Witness which Endures

Grace Episcopal Church

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Grace Notes

28 June 2018

Today is the feast day of St. Irenaeus of Lyons (martyred in 202).  Hailing from Smyrna (now Izmir in Turkey), Irenaeus was instrumental in nurturing the Christian community in the south of what is now France.  As a native of Smyrna, Irenaeus had heard the preaching of St. Polycarp (martyred in 155).  Polycarp had, in turn, known St. John the Apostle (d. ca. 100).  St. Irenaeus, in other words, was not only a Christian theologian and witness in his own right, he was also a link in a chain of witness going back to the call made by Jesus to His disciples.  (Cf. John 1.35—51.)

On the feast of any saint we can remind ourselves that each one of us is a link in a chain of witness going back to the earthly days of Jesus, but we can remind ourselves, as well, that we stand today as witnesses not only to what Jesus said and did, but to what He does, who He is as the risen Lord.  On this feast, therefore, consider for a moment the links in your own chain of witness.  Who first taught you the faith?  Who first took you to worship, or read you a bible story, or shared their own faith with you when you had a question or a problem to discuss?  Each one of us has been led to the faith by another, or by others.  Think, as well, about to whom God sends you to witness now. 

In witnessing one of the most important things we do is to remember.  Indeed, probably the two most important things a priest is charged with is to remember and to listen.  We are to remember (in the sense of “do this in remembrance of me”), to make present again what Our Lord has handed on to us in His teaching, and to literally make Him present again in the Blessèd Sacrament.  And we are to listen, to hear and bear the concerns of those to whom we have been sent.  But consider, as well, how you are called to remember and listen.  You may not preside at the altar, but no priest can make Eucharist by himself or herself; it is required that at least one other person be present, for Our Lord promises to be with us when we gather in His Name (Mtt. 18.20).  You must remember, as much as the priest.  And you must listen, for in order to lead any other to the faith you must first listen to him or her.

Irenaeus was buried in the church in Lyons (then Lugdunum).  In 1562 Huguenots (early Protestants) destroyed the tomb and Irenaeus’ remains, in the name of doing away with the cult of saints.  Regardless of how we might argue about the theology embodied in this by the Huguenots, we can say that in what they did they sought to erase remembrance.  Being convinced of their own rightness, their efforts to “remember” teachings in scripture they saw as in conflict with the cult of saints kept them from listening to those who thought and practiced otherwise.  We cannot remember when we do not listen.  We cannot truly listen when our remembrance of Jesus passes only through the filter of our own convictions.  Irenaeus reminds us of the need to listen in remembrance, and to remember while listening.  His name (which means “peaceful one”) speaks to the reality that when remembrance and listening come together, we receive witness which endures.

Grace abounds:  Please thank: 

§  Steve and Katy Larson for the Sunday coffee hours.

§  Fr. John Ambelang for lawn care.

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.

Special call!  We have issued full and partial scholarships covering diocesan camp expenses for 5 children in the community and the parish.  Funds have been disbursed from clergy discretionary accounts, and we need help to replenish these accounts so that unplanned-for aid can continue.  Please give generously.  Mark on your check memo. line “Clergy Discretionary Accounts”.

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:          The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8B)

                                      R. Benjamin Dobey, Music Director

Prelude                           Fantasy in E Major                                      Harold Darke

Entrance Hymn 390         “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”            Lobe den Herren

Offertory Hymn 567        “Thine arm, O Lord”                                    St. Matthew

Comm. Hymn 691           “My faith looks up to thee”                                     Olivet   

Closing Hymn 542           “Christ is the world’s true light”                          St. Joan

Postlude                         Voluntary in C                                           William Boyce

Parish Notices:

§  Inmate pen pal:  A local inmate (known to Fr. Karl) is looking for people to write letters to him.  If you wish to explore how you may be called to this ministry, contact Fr. Karl.

§  All Saint’s Chapel in Elkhart Lake: The Chapel offers services at 9:00 a.m., continuing 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 for Sunday Service ownership.  This includes:

§  Picking up the bulletins box at Grace Church in Sheboygan

§  Arriving early on Sunday to:

o   Open the buildings

o   Identify readers for the readings and the prayers of the people

o   Light candles

o   Greet Fr. Twomey

§  Locking up at the conclusion of Mass and

§  Returning the bulletins box and etc. to Grace Church.

A printed list of instructions is on site, in the event of questions, as well as a list members available by phone to offer direct support.

all the Grace Episcopal Church office at (920) 452-9659 to schedule ownership of a Sunday(s). Thank you for your support of such an important Ministry!

§  Brat Fry and Bake Sale at Miesfeld’s: Saturday, July 7, Brat Fry at Miesfeld’s Brat Haus! A sign-up table is located in the Narthex. We are looking for: Brat fryers, stand attendants, baked goods bakers, before the sale packagers and attendants while at the sale. Questions? Contact Barb or Bob MacEwen at (920) 912-4505.

§  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. If you are interested in carpooling, please contact the office at (920) 452-9659.

§  Diocesan polo shirts are back: Every few years a Diocesan Polo Shirt embroidered with the diocesan shield is available for order and purchase. 2018 is the year! These 65/35 cotton blend shirts come in both men's and women's sizes. They are red in color and without pockets. Shirts may be ordered and paid for online or by check. Pick up your shirt at the Diocesan Office, arrange to pick up at a diocesan event, or have it shipped by U.S. Mail. Prices start at $30. Order at diofdl.org/polo

§  Volunteer Opportunities-Transformational Ministry Program, Love INC: Help local lives transform by sharing your time and your God-given gifts to bless our Neighbors across Sheboygan County. Volunteers needed are: Mentors, Class Facilitators, Childcare, Meal Prep/Food Donor, Set up/Clean up, Greeters/Welcome Table, On-site Prayer Warriors and Financial Supporters. To learn how you can provide a hand-up call or email Jenna at (920) 783-6701 or jenna@loveincsheboygancounty.org

§  Save the Date: Mass in the Grass, Sunday, September 9 at Deland Park. More information will be available in the upcoming months.

§  Kairos Outside Weekend Retreat, October 12-14: This is an ecumenical Cursillo-type event for women having been impacted by incarceration. Perhaps they’ve been prisoners, or had/have family members, friends in the Corrections System. The weekend is a time of support and encouragement in a Christian community of women. The cost of the weekend is covered.  If you have questions or would like more information, contact Fr. John Ambelang, (920)453-8983.

§  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 (920) 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.