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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. The red bags are available in the Narthex. A suggestion list of what items are needed is in each bag. Please return the filled bags 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 Paris
Last chance! 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 immediately if you would be interested in attending! I must submit our names this weekend.
Gloria+
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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!
Resurrection Garden Recommital 
As the All Saints Sunday liturgy comes to a close on Sunday, November 4, we will process to the new Resurrection Garden for a brief service of Recommital for the urns that have been placed in their new resting spots. As usual, on that day, we will remember those loved ones who have gone before us with chimes and lighting of candl
es. If you have a loved one who died within the past twelve months, please provide the name of the loved one and date of death to the church office.
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.
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Today, I will use my column for a letter "Listening to Women" from Bp. Lee last week:
October 10, 2018
Dear Friends,
In the last several weeks, I have watched and listened as women from all walks of life, both in and out of the church, have demonstrated courage and conviction by sharing their stories of being sexually abused and harassed by men. These women, many of them inspired by the brave and quiet dignity of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, have left me with a profound sense of the brokenness of our current politics and culture in which the damage done by men who abuse women is compounded by dismissal, derision, and sometimes even with mockery.
Through this difficult time, I have been especially grateful for the leaders of our diocese, both clergy and lay, who have listened to women's stories and offered compassion, pastoral support, and the assurance that here in the Episcopal Church, we believe women and are committed to ending abuse and harassment in all its forms.
If you are struggling with memories or experiences of abuse or harassment and would find pastoral support helpful, please know that our diocese is home to clergy and lay leaders who will listen without judgment, who will believe you, and who will grieve with you. Please call Anna Stefaniak, associate for human resources, at 312-751-4202, and we will be sure you receive the support and care you need.
For some, the church is a safe and healing place. But I am painfully aware that other women, men and children are survivors of abuse at the hands of the church and its leaders. If you need to make a confidential report about abuse or harassment that has happened within the church, please
email Dr. Melissa Perrin, the intake officer for disciplinary matters, or call her at 847-864-8874.
If, like me, these recent events have made you even more mindful of the need to listen to women, I commend to you these recent sermons (below) by several priests of our diocese who have reflected on the news of the day in light of the Gospel. For, although political events may divide us, we are united by our commitment to follow Jesus, who stood against injustice and discrimination, who showed mercy to sinners, and who counted on a woman-Mary Magdalene-to spread the good news that he had risen. Especially in the midst of these divisive times, let us strive to do likewise.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee
Bishop of Chicago
For the sermon excerpts mentioned above, go
here
See you in church,
Gloria+
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READINGS:
Isaiah 53:4-12: The suffering servant carried our sickness and suffering, was pierced for our transgression, and though he was oppressed did not open his mouth. Though he had done nothing wrong, he was killed and crushed, but God's plans will be fulfilled through him, and he will make others righteous.
Psalm 91:9-16: God promises protection and rescue to those who are devoted to God, and who trust in God, crying out to God in times of trouble.
Hebrews 5:1-10: High priests offer gifts and sacrifices on behalf of the people and deals with them gently, because he is aware of his own weakness. In the same way, Jesus was appointed by God, and offered prayer for his life to God, who saved him. Now he offers salvation to those who trust him.
Mark 10:35-45: James and John ask Jesus to be allowed to sit at his right and left when Jesus enters glory. Then after assuring them that they will share in his suffering, Jesus teaches all the disciples that those who want to be great among his disciples must be the servant of all, just as Jesus came to serve and not be served.
What does greatness mean? In the Lectionary this week we are confronted with the greatness of the suffering servant who is persecuted and suffers for the sake of others. We encounter God's glory in God's compassionate rescue of those who cry out to God. We recognise the greatness of Jesus whom God has appointed as a high priest because he journeyed through suffering and is able to offer salvation. And we learn that those who are great in God's Reign are those who are willing to be the servants of all - just as Jesus came not to be served but to serve. The contrast between the God of creation and the suffering servant, Jesus, is a powerful way for the Lectionary to address the question of greatness. While God has all the power and glory that the name implies, even God does not express God's greatness in domination and conquest. Rather, in the incarnation, God's glory and greatness are revealed through humility, service and the embrace of suffering. For those who seek greatness on God's terms, we must expect that the same should be true for us - and this is exactly what Jesus taught. The challenge for us this week is to decide whether we can find the courage to define greatness in this way, and, if we can, to live as "great ones" in God's Reign.
The thumbnails
and reflections come from sacredise.com,
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We passed the plumbing inspection and just one small item is needed for the fire inspector.
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.
Keys for new parish hall door are available from Frani. 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
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Hospitality Ministries News
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ALL SAINTS CHILI
On Sunday, November 4th, we will have our Annual All Saints Chili Lunch instead of the usual coffee hour.
Please bring a small container of chili for the common pot. There will be two choices: meat and vegetarian.
We also need a couple people to bring cornbread and tossed salad. A dessert or two would be nice.
If you plan to bring something other than chili, please let Lynn Giles know.
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Formations Ministries News
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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..
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Buildings and Grounds News
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OVERWINTERING--MEDITATION GARDEN POND
Good day all! Just wanted to let you know our plans for the meditation garden pond over winter . . . we will be putting out a minnow trap (hopefully in the next few days) to gather as many goldfish as we can and bring them to our pond (we have a de-icer). The frogs will be quite happy in the muck in the bottom. We'll leave the lily to over-winter in the pond. Once most of the leaves are down we will clean out the shelves a bit. Although we understand it's been closed up in past years, we've always left our ponds open so we'd like to do the same here. And, we will be keeping an eye on the pond over the winter.
Best regards,
Don & Crystal Mason
815.777.3792
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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
Administrative Asst.: Fräni Beadle
Organist/Pianist: Robin French, Nancy Cook
Choir Director: Pat Terry
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October 21, 2018
Sunday Morning Eucharist
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
10:30am
For quick reference, find Sunday's readings by clicking here:
The Lectionary
Ministers of the
Service:
Lector:
Lynn Giles
1st Chalicist:
Bill Boehler
Greg Serwich
Acolyte:
Richard Luther
Vestry Coordinator:
Debbie Pausz
Greeter:
Amy Hardwicke
Altar Guild:
Alice Maffit &Pam Malik
Presider: Rev. Dr. Gloria Hopewell
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21st Sunday after Pentecost
October 14, 2018
Eucharistic readings
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
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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:
October 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. **
10/21 - Giles/Smith
10/28 -New Parish House Celebration
11/4 - All Saints
11/11 - Hardwicke/Malik
11/18 - Choir-St. Andrews
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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