| |
CURRENT AND POTENTIAL LECTOR TRAINING
Ronn Toebaas will lead a Lector Workshop on March 18 at 7:00 pm. This will be for all current lectors and those wishing to become lectors.Please let Terri Jackman know which date you will attend by e-mailing her at
[email protected].
Lenten Soup and Supper Begins Tuesday, March 12
All sessions will take place at Galena United Methodist Church with the soup supper at 6pm and discussion at 6:45pm. The first session will be: "Jerusalem: Risking Reputation," hosted by Revs. Hopewell & McKay. See the full description below under "Formation Ministries."
Canapes & Conversations
will be hosted by Al & Cathie Elsbree TONIGHT March 15th in the Parish Hall with a special presentation by Steve Dowe on the
History & Geography of South Sudan and Grace Church's relationship with the Diocese of Renk. Please bring a friend, a nibble and a beverage to share. All are welcome!
UNITED CHURCHES OF GALENA FOOD PANTRY
The next River Bend Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry will take place on March 23rd at Cross Roads Community Church. Volunteers are always needed. Come at 10 am to volunteer. Food recipients register beginning at 10:15 and distribution begins at 11.
|
 This statue stands near the memorial of the Oklahoma City bombing. Yet, since that tragedy in 1995, how many, many times have we wept and called upon Jesus' mercy as innocent lives have been taken--massacred--out of hatred, fear, mental disturbance, or any other twisted cause that would lead a person to inflict such carnage? People enjoying a night of entertainment, children in school, and again today, people at worship and prayer. We cry out in sorrow and horror, we pray for the comfort for survivors and the souls of the victims, we rally for gun control and legislative change--or we lock ourselves into our places of comfort where we feel relatively secure. Perhaps we wonder how such things can happen to good people. Perhaps we question our faith and wonder why God DOESN'T JUST DO SOMETHING. We may wonder why we bother to continue our attempts to be people of faith following the Way of Love, caring for and speaking out on behalf of the "other" when next week or the week after that, we will be heartbroken again.
This Sunday, our gospel reading tells of Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem, wanting, like a mother hen, to gather all people beneath sheltering wings. And yet, they will not come. He goes on to Jerusalem anyway, not flinching from the risk of completing the work he has come to do.  Like some of his followers, we might wish that Jesus had come to fix everything--that the Realm of God's peace and love would be fully realized right then. Instead, we have a role, too, in bringing about that realm. Those sheltering wings of our mother hen are there for us as we walk the way of love, as we reach out to the suffering and stand for justice and mercy. Every day. In little things and big. In acts of kindness and compassion, and peace. For if not us, who proclaim the Good News of Christ, then who?
See you in church!
Gloria+
|
|
On Lenten Sundays, it is our practice at Grace Church to use the Rite1 penitential order of worship that is appropriate to the season. The colors of vestments and paraments are purple, the crosses are veiled, and the silver communion ware and brass candlesticks are replaced. Stark twigs take the place of flowers. No "alleluias" are used, and the service music is more somber and majestic to reflect the Lenten themes.
READINGS:
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18: Abram's faith leads him into relationship with God (righteousness) & God makes a covenant with Abram, promising him that he will have a son to be his heir, and descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Psalm 27: A song of assurance for God's protection and care, expressing the longing to live in God's sanctuary and find refuge there. In addition, the psalmist asks for God's mercy and rescue from his enemies.
Philippians 3:17-4:1: Paul's encouragement for believers to stay true for the sake of Christ, and to remember their heavenly priorities, following his example of faithfulness.
Luke 13:31-35
: Jesus is warned that Herod wants to kill him, and dismisses this as his face is set toward Jerusalem. Then he laments over the city which fails to heed the prophets
In the quest for justice and to be faithful in following God's call, we can sometimes fall into cynical despair, or shallow optimism which leaves us naive about evil. If we believe our faith and our determination to do "what's right" in God's eyes is a guarantee of safety, we will be sorely disappointed. But, if we can view our relationship with God as a source of strength that enables us to endure the toughest challenges, struggles and conflicts, we will find it to be sufficient. In addition, if we think the world is easily fixed and evil is easily transformed, we delude ourselves. But, if we are able to remain hopeful and committed to transformation, even as we recognise the evil systems and structures that oppose us (as Jesus did) we will be able to face the struggles in our world wisely, optimistically, and creatively. In some sense, though, this commitment may include a call to release our "right to protect ourselves" and like Jesus risk crucifixion even as we seek to reach out to those who hate us.
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
|
Notwithstanding our new parking lot, parking still is at a premium on Sundays. Last Sunday, three cars took up two parking spaces each by parking out of the designated space lines on the street. Hence, three cars had to be parked farther from the church, making for a longer, colder, more dangerous walk back to the church. The moral of this story: Park unto others as you would have them park unto you.
|
LENTEN SOUP AND STUDY SERIES
Imagine "Entering the Passion of Jesus" with a Jewish scholar! For six Tuesday evenings we will delve into this study by Amy Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. All sessions will take place at Galena United Methodist Church with the soup supper at 6pm and discussion at 6:45pm. Please sign up and join us!
March 19
T
he Temple: Risking Righteous Anger
Hosted by First Presbyterian Church
March 26 Teachings: Risking Challenge
Hosted by Westminster Presbyterian Church
April 2 The First Dinner: Risking Rejection
Hosted by Lord of Love Lutheran Church
April 9
The Last Supper: Risking the Loss of Friends
Hosted by Grace Episcopal Church
April 16 Gethsemane: Risking Temptation
Hosted by Galena United Methodist Church
Movie Night: Grand Canyon, Friday April 12th
Notwithstanding stiff competition from other events in and around Galena on Friday, March 8th, twelve people enjoyed our movie: "Good Night, and Good Luck". The discussion afterward was excellent.
Our next movie will be "Grand Canyon", a unique film starring Kevin Kline, Mary McDonnell, Danny Glover, Steve Martin, Mary-Louise Parker and Alfre Woodard. It illustrates the fulfillment that can come from recognizing miracles and the natural human inclination to help others, notwithstanding the barriers dividing us, especially in modern times and large urban areas like Los Angeles. The cast, under the direction of Lawrence Kasdan ("The Big Chill"), skillfully portrays how we can be totally consumed with our daily lives and concerns until confronted, or saved, by a "miracle". Also, on rare occasions, a transforming transcendence can yank us from our natural predilection to dwell on our aspirations and anxieties. In this secular movie, that occurs at the southern rim of the Grand Canyon.
Of course, as Christians seeking the Kingdom of God amongst us, we too can find transcendence at the Grand Canyon, or beneath a dark night sky covered by a canopy of stars, or even in the eyes of a baby. We also can find it in worship, prayer, and scripture or, perhaps most importantly, in being Jesus to others, especially to those outside the doors of our churches. Similar to water and wind in the Grand Canyon, we possess the God given power to change the earth.
As usual, Movie Night will begin at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring your own snack if you wish to (quietly) dine during the movie. Coffee and hot water (for tea) will be provided.
|
|
|
Cooking with God's Bounty
|
Zesty Baked Ritz Crackers
Ingredients
1 large box Ritz Crackers
1stickunsalted butter
1packetranch seasoning mix
1/3cupshredded parmesan cheese
I
nstructions
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees, and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix.
-
Add the crackers to the bowl and gently toss and coat them in the butter mixture. Evenly sprinkle the parmesan cheese in with the butter coated crackers.
-
Place the crackers on your parchment lined baking sheets in a single layer (otherwise they tend to stick together).
-
Recipe Notes
The butter and ranch seasoning mix are the basic ingredients needed for this recipe but you can also add red pepper flakes for spice, or garlic powder for that extra kick.
|
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:
Greg Serwich (Sr. Warden 2018-2020)
Worship Committee: Charlotte Stryker (class of 2022)
Formation and Spirituality:
Elizabeth Ludescher (class of 2022)
Fellowship &
Hospitality: Anita Sands (class of 2021)
Pastoral Care/
LEMs: Bonnielynn Kreiser
(class of 2020)
Outreach:
Tony Packard (class of
2021)
Communications: Larry Poston (class of 2020)
Governance: Wardens & Rector
Officers:
Greg Serwich, Senior Warden
Junior Warden, Lynn Giles
R
ichard Luther, Treasurer
Diann Marsh, Clerk
Rect
or
: The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
Parish Ad
ministrator: Fräni Beadle
O
rganist/Pianist: Robin French, Nancy Cook
Choir Director: Pat Terry
|
|
|
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Carol Poston
1st Chalicist:
Bill Foltz
Bonnielynn Kresier
Acolyte:
Elizabeth Ludescher
Vestry Coordinator:
Charlotte Stryker
Greeter:
Cathie Elsbree
Altar Guild:
Debbie Kallback
Presider:
Rev. Linda Packard
Preacher:
The Very Rev. Gloria Hopewell
|
Lent 2
March 17, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35
|
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."
|
|
Vestry Meeting
Tuesday, 9:00 am
7:30 am
Midweek Morning Eucharist
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory Café
Cursillo Reunion
St. Francis Room
Morning Bible Study Parish House
|
| Wednesdays at 7pm
Saturdays at 10am
|
|
For current and
upcoming events, download a copy of the calendar with this link:
March OR check out the goog
le
calendar on the new website
|
3/17 - Berry
3/24 - Beadle
3/31 - LEMs
4/7 - Jackman/Cook
R
eminder for hosts:
Napkins and plates
are provided. Use
what you need from
our pantry
.
Remember: Keep it simple. We usually have about 35-40 attending.
Also, do not forget to turn off stove/oven, lights, take out trash, and lock the door.
**Coffee schedule sign up is on the bulletin board in the Parish House.**
|
You can now get information on Formation Ministries directly from the new Grace website at the following links: Children and Youth Adults
Spiritual Practices
|
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
|
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.
|
|
Grace Galena Sermon 7th after Epiphany 2019
|
|
Grace Galena Sermon Transfiguration 2019
|
|
|
|
