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Annual Meeting--Sunday, January 27th
Reports from ministry leaders were due in the church office by Friday, January 11. At the conclusion of the closing hymn on the 27th, the meeting will be called to order in the church and business will be conducted. Prior to adjournment, we will move to the Parish Hall where the final report will be presented using the wide screen. The closing prayer and blessing will be followed by lunch.
This year, elections include electing a new Junior Warden as the Senior Warden's two year term has come to a close. The
Nominating Committee's slate that will be presented to the membership by the Vestry is:
Greg Serwich, Senior Warden
Lynn Giles, Junior Warden
Elizabeth Ludescher and Charlotte Stryker, Vestry
The Way of Love: An Epiphany Opportunity
Please consider joining during the Epiphany season, this study of the "Way of Love." Even if you were unable to attend previous sessions, you are welcome to join in at any time. In each of our meetings, there will be prayer, check-in, discussion, practicing the Way of L
ove, check-out, and worship.
We meet on Tuesday afternoons, from 2:00 - 3:30, concluding March 5.
Lenten Meditation Booklets
The Lenten Meditation booklet is being prepared and everyone has a chance to participate. You can receive an envelope with instructions and assigned readings after church on Sunday or you could phone if you're not planning on being in church. Carmen Ferguson and Diann Marsh are editing this years' booklet and you can phone either one to request an assignment. Carmen 815 777 2309 or Diann 815 777 8984.
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 Last Sunday. the Sunday after the Feast of the Epiphany, was the Baptism of Our Lord. It is a day when, in addition to hearing the story of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, we, as a congregation reaffirm our own baptismal promises. And that is what we did last week--with a twist.
For those who were unable to be with us, let me explain.
In September, Leif and Meri Lucia Johnstad were baptized at their home, in the river on their property. Family members were in town for a family event. Their grandfather is a retired pastor in the Lutheran Church (ELCA), so family and friends along with several members of Grace Church gathered for the celebration.
Because the Episcopal Church, along with most other mainline denominations, believes that the Sacrament of Baptism should take
place not as a private rite but within the community of faith. For it is not just parents or godparents who make promise for the child. It is the whole church-the local congregation acting on behalf of all Christians-committing to support and nurture the one baptized in the faith. And, to live their own lives in a way that is a model for others.
Except for extreme emergency situations, the 1979 Book of Common Prayer strongly discourages the practice of private baptisms. Consequently, neither Linda nor were able to administer the Sacrament.
So, on Sunday, we invited the Johnstad family to participate in our reaffirmation of baptism. And we offered a special recognition of the baptisms of Leif and Meri Lucia by the Grace Congregation and welcomed them into the community of faith. They were not rebaptized, of course, as baptism is a one-time, forever Sacrament. We all shared in the rite except for the administration of the water. And the event will be recorded in our parish register. It was a joyous occasion, and we are most blessed.
See you in church,
Gloria+
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READINGS:
Isaiah 62:1-5
: Isaiah's prayer for Jerusalem, and prophecy that God will restore her to be a place that people celebrate - even as bride and groom celebrate each other.
Psalm 36:5-10: A song of celebration for God's unfailing love and care which includes all humanity and all of creation.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11: No one can acknowledge Jesus as Lord except by the Holy Spirit, who gives gifts to God's people. These gifts are diverse, though God is one, but all are given for the common good.
John 2:1-11: At a wedding in Cana, they run out of wine, and Jesus' mother tells the servants to do whatever he tells them, in spite of Jesus saying his time had not yet come. Then Jesus tells them to fill the water jars with water and take some to the host. When he tastes the water, it has become wine.
As Christ revealed in his life and teachings, the 'culture' of God's reign is one of giving, sharing, and preserving. Only by allowing this 'Christ-culture' to permeate our lives and world can we ever hope to address the great crises of our time - poverty, human trafficking, dread diseases, terrorism and war, and climate change. Imagine the difference if nations sought ways to give to one another, rather than exploit; if organisations sought to do well only by doing good; and if individuals learned that love for our neighbours is expressed through giving of time, resources, compassion, and energy. While it may seem naive and sentimental to say so, the truth is that many of the world's problems need the approach of love to address them. We need to learn to love our political, religious, international, and economic rivals. We need to learn to love our co-workers, our collaborators and our supporters. We need to learn to love those for whom we work for justice. And we need to learn to love our planet. This is not a sentimental, fickle, "feeling", but a commitment to seek the best for the other, to honour their humanity, their God-createdness, and their right to life. The Christlike kind of love is a choice, made daily, to live in ways that contribute to the well-being of others and of our planet in whatever way we can. This is the call this week.
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS, January 15
At its first meeting of the New Year, the Vestry dealt with both end-of-year and beginning-of-year questions. Though there are still some adjustments to be made before closing the 2018 fiscal year, Treasurer Richard Luther reported that income in 2018 from all sources will fall somewhat short of budget. Increased expenditures, primarily in repair and maintenance and utilities exceed the budget, resulting in deficit for the year. Pledged income for 2019 thus far is at 3.1% over last year's level. There are likely to be several capital needs inside and outside the church proper - most recently, as many of you will have noticed, the missing railings which an out-of-control truck demolished this last week!
The upcoming Annual Meeting on January 27, following the Eucharist, will give parishioners the chance to review the proposed annual budget and various needs and plans for this coming year. At this time of writing, plans for the sale of the old parish house are proceeding apace, and you will be updated on that as well.
In her monthly report, the Rector called attention, among other matters, to high turnouts for the Christmas Eve service (125 in attendance) , the Sunday after Christmas, and Epiphany. Diann Marsh and Carmen Ferguson will be supervising the preparation of this year's Lenten Meditations booklet: be prepared to respond to their invitations for congregational participation.
The saddest news of the New Year, as most parishioners will know, is the decision of Pat and Joe Terry to retire from the music program later this year. Fortunately, we will have the advantage of Pat's expert advice on the next steps we will need to take for a replacement over the next several months. The Vestry had an initial discussion of the process, and parishioners should keep an eye out for a special story in the Galena Gazette on what Gloria has aptly characterized as the Terrys' "long tenure and exceptional contributions both to Grace Church and to Galena."
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Many thanks to all who submitted their financial pledges for 2019 to contribute to the ministries of Grace Church.
If you have not yet pledged but wish to do so, there are extra pledge forms and information in the Narthex. Or, you may contact the Rector or the Treasurer, Richard Luther.
Please remember that commitments, regardless of the amount, are important to our community of faith. Such an intentional commitment is both a practical and a spiritual matter. It is practical because it allows the church to plan for carrying out its ministries with an understanding of the resources that are available. It is a spiritual practice because it is a way of giving back a portion of God's goodness through the church and its ministries, a way of learning to live generously. It is hoped that all who participate in Grace Church will pledge in accordance with their ability to do so.
Automatic Bill Pay for Pledge
If you have this set up to send to the church, this is a reminder to change the mailing address to:
107 S. Prospect St.
Thank you.
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Columbarium Reservations Now Available
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In November, 2018, a service of Committal for Robert Klaus and  Richard Babcock took place in the Grace Chapel as they were laid to rest in the new Columbarium. At the same time, the Columbarium was dedicated.
Following Vestry approval of the Terms and Conditions of columbarium use, they announce that there are thirty-five niches in the Chapel Columbarium, including the two mentioned above. Each niche accommodates up to two urns. Specific niches are assigned by the Church at the time of urn placement. Congregants may secure an opportunity to use a niche (for themselves, spouses or partners, and children) by completing and signing a reservation form and submitting the reservation fee of $250 per niche. An additional payment for each nameplate (currently about $20) will be required after placement of the urn(s).
A downloadable copy of the reservation form along with the Terms and Conditions can be found on the Grace website at Columbarium,
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Offering envelopes
will be in the Narthex for the next several weeks. Please take them if you like and leave them if you don't.
Forward Day by Day
booklets for February through April are available on the green table behind the choir.
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Cooking with God's Bounty
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 Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (light cream cheese is okay)
- 3 to 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced (use less or more depending on preference)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 48 tortilla scoops chips
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
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Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, green onions, jalapeños, bacon, pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheese.
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Spoon a rounded teaspoon of the filling into scoop chips.
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Top with additional bacon and cheese if desired.
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Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until filling is bubbly and cheese is melted.
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Serve immediately
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Vestry Liaisons
V
estry Liaisons' primary purpose is to assure two-way communications between the various ministries and the
Vestry,
to represent the ministries for resources
or
policy issues, and to
support
their
events
an
d activities.
Worship:
Rector
Building and Grounds:
Pete Stryker (Sr. Warden 2017-2019)
Worship Committee: Pam Malik
(class of 2019)
Formation and Spirituality:
Greg Serwich (Jr. Warden 2018-2019)
Fellowship &
Hospitality: Anita Sands (class of 2021)
Pastoral Care/
LEMs: Bonnielynn Kreiser
(class of 2020)
Outreach:
Tony Packard (class of 2021)
Deb Pausz (class of 2019)
Communications: Larry Poston (class of 2020)
Governance: Wardens & Rector
Officers:
Pete Stryker, Senior Warden
Greg Serwich, Junior Warden
R
ichard Luther, Treasurer
Elizabeth Ludescher, Clerk
Rect
or
: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Parish Ad
ministrator: Fräni Beadle
O
rganist/Pianist: Robin French, Nancy Cook
Choir Director: Pat Terry
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January 20, 2019
Sunday Morning
Epiphany 2
10:30am
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Steve Coates
1st Chalicist:
Bill Foltz
Karlyn Van Gelder
Acolyte:
Elizabeth Ludescher
Vestry Coordinator:
Pete Stryker
Greeter:
Maren Coates
Altar Guild:
Alice Maffit & Charlotte Stryker
Presider:
The Very Rev. Gloria Hopewell
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Epiphany 3
January 27, 2018
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Luke 4:14-21
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For a current prayer list, click on the following link:
Grace Prayer List
The
Request For Prayers notebook is in the Narthex/ Entrance area of the Church. Please feel free to request prayers for yourself or others at any time by filling out a form or contacting the office by either phone or email. May we first and always be "a people of prayer."
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7:30 am
Midweek Morning Eucharist
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
Cursillo Reunion
St. Francis Room
Morning Bible Study Parish House
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| Wednesdays at 7pm
Saturdays at 10am
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For current and
upcoming events, download a copy of the calendar with this link:
January OR check out the goog
le
calendar on the new website
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**
If you put out trash, please put in a secure trash can.
Thanks to all for your cooperation. **
1/20 - Cordero
1/27 - Annual Meeting
2/3 - Available
R
eminder for hosts:
Napkins and plates
are provided. Use
what you need from
our pantry under
the coffee maker.
Remember: Keep it simple. We usually have about 35-40 attending.
**Coffee schedule sign up is on the bulletin board in the Parish House.**
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You can now get information on Formation Ministries directly from the new Grace website at the following links: Children and Youth Adults
Spiritual Practices
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If you are in need of assistance while ill or recovering: meals, transportation, visits, please contact the
Ministry of Care
facilitators:
o Carol Poston
o Charlotte Kennedy who can assist you and connect you with parishioners who have trained and commited to this ministry that includes Parish Visitors, Meals, Rides, as well as the ongoing Servants through Prayer, LEMs, and the Greeting Card ministry.
Ministry of Care Leadership
Team:
Facilitators : Carol Poston, Charlotte Kennedy
Clergy Advisors: Gloria Hopewell, Linda Packard
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DEADLINES !
News and prayer requests:
Sunday
Bulletin --
Wed. end of day.
e-Blast:
Thursday noon.
Anniversaries and Birthdays
Have your celebrations been missed in our bulletins?
Send to Frani.
Thank y
ou!
News and Photos
f
or e-Blast!
People
want to know
what's going on at Grace! T
here are places
here for your
event,
program, or
interesting
tidbit.
Comments on this e-Blast may be sent here.
Audio files of sermons are posted on the Grace Church website as well as in the next week's e-Blast. They also may be found on the church's FB page.
Paper copies are available upon request.
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| Grace Galena Sermon Baptism of Christ 2019 |
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| Feast of the Epiphany 2019 |
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| Grace Galena Christmas Eve 2018 |
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