Grace
Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Grace
Notes
22 September 2016
I had a physical yesterday. Everything is fine, but in reflecting on my
health as I approach the end of my sixth decade, I am struck by how much more I
notice about my own physical presence.
It’s not that my knees hurt (sometimes they do!); it’s that I am aware
of them. I am aware of my knees when I
walk or bend or squat, in ways that were never a part of my younger years, when
the functioning of my knees was such as to be unnoticed in fluidity. We do wear out, but until a part reaches a
certain level of wear, we just don’t give it any thought.
Which brings us to the life of the Body of
Christ, the Church. We are reminded by
St. Paul that we are one Body with many members, each member having specific
gifts that may be offered in specific ways (Rom. 12.; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4). When these gifts are offered, wear can result
in the giver. However, unlike how a
machine wears or our physical bodies do, when there is wear in the giver
renewal is available by and through the Holy Spirit. But what does this renewal look like? How do we facilitate this renewal?
In the discussions attendant on the visits of
the Commission of Congregational Vitality this past Spring we were able to
identify and name the blessèd reality that the 80:20 rule really does not apply at Grace. The number/proportion of parishioners
involved in some kind of ministry is quite high. There is turnover and renewal, and service in
particular ministries for particular seasons.
But is this always automatic, seamless, fluid to the point of being unnoticed
except by the individuals involved?
Perhaps we need to be more aware of the members of the Body (the way I
am aware of my knees); we need to notice how they function, so that if signs of
wear are present we can take steps to foster both strength and renewal.
A good place to start in awareness is in
thanksgiving. In this blog each week we
offer thanks to those who have served in some special way over the prior
week. But these thanksgivings do not
call out those who serve week-in, week-out, like acolytes, lectors, choristers,
teachers, ushers, volunteers in the community, prayer warriors. Let’s start, therefore, to not only be more
aware but more proactive in how we offer thanks. Let’s do this two ways: (1) On any given day when you are at the parish,
thank someone you observe in ministry.
Thank them for their service, their giving of self, and when you do,
reflect on how you are called to serve.
(2) Call the office, send an email, etc. to specifically identify those
whose service outside of the normal round needs to be recognized with
thanksgivings in the weekly blog. And add a third way: Thank God that He send His Spirit to all whom
He calls to serve. Thank Him that He
calls and equips you.
Grace
abounds: Please thank:
§ Bobbie May for giving
the kitchen an additional commercial
grade cleaning.
§ Ellen Aparicio for
the Sunday coffee hour.
§ Pat Ford Smith for
help in the office.
Call for
Contributions: If you
have a spiritual reflection to share, or want to point your fellow worshipers
toward a resource, submit your contributions to Fr. Karl (by email) by
Wednesday in the week of publication.
Energy
Conservation! Please treat Grace as
your home. If you turn something on,
turn it off! Don’t assume anyone else
will lock or turn off. Our utility bill
was $300 above normal last month!
Don’t forget
“Something Extra for Grace”: Supplemental
giving envelopes can be found in pews.
If you want to give something extra, please use an envelope to ensure
that you are credited.
Special appeal: Later this Fall we will have a grounds
cleanup day that will include ground cover and shrubbery trimming. We are, however, overdue for major reshaping
of shrubbery, and the arbor vitae which flank the church entrance are
out-of-control. Quotations for shrub
reshaping and removal/replacement of the arbor vitae run into the thousands of
dollars. Major work will not be a 2016 initiative, but we are
appealing for your donations now, to build a fund for work in the Spring of
2017. Keep Grace beautiful! Give
“Something Extra”.
Update: Our
acolyte who was injured at Mass in the Grass is making a good recovery. Many thanks for prayers!
The
Processional Cross will be restored. This
will begin next Monday, and while the cross is out for repair (which will take
some months) we will have a loaner. For
those who are responding to our appeal for help in defraying costs, please know
that a parishioner has offered to match, dollar-for-dollar, all donations for
this project, up to a very generous limit.
If you wish to help, please us a “Something Extra for Grace” envelope
and mark “Processional Cross” on the envelope or in a check memo. line.
Music
this Week: The
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21C)
Organist: Ben Dobey.
Entrance
Hymn 477 “All
praise to thee, for thou, O King divine”
Engleberg
Offertory
Hymn 583 “O holy
city, seen of John” Morning Song
Communion
Motet “Dear Lord and Father”
C.
Hubert H, Parry
Closing
Hymn
438 “Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord” Woodlands
Parish
Notices
§
Adult
Christian Formation: Begins on Sunday, September 25th at 9:00 a.m. A six-week course, The Christian Worldview Through the Artists’
Eyes, will be taught by Christi Jentz, a professional artist, illuminator
and inconographer resident at St. Josaphat’s Basilica in Milwaukee. The first
class explored the contrast between a Christian worldview and the secular,
followed by a brief overview of Christian artistic expression from Early
Christian times to the present day.
§ Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals: Next Saturday
at 9:00 a.m., October 1st, we will celebrate the Feast of St.
Francis (transferred). Following mass there will be the Blessing of the
Animals.
§
Sunday School Snacks: One activity that is a
favorite of the children is sharing in a snack together and serving each other
in the Name of Christ. If you are able, we would so appreciate
donated snacks and juice boxes. Snack ideas include crackers, applesauce,
fruit snacks, popcorn or any other non-perishable item you think they might
like. String cheese, fresh fruit and veggies are also welcome, just alert Ms.
Nicci or M. Andrea if you placed something in the refrigerator and we'll be
sure to use them. Thank you!
§
“Here I Am” Circle of Light Process: Do you ever wonder what God is calling
you to do? “Here I Am” is a six-month
long process of meeting with other seekers and a facilitator to listen and
discern God’s calling in your life. Perhaps God is calling you to a ministry in
your neighborhood, at work, in the wider community or in your church. This
small group meets every 2-3 weeks. The first two sessions are on Sunday,
September 25th and Sunday, October 16th 3-5 p.m. at All
Saints, 100 N. Drew St. Appleton. To
participate both sessions must be attended. For more information, you may email
Mother Jane Johnson at mthrjane@gmail.com or rector@intercessionsp.org.
§
Catechumenate will begin: Catechumenate is a nine-month course
in the basics of the Faith and its practice. It is a period of training and
instruction in Christian understandings about God, human relationships, and the
meaning of life. It includes the Sacrament of Baptism, if you are not already
baptized, and culminates in Confirmation, Reception, or Renewal of Baptismal
Vows. The Catechumenate will meet on an evening each week starting at 6:30 p.m.
until 8:30 p.m. The class will begin in late September and will continue until
May when Bishop Matthew Gunter makes his annual visitation. The study is led by
Deacon Michele Whitford, the Parish Catechist. If you would like to be a part
of this exciting study and fellowship or would like more information, please
call the office 452-9659 or e -mail Deacon Michele at mwhitford@gracesheboygan.com. There is a sign-up sheet on the
table in the Narthex.
§ 26th Annual Coats for Kids: is a
community service campaign that over the last 25 years the community has
donated 20,000 coats to those in need. Area residents are asked to donate clean
coats in good repair. We accept coats of all sizes for people of all ages, with
the need being greatest for children’s coats. These coats will be distributed
to Sheboygan county residents who would otherwise go without. Drop off
location: Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12 St. Sheboygan, Tuesday, September
6th – Wednesday, October 19th, Monday–Friday 8:30am–4:00
pm.
§ Distribution Location: Salvation
Army, 710 Pennsylvania Ave. Sheboygan, Friday, October 21st, from
noon to 6:00 p.m.
§ The Art of Neighboring: On October 3rd,
Love INC invites you to an evening of Celebration, Inspiration and
Transformation with Dave Runyon, co-author of the book The Art of Neighboring. The evening will begin with worship and
praise for all God has been doing and will continue to do for our
Neighbors-In-Need. Dave Runyon will share insight from his book to inspire and
challenge us all to see how God’s Love can change you, your Church, and your
neighborhood. Discussion will follow along with prayer focused on
transformation in our lives, our Churches, and ultimately our neighborhoods.
This event will take place on October 3rd, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at City
Church, 2313 N. 31st Street, Sheboygan. To register go to: http://loveincsheboygancounty.org/
Walsingham Pilgrimage Music and Flowers: The Walsingham Pilgrimage is just
around the corner and preparations are being made. Music will include the
Gaudete Brass again this year. As you are able, please donate so we can once
again offer beautiful music that has become so much a part of the pilgrimage
and the flowers that add so much to the beauty of holiness. Please make your check
out to Grace Church with Walsingham music or flowers or both in the memo.
Reservations are required for lunch at a cost of $20 per person and will be
served at noon on Saturday. Please make your reservations by using the sign-up
sheet on the table in the Narthex or by calling Grace office at 452-9659.
§
Our Lady of Walsingham Pilgrimage
§ Friday, October 14, 2016
Quiet Day of Prayer and Meditation.
12:00pm Service for Noonday and
Meditation
3:00pm Service of Prayer and Meditation
5:00pm Holy Rosary
6:00pm Solemn Evensong and Meditation
The Meditations will be led by The Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Holtzen, Professor
of Historical & Systematic Theology at Nashotah House
Musical
offering by the combined choirs of Nashotah House Seminary and the parish.
§ Saturday, October 15, 2016
Pilgrimage
10:30 am Solemn
Pontifical Mass with procession of Our Lady
Celebrant is The Right Reverend Matthew A. Gunter,
Eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac.
The preacher is The Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Holtzen, Professor
of Historical & Systematic Theology at Nashotah House.
Choral and organ music will include Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey Organist
and the Gaudete
Brass Quintet of Chicago.
12:00 pm Harvest
Lunch. The cost is $20.00.
Please make
reservations by October 7, 2016.
2:00pm Anointing
with Walsingham water and Healing Prayer,
musical offering,
and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
To register and for more information: (920)
452-9659 office@gracesheboygan.com www.gracesheboygan.com
§
Like Grace Church on
Facebook
§ Follow Grace Church on Twitter: @GEC_Sheboygan
§ Follow Grace Church on Instagram: @GEC_Sheboygan
§ We Are on
Itunes! Check out the
new podcast!!!
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