Date: July 11th 2010
Messenger
June July 2010
Mission Trip 2010
The first full week of June, 15 youth missioners from Grace and 1 from St. Matthew’s and 1 friend went to work with Habitat for Humanity in Findlay, Ohio. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church graciously housed us in their fairly new youth ministry building called the D.O.C.K (Doors Open for Christ’s Kingdom – cool, huh?!). They let us use their space, their kitchen, their showers, and their indoor basketball facilities, and provided us with rather comfortable mattresses for all! Karen, our contact on the Habitat board, and her husband Josh, welcomed us with pizza and locally made Dietsch’s ice cream, made us brown bag lunches one day, and had us over for a BBQ and swim on our last night. Trinity Episcopal Church hosted us for evening prayer and pasta dinner, and local corporations sponsoring work-days on the Habitat houses let us work with their people and share in the lunches they provided. In addition to helping in the construction of two new houses alo
ngside other volunteers and the future owners, we also worked on two demolition projects and in the new Habitat Re-Store. Pictures can be seen on the screen in the narthex.
Many thanks to Mike Heyer, Jim and Ruth Moore, Sabine McDowell, Tim Wooldridge and Roger Haddock who organized and chaperoned this trip along with me. (It was Ruth and Jim’s 15th and Mike’s 10th! –and my 3rd.)
Here are this year’s graduating seniors’ reflections that they shared at both services on Sunday, June 13th, the day after we returned. They sure make us proud! ~rev. emily+
Holly Haddock – 4 years on the Mission Trip
After each year of high school, right around the end of May, one week of trying to build a house for Habitat stared me down. Especially in the first year, I was joining with a group that I had spent no more than a few Sunday mornings with. As I packed and headed out to Alpena, Michigan for the first trip, the connection between Kirkwood and non-Kirkwood people like myself was almost instantaneous. I realized that the week would be a stress-free time and that I could have some fun. I thought as long as I worked on the mission for Habitat, I would find it to be a memorable experience.
On the first day at the job site, all I could see were four walls of foundation and some dirt. Twenty minutes later, projects were emerging from these walls… and everyone there, whether they knew what they were doing or not, worked hard to get their task done. The contractor even left earlier than he had expected to get more materials and to then kick up the speed of progress. It was surprising for me to see everyone grab a tool and get down to work.
On top of the hard work at the Alpena house, the group of teens came together and connected into a makeshift family; everyone getting to know each other and learn their likes and dislikes. I learned who would be going to see Dave Matthews Band just like me that summer, and who read the good Jodi Picoult books, too.
From that summer, I wasn’t afraid to sign up for the next year’s trip to Sewanee. New people were added to the group, and others moved on to college, but that still didn’t stop us from acting like a clan by about the 12th hour of the trip. We painted almost every bit of the Sewanee house, it felt like, while jamming to Mike Heyer’s collection of Coldplay. On top of that we made a special heart club, where 5 of us girls and Jim always will have a connection. And yet again one of the most memorable points of the trip was the reaction that the contractor had of our group. We received the dubious golden shovel from Dixon, which now is displayed somewhere at Grace, and represents the extreme hard work all of the teens put into making a home for those in need.
The next year at Dowagiac, I worked on siding and the garage: two things that I wouldn’t lay a hand on at my house, but when it was with a group of peers working for a mission, I was glad to help. Besides work, we played a lot of card games, encountered a terrifying little mouse in the chapel at compline time, and hiked a massive sand dune off of Lake Michigan. Everyone managed to make some fun out of whatever they were doing, and if you weren’t satisfied enough, we knew we could pick on Mike to take us for ice cream pretty much every day of the trip. To help you, you would have Jim who knew the locations of ice cream stores, just because he loved it so much.
The ride back to St. Louis my third year left me with emptiness because I felt there was one part of the mission week I didn’t know about quite yet.
My final year of mission work was this year, right after high school graduation; so I felt like I should know the most out of the group about these trips. As I went to the Findlay job site and was handed a nail apron I knew I could do a pretty good job of hammering after those four years of experience. I also knew I could stand on a ladder, spot a ladder for someone, or level up something by making it flush. Technical concepts stop after 4 o’clock though, when we pack up, and so what I was looking to know was the true meaning of mission. Emily told us on Sunday night that mission means to be sent from God, and to work in his will. So finally, I collaborated all my loose thoughts about building the house and put them under one concept. That I was working in God’s will, and for the better cause to give homes to families and people needing assistance. I knew that this week would be different than just hammering and leveling, but it would be about God’s own work. <
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And so, through God this week I saw a whole community of different professions put on their hard hats and work together with us teens to build not houses but dreams for their true friends. The homeowners were there to assist their own project, working in sweat right along side every volunteer. God’s grace instilled the perseverance into everyone to get each task done on the site, and as soon as I realized this, the meaning of a mission became as clear now as it ever will be.
Each trip that I signed myself up for, and raised money for to donate to Habitat and the community’s services, was to accomplish something truly spectacular in giving someone the gift of a home. It is not about the number of scrapes or black fingers you give yourself from hammering, but it is about the feeling of seeing smiles and appreciation by the homeowners and the contractors and the community.
Going on a mission trip for four years, I understand that every bit of work you do all week, even if its moving dirt piles across the lot or holding someone’s ladder, goes towards the ultimate goal of giving someone in need a roof over their heads, and a better life. And that is truly the goal God wants us all to make.
Dan Gottschalk – 3 years on the Mission Trip
It seems as though it were only yesterday that I found myself facing the first step in the stairwell of high school, and now I find myself here with four more years of experience and four years deeper in my faith. This was my last mission trip out of three that I was so privileged to attend, and here I am wishing I had more time to give. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” So was my experience on the mission trips.
Before I started going I felt a void in my life, a void that I couldn’t explain, my parents suggested (in so many words) that I give back to a community that had given me so much, I then realized that this could fill my void. I started out and I couldn’t believe the things I began to learn. Lessons of patience even with those who test yours. Lessons of compassion towards those unknown to us, and most of all the variations of God that can be seen if we but care to look. Every day on this last mission trip we were asked to specifically pick one place out of the day where we saw God, and one place that was a breaking point, this later became referred to as the rose and thorn of our days. I found it challenging to look back and pick out these moments, but it gradually became easier as my mind opened to the possibility of God’s evolvement in our everyday lives. This knowledge startled and confused me, but so is the mystery of God. Another question was asked during a
game we played and it was a question that had troubled me all my life, the question was whether or not in our lives we had doubts that God existed, and I freely admitted that I had doubted, but then I had a small scale epiphany these questions are tests of faith and when you come to the conclusion that you still believe, your faith is made stronger. It’s in these questions that you come into a closer relationship with God.
When I look back and I see those things I realize that you can find God in the smallest of places, whether it be thankfulness that your fellow missioners didn’t sustain injury, or seeing God in a young child you have but begun to know. I feel that it’s at such a time where I know our God is real, and it’s at that time that my faith is reaffirmed.
Sophia Davis – 2 years on the Mission Trip
Fittingly, today’s gospel is about service. It’s that well known story that starts when Jesus goes over to a Pharisee’s house for dinner. Somehow, a “sinful woman” also shows up. She begins to cry all over Jesus’ feet, then whips out a jar of pricey ointment, and proceeds to bathe Jesus’ feet with her tears and this oil, and dry them with her hair.
Now, we’ve all heard about how in biblical times, everyone wore sandals, and thus their feet tended to be grimy, and covered in whatever gross stuff was to be found in the streets of Middle Eastern towns in those early years AD. Jesus may have been the son of God, but I bet his feet were just as disgusting as the next guy’s. So this woman is not only touching all this, but transferring the grit and dirt (mixed with sticky, perfumed oils) into her hair.
…If you can imagine the opposite of a Pantene ProV shampoo commercial(?) … her hair probably looked like that.
THAT is service —doing something kind or helpful for someone else even though it may make you UNcomfortable, and getting nothing in return except for that happy feeling of accomplishment and self worth, and sometimes, like the woman in the story, forgiveness.
In a way, this was the kind of service we did this past week in Findlay, Ohio. In the process of building a house for a family, we became quite familiar with sun burns; aches, pains, scrapes, and bruises of various shapes and sizes; hard-hat hair; ruined clothing; sweat, mud, and body odor. We experienced feelings of boredom—due to the hurry-up-and-wait nature of construction, and frustration (when each construction crew leader told us to do a task slightly differently than the last one had instructed us to do it). And all of this while giving up one of the first precious weeks of summer and all the relaxation and fun we could have had here at home. At the end of each day, however, our discomforts were outweighed by an immense satisfaction with what we had accomplished. But I guess this is the same clichéd “we suffered but we feel great about what we did” lesson that comes to mind every time we do volunteer work.
It’s harder to remember the other sort of service performed on mission trips —that of the recipient.
Grace Church Policy on Concerning Alcohol
Church Functions on Church Property:
All applicable federal, state, and local laws are to be obeyed. Under no circumstances may minors sell or distribute alcoholic beverages. Distributing alcoholic beverages to those intoxicated is also prohibited.
The furnishing of alcoholic beverages is limited to beer or wine and other low alcohol content beverages only. Hard liquor is not provided.
Whenever alcohol is served, non-alcoholic alternatives are always provided with equal attractiveness and accessibility.
Food is always provided when alcohol is available.
Alcoholic beverages and food containing alcohol are clearly labeled as such.
The serving of alcoholic beverages is confined to church events that are purely social in nature. Consumption of alcoholic beverages on church property is not appropriate before, during, or after church-related activities such as choir rehearsals, vestry or committee meetings, or any other work of the church.
Alcoholic beverages are not to be served to or consumed by anyone at any church event directed to or including minors, such as elementary and high school events, scouting events, or similar events.
The serving of alcoholic beverages at church events is not publicized as an attraction of the event.
“Open bars”- in which for one fee unlimited alcoholic drinks are supplied- are not allowed.
Whenever drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) are served at a church event, individuals may not bring their own alcoholic beverages as a supplement to what is being provided.
Any group or organization who rents the facility must abide by this policy and is required to obtain, prior to the event, an event rider or certificate of insurance naming the church as a loss payee and showing limits of liquor liability equal to the church’s liability.
Drunkenness is inappropriate and unacceptable at church events.
Chemical usage other than alcohol is clearly controlled under federal, state, and local laws and, as such, is forbidden at any function.
Any exception to this policy must have the approval of the Executive Committee, with report to the Vestry.
Church Functions outside of Church Property:
Church-related functions which include minors are to be alcohol free……youth mission trips, choir camps, confirmation off sites, etc……….
Church related functions, such as fundraisers, progressive dinners, summer socials, etc., must adhere to the onsite policy.
Any exceptions must be approved by the Executive Committee with report to the Vestry prior to the event.
Rationale
Alcohol is a mood-altering, potentially addictive drug. The third leading health problem in the United States, alcohol abuse is a problem for more than 20 million Americans, roughly 10% of the population. The damage of alcohol addiction is inflicted on millions more, as families are fractured and torn apart by the addict’s behavior.
In the United States, one person is killed every half hour due to drunk driving. By serving alcohol at church events, we run the risk of people driving while intoxicated, threatening their own safety and the welfare of the communities.
Chances are, at least 1 in every 10 members in our congregations abuses or is addicted to alcohol. By adhering to this policy we will model moderation in the consumption and serving of alcohol in our churches. This policy is sensitive to those e who suffer from alcohol abuse, while allowing us to demonstrate hospitality and fellowship without reliance on alcoholic beverages.
This policy was adopted by the Vestry on April 13,2010 and is based on the recommendations from the Bishop’s Committee for the Episcopal Recovery Ministries.
Tabernacle and Sanctuary Lamp
Grace Church was offered and has accepted a gift of a tabernacle and sanctuary lamp. These gifts are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Norma Radeackar and the Reverend Irene Jones by Donald Radeackar.
The word tabernacle is derived from the Latin tabernaculum, meaning “a temporary shelter or a hut.” The tabernacle was the movable tent shrine transported by the Hebrews during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. On or by the altar of many Christian churches is a tabernacle – a small compartment that houses the consecrated sacrament of bread and wine, Christ’s body and blood. It is held in reserve to take to those who are homebound or hospitalized. Grace has a long tradition of reserving the sacrament but did not have a special place to keep it until we received this gift.
Many churches – both liturgical and nonliturgical – keep a candle surrounded by glass burning near the altar. Its presence signifies that Jesus is the “Light of the World” that never fades (John 8:12). The sanctuary lamp will be installed above the tabernacle; its light will indicate that the consecrated sacrament from the Eucharist is present in the tabernacle.
With consultation and considerable help from Clark Davis, we have decided to locate the tabernacle within the existing credence cabinet, located beside the altar. It is placed on the top shelf, in the same location that the reserved sacrament has been kept for many years. It was dedicated and placed into service at a special Eucharist on June 13. The sanctuary lamp is being handcrafted from a design by Clark Davis and will be dedicated and installed at a future date.
I wish to sincerely thank Don for his continued generosity and Clark for sharing his considerable talent and time. Thank you also to David Jayne for his persistence in seeing this project to completion.
In Christ’s name,
Todd +
Sunday Morning Christian Formation
FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
No Sunday School, beginning May 30th.
Nursery open every Sunday 10:00am – 11:30am.
FOR ADULTS: The Rector’s Forum
“Good News for All: The Gospel of Luke”
Adult education forum will take a summer break as of May 23rd. We will resume this series on September 12, 2010.
Christian Formation on weekdays …
Monthly (usually First Mondays, but summer dates will vary)
6:30-8:30p.m. – Holy Ground – Women’s Spirituality & Pot Luck
Join us for divine potluck, deep sharing, spiritual exploration of various kinds, and an intimate Eucharist.
Tuesdays
9:30-10a.m. – Holy Eucharist (Bethlehem Chapel)
10-11:45a.m. – Women’s Study Group (Kean Library)
A rich delving into all kinds of books! We read, discuss, share, and talk about faith, theology, and life. Contact Susan Leach for details.
Wednesdays
8:30-9:15a.m. – Mystics and Meditation (in the Sanctuary upstairs)
Melding intellectual pursuit and spiritual practice, we begin with 20 minutes of centering prayer/meditation, proceed to lectio divina focusing on mystical texts from the Bible and beyond, and close with discussion. All are welcome. Contact Rev. Emily with questions.
9:30 am—Morning Prayer Service (Bethlehem Chapel)
Second and Fourth Wednesdays
Noon – 1:30p.m. – Grief Group (currently reading Living Fully, Dying Well)
We gather with Rev. Emily and Rev. Doris Westfall at St. Matthew’s 2 miles north of Grace Church (1551 Bennett Ave. in Warson Woods, zip code 63122) to eat our brown bag lunches, share, read, discuss, encourage and support each other. All are welcome. Call Rev. Emily for details.
VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS
May 11, 2010 Meeting
Convention Delegate/Metro III Update
Yvonne Johnson reviewed the meeting of Metro III on May 8. Focus was on the green initiative taken by many churches. The Grace program was presented by Sabine McDowell. Community gardens have been undertaken by many churches in the diocese. Next Metro III meeting to be July 17 at Emmanuel, focusing on what churches are doing to grow. A second meeting is planned for September 11, focusing on a resolution to convention concerning the White Fund and greening the churches.
Treasurer's Report
Mike Heyer, Treasurer, reported that results for the month of April were disappointing. Pledge income was down $9,187 or 29.6% below budget. This was stated as the greatest concern. Total revenues for the month were also under budget by $6,657 or 17.7%.
Dick Entenmann submitted a 2010 Pledge Analysis Report and discussed the current pledges (168 units) vs those used for final budget prep earlier (185 units) and then discussed "A Deeper Dive" into the 168 pledges. Dick recommended a letter signed by M. Heyer and himself be mailed to the parish to ( 1) thank up-to-date pledgers (2) gently remind those not keeping their pledges up-to-date and (3) ask everyone to consider paying their pledges ahead if they will be away during the summer.
Junior Warden Report
Julie Grossman reported Tom Lillie recommended a bid from Haberberger be solicited for the HVAC work. Harberberger's proposal is expected in two weeks. Julie also noted that all companies consulting on HVAC improvements suggest the first priority is window replacement.
Building Usage Policy: Julie reported meeting with Shari Bonham and Rebecca Harrison to devise policies for Grace building usage. An itemized list will be drawn up outlining prices for the use of items such as plates, kitchen appliances, sound system, etc. They are working on a liability waiver form and a list of contacts for emergencies during facility rental.
Property Committee: Julie wishes the Vestry to thank Stan Boyle and Jim Willis for moving bulletin boards into Albright Hall and John Dokos for repairing all broken kneelers. Julie asked that broken items be reported to her so she can contact the proper person for repairs. Julie noted the great job being done by Peggy Capriglione and her volunteers. There are still openings for donations toward the church landscaping.
Grocery Coupons: Coupons will now be available after the 8 and 10am services . Julie asked all Vestry to support this fundraiser.
Senior Warden Report
Dick Entenmann asked for interest in a Greentree Parade float this year. A $15 fee and about $200 for materials would be required. Consensus was that this should be done. Application deadline is approaching. Dick will follow up.
Assistant to the Rector Report
The Rev. Emily Davis discussed the Community of Hope Event. They are looking for parishioners who have pastoral qualities with the goal of representing Christ to others. There will be training available in the fall. A person to head Pastoral Care Ministry is still needed - more to organize than to visit others.
Twenty Grace youth, along with seven adults, are going on the June mission trip to Findley, Ohio. They will be working with Habitat for Humanity on two houses and in the Re-Store.
Emily gave an overview of the Venture Program, a Boy Scout initiative, for 14 to20-year-old boys and girls. For a yearly fee, those participating in the program can use all scout facilities and are covered by the scout insurance while doing so. There is an introduction to the program following the 10am service on May 16, presented by Paul Compton.
Old Business
Diocesan Mission Initiative: Chris Kurth reported on the Diocesan Mission Initiative meeting held at St. Matthew's on April 27 with a diocesan consultant. The question was asked as to when Grace will be taking action, going beyond the Mission Initiative Committee and involving other parishioners as well. There was discussion on the need to rewrite the Grace mission statement; the need to establish what Grace's mission actually is and what works; discerning who has the passion to lead and get Grace excited about such a program. It was suggested that the Vestry examine what is already being done, work at doing it better and take it further. It was suggested that there is less need for outside consultants and more need for" inside" work. Also noted was the idea that, as a people, Grace needs to discern its resources and how they could best be used.
Capital Campaign: Dick Entenmann reports that the committee feels strongly that an outside consultant is needed. Also noted that Janet Mika will now co-chair with Andy Miller.
New Business
New parish directories are available. Vestry members were asked to pick one up, check their own listing and report any errors or additions to the office.
“Praying Creatively”
A Weekend Retreat for Women
Offered by the Center for Spirituality
The Abbey Barn, New Harmony, Indiana
September 10-12, 2010
This weekend retreat focused on prayer will draw on the creative spark of God dwelling within each of us. The retreat time will center on that “creative spark” as a means to deepen and enhance our prayer life. Participants will have the opportunity to experience what it is to pray while walking a labyrinth, listening to music, playing with clay or paint, baking bread, or walking among sculptures in the historic, picturesque town of New Harmony, Indiana. (New Harmony is located approximately 150 miles east of St. Louis on Hwy. 64 – an easy 2.5 hour drive from downtown St. Louis. Go to http://www.newharmony.biz/ for information about New Harmony.)
The retreat will be led by the Rev. Susan Skinner, an experienced retreat leader, and will be held in The Abbey Barn, a simplistic, monastic-like structure with small single rooms and communal bathrooms. The time will include input from the retreat leader, suggested creative activities, as well as times for silence and group reflections. A part of the creative process will be to help in the preparation of meals. Participants will enjoy the use of the New Harmony Inn grounds and facilities. (Go to http://www.newharmony.biz/images/barn for the Abbey Barn brochure.)
The retreat begins with registration and a simple supper at 5:00 p. m. on Friday, September 10, and concludes with a noon time Eucharist on Sunday, September 12. The $175 fee covers the cost of lodging for two nights, five meals and all materials. A $100 non-refundable deposit is necessary by August 1. The remaining $75 is due at the commencement of the retreat. In order to allow for individual rooms space is limited. (Checks should be made payable to “St. Stephen’s Church – Women’s Retreat” and sent to St. Stephen’s Church; 33 North Clay; Ferguson, MO 63135.) For more information and/or to receive a registration form, contact the Rev. Susan Skinner at scskinner@charter.net or (314) 965-9155.
Come for this time of quiet and creativity. Experience the spark of creativity that lies within you. Enjoy the charm of New Harmony – a place that awakens the senses and touches the spirit.
The Royal School of Church Music
St. Louis Course Choir
SUNDAY, JULY 11
10 AM Mass
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Featuring Vierne’s ‘Messe Solennelle’
and anthems by Howells and Rorem
4 PM Choral Evensong
Grace Episcopal Church, Kirkwood
Music of George Dyson and Simon Lole
including ‘How Bright These Glorious Spirits Shine’
written for the 150th Anniversary of Grace Church
The RSCM Choir is under the direction of
Simon Lole
Simon Lole is one of the most sought-after arrangers in the field of classical-crossover, regularly working as both arranger and musical director for such artists as All Angels, Hayley Westenra and Will Martin. As a composer he has over 60 published titles. Mr. Lole is currently Musical Director for BBC Radio 4’s “Daily Service”. Prior to his appointment at the BBC, he held positions as Music Director at Salisbury Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral and St. Mary’s, Warwick.
Thanks for the Warm Welcome!
Dear Grace Parish Family:
Thank you so much for the warm welcome you gave me on Pentecost, when Todd introduced me to the congregation during the services. I am very glad to be here at Grace to support you in your various ministries; and I am enjoying meeting and getting to know you better. If we haven’t had a chance to meet and you’re in the neighborhood, please take a few minutes to stop by the parish office and introduce yourself.
I am grateful for the help and patient guidance folks have given me these first few weeks, especially our Executive Committee members and staff (Todd, Emily, Fernando and Phillip are wonderful to work with!) Special thanks to Mike Heyer, Dick Entenmann and Julie Grossman for the time they have spent with me; and to Christie Boyle, Janet Heyer, Rebecca Harrison, Jane Cenova and Becky Entenmann who have given so generously of their time to help keep the office running smoothly during this transition and who continue to help and teach me about the many details of how things work at Grace. (There may be others who helped in the office, and if I’ve left you out it only proves how much I still have to learn!)
I really couldn’t have asked for a nicer, better beginning to this new lay ministry I have undertaken, and I am grateful to God for the opportunity to be a part of the ministry entrusted to Grace Episcopal Church.
Angela Bader, Parish Administrator
I wanted to let you know that I have accepted a position as CPE Supervisor and Senior Chaplain at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. "Brrrrr..." Actually, I am very excited about the position and the hospital setting. Both Catherine and I will be even more excited when we sell our house in Kirkwood. Any takers??? Our youngest daughter works in Madison at Univ. Wisc. Hospital and just graduated from UW with a BSN last month (30,000 graduates! Can you believe that?!). We will leave our oldest daughter Samantha and grandson James in St. Louis...sob, sob...but look forward to having James visit us for Wisconsin vacations.
I will start at Meriter on June 28th and my last week at St. Luke's and St. Vincent's will end on the 18th and 20th. We hate to leave St. Louis and our wonderful relationships here that we have enjoyed for 30 years, but the opportunity called out-of-state. Now to learn how to elongate my "Oooo's", appreciate hockey & Lambeau Field, and not cringe at being called a Cheese Head ("Chucky Cheese Head", I've been told...).
Chuck Orme-Rogers
Celebrating Laying of Cornerstone 50 Years Ago
In addition to celebrating the birthday of the Church, May 23, 2010 marked a truly special Pentecost Sunday at Grace. Angela Bader, our new Parish Administrator, was warmly welcomed at both services, the day before starting her new position. Welcome, Angela. We are delighted to have you here! Many long-time members were honored with attractive lapel pins depicting the new Grace logo and 25 or 50 years, and the cornerstone at the northwest corner of the entrance to the narthex was rededicated. Following the 10 a.m. service, a delicious picnic featuring grilled hot dogs and also sides and desserts contributed by parishioners wrapped up the celebrations. Our children were treated to art activities and a huge blow-up on which to play. Altogether, it was a day to remember.
Special thanks to the volunteers led by Barb Manuel and Lisa Jianakoplos who planned and put on the picnic and related activities. Hopefully, you were rewarded by the enthusiasm of those attending. You exemplify the well-known fact that Grace is really good at celebrations!
A note regarding the published lists of 25- and 50-year members: If the year you joined was listed incorrectly, please contact Angela in the church office. If you have been at Grace for more than 25 or 50 years and were inadvertently omitted from the lists, please advise Angela. It is important that our parish record be accurate and complete.
Pledge Payments Made Easy
Put your pledge payment on “Automatic” and leave the rest to us!
Automatic Payment is an easy and convenient way to make your pledge payments to the church by having them automatically debited from your bank checking or savings account each month. By signing up for Automatic Payment, you will:
Free yourself of monthly check writing
Stop worrying about checks being lost or delayed in the mail
Have a record of payments on your bank statements
Save postage and cost of checks
Make payments even when you’re on vacation or out of town
To enroll in the automatic payment program, just contact Fernando Alfonso at the church office (fernando.alfonso@gracekirkwood.org OR 314-821-1806, ext. 11)
Credit cards are also accepted. For more information about automatic payments or credit cards, please call Fernando at 314-821-1806, ext. 11.
The Northern Province of the Moravian Church
The Northern Province of the Moravian Church voted June 18 to enter into full communion with the Episcopal Church. The nearly unanimous voice vote came during an evening session on the second day of the church's June 17-21 quadrennial Provincial Synod at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
"This is an important day in the life of our churches," said David L. Wickmann, president of the Provincial Elders' Conference, Moravian Church North America. "This communion means our church has the opportunity to engage with one of our historic partners in a more complete and meaningful way." Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said after learning of the decision , "I am abundantly delighted, and look forward to growth in mutual relationship and mission; I believe we have much to learn from the Moravian tradition."
The Rev. Thomas Ferguson, interim deputy to the Presiding Bishop for ecumenical and interreligious relations, told ENS after the vote that "this is a sign that the Episcopal Church is committed to ecumenical conversations. Apart from our Orthodox dialogues, we haven't had any setbacks in our ecumenical work here," he said. "We have found a way to continue to be in ecumenical dialogue with other churches in this country." Ferguson noted, for instance, that a dialogue between the Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic Church in the United States has been ongoing for 44 years and continues to meet.
The Moravian vote ended a day that began with the Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, telling the Episcopal Church's Executive Council that the communion's ecumenical dialogues "are at the point of collapse" because of the church's decision to ordain as bishop an openly gay and partnered priest for the second time. Ferguson said "this dialogue with the Moravian Church shows that we can continue to move forward when our focus is on mission and ministry together, and agreeing to disagree on things that we don't believe are church-dividing." He noted that the Moravian Church does not allow service by openly gay and lesbian members but that the church's international body, the Unitas Fratrum, has said the issue is not a doctrinal matter. "In this dialogue we have just agreed to disagree on that and we have further said that we do not believe this is an obstacle to full communion b etween our two churches," Ferguson said. "We can have different polity on this matter and still move forward because of the opportunities for joint mission and ministry that we see."
The Episcopal Church agreed during the 76th General Convention in the summer of 2009 to enter into a full communion relationship with the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church. The agreement is officially known as "Finding Our Delight in the Lord: A Proposal for Full Communion Between The Episcopal Church; the Moravian Church-Northern Province; and the Moravian Church-Southern Province." The Moravian Church's Southern Province is expected to vote on full communion during its synod Sept. 9-12 at the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Each province can independently enter into full communion relationships.
The Moravian Church is relatively small and concentrated in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Wisconsin; although a footnote in the full communion document notes that there are Moravian congregations in Canada that are structurally part of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church in America.
Moravians in America are part of the worldwide Christian communion formally known as the Unitas Fratrum, or Unity of the Brethren, which was founded in 1457 as part of the movement for reform of the church in what is now the Czech Republic. Persecuted almost to extinction, members of the Unitas Fratrum eventually found refuge on the estate of German nobleman Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf. In the 1700s, they went through a rebirth under Zinzendorf's protection and grew into a global communion.
The Episcopal Church says that it understands full communion to mean "a relation between distinct churches in which each recognizes the other as a catholic and apostolic church holding the essentials of the Christian faith." The churches "become interdependent while remaining autonomous," the church has said. The Episcopal Church is also in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht, the Philippine Independent Church and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, India. The agreement with the Northern Province of the Moravian Church marks the first time in U.S. history that three churches -- the Moravian Church, the Episcopal Church and the ELCA -- have formed full-communion relationships with each other by separately negotiated agreements.
Communication Changes
This is the last Messenger that Rebecca has assembled and I would like to thank her for her leadership in Communications these last few years in what is certainly a challenging job.
Rebecca has coordinated the messages in our Sunday bulletins, the e-blasts, the Messenger, our web-site, and parish calendar. Thank you Rebecca for your time and commitment to Grace Church.
All written communications will now be coming through the parish office and should be directed to Angela Bader by e-mail angela.bader@gracekirkwood.org or telephone 314.821.1806 ext. 10; either of these can be used 24/7. Angela will communicate deadlines, assemble, and edit, all written communications for the parish and maintain the parish calendar; please be in touch with her directly. Verbal communication on Sunday mornings is very limited, so please make sure to meet the deadlines to place your written announcements in the appropriate media.
Todd +
The Messenger Schedule
The Messenger will be published monthly, on the 1st Thursday of each month. The submission deadline for articles will be noon on the preceding Thursday. Please submit articles to Angela Bader, Parish Administrator, in the Grace Church office by email (angela.bader@gracekirkwood.org), fax (314-821-7404) or U.S. mail.
Publication Date Article Deadline
August 5, 2010 July 29, 2010
September 2 August 26
October 7 September 30
November 4 October 28
December 2 November 24 (Weds.)
High School Youth Group Participation Forms
All high school youth are asked to please fill out a Youth Group participation form and return it to the Rev. Emily Hillquist Davis as soon as possible. Forms can be found on the bulletin board in Albright Hall and are also posted on our website (www.gracekirkwood.org) on the Youth page under “Service and Fellowship.”
We at Grace Church are hosting a
Journey to Adulthood (Christian Formation for Youth) Training
Friday evening & Saturday, August 20 & 21
Hosted by: Grace Episcopal Church (www.gracekirkwood.org)
Location: 514 E. Argonne Drive, Kirkwood (St. Louis), MO 63122
Date: Friday, August 20, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 21, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (See schedule in registration form.)
Contact: Angela Bader, Parish Administrator
Phone: 314-821-1806 Email: angela.bader@gracekirkwood.org
On Friday evening (free), parents of youth (grades 6 – 12), clergy, and workshop participants are invited to gather informally to hear about the goals of the program, explore a bit of youth culture, and ask questions of local church clergy & staff and J2A Trainer, Heidi Clark, of Leader Resources (http://leaderresources.org/home ). Coffee and dessert will be served.
Saturday’s training workshop will cover all aspects of the six-year program "The Journey to Adulthood." We will cover the scope of Theological Imperatives, Developmental Underpinnings, and goals of each 2-year block. We will also look closely at practical matters like calendars, events, lesson plans, and communication. Everyone is welcome. Register by August 16. Cost is $45 and includes materials, Friday evening reception, Saturday morning continental breakfast and lunch. (Register by July 31 and receive a discounted rate of $35.) Please contact Angela Bader for additional information.
Episcopal Relief & Development Responds to Gulf Oil Spill Disaster
In the wake of the disastrous April 20 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is working closely with the Diocese of Louisiana to assist those most impacted. (Visit Episcopal Relief & Development's website, www.er-d.org, for updated information on the oil spill and affected communities.)
ERD is also in close contact with and standing ready to assist the Dioceses of Mississippi and the Central Gulf Coast. Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the activities of Episcopal Community Services of Louisiana (ECSLA) and its partners.
Your help is critical in providing food assistance, legal support, pastoral care, and information referrals for those in desperate need in coastal communities.
Through the month of July, the parish will be collecting gifts to ERD. In early August we will send our combined gifts to ERD and report to the parish the amount of our collective gift. Cash and checks may be placed in the alms basin or mailed to the parish office. If cash, please use an ERD envelope.
Checks may be made payable to Grace Episcopal Church and noted “USA Disaster Response Fund.”
Congratulations to our young adults who have graduated from High School! We are proud of and excited for you!
Sean Adams, who has served as Acolyte since his family joined Grace two years ago and participated in the Mission Trip last year, graduated from Kirkwood High School and will attend Oklahoma State University.
Andrew Beisel grew up in our midst and has graduated from Rockwood Summit High School and received a full ride scholarship to Missouri State University.
Sophia Davis who has participated in Hand Bells and the Mission Trip for the last 2 years graduated from John Burroughs High School and will attend Carleton College.
Jessica Engelbrecht, who has grown up in our midst serving many years as an Acolyte and participating in Youth Choir, Youth Group, and multiple Mission Trips over the years, has graduated from Kirkwood High School and will attend Indiana University, intending to study Elementary Education.
Dan Gottschalk, grew up in our midst serving many years as an Acolyte. He had stints in the Hand Bell and Youth choirs, and participated in 3 Mission Trips. Having graduated from Kirkwood High School, he will attend Jefferson College, intending a career in law enforcement.
Holly Haddock who has grown up in our midst serving many years as an Acolyte and participating in Mission Trips all 4 years that she attended Parkway South High School, has graduated from there and will attend Colorado State University, where she plans to study Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Jon Henson has grown up in our midst serving many years as an Acolyte, with stints in the Hand Bell Choir, and 2 years of service on Mission Trips. He has graduated from Oakville High School and will attend Mizzou, intending to major in Business and Accounting.
Emmie Jayne, who has grown up in our midst and used to sing in the Children’s Choir and Acolyte has graduated from Kirkwood High School and will attend Maryville University to study Music Therapy.
Alec Logue, joined Grace 2 years ago with his family and has participated in the Youth Group. He graduated from Kirkwood High School and will attend Truman State University, intending to major in Accounting.
Gracious God, we give you thanks for all schools and for those who teach and who learn. Bless our graduates and all who are completing their current courses of education. Be with them as they embark on the next stage of their life's journey, and grant them many opportunities for sound learning, new discoveries, and the pursuit of wisdom. And may all their questioning bring them ever closer to you, the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2010 OPENINGS FOR HANDBELL PLAYERS!!!!
Have you been wondering what it would be like to play handbells? NOW is your chance. Because of family moves and high school graduations we have several openings for the fall. Call and check them out. Special beginning class available!
St. Dunstan Handbell Choir is for grades 4-8 and meets on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.
All Saints Handbell Choir is for adults and meets on Wednesdays from
7:30 to 8:30 pm. Previous music reading experience is needed.
Gloria Deo Handbell Choir is a mixed group of high school
students and adults that meets for an hour after church on Sunday
mornings. Previous music reading experience is needed.
Be courageous!! Call Ella Heigham at 621-3077 or the church office to find out more. All choirs meet in Room 2 downstairs at the church and begin rehearsals in mid-August.
CHOIRCHIMES--WHAT ARE THEY?
Choirchimes are tuned bars with an attached clappers, held in the hand that are often used to compliment handbells.
Choirchimes have a bit more mellow sound and are used to play melodies with the accompaniment of the handbells.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and audience from the handbell concerts, we already have a fund that would purchase 2 octaves of Choirchimes (we have 3 octaves of handbells) but we are hoping down the line to get 3 octaves to compliment what we have. If anyone would like to donate to our existing fund, please leave an envelope for Fernando, designated “Handbells-Choirchimes“.
Thank you for your interest and support for all of our music programs at Grace.
Women of Grace Elect 2010–11 Officers
At our May picnic after requesting nominations from the floor, the following officers were elected to a second-year term:
President Shirley BrowneVice President and
Program Chair Gretchen LogueSecretary Becky Entenmann
Treasurer Melissa Osborne
Hospitality Jody Walker, Pauline Danner
Diocesan ECW Board
Representative Marty O’LearyUnited Thank Offering Bets Salisbury
Communications Christie Boyle
As a reminder, all women who belong to Grace are automatically members of Women of Grace and Episcopal Church Women. We will begin in July to plan the programs for next September through May. Suggestions are most welcome. Please contact any of the above to offer your ideas.
Trinity Hot Lunch
Trinity Hot Lunch seeks people to SERVICE the lunch from 1 to 3pm on Sept. 12th. AND they can always use help to shop, cook, and prepare to serve on the 2nd Sunday of any month. Contact: Gale Theis or Rev. Emily.
Rides Available
If you need a ride to services on Sunday, or would like to volunteer to pick up someone in need of a ride, please contact Angela in the parish office: (314) 821-1806, Ext. 10, or email angela.bader@gracekirkwood.org
Prayer Request
Please keep our niece in Springfield MO, Carrie Earls, husband Willy, current sons Eathan & Colton, twin sons to be, Caleb & Lucas, and all our families anxiously awaiting good news . . . in your thoughts and prayers.
http://www.earlstwins.blogspot.com/
Thank you!
Karl & Anita
Ps - Carrie is the oldest daughter of two girls, of Anita's younger brother Tim Ahrens.
Karl Koenig
koenig_fam@sbcglobal.net
News of our Parish Family
Emmie Jayne, daughter of Dave and Ruth, graduated from Kirkwood High on May 29. She will be attending Maryville University in Town and Country and plans to major in music therapy. (interesting sidenote: she felt called to some type of therapy after Dave's accident in the summer of 2008. Upon visiting Maryville on Health Professions day she found this field of study.)
Lucy Conklin, daughter of Kathy Sherrick and step-daughter of Ed Sherrick, graduated on May 16 from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance. Lucy will be moving to Overland Park, KS to work for World Market stores as store co-manager.
Baby Kaiden , grandson of Suzanne Haring, arrived on June 16 and is now off the ventilator. Amanda, the proud Mom, has been released from the hospital. Ronald McDonald House is across from the hospital and they are trying to get on the list for room and board. Kaiden will remain in the hospital for several months. Continue to keep Kaiden, Amanda, Jamie and Susanne in your prayers.
The parish rejoices in the May 23 baptism of Jackson and Jerome Atkinson, born in March 2009 to Bradley and Kristen Atkinson. Congratulations and welcome to the congregation of Christ’s flock!
Charlie Danner, grandson of Pauline Danner, was deployed to Japan for two years with the USAF. Please keep him in your prayers.
Jennifer Danner, Pauline’s granddaughter, was married in May.
Last, but by no means least, Ryan Zachary Danner, great grandson of Pauline Danner (her 14th great grandchild!) is a recent arrival. He is the son of Zachary & Melissa Danner. Congratulations!
Do you have news of any of our family of faith? Please send us your news— births, graduations, deaths, illnesses, new grandchildren, new jobs, anniversaries, etc. Send to office@gracekirkwood.org.Pastoral Care
Please call the Church office at 314-821-1806 to contact clergy.
In case of an emergency at any time, dialing “7” when you hear our answering machine will connect you to the cell phone of the priest on duty (Father Todd or Rev. Emily).
If you are going to be in the hospital, please let us know. We will gladly make arrangements for prayers, anointing, and visits (as you wish).
We have lay visitors and Eucharistic Ministers ready to reach out, that we may seek and serve Christ in one other. Please help us know where there is a need.
Altar Flowers
There are new sign up sheets on the kiosk in Albright Hall to donate Altar flowers on Sundays. The schedule for June, July & August is now posted.
These flowers not only provide beautiful decorations on Sunday mornings, they also brighten the days of our ill and shut-in Parishioners.
Please consider signing up to donate flowers for our church.
Help us keep our church beautiful, and keep our shut-ins who receive these flowers in our thoughts and prayers.
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