E-Blast for Friday, July 24, 2026

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 11A

July 26, 2026
7:45 & 10 a.m.

Celebrant:

The Rev. Steve Keplinger
Sermon Title:

Law and Ethics in the Kingdom of Heaven

View as Webpage

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 7/16/26:

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

TIHAN Faith Liason

As a Faith Liason, you would be responsible for maintaining the relationship between Grace St. Paul's and TIHAN. This includes ensuring TIHAN events are communicated to the Parish Administrator to be put in the bulletin/e-blast, attending quarterly meetings (either in person at the TIHAN office or via Zoom), organizing TIHAN speakers to visit GSP as needed, and most importantly... helping to plan Poz Cafe once a year! This is coordinated with 2-3 other faith communities each time and involves Zoom planning meetings leading up to the event, collecting donations for the Care Packages, as well as gathering volunteers and leading your group the day of the event. There are plenty of other volunteer opportunities throughout the year, but that is the bulk of what is necessary.

Grace St. Paul's typically does Poz Cafe in November each year, so I would like to find a new Faith Liason as soon as possible in order to make sure they're comfortable in the entire process start to finish.

If you think you may be called to this or would like more information, please reach out to Ricky Salas at parishadmin@grace-stpauls.org

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.

Please join Southern Arizona Senior Pride this Saturday

July 25th at 12:00pm here at Grace St. Paul's for their monthly potluck! Click image for more information and to register.

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

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.

Monday, July 27, 8:30 am, 6431 S. Country Club/Valencia:
Prayer Vigil at the ICE Office with Good Neighbor Interfaith Coalition

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. The group will take a break for the rest of the summer, returning on September 13^th.

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 30th, NO SERVICE.

August 2026:

-Thursday, August 6th, 5pm, in the Chancel, a service in the Taizé tradition with the theme
“The Transformative Power of Nonviolence, Pt. 2” led by Deacon Nancy.

-Thursday, August 13th, 5pm, in McBride Hall, a service full of prayer and meditation led by Reverend Delle McCormick, followed by an agape meal. The theme is “Practicing Hope.”

-Thursday, August 20th, 5pm, by Zoom-only, Chris Eastoe leading a service from Tasmania on the theme “Prayer Part II. Jesus on the mainline: divergent views of asking for what you want.” (zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/948146775)

-Thursday, August 27th, 5pm, in McBride Hall, Communion service led by Father Allen.

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