grace notes | 2013 december
DESCRIPTION
Grace Episcopal Church, Siloam Springs monthly newsletter.TRANSCRIPT
Grace notes November 2013
Heifer International, Uganda
OUR TEAM
Stan McKinnon Rector
Lora Walsh Curate, Director of Christian Formation
& Youth Ministries [email protected]
OFFICE Bay GreenHill
Office Administrator Hope Johnstone
Communications Administrator Anne Jones
Financial Administrator
CHILDREN Ben Bergstrom
9am Children’s Chapel Coordinator Meredith Bergstrom, Godly Play Director
Angie Chaney Kitchen and Nursery Coordinator
Travis Chaney 11am Children’s Chapel Coordinator
MUSIC Liesl Dromi
Assistant Choirmaster Dr. Jan Wubbena
Director of Music & Organist Terri Wubbena
Children’s Choir School Director
MINISTRIES Altar Guild
Episcopal Church Women Episcopal Peace Fellowship
Meals on Wheels Prayer Chain
VESTRY Shereen West, Sr. Warden (2013)
Ben Rhoads, Jr. Warden (2013) Meredith Bergstrom (2014)
Curtis Smith (2014) Grace Davis (2015)
Rob Lambert (2015) Mike Moss, Treasurer
Hope Johnstone, Clerk
COMMITTEES Building & Grounds Christian Formation
Community Life Finance
Outreach Worship
WORSHIP SCHEDULE SUN Holy Eucharist, 9:00 AM Christian Formation (all ages), 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist, 11:15 AM Evening Prayer, 5:00 PM WED Holy Eucharist & Healing, 12:10 pm MON Morning Prayer, 7:15 AM
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
ADVENT AND EMPTY SPACES My son Zadok just turned a year
old—hooray!—and I recently took
him to the doctor for his one-year
check-up. As usual during these
routine visits, a physician's assistant
started off by asking a series of
questions about Zadok's
development. This visit began with
questions such as, "Does he say
'mama' and 'dada'?", "Does he point
at objects?", and "Does he turn
pages in a book?" I could answer
most of these questions with an immediate "yes" or a slightly worried "no."
One question surprised me, though: "Does he fill empty spaces?" I wasn’t
sure. Filling empty spaces wasn't really a milestone that I'd been watching for. I had
to stop and think for a moment. I realized that he does, in fact, like to fill empty
spaces. For example, he repeatedly puts blocks into his toy box, and he loves
crawling in and out of the cupboard. I just hadn't recognized this behavior as
significant.
Then I thought, "What about me? Do I fill empty spaces?" It turns out that it wasn't
only Zadok's eagerness to fill empty spaces that I hadn't really noticed before. I, too,
have an almost compulsive habit of filling the empty spaces in my own
life. Openings in my schedule, shelves in my closet, long drives without my car radio
(which is broken): All of these empty spaces quickly fill up with appointments,
objects, and noise.
This Advent, I'm trying to resist the impulse to fill the empty spaces that appear in my
life. It will be no easy feat during the busiest season of the year! Yet Advent is the
church's season for creating space—waiting expectantly, opening our hearts, and
preparing room for the Lord to dwell with us. I think of it this way: If I leave more
spaces empty, then Zadok will have a lot more room to play in by filling these spaces
up! It sure is handy having a baby around to help me reflect on God's entrance into
the world as an infant.
In the spirit of not filling every empty space, I'll wrap up these thoughts quickly. May
you all have a blessed Advent, with time and space for God to send you the gifts of
peace and joy.
Curate’s Corner
NOTES FROM THE MUSIC STAFF As I write this on the day before Thanksgiving, the advent of Advent is upon us! Having just
observed the Last Sunday after Pentecost, Advent is almost here. My favorite calendar
configuration for December is when it begins on a Sunday, so that December 1 is also Advent 1.
It’s neat and tidy: the month begins on the same day as the new church year. And so it is in 2013.
Advent is perhaps my favorite season of the church year. It’s about expectation, the deliciousness
of hope and expectancy.
One of the most notable achievements of The Hymnal 1982 selection committee was the vast
expansion of the Advent section in comparison with its predecessor, The Hymnal 1940. It begins
with No. 53 and ends with No. 76 – a total of 24 Advent hymns, enough for six hymns on each of
the four Sundays. Add to that many hymns scattered elsewhere in the hymnal that have Advent
themes. This year we are singing 13 of those 24, and seven from other sections of the hymnal.
Many Advent hymns have especially vivid, rich imagery. Here are a few examples from the total of
20 hymns we’ll be singing in Advent 2013:
No. 53 (Advent 1, communion), “…came in likeness lowly,” and No. 54 (Advent 4, sequence),
“…that the Lord chose such a birth.” I am reminded of the Nicene Creed: “…and was made man”
– God lowering himself and becoming man. Humbling, if not humiliating – and to what end?
No. 55 (Advent 2, communion), “…[glory’s light] pierces all our gloom,” No. 60 (Advent 4,
communion), “…your people’s everlasting light,” and No. 61 (Advent 1, recessional), “…[Zion’s]
star is risen, her light grows bright.” Light is perhaps the most visually stimulating of all the
images representing our Lord.
No. 56 (Advent 4, processional), by a wide margin the most beloved Advent hymn, , is particularly
rich in its metaphors, many of which are drawn from the Old Testament: Wisdom from on high,
Branch of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring from on high, Desire of nations, all to ransom Israel-in-
captivity, which mourns in lonely exile.
No. 58 (Advent 1, processional), “Lo! he comes with clouds descending” and “Thou shalt reign,
and thou alone.” Looking ahead to Christ’s second coming, his enthronement in majesty is a
key image in Advent.
No. 67 (Advent 2, processional), “Make ye straight what long was crooked, make the rougher
places plain,” and No. 70 (Advent 2, sequence hymn), “…warning us of right and wrong, turning
us from sin and sadness.” Repentance is a secondary theme of this season of preparation; could
there be a stronger image of making right what we have done that is wrong than Isaiah’s
metaphor? Remember the former approach from the south into Gentry on Arkansas 59? What
long was crooked (and dangerous) is now straight. Also, how do we use the expression,
“smoothing off the rough edges?”
No. 640 (Advent 3, communion), “Watchman, tell us of the night,” and No. 62 (Advent 1,
recessional), “…the shout of rampart-guards…” borrow from the parable of the five wise and five
foolish virgins awaiting the arrival of the Bridegroom and use the imagery of a medieval walled
city with watchmen on duty throughout the night.
May this season of Advent be deeply meaningful to you!
Jan Wubbena
Acciaccaturas
Starting December 1st
We will experiment with a new Service Schedule in December.
Please note that the late service will now begin at 11:15 a.m., and
Godly Play will now run from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Grace House. This
will allow for choir members to attend Christian Formation and EYC,
as well as facilitate a 30 minute coffee time before the late service
begins. Additionally, there will also be an Advent Evening Prayer
service at 5:00 p.m. each Sunday in Advent (December 1st – 22
nd),
childcare will be provided.
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist – with Children’s Chapel
10:00 a.m. Christian Formation
At Grace House
o Godly Play from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
(parents - please drop off and pick up at Grace House!)
o EYC & EYC, Jr. from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
In the Parish Hall
o Christian Formation for Adults 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
o Choir will leave at 10:45 a.m. to prepare for worship
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist – with Children’s Chapel
5:00 p.m. Advent Evening Prayers – Evensong Service on
December 1st. Childcare provided.
* Coffee will be available after both the early and late services.
**Nursery care is available for all events; please sign in by the
Nursery room before leaving your children on the playground.
NEW SCHEDULE
December 1st at 5:00 p.m.
Grace will hold a special Evensong music concert on December 1st
at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate in gratitude for the past, present, and hope
for the future. All are welcome to attend this special musical event,
childcare will be provided.
Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m., December 1-22
Advent Evening Prayer begins Sunday, December 1st with our
Evensong service at 5:00 p.m. An Evening Prayer Service will follow
each Sunday at 5:00 p.m. through Dec. 22nd
. Evening Prayers are a
great way to prepare for the Nativity of Jesus as well as steady our
hearts and minds in the face of the holiday bustle. Childcare will be
provided.
Help us give Christmas to a family in need, Dec. 1st
For the Christmas Season, we have adopted a family in need
through the Genesis House. The family we were given is a working
family, struggling to make ends meet while providing for eight
children. There will be a sign-up sheet, with tags of needed items
on the Outreach Table in the Parish Hall on Dec. 1st
. If you would
like to help, all purchased gifts will be collected by Sunday,
December 15th
. Please contact Victoria Bossler, or the office for
more information. Thank you for reaching out to those in need in
our community!
EVENSONG
CHRISTMAS FAMILY
ADVENT EVENING PRAYER
ST. NICHOLAS DAY
Choir Camp and Worship Schedule
12/7: The Grace Children’s Choir School (GCCS) will have Choir
Camp on Saturday, December 7th
from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Grace
Church. Choristers will rehearse and prepare for leading worship
on Sunday, December 8th
.
12/8: GCCS will lead worship on Sunday, December 8th
at the
9:00 a.m. service. Choristers please arrive by 8:15 a.m. to warm-
up and prepare.
12/17: GCCS will conclude the semester with a concert on
Tuesday, December 17th
at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to attend
and enjoy the music that the children have worked on
throughout the semester. A light reception will follow.
Choristers, please arrive at 6:15 p.m. to warm-up.
Reception, December 8th
at 10:00 a.m.
Everyone is invited to hear the story of St.
Nicholas on Sunday, December 8th
, during
Christian Formation at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish
Hall. We will hear about the life of St. Nicholas,
as told through Godly Play by Travis Chaney.
St. Nicholas himself has also been known to
make an annual visit to the children at Grace!
There will be a St. Nicholas Day reception and coffee as well.
EYC will still meet at Grace House.
GRACE CHILDREN’S CHOIR SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Christmas Eve Services, 5:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist will be held at 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on
Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th
. All are welcome to
celebrate the Nativity of our Lord. Childcare will be provided
during the 5:00 p.m. service for ages 0-6 years old.
Christmas Day, Holy Eucharist & Healing, 12:10 p.m.
Please join us on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th
at
12:10 p.m. for a Holy Eucharist Service celebrating the Nativity
of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Holiday Office Hours
The office will be closed Tuesday, December 24th
through
Thursday, December 26th
for the Christmas holidays, as well as
Tuesday, December 31st through Thursday, January 2
nd in
observance of the New Year. Thank you!
Dedicate a Poinsettia for the Holidays
Christmas poinsettias are available for the
Christmas season. If you would like to dedicate
a poinsettia, please put your name on the Altar
Flower calendar in the Parish Hall, the
suggested donation is $30.
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
Give a unique gift that helps others…
The Outreach Committee would like to encourage you to
consider making some of your Christmas gift purchases through
organizations that benefit others.
Donations through organizations listed below give back to help
those in need. Here are just a few organizations that will use
your funds well in the service of others:
Episcopal Relief and Development: Gifts for Life
Click this link for the online catalog, or see the printed catalog
in the Parish Hall (similar to World Vision - purchase animals
for families in developing nations to enable them to earn a
living to support themselves or contribute to sanitation,
education or healthcare initiatives).
World Vision - Gift Catalog
Click the above link to view their catalog, (similar to Episcopal
Relief and Development – you may purchase animals or
farming supplies, sponsor a child, or contribute to sanitation,
education or healthcare initiatives. World Vision is currently
making a big push to address famine in Somalia.)
SERVV - Fair Trade Gifts
Click above to visit SERVV online, or see the printed catalog on
the Outreach Table, (they carry a wide range of fair trade
handcrafts, fabrics, and foodstuffs that make lovely gifts).
Heifer International
Select a meaningful gift to give a loved one and help children
and families around the world receive training and animal gifts
that help them become self-reliant.
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIVING
NEW YEAR’S DAY
EPIPHANY PAGEANT & CHILI SUPPER
TAX DEDUCTIONS
Wednesday Service on New Year’s Day
There will be a Wednesday Eucharist service on Wednesday,
January 1st at 12:10 p.m.
January 6th
at 6:00 p.m.
Please join us for our annual Epiphany Pageant and Chili Supper
on Monday, January 6th at 6:00 p.m. All children are
welcome to take part in the Pageant. There will be a rehearsal
for all interested children on Sunday, January 5th
4:00 p.m.
followed by pizza. Chili will be served after the pageant on
January 6th
. If you would like to sign up to bring chili or
cornbread, please see the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in
the Parish Hall, or contact Meredith Bergstrom
at [email protected]. Thank you!
2013 Tax Year
If you are looking for an additional tax deduction for 2013, any
portion of your 2014 pledge can be prepaid by December 30th
and be reported as 2013 giving. Please make a note in the
memo line of your check stating that the funds are for your
2014 pledge. Thank you!
2014 Stewardship Campaign
We have received 31 pledges so far in our 2014 stewardship
drive for a total of $127,000. In 2013 we had 68 pledges for a
total of $310,000. As we come into the holidays please
remember to turn in your pledge so that we can make
appropriate plans for the church’s budget in 2014. Pledge cards
are available from the office or on Sundays at the back of the
nave. Thank you for your generous support of our ministry
together at Grace.
Save the Date: February 2014
Winterstar, the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas’
annual winter retreat for Jr. and Sr. High
students, will take place on two different
weekends at Camp Mitchell: Senior high
Winterstar will be Feb. 24–26; junior high
Winterstar, March 2–4. Both weekends will
begin on Friday evening, with registration at 8
p.m., and end Sunday morning, with a closing
service at 10:30 a.m. For more information or
to register, visit the Winterstar website.
Feb. 7th
-9th
Jr. High Winterstar
Feb. 28th
-March 2nd
Sr. High WInterstar
Click here to visit a link from the previous Winterstar
camp with photos so you can see what to expect.
WINTERSTAR 2014
PLEDGE UPDATE
Additional details will be available closer to each date
Jan. 06, 2014 Epiphany Pageant & Chili Supper
Apr. 19-20, 2014 Champagne Breakfast & Easter Sunday
July 2014 Summer Potluck & BBQ
Aug. 14, 2014
Rally Day Potluck
DECEMBER 1ST
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
Psalm 122
DECEMBER 15TH
Isaiah 35:1-10 James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11 Psalm 146:4-9
DECEMBER 8TH
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
DECEMBER 22ND
Isaiah 7:10-16 Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25 Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
DECEMBER 29TH
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Galatians 3:23-25;4:4-7 John 1:1-18
Psalm 147 or 147:13-21
2013/2014 POTLUCK SCHEDULE
LECTIONARY READINGS