
This post doesn't have a lot to do with youth ministry, but it is a message I once spoke about while doing youth ministry.
Here in Sheboygan, we have so many things that can be done on the 4th of July. There's an endless stream of boats on the water; cardboard and otherwise. There are games to play, food to eat, music to listen to, and people to watch. And of course there is the parade, and fireworks.
In my house, we, and I imagine many of you, were taught to stand for the flag as it passed us by in the parade. There are lots of flags, and they deserve our respect, and so we stand, and sometimes applaud. This got me thinking about our posture toward different things, and what our posture says about our response to those same things.
In my house, we, and I imagine many of you, were taught to stand for the flag as it passed us by in the parade. There are lots of flags, and they deserve our respect, and so we stand, and sometimes applaud. This got me thinking about our posture toward different things, and what our posture says about our response to those same things.
At the parade, we stand for the flag to show our respect for it. Not for the flag in and of itself, but for the symbol that the flag represents. For The USA, and everything we associate with it. We also, respect flags with our treatment of them. We hang them high for all to see, we don't let them fall, or get dirty, we bring them in from the rain. And we also use them to cover the coffins of our fallen soldiers.
In our churches, we stand, sit, kneel, bow, genuflect, light candles, make incense, say prayers together, commune together, sing together, confess together (or is it to each other?), and bring peace to each other.
In our churches, we stand, sit, kneel, bow, genuflect, light candles, make incense, say prayers together, commune together, sing together, confess together (or is it to each other?), and bring peace to each other.
But for all of that, what is our posture? Do we feel the need to bow, or genuflect, or to kneel out of respect for the cross that passes us in the aisle? Do we shake hands with those we refuse to accept, or forgive, or continue to hold a grudge against? Do we recite words learned by rote, rather than proclaim our faith in the Creed? Do we take bread, and wine, or the Body and Blood?
I submit to you, my firm belief that the posture of our body, in worship, is a reflection of the posture of our hearts toward God. Maybe the easiest change in the way you understand God, and see God working in your life, is simply a change of posture. From "begrudging", to "accepting". From "prove it", to "faith". From "my turn", to "what can I do for you". From "anger" to "forgiveness".
This day, I pray for all of us, to find our posture turned toward God. Also for all who serve in the military at home or abroad, and for those in dangers way, safety and health.
In Him,
Nick
Proper 9C
July 8, 2007
Prelude Adagio Alan Gray
Entrance Hymn 390 “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” Lobe den Herren
Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei – New English Folk Mass
Offertory Hymn 541 “Come, labor on” Ora labora
Communion Hymn 321 “My God, thy table now is spread” Rockingham
Closing Hymn 539 “O Zion, haste” Tidings
Postlude Prelude & Fugue in B Flat Johann Pachelbel
Parish Notices:
Being the Body: The second block of the Being the Body program will continue on Saturday, July 13th. We will welcome our own Deacon Charleston Wilson as 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).
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. 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.
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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