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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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Thanksgiving leftovers potluck
Once again will be having a leftover potluck this Sunday at social hour. Did you make too much three bean salad, no takers for that Pinterest brussels sprouts casserole - hey, maybe we will like it! Fräni will make coffee and set up the buffet - clean up help is welcomed!
United Churches Christmas Concert
Join us in celebrating the beginning of Advent by attending one of the largest events of the season: The United Churches of Galena Community Christmas Concert on Wednesday, November 28
th
at 7pm. The voices of over 100 members from the area churches present to us the wonders of God's plan in music and song. This is a beautiful faith filled way to not only give glory to God, but also help in ministering to those in need. All offerings from the event go to benefit the Galena Food Pantry. An opportunity for fellowship and refreshments will be available after the concert in Dolan Hall. Parking will be available on the street, in St. Michael's parking lot next to the museum and also, if there is no visitation planned that evening, in the Miller Steinke Funeral Home lot.
Grace Church's choir will again be part of this festive fundraiser
. If you would like to join the choir, there will be one more rehearsals for the combined choir finale at St. Michael's on Tuesday, November 27 at 6:30 pm. The Grace choir will rehearse its own contribution to the concert on Saturday, November 24 at 10 am at Grace.
Advent Series: Journeying the Way of Love:
Await the coming of Christ with the Rector on Advent Sunday mornings at 8:45 am. These four sessions use excerpts from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke as a pattern for understanding how we can live our Presiding Bishop's Way of Love
practices as individuals, as families and friends, as a community, and out in the world.
Dec. 2: The Annunciation: Saying "Yes" to the Journey
Dec. 9: Mary and Elizabeth: Journeying with Family and Friends
Dec. 16: The Birth of John the Baptist: Journeying with Community
Dec. 23: The Birth of Jesus: Journeying with the World
Advent Quiet Day
Advent begins the first Sunday in December. Grace Church will prepare for that holy season of preparation for Christmas with an Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, December 8 from 10 am to 3:00 pm. Our leader will be Sr. Bobbi Bussan, the Director of Benet House Retreat Center at St. Mary Monastery in Rock Island. A native of Galena, she says "My roots will always be in Galena. . .where I first knew God was going to be a centerpiece of my life." An experienced retreat leader with all ages (from elementary students to adults), she works with homeless women and children and has a passion for Benedictine spirituality. In addition to the opportunity to learn about Centering Prayer, the day will include: brief talks, discussion, and plenty of opportunity for journaling or quiet. Lunch in the new parish hall is included. The church is located at 107 S Prospect St., Galena IL. There is a $10 suggested donation. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Canapés & Conversations
Pete & Charlotte Stryker will host the December event on Friday, the 14th at their home at 3 Arcadia Court in the Galena Territory from 5-7 pm. Please bring friends, nibbles and beverages to share. All are welcome!
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Fr. Jack Schauble Funeral
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The funeral will take place on Friday, November 30th at St. Luke's in Dixon at 11:00am. Condolences may also be sent to Sandra Schauble 405 12th Avenue, Mendota, IL 61342.
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Here is the first of what I hope will be several reflections on the recent Diocesan Convention. This one is from one of our three delegates, Elizabeth Ludescher.
 I'm sure just the thought of attending the Diocesan Convention makes some people fall asleep and start to drool. Well, it needn't! It's actually a lot of fun; business mixed perfectly with singing, Eucharist, workshops, exhibits, big hugs and friendly conversation from new and old friends, and unconditional love from spiritually minded people.
On Friday, before Convention officially began, I attended a workshop on the refugee crisis at our borders and in the detention camps. We were informed from someone in the front lines what is still happening and the brave souls trying to help. It was a mix of information with time for questions and thoughts. We left with homework: what can we do as Christians to help? In short we can write or call our elected officials. Definitely a question to ponder given the status of our world, both locally and nationally.
After lunch at a yummy place we don't have access to in Galena or Dubuque, Bishop Lee formally opened the 181st Convention in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. There was singing, nominations, voting, (bad) jokes, and a wonderful keynote address from Ray Suarez on the future of the church. What he said wasn't anything we've not heard or worried about before, but sometimes it is pertinent to hear the words again in a different context before they sink in and take hold.
Friday night the Grace contingent went out to dinner together. This year we chose to dine at a Cajun seafood restaurant, Pappadeaux's. We enjoyed incredibly yummy food and were even serenaded by the in-house band! Such fun to sing along with them!
Saturday morning I attended a workshop on "Taking a Knee," in reference to the revolution started by Colin Kaepernick. The room got very passionate as we were reminded of the athletes of color in the past who have also done activism and the consequences it had on their lives as athletes. My biggest takeaway was when a Vietnam veteran stood up and said that he took an oath to protect our constitution, our country, and our people. No where in the oath was the flag, our president or the anthem, mentioned. Taking a knee is a sign of respect, often done at gravesides and while praying. This is something I continue to think about. 
The Convention Eucharist is always a highlight. It is amazing to see so many Episcopalians in one place! The All Y'All Choir sings, Bishop Lee preaches, and the children attending the convention sit on the floor up front  and steal the show. This year some had on homemade Bishop mitres and stoles! They even led us in a song and each child received communion from Bishop Lee and Bishop Benito. Such a special moment.
Saturday afternoon is when the bulk of the "business" is done. We are given nominations, resolutions, and amendments to consider and vote on. We hear from people for and against resolutions, ensuring all people who wish to be heard have a voice. We listen to taped updates from various Diocesan ministries. After the work is done the Convention is officially adjourned and we are released.
If you've never gotten the opportunity to attend, think about attending in the years to come. It is amazing to converse and sup with other Episcopalians in our Diocese. As Bishop Lee said, "Remember, you didn't choose God. God chose you."
See you in church,
Gloria+
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READINGS:
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14: Daniel shares his vision of God's throne, and the One - "like a son of man" - who comes in glory on the clouds and who is given all authority and whose kingdom never ends.
Psalm 93: God is the Monarch, clothed in majesty, with an eternal throne and a reign that will last forever.
Revelation 1:4b-8: Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the first to rise from death, and the ruler of all kings. He has freed us by shedding his blood and has made us a kingdom of priests. He is the beginning and the end, and will be seen by all people when he comes with the clouds of heaven.
John 18:33-37: Pilate asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews. Jesus replies that his kingdom is not of this world. When Pilate seeks to confirm that he is a king, Jesus cryptically replies that it is Pilate who says so, but that he came into the world to testify to the truth.
The Reign of God has always been a central focus of the worship of God's people. From the time of the promise to David of an eternal dynasty, the vision of the Reign of God's Monarch has been the hope of God's people. Yet, the challenge has always been to understand God's Reign as of a completely different order from human power systems. In Samuel and in Psalm 132, the "descendant of David" is contrasted with godless people whose lives are wasted, and is associated with worship and God's presence. In Daniel and in Psalm 93, the Reign of God is depicted as glorious and authoritative, but also as being manifest through one who is "like a son of man". In Revelation this one is seen as Jesus, who is revealed in glory, and whose sacrifice is seen as the primary act in bringing God's Reign into the world. Finally, in the encounter between Jesus and Pilate, the difference between human rulership and God's Reign is starkly shown, as Jesus explains that he claims no human kingship, but is the king of a realm that is not of this world. It is a kingdom of truth and justice. The challenge of this week's celebration is to avoid triumphalism. We are not to make God's Reign out to be the same as human power systems, only stronger, more dominant, and longer lasting. Rather, we are to recognise God's Reign in acts of compassion and justice, in service and sacrifice, and in the challenge to human systems to give up their obsession with war and conquest in order to build a world of peace and love for all.
The thumbnails
and reflections excerpted from sacredise.com
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Worship Ministries Updates
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Altar Guild
A sign-up sheet for the Christmas poinsettias will be in the Narthex through December 2nd. The cost will be $15. Donations for the greens on the altar would also be appreciated. Also, the 2019 Flower Chart is on the bulletin board. Please choose a date to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or a loved one.
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Formation Ministries News
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Theological Thrillers
The session of Theological Thrillers scheduled for December 1 has been cancelled. The possibility of rescheduling will be considered at a later date.
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PARKING IN THE NEW LOT
In order to keep the flat space parking open for folks with handicap stickers (3 spaces) and those with mobility issues (4 spaces), on busy weekday meeting days, choir practice Saturdays, and of course Sundays, please keep the flat space parking open for folks with handicap stickers and those with mobility issues. We all parked on the street for decades. We now have a parking lot but it is not big enough for all of us. Let's please be sure it can help the folks who need it. If not a busy meeting day or choir practice day, use the open flat spaces with a smile.
Pete Stryker
Cell 312 504 8268
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Cooking with God's Bounty
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Turkey & Cranberry Quesadilla
Ingredients
- 2 flour tortillas
- ½ to 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup shredded Turkey
- ¼ c. cranberry sauce
- 1 T. butter
- chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sprinkle grated Swiss cheese all over one side of a tortilla.
- Add turkey. I pulled it apart, kind of shredding it, with my fingers.
- Then add another layer of cheese.
- Next spread cranberry sauce over those layers.
- Sprinkle another layer of cheese.
- Put the other tortilla on top of the whole thing. Melt butter in a skillet,over medium heat. As soon as the butter is melted add the quesadilla. I like to cover my skillet with a lid because it helps warm the whole quesadilla. Let fry until golden brown. Flip, cover with a lid, and let the other side get brown.It should take just a few minutes
- Remove quesadilla to a cutting board. Allow to rest for a minute or two. Cut into wedges.
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Vestry Liaisons
V
estry Liaisons' primary purpose is to assure two-way communications between the various groups and the
Vestry,
to represent the groups 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
Ad
ministrative Asst.: Fräni Beadle
O
rganist/Pianist: Robin French, Nancy Cook
Choir Director: Pat Terry
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November 25, 2018
Sunday Morning Eucharist
Last Sunday after Pentecost
10:30am
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Steve Coates
1st Chalicist:
Bill Boehler
Karlyn Van Gelder
Acolyte:
Molly Beadle
Vestry Coordinator:
Pam Malik
Greeter:
Diann Marsh
Altar Guild:
Charlotte Stryker & Pat Golden
Presider: Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
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Advent 1
December 2, 2018
Eucharistic readings
Psalm 25:1-9
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
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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 Prayer
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:
November OR check out the goog
le
calendar on the new website
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Copies of sermons and e-Blasts are available on the Narthex table.
Comments on this e-Blast may be sent here
Sermons are
often posted as audio files on the rector's Facebook page.
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**
If you put out trash, please put in a secure trash can.
Thanks to all for your cooperation. **
11/25 - Thanksgiving Leftover Potluck
12/2 - Mikelson
12/9 - Serwich/Kennedy
R
eminder for hosts:
Napkins and plates
are provided. Use
what you need from
our pantry to the right
of the coffee maker.
Remember: Keep it simple. We usually have about 20-25 attending.
**Coffee schedule sign up is in the Parish House kitchen.**
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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.
Audio files, along with recent archived sermons may be found in the "Worship" tab of the Grace Church website or at this link:
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Grace Galena Sermon
25th after Pentecost |
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| Grace Galena Sermon 26th after Pentecost |
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