E-Blast for Friday, July 17, 2026

Eighth Sunday
after Pentecost
Proper 11A

July 19, 2026
7:45 & 10 a.m.

Celebrant:

The Rev. Steve Keplinger

View as Webpage

In order to raise funds for a

family emergency, Maria and her son Erick will be selling tamales THIS SUNDAY! July 19th after both the 7:45am and 10am services.

Your help during this difficult time is deeply appreciated.

Cash preferred.

SECOND QUARTER 2026

SHOWERS 843 provided

LUNCHES 5,510 served

PET FOOD 938 baggies given out

CFB #BOXES 652

CFB #SERVED 1,023 individuals

Expenses

Social Services (ID vouchers and Birth certificates) $5,907

Café $5,953

YEAR TO DATE 2026

SHOWERS 1,595 provided

LUNCHES 10,300 served

PET FOOD 1,797 baggies given out

CFB #BOXES 1,253

CFB #SERVED 2,040 individuals

Expenses

Social Services (ID vouchers and Birth certificates) $10,405

Café $8,428

A Note from the Treasurer

At the halfway point of the year, we find ourselves in familiar financial territory, but for different reasons than in the past. Contributions from parishioners have been robust, meeting budgetary expectations. However, we have found grant funding much more difficult to access than we anticipated, reflecting the changed priorities of the federal government, as well as the crush of competing applicants. Accordingly, we find ourselves running a budget deficit of about $40,000 on the year, in line with previous years.

Further, larger than expected expenditures (for air conditioning, plumbing, and a

lightning-struck organ) have even challenged our cash flow. If we cannot find other sources of revenue—purchase of interment niches, for example, would help—we will need to request additional contributions from those who can afford to make them. As always, the generosity of our congregation stands out, and we collectively remain grateful to all those who have enabled our urgently needed ministries to go forward.

Paul Hetland, Treasurer

Wondering about the status of the New Rector Search?
You can now read regular updates — posted approximately every two weeks — directly on the GSP website. You can find this link on the GSP website homepage by simply scrolling down and looking for the 'Rector Search Committee Update' box on the right (pictured above)

Update from 6/16/26:

On July 13, the Search Committee met in person with The Rev. Canon Robert Phillips, who reviewed our draft responses to the questions on Vocation Hub, the Episcopal Church's official digital platform for managing clergy placement. Canon Robert asked a series of thought-provoking questions that helped us sharpen our answers -- making them more focused, candid, and effective in conveying who we are and what we are looking for in our next rector.

The meeting was a productive and energizing evening of discussion that has positioned us well to complete both our Vocation Hub responses and our Parish Profile. We anticipate submitting our final drafts by the end of August.

Intercessory Prayer Co-coordinator

This position includes receiving and then distributing prayer requests to the intercessory prayer team.

This coordination takes place entirely on computer, so all of the activity can be accomplished at home or anywhere where you have access to a computer. This facilitation is shared with another person. Time commitment is approximately three hours per month. If you feel called to this, please reach out to the office
parishadmin@grace-stpauls.org

** Chalice Bearers Needed **

We are seeking volunteers to serve as Chalice Bearers, aiding in the distribution of Holy Communion during our services.
This is a meaningful way to serve our church family and take part in one of the most sacred moments of our worship.

No prior experience is necessary — training will be held in the Weeks Room on Sunday, July 19, following the 7:30 am service and following the 10:00 am service.

Training should be approximately 30 minutes.

If you feel called to serve in this way, please contact Deacon Don dbe40dd@gmail.com or 740-243-0884.

Calling all musicians!

The Grace St. Paul’s music program seeks to expand and achieve world domination. We think we’d do a better job than the current dominators. If you sing or play an instrument of any kind, we want to hear from you. Please contact Music Director Christina Jarvis at clj@delegation.org or talk to her before or after the 10am service to discuss ways to include you as works best for all devices and desires.

Thanks and many blessings!

Christina Jarvis

Memorial Garden Niches

The new Memorial Garden niches are now in place and we encourage you to come by and see them! Now through the end of July, there will be a discount on both single and double niches to help pay for the new walls that were installed earlier this year.

Single Niche
~~$1500~~ → NOW $1300

Double Niche
~~$2100~~ → NOW $1900

If you are in the process of end of life planning or thinking it may be time to start, this is a great opportunity to handle a very important aspect of that. Purchasing a niche in advance will give you peace of mind in knowing your loved ones won't have to handle the logistics while they're grieving. It also provides your loved ones with a place in our beautiful Memorial Garden to visit and pray, share remembrances, and celebrate your life after you've died.

Please reach out to Ricky Salas in the office for more details.
parishadmin@grace-stpauls.org

Join the Sundae Sunday fun on
Sunday, August 2nd in McBride Hall!

The GSP Vestry will be serving up some cool treats after both services to help beat the summer heat. There will also be syrups, sprinkles, chocolate chips, and whipped cream. We’ll even have non-dairy ice cream-esque varieties for those who are lactose-intolerant and/or vegan.

DESPERATELY NEEDED:

GROCERY BAGS & CANNED VEGETABLES

If you don’t use your plastic grocery bags, please save them and place in the red bin on Sundays or bring them into the parish office during the week. They are a valuable commodity as we go through 150 of them 3 times a week! Joseph's Pantry is also in need of canned vegetables (any variety) so if you are able to pick up any extras next time you are at the store, they can be placed in the donation bin as well.

Gratefully Rev Gary Cyr, Director of Social Justice in Action

Contact gary.cyr@grace-stpauls.org or 520-327-6857

Chillin’ at the Chul
Saturday, July 18th from 6:00 p.m.
7366 North Paseo del Norte

Tucson, AZ 85704

As a reminder, this will NOT take place at Grace St. Paul's.
Car pool recommended, approximately 25min from GSP.

Contact Diana at dancewithladydi@gmail
for more information and meeting location info.

One of Grace St. Paul’s deep commitments is Migrant Ministry;
welcoming and supporting migrants, and advocating for their human and civil rights. We are called to be a compassionate and welcoming faith community. Through education, advocacy, prayer, collaboration with community groups, and by direct support, we promote social justice in our border region.

** Back by Popular Demand **

Our regular meetings will be held weekly on Mondays at 2:00 pm in the

Bloom Room throughout the summer as usual.

Sunday, August 9, 9:15 am, Bloom Room:
Discuss Mike Wilson's book What Side Are You On?

Friday, August 14, 6pm in McBride Hall:
Film screening of A Day without Mexicans

Have you been enjoying Continuing Revelation of God readings (typically more contemporary poetry and prose) in addition to Hebrew Scripture and Gospel readings in recent GSP Sunday services? Do you have other readings you might wish us to consider? If so, please reach out to Elizabeth Jaeger elizabethjaeger56@gmail.com

Thanks, in advance, for your interest.

The astonishing Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray is the subject of Dr. Chuck Dickson's 202nd Virtual Adult Education Class: https://bit.ly/45anKbz

The mission of GSP Faith in Action is to offer personal and spiritual support for those of us who are struggling in the current political climate and to encourage faith-filled and appropriate actions as individuals and in collaboration with other groups.
We meet in the Bloom Room on the 2^nd
and 4^th Sundays from 11:45-12:45; please plan to arrive and settle in at 11:40 as we begin with prayer and a period of silence.

You are most welcome to join us and/or ask to be placed on our email list. For more information, contact Elizabeth Jaeger, elizabethjaeger56@gmail.com

Sunday, July 26th | 5:00pm

Dinner at Guadalajara Grill on Prince

Join us for a dinner of fun and fellowship, kids are encouraged to come.

RSVP on the WhatsApp group.

Saturday, August 29 | 5:00 PM

Game Night

Join us at Max & Lizzy's house for an evening of games, snacks, and fun! Bring a favorite game to share. Address in the WhatsApp group.

July 2026:

-Thursday, July 23rd, 5pm, in McBride Hall, Communion service led by Father Allen.

-Thursday, July 30th, NO SERVICE.

We’ve heard from church members that they’d like a smaller venue – Spirit Now’s answering that call … our services are held in the Chancel, in McBride Hall, or on Zoom, and are building blocks for the larger church to get together and share faith practices in smaller groups. It’s a more intimate place to read and reflect about our thoughts, our church, our communities, and our world.

If you’d like to receive announcements regarding Spirit Now’s services direct to your email, please contact Kim at moanatucson@gmail.com

Every Friday from 12:15pm - 1:30pm in the Bloom Room

Our Centering Prayer group continues to meet every Friday at 12:15 in the Bloom Room for the shared practice of Centering Prayer. Our membership includes people from other faith traditions as well as many GSP parishioners.

The practice of Centering Prayer can be done alone by anyone anywhere, but our members find that being together (even in silence) really makes a difference. Our group is open to all who are in need of some quiet, dedicated time to rest in the presence of God in this busy and uneasy world.

Blessings,

Sara Heitshu scheitshu@gmail.com