Happy Thanksgiving!

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

28 November 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!  Let us pray that this may be a Holy Thanksgiving.  In the collect for the feast we pray:

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In a time when it is all-too-easy to focus on consumption, let us ever remember that all that we enjoy is of God’s bounty.  When we do this we can then offer thanks.  We can offer thanks to God for life itself—let alone the provision for our necessities, and for the fruits of the earth—and for the greatest bounty, that He has given His only Son for our redemption. 

At your celebration of Thanksgiving, focus on prayer first.  Make a point of opening your meal with prayer, whether or not it makes guests feel at ease.  That’s part of the point—that the Gospel is offensive to the world.  Focus on prayer.  Join with at the Tripartite service (Wednesday, 7 p.m., at Grace).  Join with us on Thanksgiving Day (9 a.m.)  Make a point of gathering in prayer and worship, and then take this grace to your own table.

Holiday closure:  The church and office will be closed on Friday and Saturday (29 and 30 November).  No services will be offered on those days.

Grace Abounds:  Please thank Ann and Bob Hanlon, and Jennifer and John Keller for the wonderful coffee hours this past Sunday.

Call for Contributions:  If you have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshippers toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by Wednesday (noon) each week.

Advent Lessons & Carols will be offered, again, this year on Sunday, 8 December, at 4 p.m., followed by High Tea.  This is an ideal introduction to Anglican piety, as well as just a wonderful opportunity to gather in worship.  This year we are inviting community leaders from outside the parish to serve as our readers.  Please invite your friends to join us!

Episcopal Youth Community:   New Beginnings: December 7-8, Grace Church, Sheboygan, for all students grades 6-8 - http://diofdl.org/newbeginnings

Music this week: 

Prelude                       Chorale Prelude on Sleepers, Wake!                             J. S. Bach

Entrance Hymn 58     “Lo, he comes with clouds descending”                         St. Thomas

Trisagion S-102                                                                                              A. Archangelsky

Offertory Hymn 61   “Sleeper, wake! A voice astounds us”                Wachet auf

Communion Motet     Come, thou Redeemer of the earth                             arr. David Willcocks

Closing Hymn 66        “Come, thou long-expected Jesus”                                Stuttgart

Postlude                      Chorale Prelude on Sleepers, Wake!                             J. G. Walther

Parish Notices

§  Holiday Parade: Grace Church will be selling cocoa and coffee, brownies, apple crisp and hotdogs, before and during the Holiday Parade Sunday December 1^st. The money raised goes to the Twenty Liter water project. Please come by the front of the church and enjoy a warm treat as you enjoy the parade, be sure to bring your friends.

§  Simple Potluck Supper and Compline: Sunday, December 1^st we will have our first Sunday of the month Simple Potluck Supper at 6:30pm. Come and enjoy the fellowship then stay for Compline at 8:00pm. The Schola Cantorum will be singing Compline which is the night time prayers said or sung just before retiring. It is a wonderful and peaceful way to end the day.

§  Stewardship: If you received a pledge card and haven't responded yet, please do so. Even if your response is that you don't have a 2014 pledge, we still need to hear from you as soon as possible. We are in the process of assembling the 2014 budget and need your pledge information. Starting the week of December 1, members of the Vestry will be personally contacting parishioners who haven't responded. Thanks in advance for your assistance and for supporting Grace Church.

§  Salvation Army Adopt a Family Gift tags: We have the tree up, and all the name tags on it, for the Salvation Army Family gifts, please take a name or two and follow the instructions on the table next to the tree. Please return the gifts to Grace Church by December 8^th. If you have any questions please call Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.

§  Youth and Children’s Choir: Youth and Children’s choir rehearsals for the Christmas Eve service are at 5:30-6:00pm beginning this Wednesday December 4^th, downstairs in the choir room. Additional rehearsals will be on December 11^th and 18^th these will be just before the Pageant rehearsals.  The final rehearsal will be Sunday, December 22^nd at 9:00am. The choir is open to 2^nd graders through high school, and will sing for the 4pm service on Christmas Eve.

§  Christmas Pageant Rehearsals: will be on Wednesday December 4^th, December 11^th and 18^th starting at 6:00p.m. The rehearsals will begin in the church and then go downstairs for costumes. Participation is open to youth of all ages. The Pageant will take place during the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. If your child would like to participate but cannot make rehearsals please note that on the sheet or call the office.

§  Director Needed: If you would like to spend some time with shepherds and angels have I got a job for you! A volunteer or two are needed to direct the Christmas Pageant. The more help keeping little feet in place the better. Please speak with Pat Ford Smith or Nicci Beeck.

§  Advent Lessons and Carols: On Sunday, 8 December, a festival of Advent Lessons and Carols will be offered at Grace Episcopal Church, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

§  The festival prepares us for the coming of the Messiah by following the scriptural record through nine lessons, each followed by a seasonal carol offered by choir and congregation. The choir will also offer seasonal anthems, and music will include Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey on organ. The service is followed immediately by a High Tea reception.

§  Christmas Castle Volunteers: Tuesday, December 17^th from 1:00 – 3:30pm help make Christmas merry for hundreds of children this year by volunteering. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to walk the aisles of the “toy store” with clients to help them find the perfect gift. The Christmas Castle is located on the west side of Memorial Mall in the old Walgreens’s. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

§  Christmas Joy: is scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 19th at 11:00 AM in the church kitchen. At that time we will assemble winter greens and flowers and bag cookies, and then make deliveries (there is a sign up sheet in the narthex.) We need helping hands and money (to buy for packaging supplies and flowers.) Can you bake, make a delivery or help arrange? Please join us for this fulfilling ministry to our shut-ins. They will appreciate it. If you have questions please call Barb MacEwen at 467-6909. 

§  Study/Discussion Group: This group decided to study of Galatians. They plan to meet after the 10:15 service starting December 1, hoping to meet every two weeks in the conference room.  Contact people are Mary Massey and Fr. John Ambelang.

§  Canticle of Christmas: Mark your calendars for the Lakeshore Chorale & Lakeshore Youth Chorale Christmas Concert. Sunday, December 8, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, 1444 South 11th Street, Sheboygan. Lakeshore Chorale & Youth Chorale celebrate the Christmas season with a variety of holiday music, an audience sing-along, and conclude with a reception of punch and Christmas cookies! $15.00 adults; $8.00 students OR included in Season Ticket.

§  Society of Mary: The fundamental Mission is to foster devotion to Mary, Mother of God, at Grace Episcopal Church. The Society will be revived, to qualify as an internationally-recognized named cell. Focuses will include: (a) Revitalize attendance at the celebration of the five annual commemorations of Mary on the Church Calendar; (b) Increase attendance support of the Walsingham protoshrine daily prayers, and for the corporate Rosary recited on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; (c) Improve communication in the broader community of our intended missions. Normal meeting time will be after the first service on the fourth Sunday of the month in the church library and possibly Monday after shrine and rosary. Contact person is Mary Kohler.

§  "So many books so little time".  I am interested in starting/being a part of a book club centered at Grace.  My initial thought is a once a month meeting at Grace to discuss the months selection. At this point I am simply throwing out a few ideas I have seen work in the past. All "rules" would be decided by the participants. Since we have made some progress in developing "Faith Alive" small groups revolving around mostly spiritual issues I thought a "literary" small group might be nice.  Any thoughts, suggestions, interest would be welcome. Dale Massey (920) 254-3034, masseydale51@gmail.com. 

§  Meals On Wheels Christmas Cookies: Meals On Wheels volunteers will be delivering a box of homemade cookies to our clients again this Christmas season. (As many of you know, for some clients, this is the only gift they will receive). So all we need are the cookies.  If you would like to donate some of your goodies to our project please call or email Maureen at Meals On Wheels at 451-7011 or client1@shebmow.org. We have cookie drop off sites in both Sheboygan and Plymouth and we will be packaging cookies on the 17^th of December.  Your response in the past has been overwhelming and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support.

Here comes the pitch!

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

21 November 2013

An elevator pitch, elevator speech, or elevator statement is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a person, profession, product, service, organization or event and its value proposition.  Ask yourself, if you have one minute to summarize to someone who does not know us who and what Grace Episcopal Church is, what we believe in and practice, and why they should visit to experience worship with us, what will you say?

We all need to practice and have ready our pitch, recognizing that what we do is much more important than selling—it is the proclamation of the kingdom of God, and we are, indeed, instructed in Scripture to always be prepared to offer a defense for the hope that is within us (1 Pet. 3.15).

In developing your pitch, a good place to get background information is on the parish web page, in our “Statement of Identity,” and on the link “What do Episcopalians believe?”  Your description of who we are, what we believe and practice, and why all are invited to worship with us must be tailored to the person(s) you speak with, but the description must include elements like the following:

1.      Our very reason for being Grace Episcopal Church is to proclaim who God is, and what His saving act is.  We are people who seek to know, love, and serve God.

2.      Our focus is on Jesus Christ, not on any issue or agenda.  As Jesus people we can hold differences over issues and agendas in tension, as members of one Body.

3.      Through Scripture, Reason and Tradition we seek to know who God is, and what His will is for us.  We seek to be the people He calls and equips us to be.  We seek to do the work He gives us to do.

4.      This is God’s Church, not ours.  All are welcome to join us in transformation by and through Jesus Christ.

5.      We experience God in His blessed Sacraments, His life-giving Word, His Holy Spirit, each other, and the in the beauty of holiness.  Join us in the experience, that you may come to know who God is, and what His will is for you!

Grace Abounds:  Please thank Wayne and Pat Sather, and Art and Nancy Imig for the wonderful coffee hours this past Sunday.  For the Fall parish clean-up held on last Saturday, please thank:  Paul & Andrea Aparicio, Julie Davidson, Ben Dobey, Claudia Fischer, Steve Larson, Scott Lubbers, Bill and Bobbie May, Elizabeth Schaffenburg and Mary Snyder.

Call for Contributions:  If you have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshippers toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by Wednesday (noon) each week.

This week, we’ll add the following thanksgivings submitted by Bobbi Kraft:

Happening #66 was a success.  It couldn't have happened without the generosity of so many in a variety of ways.  On behalf of Emily & Beth Boland, Kaleigh & Bobbi Kraft, and Deacon Michele we offer thanks to the Grace Church family for supporting Happening in a variety of ways.

We received bananas and oranges from Renee Stauffacher, cookies from Mary Snyder and Pat Ford Smith.  Jessica Ambelang provided brownies that surprised the kitchen staff at their abundance.  Along with all of this food, an air mattress from Mary Kohler helped to ensure the physical needs of candidates and staff were taken care of.

In addition, showing support by attending the closing Eucharist were: Fr. & Elizabeth Schaffenburg, Deacon Mike Burg, Nick, Jenni & Eowyn Whitford, Jon Whitford, Orlando Scott Fabiano, Susan MacIntosh & Mary Grace Boland from Grace.  Plus, Jeanna & Dan Werbeckes & John Clabots (formerly of Grace) who know our group from camp.  Their physical presence reminded all that they do not walk in faith alone.

Of course, the weekend would not be the same without spiritual support. The candidates were overwhelmed by the fact that so many were praying for them and so many had written words of encouragement to them.  It was a running theme through the weekend and at the closing.  Special prayer partners included: Susan MacIntosh, Mary Clabots, Crawford & Pat Ford Smith, Jane Hanson, & Pat Sather.

Thank you one and all!

Advent Lessons & Carols will be offered, again, this year on Sunday, 8 December, at 4 p.m., followed by High Tea.  This is an ideal introduction to Anglican piety, as well as just a wonderful opportunity to gather in worship.  This year we are inviting community leaders from outside the parish to serve as our readers.  Please invite your friends to join us!

Society of Mary:  The Society of Mary will meet in the parish library this Sunday at 9 a.m. to discuss organization and practice.  The fundamental Mission is to foster devotion to Mary, Mother of God, at Grace Episcopal Church. The Society will be revived, to qualify as an internationally-recognized named cell.  Focuses will include: (a) Revitalize attendance at the celebration of the four annual commemorations of Mary on the Church Calendar; (b) Increase attendance support of the Walsingham protoshrine daily prayers, and for the corporate Rosary recited on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; (c) Improve communication in the broader community of our intended missions. Normal meeting time will be after the first service on the fourth Sunday of the month in the church library. Contact person is Mary Kohler.

Special stewardship opportunity:  Whichever person has the greatest increase in a 2014 pledge, over their paid 2013 pledge amount (calculated at close of the giving year), or who has the highest new pledge for 2014 (for any person who has not pledged previously), will receive a complimentary stay at a Hyatt-managed timeshare apartment in Key West, Florida (occupancy dates are 2 March to a 9 March check-out.  These dates include Mardi Gras.)  Go To: www.hyattwindwardpointe.hyatt.com  You can find all the amenities and room pictures there.

The unit is on the 3^rd level, set way back on the property, with a virtual private lani looking straight out on the grounds, pool and ocean.  Cuba 70 miles straight south.  The unit is about a 2 mile walk to the southern most point in the lower 48, on the east and quiet side of the Key, about 1 ½ mile walk to Duval St.  St. Paul's Episcopal Church is on Duval, a great place for Ash Wednesday services.

This timeshare opportunity is the gift of Bill and Debbie Gagin.

Operation Christmas Child:  There have been lots of donations to the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box ministry through Samaritan's Purse.  A big thank you to everyone.  The children in classes with Nicci Beeck, Pat Ford Smith and Mary Ann Portz have begun filling up the shoe boxes.  We will deliver them to Sonlight Book Store on Sunday, Nov. 24 following the 10:15 AM mass.  We will have a better count of how many will be sent this year after class.  Nicci Beeck and Pat Ford Smith are coming in Thursday, 11/21 at 12:30 p.m. to sort through those that are already packed.  On Sunday, 11/24 we will finish packing with the kids.  Anyone who wishes to help with this can join us. We have already been given $40 in cash and a promise of $28 check to help defray shipping charges ($7 for each box).  I'm estimating approximately 20 boxes will be taken over.  If we have any supplies left over, we will keep them for the following year.

These gifts present us with an amazing opportunity to spread the Good News of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ to children in foreign lands that might not hear in any other way.  This is a gift that keeps on giving our love to children who may not have ever had a gift of their very own.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Episcopal Youth Community:   Thank you!  Thank you for all of your prayers and thoughts for our students and staff that went to Happening this past weekend. The stories coming back about the weekend tell a story about a blessed weekend. Finding connections between each other, and learning that when you listen to each other before judging each other, you find that you have more in common with people you would not normally choose to get to know. The togetherness of this Happening was completely evident from my perspective as a visitor at the closing Eucharist. I want to thank our church family for taking the time to think about, pray for, and for your support spiritually and with your presence.

New Beginnings - December 7-8 - Grace Church, Sheboygan - is for all students grades 6-8 - http://diofdl.org/newbeginnings

Each of these is unique in style, delivery, and experience, and each one is a great way to learn more about God and our faith, as well as connect to the wider community of Christian youth in our diocese; many people have made life-long friends with those around the diocese and have stayed connected through events like these, camp and others.

Please contact me or the office with questions, but remember to sign up!

Grace and peace, Nick

Music this week: 

Prelude             Benedictus                                                                   Rowley

Entrance Hymn 544      “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun”                               Duke Street

Offertory Hymn 483     “The head that once was crowned with thorns”  St. Magnus

Communion Motet        King of glory, King of peace                                       Walker

Comm. Hymn 383        “Fairest Lord Jesus”                                                     St. Elizabeth

Closing Hymn 494        “Crown him with many crowns”                                    Diademata

Postlude                       Allegro from Symphony in D                                       Boyce

Parish Notices

§  Admirals Hockey Game! On November 22nd (Friday) there is a group of people going to the Milwaukee Admirals hockey game. Transportation is provided (depart from the parish at 5:30 p.m., promptly). If you are interested in going please sign up by calling the parish office before 3:00pm tomorrow, Thursday, November 21!

§  Game Night at Grace Tonight! Game Nights are times when people of all ages can come together to play different games that are enjoyed by everyone. There will be board games, card games, and almost any type of game that you’d want to play. Invite your parents or your friends or anyone who you’d want to come. Game Night is open to all: young and old, singles, couples or families. The next Game night will be Thursday, November 21st 6:30-9:00 PM. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks. We hope to see you there!

§  Salvation Army Adopt a Family Gift tags: We have the tree up, and all the name tags on it, for the Salvation Army Family gifts, please take a name or two and follow the instructions on the table next to the tree. Please return the gifts to Grace Church by December 8^th. If you have any questions please call Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.

§  Christmas Castle Volunteers: Tuesday, December 17^th from 1:00 – 3:30pm help make Christmas merry for hundreds of children this year by volunteering. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to walk the aisles of the “toy store” with clients to help them find the perfect gift. The Christmas Castle is located on the west side of Memorial Mall in the old Walgreens’s. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

§  Tripartite Thanksgiving Service: We will celebrate and give thanks with our Tripartite Covenant Parishes November 27, 2013 at 7:00pm. This year’s celebration will be at Grace Church. The beautiful Service is followed by a reception in St. Nicholas Hall. Please plan to attend.

§  Advent Lessons and Carols: On Sunday, 8 December, a festival of Advent Lessons and Carols will be offered at Grace Episcopal Church, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The festival prepares us for the coming of the Messiah by following the scriptural record through nine lessons, each followed by a seasonal carol offered by choir and congregation.  The choir will also offer seasonal anthems, and music will include Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey on organ. The service is followed immediately by a High Tea reception.

§  New Parish Directory updates: Please find a draft copy of a new parish directory on the table in the Narthex at Grace Church. If you would please look at your entry and make any changes necessary and then initial it so we know it is correct. We are trying to have as many email addresses as possible, it saves postage and much of the communication of the church is done electronically. We never give them out but. Thank you.

§  Christmas Shoe Boxes: Please consider bringing toothpaste and individually wrapped toothbrushes, and mild soap bars and wash cloths to church for the Christmas shoe boxes. We will also be looking for these items in the coming weeks:  pencils, colored pencils, erasers and pencil sharpeners, paper to write on. These items must be able to fit into a shoe box. Thank you so much. Pat Ford Smith

§  Operation Christmas Child: Miss Pat's Sunday School class is spearheading the effort to put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, and would like to invite the whole parish to participate by donating small items for the shoe boxes, or if you desire a monetary donation that will be spent to get shoe box gift items. The goal is to have this be a parish outreach lead by the youth and children of the parish. Please participate as you can, including prayers for this to be a successful project. The drop off date is in mid November (before Thanksgiving), and there will be more information in the next couple of weeks.

§  Society of Mary:  The fundamental Mission is to foster devotion to Mary, Mother of God, at Grace Episcopal Church. The Society will be revived, to qualify as an internationally-recognized named cell.  Focuses will include: (a) Revitalize attendance at the celebration of the four annual commemorations of Mary on the Church Calendar; (b) Increase attendance support of the Walsingham proto shrine daily prayers, and for the corporate Rosary recited on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; (c) Improve communication in the broader community of our intended missions. Normal meeting time will be after the first service on the fourth Sunday of the month in the church library. Contact person is Mary Kohler.

§  "So many books so little time".  I am interested in starting/being a part of a book club centered at Grace.  My initial thought is a once a month meeting at Grace to discuss the months selection. At this point I am simply throwing out a few ideas I have seen work in the past. All "rules" would be decided by the participants. Since we have made some progress in developing "Faith Alive" small groups revolving around mostly spiritual issues I thought a "literary" small group might be nice.  Any thoughts, suggestions, interest would be welcome. Dale Massey (920) 254-3034, masseydale51@gmail.com. 

§  Meals On Wheels Christmas Cookies: Meals On Wheels volunteers will be delivering a box of homemade cookies to our clients again this Christmas season. (As many of you know, for some clients, this is the only gift they will receive). So all we need are the cookies.  If you would like to donate some of your goodies to our project please call or email Maureen at Meals On Wheels at 451-7011 or client1@shebmow.org. We have cookie drop off sites in both Sheboygan and Plymouth and we will be packaging cookies on the 17^th of December.  Your response in the past has been overwhelming and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support.

New Beginnings

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

14 November 2013

The Church year ends on 30 November, and in the lessons appointed for the Sundays ending the year there are many references to end times.  In the lessons for the new Church year this theme continues, setting the stage for the coming of the Lord as the Word who dwells among us.  Endings have new beginnings.  As we pray in the burial service celebration of Holy Eucharist, “... life is changed, not ended ... .”

We are experiencing endings and new beginnings in the life of the parish.  One new beginning is manifest in how we live together.  We are in the midst of our stewardship campaign.  Two-thirds of the pledges received at New Consecration Sunday represented increases in giving over 2013, and we have also received new pledges.  Thanks be to God, and to all who have responded to Him with giving hearts!

The pledges received to date represent about half of the total number, based on historical patterns.  If you were not at New Consecration Sunday, you will receive a pledge card in the mail, and we should know in about another fifteen days what our financial projection for 2014 will be.  Please consider in prayer how you are called to participate.  If you are unable to do so financially, then let’s discuss the other offerings you can make in the life of the parish, and how your brothers and sisters in Christ can help you.

Each one of us has offerings to give, offerings which have been given to us a blessings to share.  We have received new pledges this year, and of continuing pledges received about two-thirds represent increases, with the average increase exceeding 6%.  Thank you!  We are a part of each other in Christ, and participate in community by and through our Lord’s blessing.  Just as our Lord is always with us to the end of the age, now He appoints us to be with each other by and through Him.  In prayer discern how you will participate.

Grace Abounds:  Please thank Barbara Knauf for taking the lead in organizing our stewardship campaign this year.  Please thank Mary Clabots for her work in tabulating the results. In connection with the splendid New Consecration Sunday luncheon, please thank:

§  Bernie Markevitch for preparing the wonderful New Consecration Sunday luncheon, assisted by Mary Snyder.

§  Bill May and Bobbie May for all of the extra set-up and take-down involved.

§  Jessica Ambelang, Ed Clabots, Pat Ford Smith, Mary Snyder, and Jon Whitford for clean-up.

Call for Contributions:  If you have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshippers toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by Wednesday (noon) each week.

Special stewardship opportunity:  Whichever person has the greatest increase in a 2014 pledge, over their paid 2013 pledge amount (calculated at close of the giving year), or who has the highest new pledge for 2014 (for any person who has not pledged previously), will receive a complimentary stay at a Hyatt-managed timeshare apartment in Key West, Florida (occupancy dates are 2 March to a 9 March check-out.  These dates include Mardi Gras.)  Go To: www.hyattwindwardpointe.hyatt.com  You can find all the amenities and room pictures there.

The unit is on the 3^rd level, set way back on the property, with a virtual private lani looking straight out on the grounds, pool and ocean.  Cuba 70 miles straight south.  The unit is about a 2 mile walk to the southern most point in the lower 48, on the east and quiet side of the Key, about 1 ½ mile walk to Duval St.  St. Paul's Episcopal Church is on Duval, a great place for Ash Wednesday services.

This timeshare opportunity is the gift of Bill and Debbie Gagin.

Episcopal Youth Community:   Please Pray

This weekend at St. Thomas, Menasha, Happening #66 in the Diocese of Fond du Lac will take place. There are over 20 candidates, including our own Emily B. and Beth B. and over 20 team leaders including our own Kaleigh K., Bobbi K, and Dcn. Michele W. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to make himself known to the community as they study, discuss, and learn about their faith and God.

ALSO! At Happening there is a closing Eucharist to celebrate the conclusion of Happening, this is a public Eucharist, and all parents, family, and church family are encouraged to support their Happeners by the witness of their attendance. If you are able to go, Mass begins at 2pm.

Save the date!

On November 21^st there will be a Game Night at Grace! Specific times to be announced. This is an all ages open invitation event for anyone to come together and play games or socialize with others.

On November 22^nd there is a group of people going to the Milwaukee Admirals hockey game. Specifics are available on the signup sheet in the narthex, but transportation is provided. If you are interested in going please sign up by the end of Sunday so that tickets can be purchased!

New Beginnings - December 7-8 - Grace Church, Sheboygan - is for all students grades 6-8 - http://diofdl.org/newbeginnings

Each of these is unique in style, delivery, and experience, and each one is a great way to learn more about God and our faith, as well as connect to the wider community of Christian youth in our diocese; many people have made life-long friends with those around the diocese and have stayed connected through events like these, camp and others.

Please contact me or the office with questions, but remember to sign up!

Grace and peace, Nick

Music this week: 

Prelude                        Lord Christ, on thee my hope is stayed                       Pachelbel

Entrance Hymn 616    “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”                                                Es flog ein kleins

Waldvögelein

Offertory Hymn 598   “Lord Christ, when first thou cam’st to earth”           Mit Freuden zart

Communion Motet      Lord, make us servants of your peace                         Bristol

Comm. Hymn 615      “Thy kingdom come! On bended knee”                     St. Flavian

Closing Hymn 555      “Lead on, O King eternal”                                          Lancashire

Postlude                      Trumpet Voluntary in D                                             Croft

Parish Notices

§  Fall Clean-Up: Winter is coming and it is time to prepare the church for the new season. Please join us on Saturday November 16 from 8:30 to Noon. We will be clearing the grounds and doing some cleaning inside. Refreshments will be provided. Even if you can only come for a short while, your help is greatly appreciated.

§  Happening Closing Eucharist: The Happening Closing Eucharist is a time of joy, and you're invited. Show your support for our youth by showing up for the Closing at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 17th at St. Thomas, Menasha. We hope to see you there! More details at diofdl.org/happening.

§  Study/Discussion Group: This group decided to start with a study of Galatians. They (six people so far) plan to meet after the 10:15 service starting Nov. 17^th, hoping to meet every two weeks in the church library.  Contact people are Mary Massey and Fr. John Ambelang.

§  Game Night at Grace: Game Nights are times when people of all ages can come together to play different games that are enjoyed by everyone. There will be board games, card games, and almost any type of game that you’d want to play. Invite your parents or your friends or anyone who you’d want to come. Game Night is open to all: young and old, singles, couples or families. The next Game night will be Thursday, November 21st 6:30-9:00 PM. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks. We hope to see you there!

§  New Parish Directory updates: Please find a draft copy of a new parish directory on the table in the Narthex at Grace Church. If you would please look at your entry and make any changes necessary and then initial it so we know it is correct. We are trying to have as many email addresses as possible, it saves postage and much of the communication of the church is done electronically. We never give them out but. Thank you.

§  Christmas Shoe Boxes: Please consider bringing toothpaste and individually wrapped toothbrushes, and mild soap bars and wash cloths to church for the Christmas shoe boxes. We will also be looking for these items in the coming weeks:  pencils, colored pencils, erasers and pencil sharpeners, paper to write on. These items must be able to fit into a shoe box. Thank you so much. Pat Ford Smith

§  Operation Christmas Child: Miss Pat's Sunday School class is spearheading the effort to put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, and would like to invite the whole parish to participate by donating small items for the shoe boxes, or if you desire a monetary donation that will be spent to get shoe box gift items. The goal is to have this be a parish outreach lead by the youth and children of the parish. Please participate as you can, including prayers for this to be a successful project. The drop off date is in mid November (before Thanksgiving), and there will be more information in the next couple of weeks.

§  Game Night at Grace: Game Nights are times when people of all ages can come together

§  to play different games that are enjoyed by everyone. There will be board games, card games, and almost any type of game that you’d want to play. Invite your parents or your friends or anyone who you’d want to come. Game Night is open to all: young and old, singles, couples or families. The next Game night will be Thursday, November 21st 6:30-9:00 PM. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks. We hope to see you there!

§  Society of Mary:  The fundamental Mission is to foster devotion to Mary, Mother of God, at Grace Episcopal Church. The Society will be revived, to qualify as an internationally-recognized named cell.  Focuses will include: (a) Revitalize attendance at the celebration of the four annual commemorations of Mary on the Church Calendar; (b) Increase attendance support of the Walsingham protoshrine daily prayers, and for the corporate Rosary recited on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; (c) Improve communication in the broader community of our intended missions. Normal meeting time will be after the first service on the fourth Sunday of the month in the church library. Contact person is Mary Kohler.

§  "So many books so little time".  I am interested in starting/being a part of a book club centered at Grace.  My initial thought is a once a month meeting at Grace to discuss the months selection. At this point I am simply throwing out a few ideas I have seen work in the past. All "rules" would be decided by the participants. Since we have made some progress in developing "Faith Alive" small groups revolving around mostly spiritual issues I thought a "literary" small group might be nice.  Any thoughts, suggestions, interest would be welcome. Dale Massey (920) 254-3034, masseydale51@gmail.com. 

§  Meals On Wheels Christmas Cookies: Meals On Wheels volunteers will be delivering a box of homemade cookies to our clients again this Christmas season. (As many of you know, for some clients, this is the only gift they will receive). So all we need are the cookies.  If you would like to donate some of your goodies to our project please call or email Maureen at Meals On Wheels at 451-7011 or client1@shebmow.org. We have cookie drop off sites in both Sheboygan and Plymouth and we will be packaging cookies on the 17^th of December.  Your response in the past has been overwhelming and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support.

Faith in Community

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

7 November 2013

Faith is something we do together (Mtt. 18.20).  This Sunday we will focus on one aspect of this togetherness—of this community—when we join with each other in giving.  As much as it ofetn makes us uncomfortable to talk about money, consider the following realities about life together:

1.      Community is a privilege.  Jesus lived in the midst of His enemies.  God’s people must dwell amongst unbelievers:

―Scattered “into all the kingdoms of the earth” (Deut. 28.25)

―Sown among the peoples that “they may remember me in far countries (Zech. 10.9)

―And yet gathered as redeemed (Zech. 10.8-9)

2.      It is only by God’s grace that we live together in visible fellowship.  Our fellow Christians are to be a source of joy and strength.  We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ.

3.      Every Christian needs another Christian:  to speak God’s Word to him.  Christians bring to each other the message of salvation.  Christians look upon a sister as one united with him in Christ.  One is a brother to another only by and through Jesus Christ.

4.      Our community consists solely in what Christ has done to/for both of us.  Community is not founded on who/what we are as individuals, but on who/what we are in Jesus Christ.

5.      God is the God of truth, not of emotion.  We enter into community not on the basis of what we desire but of what we give.  In true community we are thankful recipients.

―We must give thanks for small things in order that we may give thanks for great
     things.

The net: net of this is that when we speak of money we speak only of one aspect of how we live together, of how we are called to be a blessing to each other, and of how we are called to live in common in the blessings of God.  Let’s look forward to stewardship discussions as  opportunities to discern God’s will together.

Grace Abounds:  Please thanks John Davis, and Paul and Andrea Aparicio for the coffee hours this past Sunday.  Please thank Barb Knauf, Bev Evans, Nancy York, Bill & Deb Gagin, and Bobbi Kraft for their work in putting together the stewardship meeting.

Call for Contributions:  If you have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshippers toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by Wednesday (noon) each week.

Being the Body:  On Saturday we reconvene in the “doing” phase of our discipleship program.   The program focused on Caring for One Another.  We will experience the many dimensions of pastoral care as provided to each other, in healing ministries, and in the ministries of presence and listening.  The session will be facilitated by our own Dcn. Mike Burg and by Mthr. Marie Gray of St. Paul’s, Plymouth.

Small Group Ministries:

1.      Depression support group:  This is a group to offer support for those  who suffer from depression, and for their family members.  The participants will include non-professional local contact/resources for parishioners who might  develop symptoms of depression in the future.  The group will meet on the fourth Sunday after the early service in the rector's office.  Contact people are:  Ed Clabots and Martha Shad.

2.      Caregiver support group:  This group intends to offer emotional and spiritual mutual support for those of us who are responsible for or who  are caregivers for elderly or ill family and friends.   Many members of our parish are caregivers in one way or another.  The first goal is to contact individuals who fit into this category, in order to identify who wants to belong to the group.  At that point the group will be able to determine a meeting time and place.  The leader is Scott Gedemer; please contact him if you are interested.

3.      Study/discussion group:  This group decided to start with a study of Galatians.  They (six people so far) plan to meet after the 10:15 service starting Nov. 17^th, hoping to meet every two weeks in the church library.  Contact people are Mary Massey and Fr. John Ambelang.

4.      Order of St. Luke/ healing prayer team:  This group will learn about healing and praying for those needing any kind of healing.  Contacts will be Dcn. Mike Burg, Dcn. Michele Whitford and Jane Hanson.  Tentative meeting place and time will be Tuesdays, 5:30 at Jane Hanson's condo.

5.      Film study:  Jane Hanson has agreed to facilitate a monthly film discussion.  This will be called “Soup and Cinema”.  The first session will be on Wednesday, 13 November, at 6 p.m., St. Nicholas Hall.  The second Wednesday of the month will be the default timing.  The plan is the start at 6, with a light supper of soup, salad, and bread.  As people are seated, the film will begin.  It will be projected on our large screen.  Afterward, Jane will facilitate a discussion.

The first film in the series is the 2005 feature (based on a true story), End of the Spear.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_of_the_Spear  Other films which may be used include Get Low (Robert Duvall), Tender Mercies (Robert Duvall), The Mission (Robert Deniro and Jeremy Irons), Of Gods and Men (Lambert Wilson, in French with subtitles).  Suggestions for future titles will be solicited from participants.

6.      Society of Mary:  The fundamental Mission is to foster devotion to Mary, Mother of God, at Grace Episcopal Church.  The Society will be revived, to qualify as an internationally-recognized named cell.  Focuses will include:  (a) Revitalize attendance at the celebration of the four annual commemorations of Mary on the Church Calendar; (b) Increase attendance support of the Walsingham protoshrine daily prayers, and for the corporate Rosary recited on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; (c) Improve communication in the broader community of our intended missions.

Normal meeting time will be after the first service on the fourth Sunday of the month in the church library.  However, this coming Sunday, Nov. 3, there will be a special follow-up meeting led by Paul Aparicio at 9:00 in the  library.   Contact person is Mary Kohler.

7.      Social group:  This group will plan activities for the family on an informal basis.  Details are being discussed.  Contact persons are Tom and Tasha Crouse.

8.      ESL teaching group:  This group will help immigrants learn the English language to better their lives and job prospects.  Members will individually decide when and where the teaching can be done.  Contact person is Scott Lubbers.

 New Consecration Sunday:  Our stewardship Sunday will this Sunday, with one service at 10 a.m., followed by a parish luncheon.  Thank you, Bernie Markevitch, for speaking this past Sunday! 

What is I have guests/visitors/fols who are “checking us out”?  Bring them to the service and luncheon!  They are under no obligation to give.  They are guests, and can experience how we come together to do what we need to do.  Make sure they know there is no expectation of them particpating in the campaign while they are not members.

Special stewardship opportunity:  Whichever person has the greatest increase in a 2014 pledge, over their paid 2013 pledge amount (calculated at close of the giving year), or who has the highest new pledge for 2014 (for any person who has not pledged previously), will receive a complimentary stay at a Hyatt-managed timeshare apartment in Key West, Florida (occupancy dates are 2 March to a 9 March check-out.  These dates include Mardi Gras.)  Go To: www.hyattwindwardpointe.hyatt.com  You can find all the amenities and room pictures there.

The unit is on the 3^rd level, set way back on the property, with a virtual private lani looking straight out on the grounds, pool and ocean.  Cuba 70 miles straight south.  The unit is about a 2 mile walk to the southern most point in the lower 48, on the east and quiet side of the Key, about 1 ½ mile walk to Duval St.  St. Paul's Episcopal Church is on Duval, a great place for Ash Wednesday services.

This timeshare opportunity is the gift of Bill and Debbie Gagin.

Episcopal Youth Community  Grace and peace to you in the the Holy Name of Jesus.

These past weeks have been busy for us and for our youth, and they will continue to be that way for a little while.

Last week the youth group joined in with over 80 other students from at least 4 different churches to play in the St. Thomas (Menasha) Terminator Night. It's just a game that is fun to play, but the camaraderie amongst the students, especially those who were just at the Fall Lock-In emphasizes the larger Christian community that we are a part of.

Coming up very shortly is Happening. Happening is a High School, lock-in style experience, much like Cursillo is for adults. It was one of the most transformative weekends of my youth, and it continues to be for youth and adults alike even now. We have 5 people from Grace attending Happening both as candidates and as team leaders. If you have been to Happening and would like to send caritas, please contact me for a listing of the candidates and staff. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the closing mass which concludes the weekend, as a show of support to the candidates and staff. Happening starts on Friday November 15th and the Closing Eucharist is at 2:00pm on Sunday the 17th. (And I promise it doesn't hurt to have communion twice.)

In film school we will continue our discussion of Apollo 13, this is the first film so far where the students have not seen the movie (or at least don't remember). We had a guest speaker Dcn. Mike Burg join us to share his memories of the first moon landing (which is featured in the movie), and other instances of life where there's no going back to a world where that didn't happen. Our discussion last week was great, and I look forward to the weeks to come.

If you have any questions about events, classes, discussions please ask. If you want to know more about Happening, please ask. You can call the office, or contact me directly.

Thanks!

Nick

Happening - November 15-17 - St. Thomas, Menasha - is for all students grades 9-12 - http://diofdl.org/Happening

New Beginnings - December 7-8 - Grace Church, Sheboygan - is for all students grades 6-8 - http://diofdl.org/newbeginnings

Each of these is unique in style, delivery, and experience, and each one is a great way to learn more about God and our faith, as well as connect to the wider community of Christian youth in our diocese; many people have made life-long friends with those around the diocese and have stayed connected through events like these, camp and others.

Please contact me or the office with questions, but remember to sign up!

Grace and peace, Nick

Music this week:  Pentecost 25 (Proper 27C)

Prelude                                    Introit                                                              L. Vierne

Entrance Hymn 625    “Ye holy angels bright”                                              Durwall’s 148^th

Offertory Hymn 624   “Jerusalem the golden”                                               Ewing

Communion Motet      Jesu, the very thought of thee                                      Este

Comm. Hymn 526      “Let saints on earth in concert sing”                           Dundee

Closing Hymn 579      “Almighty Father, strong to save”                              Melita

Postlude                      Prelude & Fugue in C                                                 Speth

Parish Notices

New Consecration Sunday! is our congregation’s Consecration Sunday. There will be one service at 10:00am Sunday, November 10. I urge you to plan now to attend the two important events: Sunday morning worship and the Celebration Luncheon immediately following worship that same day (a catered meal, not a potluck dinner).

New Parish Directory updates: Please find a draft copy of a new parish directory on the table in the Narthex at Grace Church. If you would please look at your entry and make any changes necessary and then initial it so we know it is correct. We are trying to have as many email addresses as possible, it saves postage and much of the communication of the church is done electronically. We never give them out but. Thank you.

Being the Body: The third block of the Being the Body program will continue on Saturday, November 9th. We will welcome Mother Marie Gray and Deacon Michael Burg as presenters. 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).

Metropolitan Opera:  A group of parishioners will meet this Saturday, 9 November, for the live Metropolitan Opera broadcast of Puccini’s Tosca.  Meet at 11:45 a.m. at the Marcus theatre in Sheboygan, or call Fr. Karl if you need a ride.

Soup and Cinema: Jane Hanson has agreed to facilitate a monthly film discussion. This will be called “Soup and Cinema”. The first session will be on Wednesday, 13 November, at 6 p.m., St. Nicholas Hall. The second Wednesday of the month will be the default timing. The plan is the start at 6, with a light supper of soup, salad, and bread. As people are seated, the film will begin. It will be projected on our large screen.  Afterward, Jane will facilitate a discussion. The first film in the series is the 2005 feature (based on a true story), End of the Spear.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/End_of_the_Spear  Other films which may be used include Get Low (Robert Duvall), Tender Mercies (Robert Duvall), The Mission (Robert Deniro and Jeremy Irons), Of Gods and Men (Lambert Wilson, in French with subtitles).  Suggestions for future titles will be solicited from participants.

Study/Discussion Group: This group decided to start with a study of Galatians. They (six people so far) plan to meet after the 10:15 service starting Nov. 17^th, hoping to meet every two weeks in the church library.  Contact people are Mary Massey and Fr. John Ambelang.

Christmas Shoe Boxes: Please consider bringing toothpaste and individually wrapped toothbrushes, and mild soap bars and wash cloths to church for the Christmas shoe boxes. We will also be looking for these items in the coming weeks:  pencils, colored pencils, erasers and pencil sharpeners, paper to write on. These items must be able to fit into a shoe box. Thank you so much. Pat Ford Smith

Operation Christmas Child: Miss Pat's Sunday School class is spearheading the effort to put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, and would like to invite the whole parish to participate by donating small items for the shoe boxes, or if you desire a monetary donation that will be spent to get shoe box gift items. The goal is to have this be a parish outreach lead by the youth and children of the parish. Please participate as you can, including prayers for this to be a successful project. The drop off date is in mid November (before Thanksgiving), and there will be more information in the next couple of weeks.

Happening Closing Eucharist: The Happening Closing Eucharist is a time of joy, and you're invited. Show your support for our youth by showing up for the Closing at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 17th at St. Thomas, Menasha. We hope to see you there! More details at diofdl.org/happening.

Society of Mary:  The fundamental Mission is to foster devotion to Mary, Mother of God, at Grace Episcopal Church. The Society will be revived, to qualify as an internationally-recognized named cell.  Focuses will include: (a) Revitalize attendance at the celebration of the four annual commemorations of Mary on the Church Calendar; (b) Increase attendance support of the Walsingham protoshrine daily prayers, and for the corporate Rosary recited on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.; (c) Improve communication in the broader community of our intended missions. Normal meeting time will be after the first service on the fourth Sunday of the month in the church library. Contact person is Mary Kohler.

"So many books so little time".  I am interested in starting/being a part of a book club centered at Grace.  My initial thought is a once a month meeting at Grace to discuss the months selection. At this point I am simply throwing out a few ideas I have seen work in the past. All "rules" would be decided by the participants. Since we have made some progress in developing "Faith Alive" small groups revolving around mostly spiritual issues I thought a "literary" small group might be nice.  Any thoughts, suggestions, interest would be welcome. Dale Massey (920) 254-3034, masseydale51@gmail.com. 

Raking Leaves Fundraiser:  If raking your yard this year seems like too much of a task, then our Boy Scout Troop is here to help. They will be raking leaves on the following dates: November 2nd, 9th, and 16th. If you are interested please contact Paul Aparicio (paac92399@yahoo.com). A sign-up sheet will be available in the narthex.

Meals On Wheels Christmas Cookies: Meals On Wheels volunteers will be delivering a box of homemade cookies to our clients again this Christmas season. (As many of you know, for some clients, this is the only gift they will receive). So all we need are the cookies.  If you would like to donate some of your goodies to our project please call or email Maureen at Meals On Wheels at 451-7011 or client1@shebmow.org. We have cookie drop off sites in both Sheboygan and Plymouth and we will be packaging cookies on the 17^th of December.  Your response in the past has been overwhelming and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support.