Light Shines in the Darkness (Through Us!)

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin 

Grace Notes

3 December 2015 

Today is the feast of St. Francis Xavier, the 16^th century Jesuit missionary to Japan.  In the liturgy appointed for the celebration of Holy Eucharist this day, the collect is for “the common of a missionary,” in which we pray, in part, that God will “Shine … in our hearts, that we also … may show forth your praise, who called us out of darkness into your marvelous light …”  This language is striking when compared to the recurrent theme of light shining in the darkness, found in the lessons included in the Advent meditations prepared in our parish.  In Advent we look to the light; we prepare ourselves anew for the coming of Christ.

It is, of course, literally darker this time of year.  The days are shorter, and the weather can be gloomy.  But year round it is tempting to look about us and see the darkness in the world—the evil, the hurting, the self-focus, the violence.  This darkness is real, but only to the extent that light is absent.  When we see darkness we must focus on light, indeed on the light of the world, Jesus (Jn. 8.12), the light that shines in the darkness (Jn. 1.5).  But we must not only focus on this light but on how we are called to embody this light.  As Jesus tells us at Mtt. 5.14, “You are the light of the world,” and we must let this light shine (Mtt. 5.16).

When Jesus tells us that we are the light which must shine He tells us that we are literally to incarnate Him, to be His Body which gives light to the world.  In Advent we speak of preparation, of looking for and to the light.  The world around us is focused on “the holiday season,” which is mostly about getting, not giving, and getting as a form of self-fulfillment.  The world does not want to prepare, but to get what they think they seek now.  And so, as those who incarnate Jesus that His light might shine in the darkness, we must be seen to be different, and in being so seen serve as those who shed light, who point to the light.

Lots of lights are visible in “the holiday season”.  They are of different colors, some blink, some even move.  When people see these decorations they receive a message, but when we who are of different colors, and who blink and move—when we embody the message which is that Jesus’ light overcomes all darkness, then perhaps we can serve like Francis Xavier.  Perhaps we, too, can call all others to praise God. 

Grace abounds:  Please thank:

• Kevan and Traci Revis, and Mary Snyder for the Sunday coffee hours.
• John Davis for repair work performed at the rectory.
• Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Thank you to all who participated in the Salvation Army Bell Ringing: Jessica Ambelang, Sutton Cecil, John Davis and grandson Dillon, Bev Evans, Debra Fergoson, Scott and Martha Gedemer, Brian Heck, Laura Krause Koerber, Scott Lubbers, Mary Massey, Jennifer Pawlus, Elizabeth Schaffenburg and daughter Lila Caves, Pat Ford Smith, Grace Zangara and Nancy Yurk.
• Thank you! To all who donated both items and money for the Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes. This a tangible way for us to see gifts given to children around the world and to celebrate a Merry Christ’s Mass through mission.

Advent Matters:  Advent Matters: because it’s our way of keeping our eyes and our hearts and our arms all wide open. 

By Sarah Bessey 

Advent has begun. Many of us are already preparing our homes and families to observe this season of the Church calendar.  But how could we possibly celebrate Advent if we are paying attention to this world?

(continue reading here  …) http://shelovesmagazine.com/2015/advent-matters/  

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 in the week of publication.

Christmas/Spring Cheer:  In the announcements you will find details of how to participate in Christmas Cheer.  Here is a little history. 

I began this ministry in the spring of 2006.  That year May Day (May 1^st) fell on a “convenient” date for me to do this.  Both my father and father in law had died just five months prior and I was relieved that neither one of them had to enter a nursing home.  I saw a need to bring some cheer to others and thus, along with help from Niki Kohler I began this project, starting at 9:00 AM and finishing my last delivery at 6:00 PM that day!  Over the years lots of people have helped and it has transformed into an established ministry for Grace Church, delivering not only to our parish shut-ins but to those elderly who would enjoy some joy and cheer and a short visit from a parishioner.  Thank you to everyone for making this happen. (Barb MacEwen) 

Music this Week: The Second Sunday of Advent, Year C 

Prelude                  Partita on ‘Comfort, comfort ye my people’             J. Pachelbel

Entrance H.76       “On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry”                  Winchester New

Trisagion S-102                                                                            A. Archangelsky

Psalm Refrain:       “Thou shalt go before the Lord to prepare his ways” 

Canticle 4 (The Song of Zechariah): 1-2, RF, 3-4, RF, 9, 12, RF 

Alleluia and Verse                                                                                    Plainsong

Verse:                   Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight;

                             and all flesh shall see the salvation of our God. 

Offertory H. 444    “Blessed be the God of Israel”                                    Thornbury

Sanctus   S-114                                                                                       H. Willan

Agnus Dei S-158                                                                                      H. Willan

Communion Motet O Lord, how shall I meet you                             Johann Crueger 

          O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright?

          Your people long to greet you, my hope, my heart’s delight.

          O kindle, Lord most holy, your lamp within my breast

          To do in spirit lowly all that may please you best. 

          Love caused your incarnation; love brought you down to me.

          Your thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.

          Oh, love beyond all telling that led you to embrace

          In love, all love excelling, our lost and fallen race.

                                                          …Paul Gerhardt(1606-1676) 

Communion H. 67  “Comfort, comfort ye my people”                                 Psalm 42

Closing Hymn 73   “The King shall come when morning dawns”             St. Stephen

Postlude                Toccata on ‘Winchester New’                                Bruce Neswick 

Parish Notices

• Adult Formation: At 9:00 am Sunday we will continue with the class on Anglican Identity.
• Advent Lessons and Carols: Sunday a festival of Advent Lessons and Carols will be offered at Grace Episcopal Church, beginning at 4:00 p.m. This 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.
• No Bible Study: Fr. Karl will be away on Thursday, December 10th. There will be no Bible Study that day.
• Adopt a Family Gift tags: Please return all gifts unwrapped, with value attached, to Grace Church by Tuesday, December 8th. 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 continue at 5:30-6:00pm on December 9th and 16th these will be just before the Pageant rehearsals.  The final rehearsal will be Sunday, December 20th at 9:00am. The choir is open to 2nd graders through high school, and will sing for the 4pm service on Christmas Eve. See the sign-up sheet in the Narthex.
• Christmas Pageant Rehearsals: will continue on December 9th and 16th 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 sign-up sheet located in the Narthex or call the office. If anyone is interested in directing this event, please call the office.
• Christmas (Castle) Sort and Shop: Wednesday, December 16th, make Christmas merry for hundreds of children by sorting through toys and shopping for families. Six people are needed throughout the day. 3 from 9:00am-1:00pm; 3 from 1:00pm-5:00pm. This will be at 710 Pennsylvania Ave, Sheboygan. Please sign-up on the sheet on the table in the Narthex. If you have any questions please contact Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.
• Christmas Gifts Distribution Volunteers! On Thursday, December 17th all during the day, you can assist local families pick presents from the Toy Shop. This gives those in need an opportunity to “shop” for Christmas presents for their families. We are in need of at least 6 people to help, 2 in each time slot, from 8:30am- noon; 11:30am-3:00pm and 2:30pm-6:00pm. This will be at 710 Pennsylvania Ave, Sheboygan. Please sign-up on the sheet on the table in the Narthex. If you have any questions please contact Nancy Yurk at 453-9948.
• Christmas Joy: is scheduled to meet on Monday, December 21st at 11:00 a.m., 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. Can you bake, make a delivery or help arrange? Please join us for this fulfilling and fun ministry to our elderly and shut-ins. They will appreciate it. If you have any questions, please call Barb MacEwen at 467-6909. 
• Refugee Crisis in Croatia: Missionaries Aaron and Winnie Horvat are trying to help the Syrian refugee families flooding into Croatia. The stories of hardship, horror and desperation are hard to imagine. Most have had to leave everything behind, coming with only the clothes on their backs. Many have makeshift shoes. Aaron and Winnie’s main focus has been mothers with small children. Items needed: baby blankets, children’s socks & underwear, sweaters, hoodies, warm jackets, toothbrushes & small size toothpaste, individually wrapped sanitary napkins, children’s shoes, women’s underwear & socks. Please deposit donations in plastic bin in Narthex. Deacon Mike will box and ship the items. Donations towards shipping are also welcome. There is no deadline. For more information, please refer to bulletin board in the Narthex.
• Something Extra for Grace: Envelopes are available in the pews if you are moved to give an extra gift, beyond your pledge or regular plate donation, toward the life of the church.  Gifts are tax deductible if you write your name on the envelope.
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