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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Here comes the pitch!

Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes
21 November 2013

An elevator pitchelevator 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 ContributionsIf 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 3rd 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 8th. If you have any questions please call Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.

§  Christmas Castle Volunteers: Tuesday, December 17th 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 17th of December.  Your response in the past has been overwhelming and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support.


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