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Lenten Soup and Supper Continues on Tuesdays
Each Tuesday, a brief session of
Taize Prayer will take place
prior to the soup supper.
5:30 pm in the Galena UMC sanctuary
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."
UNITED CHURCHES OF GALENA FOOD PANTRY
The next River Bend Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry will take place
TOMORROW 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.
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Days like we have had this past week, with temperatures reaching the forties and low fifties seem delightful to us after the long, frigid winter. As I was outside this morning poking around in the dry tangly mess of last year's garden, smiling at the little green sprouts I found underneath, I realized that it wasn't really very warm. Even in the direct sunlight. Oh, it was not intolerable in my bathrobe and slippers. But It occurred to me that had it been fall, I would have been shivering--or enjoying relief from heat and humidity. Today, the sun and blue sky make for a welcome breath of spring. What a difference a few months makes in our perception of comfort!
That's true of more than the weather, isn't it? Sniffles and a runny nose may be a relief after a bout of the flu or bronchitis. Those same sniffles may send us to our couch and afghan after a stretch of good health. The same thing with our moods when our world has been stirred up by conflict and noise. Even if we are not directly involved in it, it may darken our feelings even as being exposed to kindness and care brighten them.
I wonder if anyone has ever studied the effect of regular spiritual practices on peoples' response to the changing climate (both in relation to weather and in the public domain). I'm not talking about shutting oneself off in a monastery or a gated community where it might be easier to avoid discomfort. I mean being engaged in all that happens in the world--the good and the bad. Does faithful adherence  to a habit of setting apart a time for reflection and prayer make us more resilient? Change our outlook, make us less anxious? My hunch is that is does. And here we are, in the season of Lent with the perfect opportunity to find out! No--I'm not going to conduct such a study. I'm just going to renew my own practices in the weeks ahead. And maybe, with a little more sun, a few more green shoots, and more disciplined attention to my practices, there will be a new spring in my step--and my soul. How about you?
See you in church!
Gloria+
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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:
Isaiah 55:1-9: An invitation from God for those who are hungry and thirsty to receive food and drink free of charge, to seek God while God may be found, and to recognise that God's ways are much higher than the ways of human beings.
Psalm 63:1-8: A psalm of longing for God's nourishing presence, and of thanksgiving for God's satisfying care and life.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13: The disobedience and rebelliousness of the Israelites in the wilderness is a warning to us to resist the temptations we face. But, God provides, and strengthens us, if we will allow it.
Luke 13:1-9: Jesus confronts the idea that natural or human-initiated disasters only befall the sinful or the evil, and challenges the self-righteousness of his hearers, calling them to repentance, even as he reflects, in parable, on God's mercy that gently waits for us to wake up and start bearing fruit.
The theme this week is a powerful follow on from last week. The issues of suffering, judgment, repentance, compassion, and justice all come together in ways that are both comforting and disturbing. One of the most challenging and important questions we must face today is how we are to respond to suffering. The Lectionary leaves us no option to answer Jesus' call to compassion and justice. The readings move us very powerfully from last week's theme, into a "next step". Last week, we were challenged to recognise that faith, on one level, is not a protection from the world's woes, but rather, it is a call to take up the cross, and embrace God's life even when we have to suffer to do so. On another level, though, we were invited to celebrate that faith does lead us into a life that is deeper, richer and more meaningful than one of faithlessness. This week, we are taken one step further - we are to reject the idea that suffering is God's punishment for sin, and blessing (or the avoidance of suffering) God's reward. Rather, we are called to recognise our own need of God's mercy and grace, and to respond by "bearing fruit" - manifesting the life of God's reign, and bringing grace and mercy into the world. This week we are shocked out of our complacency, and challenged to be more determined in our commitment to follow Christ, even as we are assured of the gifts of God's presence and God's provision to fulfil our calling.
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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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 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.
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Old Parish House Furniture
There are several tables, chairs and bookshelves available from the old parish house. Please call the office if you or an organization you are affiliated with are interested. 815-777-2590
Social Hour Clean-up
Just a reminder that trash should be placed in the outdoor trash cans, counter tops wiped down, oven turned off, coffee maker warmers turned off and dishwasher started.
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Cooking with God's Bounty
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Balela Salad
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), slice in halves if you like, or leave whole
- 3-5 green onions, both white and green parts, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (use ones that have been preserved in jars with olive oil)
- 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup pitted green olives
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped mint or basil leaves
For Dressing
- 1/4 cup Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, a generous pinch to your taste
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the salad ingredients: chickpeas, vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.
- In a separate smaller bowl or jar, mix together the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper, and spices.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix gentle to coat. Leave aside for 30 minutes before serving, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a quick mix and taste to adjust seasoning if at all needed. Enjoy!
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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: 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
Lynn Giles, Junior Warden,
Richard Luther, Treasurer
Diann Marsh, Clerk
The Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
Parish Administrator: Fräni Beadle
Organist/Pianist: Robin French, Nancy Cook
Choir Director: Pat Terry
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For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Terri Jackman
1st Chalicist:
Diane Luther
Cathie Elsbree
Acolyte:
Richard Luther
Vestry Coordinator:
Elizabeth Ludescher
Greeter:
Anita Sands
Altar Guild:
Charlotte Stryker & Pat Golden
Presider:
The Very Rev. Gloria Hopewell
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Lent 4
March 31, 2019
Eucharistic readings
for your own study:
Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3,11b-32
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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:
March OR check out the goog
le
calendar on the new website
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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.
**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 Transfiguration 2019 |
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Grace Galena Sermon Lent 2C 2019
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