Grace Episcopal Church  
Week of October 14, 2018 
Twenty First Sunday after Pentecost
10:30am
Anniversaries :
Robert & Diann Marsh
Tony & Linda Packard 
Coming Right Up! 
Red Bag Giving   Our next Red Bags Outreach undertaking is to provide paper and personal hygiene products for the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry. On Sunday, October 14th, the red bags will be distributed at church. A suggestion list of what items are needed will be in each bag. Please return the filled bags in two weeks on Sunday, October 28th. If you prefer to donate money, that is also greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity. 

Celebration of Companion Relationship
with Diocese of Renk (and with Glory Parish)
 
 
The photos are from the special Canapes and Conversation held at Bonnielynn Kreiser's home this week to welcome Bp. Joseph and his wife, Rota.
Grace Church has also received a special invitation to a celebration on Saturday, October 27 at St. Michael's, Barrington from 10 am-1 pm. In addition to the celebration of the diocesan partnership, Grace Church will be recognized for its 15 year relationship with Glory Parish!   
  
It would be wonderful to have a group of Grace folk join me in attending this event. And, I would also love to have any of your stories about the parish partnership as it goes back several years before my time at Grace. Here is the scoop:
   
Beverages and pastries will be provided in the m orning and lunch will be served at noon.    Please let me know if you would be interested in attending with me!
  
Gloria+ 

PARISH HOUSE CELEBRATION AND DEDICATION
At Last! The moment we have been waiting for!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 28
when we will celebrate the completion of the new parish house. The celebration will begin in the church at the end of worship, moving to the new kitchen/ fellowship area for a dedication and lunch. The entree will be provided. Please bring a salad, beverage, or dessert to share. People and churches from Galena will join us for dessert following the luncheon, so, if you're bringing dessert, include a bit extra!  
 
After Prom Fundraiser
Henry Anderson will have tickets at church on Sunday for a chicken dinner being served at the Elks on Wednesday, October 17th from 5-7 pm. Tickets are $10 each and carryout is available. You can call Henry at 815-281-1918 if you have questions.

Rides to Vote
If anyone one needs a ride to the court house for either early voting or their polling place on November 6th, election day, please contact one of the following: Al or Cathie Elsbree 815-777-2469, Georgia Hansen 312-771-4946, or Bonnielynn Kreiser 815-777-1468.
Rector's Ramblings 
One of our parishioners told me the other day that when he receives three "nudges" about something, he decides it is time to pay attention. I am wondering if that is happening to me. I think I can discern two nudges--just waiting for the third to poke me.
     The first one was my stroll through the new parish house yesterday, iPhone camera in hand, recording the latest developments for this e-Blast, being able to share the space with some visitors to Galena, and indulging in some daydreams about the possibilities it will provide for our ministries at Grace.
     The second was receiving, on the very same day, by e-mail a report on Glory Parish in Renk, South Sudan, thanking us for our generosity, telling how our contributions had been put to use (priest's salary, relief, and church maintenance), and reporting on present needs. This news from Rev. Deborah tells us that many people are finally returning home to Renk from Kartoum, Uganda, Kenya, and camps within Sudan. Before their return, the congregation had to move to its Sunday School building to pray because the church is in dire need of renovation. Now, that Sunday School building is too small to hold all of the people--usually 150-200 per Sunday. I cannot manage to copy the photos that came along with the report.
     Well, it may be that the third nudge came last night. Bp. Joseph was asked what it is that keep him and his people going through so many years of war and privation. His answer was "faith." And it was "prayers." The prayers we offer for Glory Parish each and every Sunday. And I wonder if the nudges are telling me that if we truly put our hearts into those prayers, a way might be found to multiply the gifts that we offer. That our own close-to-being-realized-dream of a building to meet our congregation's needs might expand beyond a dream for the people of Glory. 
      
See you in church,
Gloria+      
Preparation for Sunday  
READINGS:
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15: The prophet calls God's people to turn to justice and compassion in order to avert God's wrath and avoid God's judgement. Those who reject justice and righteousness, who lie and exploit others, will not get to enjoy their homes or their produce, but those who seek good, and establish justice may receive God's grace. 
Psalm 90:12-17
: A plea for God to return to God's people and have compassion on them, filling them with God's love so that they can rejoice and celebrate, and so that their works may last.
Hebrews 4:12-16: God's word is sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing into the deepest parts of our beings and judging our thoughts and intentions. Therefore we need to keep our trust in Jesus who was tempted in every way, as we are but did not sin. In him we can draw near to God's throne and find grace.
 
Mark 10:17-31: A wealthy man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus answers that he must follow the commandments - which the man claims he has done. Then Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow him, at which point the man goes away sad. Then Jesus teaches that it is very hard for the wealthy to enter God's Reign. When Peter points out that the disciples have left everything to follow him, Jesus responds that those who have left behind loved ones and possessions for the Reign of God will receive much more in return, both in this life and in the one to come.
 

Every community has suffering people, but often these people find themselves feeling isolated and marginalised even within our churches. Too often we try to avoid facing or acknowledging the reality of suffering, and in the process we leave sufferers feeling hurt, humiliated and lonely. This week, is there a "wealth that you can give to the poor" in your community? Whether it's a wealth of friendship or compassion or support, we do have wealth to offer struggling, sick and lonely people. The friendship, the "standing with" and the acknowledgment is often a far more powerful gift than any material help we can offer - which sometimes only confirms our superiority and further disempowers. Furthermore, when we face suffering ourselves, it is always important that we have the humility to receive the help and compassion of others, and not embrace a proud, stoic aloofness. It is only as we walk through suffering together that we can really experience and reflect the mercy and compassion of God.

The thumbnails and reflections come from sacredise.com,
Parish House Update 
We passed the lift inspection today - yea!
 
Plumbing inspection is tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
Then, we ask the city to do their final and hope they give us occupancy permit.
 
Movers lined up for 23rd in the afternoon and 24th as needed.
 
Tables for conference room to ship on 10/15. We will use them downstairs until the main room tables arrive - to ship 10/29.
Acoustic panels to ship 10/12.
 
No update as yet on paving or sewer line burial. This rain is a pain in Spain, mainly on the Plain as well as to Galena.
 
Pieced in the carpet into the chapel (not by me, by the carpet installer for the new building. He is talented. Not so for me.) Need to add one more trim board to be painted and this will be in good shape.
 
Charlotte Kennedy is taking on the "moving the kitchen" project - the movers will do the heavy work. Just need the new cabinets loaded up and then moved around a bit until all are comfortable with how it all works. She will need 2 or 3 volunteers to help.  No kitchen organization is perfect from day 1. Never.
 
If we do not need it or use it, don't move it. This is why they invented garage sales and dumpsters.
 
New gothic windows even without the stained glass yet installed look great. Still need to trim them on the outside and inside.  
 
New kitchen looks great with the appliances installed (except for coffee maker) Chairs are in the main room. Carpet is in. 

I will have keys for new parish hall door on Sunday and Frani will have supply next week. If you need one, no problem. Keys to the church front door will remain the same.
Keys to the sacristy can be tossed - this door is now closed off from the inside.  Space to be used for coats and candle sticks.

Pete Stryker
Cell 312 504 8268
Formations Ministries News 
The next session of Theological Thrillers, on C. S. Lewis's Pereladra, will take place on Saturday, October 20, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  in the parish hall.   There will be a very brief summary of the previous novel in Lewis's "space trilogy,"  Out of the Silent Planet, for those who have only read Perelandra and are joining us for the first time.  See Larry Poston for details.

November's TT will be led by Bill Boehler on Saturday, November 3rd. If interested please see Bill for a book or call him at 563-581-2749..
Cooking with God's Bounty 


Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta

Ingredients
  • 1 bunch 1/2 lb kale 
  • 1/2 lb angel hair pasta 
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil 
  • 2 Tbsp butter 
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced 
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 
  • Pinch salt and pepper 
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional) 
Instructions
  1. Pull the kale leaves from the woody stems and tear them into small 1 to 2-inch pieces. Rinse the torn kale well in a colander under cool, running water and allow it to drain.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Break the pasta in half, add it to the boiling water, and cook until al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, add the olive oil, butter, and minced garlic to another large pot or skillet. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Add the kale and continue to sauté until the kale has wilted and has turned a deep green color (about 5-7 minutes). Turn the heat off.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the pot with the sautéed kale. Toss the pasta and kale together. Allow them to cool to the point that steam is no longer rising from the pot. You want the pasta warm, but not hot enough to melt the Parmesan.
  5. Season the pasta and kale with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your liking. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes over top if desired.
Leadership  
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           


Administrative Asst.:      Fräni Beadle  
Organist/Pianist:            Robin French, Nancy Cook        
Choir Director:               Pat Terry
 
This Sunday 
In This Issue
Title
Outreach Ministries
Coming Right Up!
Preparing for Sunday
Vestry Liaisons
Taking Note of This Sunday
Next Sunday's Readings
Grace's Prayer List
Meetings this Week
Choir Schedule
Calendar
Resources
Coffee Hour Reminders
Ministry of Care
Boring Details
October 14, 2018
Sunday Morning Eucharist
21st Sunday after Pentecost 
10:30am 
 
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary

Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Richard Luther
1st Chalicist:
Diane Luther
2nd Chalicist: 
Cathie Elsbree
Acolyte:
Molly Beadle
Vestry Coordinator:
Debbie Pausz
Greeter:
Karen Serwich
Altar Guild:
Alice Maffit & Frani Beadle
Presider: Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell

Next Sunday's
Readings: 
21st Sunday after Pentecost
October 14, 2018
Eucharistic readings
for your own study: 
Amos 5:6-7,10-15 
Psalm 90:12-17           
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31   
Grace's Prayer List
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."
Meetings this Week 
Wednesday Events  
7:30 am
Midweek Morning Eucharist
 
8:10 am
Community Breakfast at Victory Café   
 
Cursillo Reunion  
St. Francis Room
 
10:30 am
Morning Bible Study Parish House
All are welcome!
Grace's Choir Practice
Wednesdays at 7pm
Saturdays at 10am
Looking Ahead 
For current and upcoming events, download a copy of the calendar with this link:    
October  OR check out the goog le
calendar on the new website
Sermons and e-Blasts 
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.  
Sunday Social Hour Hosts
** If you put out trash, please put in a secure trash can. Thanks to all for your cooperation. **
 
 
10/7 - World Comm. Sunday
10/14 - Packard/Marsh
10/21 - Giles/Smith
10/28  -New Parish House Celebration
11/4 - All Saints
 

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.**
Formation Schedule  
You can now get information on Formation Ministries directly from the new Grace website at the following links: Children and Youth Adults
Spiritual Practices

Ministry of Care 
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.   
 
 
   
Sept. 9, 2018 Diane Luther Homily 
Sept. 9, 2018 Diane Luther Homily
 

 
Grace Galena Sermon 19th after Pentecost 
Grace Galena Sermon 19th after Pentecost
 
 These audio files, along with recent archived sermons may be found in the "Worship" tabl of the Grace Church website or at this link:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   The Rev Dr. Gloria Hopewell, Rector
Cell Phone:  773-988-3497

Grace Episcopal Church Office:
309 Hill Street
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-2590