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Wednesday, May 16, 2018

A Spirit-filled Church


Grace Episcopal Church
Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes
17 May 2018

This coming Sunday is Pentecost.  It is timely to ask the question, “What does a Spirit-filled church look like?”
Our prayers invoking the Holy Spirit are fulfilled when, as individuals and as a church family, we stay focused on the fact that we are on a pilgrimage; that we are going somewhere, and we seek to be led there.  We seek for wisdom and knowledge, to follow to our goal in heaven.  We walk by faith, trusting in healing, trusting in miracles, trusting in prophecy.  We seek to discern the spirits of all who travel with us, and all who we reach out to join us in pilgrimage, and pray that by whatever language or tongue we may better lead them and by led by them. 
But notice that all these gifts involve small ongoing steps; little steps that are taken habitually, through faith.  When we practice simple habits like habits of prayer, of the study of Scripture, of frequent recourse to the Holy Eucharist, we become open to the Spirit.
A Spirit-filled church is filled with people who focus on all the little things that build up the common Body of the Church; people who stick to those small habits by which and in which we are instructed and led, and which allow each of us in some ministry to impart to others some part of the gift which the Spirit has given us.  A Spirit-filled church sticks to the Way, knowing that in this will be found all Truth, leading to the Life everlasting.
One thing we can be certain of in faith is that whatever gifts of the Spirit are necessary for us to engage in ministry, God will provide them.  In making an inventory of gifts in this parish, we are not lacking in any necessary for ministry, but as we are called into further ministry, and gifts we may need added to, God will raise up those called to serve, and will equip them.  Rather than pray about what we might need, our prayers should reflect thanksgivings for what we have, and focus on what God is calling us to.  Once we discern God’s will and seek to do it, how we do it will be both made clear and provided for.

Grace abounds:  Please thank: 
§  Wayne and Pat Sather, and the Yang Family for the Sunday coffee hours.
§  Ben Dobey for gardening.
§  Julie Davidson for janitorial help.
§  Nicci Beeck, Bryan Stenz and Nick and Jennifer Whitford for cleaning and reorganizing the pantry.
§  Fr. Karl for lawn care.
§  All those who helped in Spring Cheer (preparing and bringing cookies and flowers to 13 shut-ins):  Fr. John Ambelang, Andrea Aparicio, Bev Evans, Deb Gagin, Cathy Green, Katy Larson, Bernie Markevitch, Barb MacEwen, Elizabeth Schaffenburg, Mary Snyder, Joanne Sorensen, Joyce Wessel.

Special “Thank You’ s” :  A supply of Thank You note cards can be found on the table at the back of church nave.  When someone in the parish does something special, take the time to write them a personal note.  Also, from time to time, think about who you might want to thank for ongoing service, and let them know you have noticed!

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.

Please contribute for photocopies:  The photocopier is being subjected to frequent use that relates to parishioner’s needs and not those of the whole parish.  If you need to make copies (and please keep this to a minimum), please inform a member of the parish staff and make a contribution toward the costs of the copies.  A suggested contribution is $0.6/page.  (We are trending above budget on copy costs!)

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. 

Music this Week:         

Pentecost                                                    Dr. R. Benjamin Dobey, Music Director

Prelude                           Prelude on ‘Down Ampney’                 R. Benjamin Dobey
Entrance Hymn 225         “Hail thee festival day!”                           Salve festa dies
Offertory Hymn 509        “Spirit Divine, attend our prayer          Nun danket all und
                                                                                                bringet Ehr
Communion Motet           Listen, Sweet Dove                                    Grayston Ives
Communion Hymn 508    “Breathe on me, Breath of God”                        Nova Vita
Closing Hymn 516           “Come down, O Love divine”                      Down Ampney
Postlude                         Chorale Prelude on Come, Holy Ghost, Lord God  
                                                                                                J. S. Bach   

Parish Notices:
§  Adult Formation-Sacramental Life (Holy Eucharist): Please join Leslie as she guides us through the sacrament of Holy Eucharist using the book Sacramental Life by David DeSilva. This book explores spiritual formation through the Book of Common Prayer. Sunday is the final class in the 5-week course.
§  All Saints' Chapel Ownership: All Saint’s Chapel opens for the season Sunday, May 27 and will have services every Sunday through Labor Day weekend.
We are blessed to have Fr. Patrick Twomey serving as Celebrant for the entire season. Services will continue to be a shared ministry, which means volunteers will be needed to have ownership. We are in need of help for each Sunday. This would include: picking up the box of bulletins at Grace Church, arriving early to open the buildings, finding readers for the lessons and the prayers of the people, lighting candles, greeting Fr. Twomey, locking up at the end of Mass and returning the bulletins box to Grace Church. There are printed instructions, in the event you have questions, as well as members available by phone to offer support. You can also call the office at 452-9659 regarding dates you are available to take ownership.
Thank you for your support of such an important Ministry!
§  THANK YOU Spring Cheer Volunteers: On Thursday, May 10, Bernie Markevitch, Joyce Wessel, Katy Larson, John Ambelang, Mary Snyder, Deb Gagin, Pat Sather, Cathy Green, Bev Evans, Elizabeth Schaffenburg and Andrea Aparicio organized by Barb MacEwen, gave of their time and talent to package, arrange flowers and make deliveries to 13 elderly, sick or shut-in parishioners. Thank you all for your support of yet another important Ministry.
§  Summer Camp registration for camp sessions are now open: The Diocese of Fond du Lac Summer Camp is for kids age 4 through graduating Seniors.
The registration process is now completely online and includes availability to make payments. www.diofdl.org/camp *Scholarships are available; inquire at the parish office.
§  Caleb Klinzing’s Senior Symphony Recital-Friday, May 25 at 6:00 p.m.: Étude High School Senior, Caleb Klinzing, has been playing piano since he was 2 years old. Over time, he has added more instruments, genres, composition, and teaching music to his wide repertoire. For his final project as an Étude student, he wanted to do something big. To challenge himself. To share his passion with as many community members as possible. He wanted to "go out with a bang" as he graduates from Étude and begins his undergraduate studies in music performance and English secondary education at Ripon College next fall. This is it. An original symphony. Join Us! All are welcome. Free. Reception to follow.
§  Save the Date: Open House for Samaritan’s Hand, Inc. Sober House: On Saturday, June 2, there will be an Open House from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. to showcase the new Sober House. Tours, snacks drinks and fun at 1406 N. 11th Street in Sheboygan.
§  Save the Date-Eucharistic Festival, Saturday June 30: Established in 1960 by Bishop William Brady, the Eucharistic Festival gathers the diocesan family to be united in its faith in the Presence of our Blessed Lord in the Bread and Wine of the Altar. In being so devoted, we can be united in making known God's presence to all people. The Festival includes the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Bishop's Picnic, Evening Prayer and the Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Fond du Lac. If you are interested in carpooling, contact the parish office.
§  Brat Fry and Bake Sale at Miesfeld’s: Saturday, July 7, Brat Fry at Miesfeld’s Brat Haus! A sign-up sheet is located on the Narthex table for Brat fryers, stand attendants, baked goods bakers, before the sale packagers and attendants while at the sale. Contact Barb or Bob MacEwen at 912-4505 if you have any questions.
§  Save the Date-Diocese of Fond du Lac Schedule for Ordination: The Ordination of the Reverend Roberta Ann Kraft to the Priesthood will take place on Saturday, July 21, 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle in Fond du Lac at 11:00 a.m. More details will be shared in the upcoming weeks about this joyous event.
§  Ushers Needed: Ushers are often the first people seen by newcomers, visitors, and even regular parishioners when coming to Grace Church. People enjoy being greeted by a smile; become a part of this ministry today!      
§  Bible Challenge: Videos for all 52 weeks of the year are now available on Grace Abounds. If you take this challenge, you will find that in one year you will read all of the Bible! This will require less than an hour of your time, six days a week.
A schedule of readings is provided on the parish website, along with weekly study summaries and a weekly video summary of the readings. If you need a bible for the challenge, contact the parish office.
§  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; please write your name on the envelope.
§  Bulletin Prayer List and our Grace Church Prayer Team: The Episcopal Church believes in the power of prayer. Grace Church regularly prays for the needs of our own members, as well as the needs of the country, and our world.  We would be honored to pray for your needs, and the needs of your friends and relatives if they or you are in a state of trouble, sorrow, pain, or are experiencing any other adversity. Please call the Parish office at 452-9659 or email a request to office@gracesheboygan.com to have a name(s) put in the bulletin, the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and/or out to the email Prayer Team.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Prayer Team, contact the office.







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