December 2014 The Messenger News of the people and ministries of . . . 514 E. Argonne Dr. Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 821-1806 www.GraceKirkwood.org Advent, Christmas & Epiphany A reflection by the Rev. Jim Purdy Gathered all above, while mortals sleep, angels keep their watch of wondering love. Phillips Brooks, The Hymnal 1982, number 79 Often artists depict angels as cute, fleshy babies, cherubs. Others, as handsome heavenly messenger boys, youthful and androgynous and winged in rainbow colors. Or angels are said to be God’s guardians -- one angel is assigned to each and every person to keep that person safe, out of harm’s way. I think of Clarence, Jimmy Stewart’s angel in “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Angels help us cross streets, shoot basketball foul shots, catch passes, hit cutters, make difficult decisions. Angels are loving, comforting, completely powerful, conscientiously protecting. In the Bible, though, angelic visitations are signs that something strange, something big, something wonder- filled, something terrifying and new is about to happen. God is stepping into the course of history, preparing to change things, to transform lives. The biblical angel’s message is usually one involving risky service rather than comfort or solace. * * * Touched by an angel, the teenage Mary said, I’m not certain what all of this means, but, nevertheless, here I am, ready to be of service in the work of God. Let it be with me according to your word. God comes to US, too, to each of us, to all of us. God comes not as a cute cherub, not as a friendly Casper. God comes to us in other people. And when they come to us, the messengers of God ask us to give birth in some way -- to give birth to a work of art, to a new relationship with another person, to a time of self-discovery. When they come to us, the messengers of God tell us that we are capable beyond our imagining -- capable of creating something new, capable of bearing a great burden, of serving in a great cause, of facing a daunting crisis, of nourishing a child’s or a parent’s life. The messengers, the angels, of God come. They come to us, every day, constantly. Although they bear the names of our family members, co-workers, friends, adversaries, strangers, characters in our dreams, they are God, in disguise. And they wear faces that are not only compassion or challenge, but also vocation. Angels, messengers of God, come to us. They announce in words or in gestures that something strange, something big, something wonder-filled, something terrifying and new is about to happen--- Follow me, God says through those people. Follow me. Follow me as I bless the world. Follow me as I bless the world through you. * * * Sometimes, sometimes when we are touched by an angel, we hear our voices say, Lord, we don’t know exactly what you want us to do, but here we are, ready to be used in your service, ready to bless your world. Help us, dear God, to hear the message of the angels, the angels that proclaim the birth of faith and hope and love in each of us again today. Then let us go on in life, let us depart in peace, according to your Word, Jesus Christ, the Lord of our lives. Amen. Holiday Worship Schedule • Advent Lessons & Carols / Advent Event Sunday, Nov. 30 / 4 p.m. • Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist with Children’s Christmas Pageant Wednesday, Dec. 24 / 4 p.m. • Service of Carols Wednesday, Dec. 24 / 10:30 p.m. • Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist Wednesday, Dec. 24 / 11 p.m. • Christmas Day Holy Eucharist Thursday, Dec. 25 / 10 a.m. • Sunday Near Epiphany Holy Eucharist Sunday, Jan. 4 / 8 & 10 a.m.
Transcript
December 2014
The Messenger News of the people and ministries of . . .
514 E. Argonne Dr. ���� Kirkwood, MO 63122 ���� (314) 821-1806 ���� www.GraceKirkwood.org
Advent, Christmas & Epiphany
A reflection by the Rev. Jim Purdy
Gathered all above, while mortals sleep,
angels keep their watch of wondering love.
Phillips Brooks, The Hymnal 1982, number 79
Often artists depict angels as cute, fleshy babies, cherubs. Others, as handsome heavenly messenger boys, youthful and androgynous and winged in rainbow colors.
Or angels are said to be God’s guardians -- one angel is assigned to each and every person to keep that person safe, out of harm’s way. I think of Clarence, Jimmy Stewart’s angel in “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Angels help us cross streets, shoot basketball foul shots, catch passes, hit cutters, make difficult decisions. Angels are loving, comforting, completely powerful, conscientiously protecting.
In the Bible, though, angelic visitations are signs that something strange, something big, something wonder-filled, something terrifying and new is about to happen. God is stepping into the course of history, preparing to change things, to transform lives. The biblical angel’s message is usually one involving risky service rather than comfort or solace.
* * *
Touched by an angel, the teenage Mary said,
I’m not certain what all of this means, but, nevertheless, here I am, ready to be of service in the work of God.
Let it be with me according to your word.
God comes to US, too, to each of us, to all of us. God comes not as a cute cherub, not as a friendly Casper. God comes to us in other people.
And when they come to us, the messengers of God ask us to give birth in some way -- to give birth to a work of art, to a new relationship with another person, to a time of self-discovery. When they come to us, the messengers of God tell us that we are capable beyond our imagining -- capable of creating something new, capable of bearing a great burden, of serving in a great cause, of facing a daunting crisis, of nourishing a child’s or a parent’s life.
The messengers, the angels, of God come. They come to us, every day, constantly. Although they bear the names of our family members, co-workers, friends, adversaries, strangers, characters in our dreams, they are God, in disguise. And they wear faces that are not only compassion or challenge, but also vocation.
Angels, messengers of God, come to us. They announce in words or in gestures that something strange, something big, something wonder-filled, something terrifying and new is about to happen---
Follow me, God says through those people. Follow me.
Follow me as I bless the world. Follow me as I bless the world through you.
* * *
Sometimes, sometimes when we are touched by an angel, we hear our voices say,
Lord, we don’t know exactly what you want us to do, but here we are, ready to be used in your service,
ready to bless your world.
Help us, dear God, to hear the message of the angels, the angels that proclaim the birth of faith and hope and love in each of us again today.
Then let us go on in life, let us depart in peace, according to your Word, Jesus Christ, the Lord of our lives. Amen.
Christmas Shop at the Holiday Sale Saturday, Dec. 6 / 9 a.m.—1 p.m.
by Christie Boyle
What better place find the perfect gift than at the Holiday Sale (a.k.a. the Cookie, Candy, Book, DVD, Vintage and Costume Jewelry Sale, and Raffle) sponsored by Women of Grace and the Grace missioners!
The last copies of Grace’s own cookbook, Cooking with Love and Grace, will be sold for $5. Many varieties of delicious homemade cookies will be for sale by the pound. Also available are other goodies and gift-packaged candy created by the talented cooks at Grace. If any remain after the sale (a risk you take), they will be sold the next day at both coffee hours.
A “Nutcracker Ballet” Christmas tree designed and decorated by Barbara MacRobie will be raffled at the Holiday Sale. The tabletop tree includes lights, decorations and a tree skirt. Raffle tickets are available for $1 each or 6 for $5 on Sundays and at the Holiday Sale. The drawing will be held at 12:45 p.m. on December 6; winner will be called immediately.
Proceeds will benefit women in the Diocese of Lui, South Sudan and a special project at Grace. Jewelry sales support the youth mission trip.
by Becky Entenmann
Hanging of the Greens takes place this year on December 21, the last Sunday in Advent. It begins as soon as our greens and trees are delivered, right after the 10 a.m. service.
Parishioners are invited to help decorate Grace with poinsettias and greens in anticipation of our celebration of Christ's birth. There are tasks for adults and older children and even a pizza lunch to help keep your strength up.
Take a break from your own holiday rush to transform the Nave and Sanctuary for the Christmas season at Grace. See Becky Entenmann for more details or add your name to the sign-up sheet on the board in Albright Parish Hall.
Hanging of the Greens
Memorial gifts and gifts of thanksgiving enable us to adorn the church and provide guest musicians for our worship services throughout the year, but especially at Christmas and Easter.
Contributions can be made year around online through our website, http://
www.GraceKirkwood.org. Special envelopes to receive your offering will also be available in the pew racks in the nave. Please use given names in whose memory or for whom the thanksgiving offering is made. A listing of the names of those memorialized and honored is distributed at Christmas and Easter, and also included in the Book of Loving Remembrance.
Because of printing deadlines, please make your contributions by noon on
Cards are available each Sunday Cards are available each Sunday Cards are available each Sunday Cards are available each Sunday in our parish hall.in our parish hall.in our parish hall.in our parish hall.
Grace’s Giving Tree
by Michele Nicosia
The Lord is with us, Alleluia!!!
During Advent we honor and remember the birth of Christ our Lord, and there is no better way to do this than by giving gifts and food to the needy. Seasonal gen-
erosity is made easy by contributing food to the Hun-
ger Barrel and buying the suggested gifts for the three
organizations that benefit from The Giving Tree.
Pick up Gift Tags at the Giving Tree trifold in Al-bright Parish Hall from Sunday Nov. 16- 29, which ex-plains the groups and their needs. Pick up one, two or three tags and shop for the gifts listed below. To facili-tate sorting for their proper destination, tape an identify-ing tag to each large item, or ID tag to a bag containing multiple items going to one group.
Gift cards for ECM are strongly suggested; they allow
the ECM staff to get additional gifts in needed sizes so that all children get appropriate gifts, avoiding hurt feel-ings. The gift cards can be put in a sealed envelope marked “ECM Gift Card” and put in the financial lock box outside the office.
Do not wrap any gifts you donate to ECM, Grace Hill or Christmas on the River. Gift bags included with your donation will be helpful when gifts are finally sorted and prepared. ECM gift wrapping will be Dec 15 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Webster Groves, and volunteers would be appreciated; see the notice on the
Outreach board for detailed information.
The Giving Tree will be in Albright Hall starting November 30 for gift returns, with any remaining ECM and Grace Hill ornaments on it. Seamen gifts must be returned by November 30, for mailing December 1. Grace Hill and ECM gifts must be returned by Decem-ber 14 for the December 15 wrapping party.
Thanks and blessings to everyone who generously gives to the needy this holy season.
EPISCOPAL CITY MISSION Bring the following gifts to
• Individually wrapped hard candies (no gum/lollipops)
• Sports Team Tees or Sweatshirts L / XL
• Basketball Shorts L / XL (tan, black, grey)
GRACE HILL HOUSE Bring the following gifts to Grace’s Giving Tree
by December 14:
• Toys & games for boys or girls
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER Bring the following gifts to Grace’s Giving Tree
by Nov. 30:
• Knitted scarfs and hats (per online directions)
• Wrapped candies and gum
• Lip balm (unscented/colorless)
• Heavy duty hand lotion
• Playing cards
• Personal-size facial tissue
• Activity/Puzzle books, Sudoku, WordFinder
• Microwave Popcorn
• Recent DVDs (first run, new or used)
Explore your faith. Experience God in new ways.
Be transformed.
Opportunities are available for Episcopalians ages 21-30 to live and serve in Anglican/Episcopal communities
around the world with the Young Adult Service Corps.
More information, missionary blogs, and applications are
available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/yaschttp://www.episcopalchurch.org/yaschttp://www.episcopalchurch.org/yaschttp://www.episcopalchurch.org/yasc.
The 2015 YASC application deadline is
January 2, 2015.
Grace Church Messenger December 2014 page 4
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/GraceChurchKirkwood
Follow us on Twitter: @GraceinKirkwood
Continuing Frank’s Mission
by Ron Ryan
I recently came across a letter written by Frank Thompson in 1994. Frank was a lifelong member of Grace Church, who died in 1995. Frank was a retired architect, and served as our “Administrative Assistant to the Rector” for many years. He made the first coffee pot on Sundays, and greeted 8 o’clockers at the door - just like Bill Cadwallader today!
In this parish-wide letter, Frank promoted estate plan giving. He stated “one of my personal goals is to work to see that a strong financial base is provided so that the congregation may move securely into the 21st century.” Frank would be pleased to know that our Planned Giving & Gifts Committee’s goal is no different. Today, we have two wonderful funds allowing you to support Grace for years to come:
• Grace Church Endowment Fund – this is our original permanent endowment trust. Income from the fund is distributed to the church each year, supporting general operating programs.
• Grace Legacy Fund – this is a new fund, providing increased flexibility. This fund allows you to designate the church programs to benefit from your gift.
There are many tax advantageous ways to give (i.e. IRA or 401(k) beneficiary designation), and any member of our committee would be glad to discuss giving strategies with you. Each situation is unique, so we encourage you to also consult with your attorney/financial advisor.
We are in the process of creating Perpetual Grace – our way to recognize those who acknowledge remembering Grace Church in their estate plan. Become a founding supporter of Perpetual Grace by simply returning a “Declaration of Intent” form by December 31, 2014. Your name will be inscribed on a leaf on our Perpetual Grace donor tree (located in the office hallway) – which will include distinction as a “founder.”
Supporting Perpetual Grace will enable the parish to benefit from your generosity for years to come… just like Frank and many others did for us.
Planned Giving & Gifts Committee:
Ron Ryan (Co-Chair), Larry Reimelt (Co-Chair), Julie Sward,
Dick Entenmann, Fr. Todd McDowell
Nov. 14: Fr. Todd and Ron Ryan were on hand as our new Perpetual Grace donor tree was installed. The tree displays names of members who have mentioned Grace Church in their estate plans. The artwork rests on beautiful new wood paneling outside the parish office. Thanks to Bill and Rebecca Harrison (and crew) for their work transforming the wall and to Ron and everyone on the Planned Giving & Gifts Committee for their work on this project.
Funeral Service Planning Seminar
by Phillip Brunswick, Organist & Choir Master
Many of us have made plans for our estate, both financial and personal, but have not thought about our actual funeral service. On Sunday, Nov. 16, Father Todd McDowell and Phillip Brunswick led a session to help members select readings, music and make other worship decisions now to bring comfort to family members later. The funeral planning session was full, with 20 parishioners in attendance.
“This seminar was a great idea! There is nothing morbid about this,” said Katie Compton. I love the Episcopal funeral service, but I want to make sure that where there is a choice, the hymns and the scripture passages I love are included. I don’t want my children to have to scramble to do it. Todd and Phillip offered a wealth of information. Five stars!”
Because we have heard from many members who were unable to attend the November workshop, we’ll hold another seminar Sunday, Jan. 18 at 11:30 a.m. The event will again be limited to 20 people, and registration is required. Please sign the sheet in the Parish Hall or call Phillip at 314-821-1806 x21.
End-of-the-Year Donations Please remember to catch up on your pledges and make your tax-deductible donations to Grace Church
no later than December 24 December 24 December 24 December 24 (the church office will be closed
between Christmas and New Year’s Day). Contact Chris Mars for information:
• Church School for Children & Youth Sunday, Dec. 7, 14, 21 (no classes Dec. 28) 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
• A Visit from Saint Nicholas Sunday, Dec. 7 / 10 a.m.
• Youth Group Christmas Party Please sign up in Albright Parish Hall
Sunday, Dec. 14 / 2-4 p.m. Bring a crazy gift for our white elephant gift exchange!
• Children’s Christmas Pageant Please sign up in Albright Parish Hall Rehearsal: Sunday, Dec. 21 / 11:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Pageant: Wednesday, Dec. 24 / 4 p.m.
The Reason for the Season
Holiday Happenings for Adults:
• Advent Quiet Day Saturday, Dec. 6 / 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mercy Conference & Retreat Center
The Rev. Susie Skinner leads a quiet alternative to the craziness of the holiday season. We’ll focus on the themes of repentance and rejoicing through quiet meditation, reflection and prayer. $20 per person. Register at http://[email protected].
• Silent Saturday Saturday, Dec. 13 / 9 - 11 a.m. Grace Church, Chapel of the Apostles
Contemplative Outreach offers three 30-minute centering prayer periods, with walking and discussion breaks in between each. This event is free and open to anyone who can sit in silence in a group for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Advent for Families In this course, youth and family minister Heath Howe shows us some practical ways to commemorate this blessed time of year with your children.
Introduction to Epiphany
Epiphany is more than just a season to return Christmas presents. It's a time to discover the ways God is revealing truth in our lives. This course tells us not only what Epiphany is, but how it can better our lives.
The Season of the Nativity includes Advent, Christmas and Epiphany.
• Advent (Nov. 30 - Dec. 24) : focusing on the events leading up to Jesus’ birth.
• Christmas (Dec. 25 - Jan. 5) Celebrating the birth of Christ.
• Epiphany (Jan. 6 - Lent) Helping us remember what Jesus’ birth means in our lives.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the commercialization of this Nativity Season. But this year, we encourage you to simplify your holiday and appreciate the real reason for the season with family and friends by taking this Christmas pledge, offered by the Institute for Peace and Justice:
The Christmas Pledge
Believing in the beauty and simplicity of Christmas, I commit myself to the following:
• To remember those people who truly need my gifts.
• To express my love for family and friends in more direct ways than presents.
• To rededicate myself to the spiritual growth of my family.
• To examine my holiday activities in light of the true spirit of Christmas.
• To initiate one act of peacemaking within my circle of family and friends.
Join us in this Christmas pledge and find new and meaningful ways to celebrate this Advent and Christmas season. This newsletter includes details of our many beautiful worship services, outreach opportunities and fun fellowship events happening at Grace Church. You’ll also find a list of family activities, resources, prayers and readings on our website.
Grace Church Messenger December 2014 page 6
by Deborah Caby
“Fun, informative and spiritual” and “What are we doing next year? Can't wait!” were two phrases we heard from many of our guests for the first St. Matthew's Series of the Soul Sisters Retreat at Grace. This retreat was a continuation of previously held retreats from St. Matthew’s. If the women were expecting a quiet retreat, they were very much surprised!
The day offered an innovative way to explore two women saints of the church by allowing the participants to perform readings and exercise their acting skills. Marcia Whitney-Schenck, a Chicago-based writer, artist and performer, used interactive theatrical experiences to cre-ate presentations to introduce us to St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Teresa of Avila.
In between performances, we broke into groups to explore questions that would encourage us to look deeper into ourselves and share some of our thoughts regarding struggles/weakness/and strength in living a life of faith.
Sabine McDowell argued effectively as Celine (St. Terese of Lisieux' sister), while Shirley Browne played the part of Fr. Maurice, reading letters he wrote to encourage and support St. Therese's ministry of finding grace in the simplest of acts.
Marty O'Leary stole the show as the mayor of Avila, staying in character the whole second half of the retreat. Much hilarity ensued as The Inquisitor (Chrissie Rush) and Teresa of Avila's best friend, a noblewoman (Anne Perkins), switched sides because they voted for the establishment of a new convent with their own hearts instead of staying in character.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist by the Rev. Pamela Dolan (Church of The Good Shepherd) used readings from the feast day of St. Teresa of Avila, allowing us to worship, celebrate and reflect on our unique, feminine perspective in hearing God’s Word.
Soul Sisters Retreat a Success
Presenting Our Gifts
by Debbie Pidgeon, Stewardship Committee
Christmas, the most beloved of the Christian holiday seasons, is here. It is a time of giving gifts to our loved ones. This tradition of “gift giving” is an echo of the mysterious story of the visit of the Magi told in the Gospel of Matthew:
“.....and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of
them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to
the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and
they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened
their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of
incense and of myrrh.” Mat. 2:9-11 NIV
The last sentence of verse 11 tells us they “presented him with gifts.” I have often thought of the importance of that sentence. What would the story be like if they came without gifts to honor the Christ child? It is unthinkable. How could they travel so far, following the star that heralded his birth, and not bring a gift? So like the Magi, it is most appropriate that we, too, should present Him with gifts.
• The Magi brought a gift of myrrh, used to prepare a body for burial. It is a reminder of our mortality and the limited time we are given on earth. We can give the gift of a portion of that precious Time for God’s work and ministries.
• Incense was given to worship Him. God gave each of us Talent in particular areas. To use those Talents to further His work on earth is a unique and personal way we glorify and worship God.
• And finally, the Magi presented Him with gold. Perhaps the gold was used for the flight to Egypt or setting up a home and workshop in Nazareth. Gold was the material Treasure so necessary to fulfill God’s plan in the world. It was then, and is now, a necessary resource to set up His home (in Nazareth and here at Grace).
The Magi traveled far on their journey. We, too, have traveled far on our own “journey.” When we “bow down and worship Him” on Christmas Eve, let us “open our hearts” to present Him with the perfect gifts of our Time, and of our Talent, and of our Treasure.
Merry Christmas!
Nov. 2: Fr. Todd McDowell baptized Aidan Joseph Augustine (pictured), Henry Michael Esser and Allison Catherine Major on All Saints’ Sunday. See more pictures from the day at http://www.flickr.com/
gracechurchkirkwood.
Our next baptism will be Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. Please contact Fr. Todd for information about baptism
at Grace Church.
Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you to everyone who has made a financial pledge
to Grace Church for 2015.
Grace Church Messenger December 2014 page 7
by Janis Greenbaum,
Director of Christian Formation & Communications
Making little changes can make a big difference in your life -- styling your hair differently, buying a new outfit or adding a walk to your morning routine can change the way you see the world, and even change the way the world sees you.
As we ring in a new year, we’re making some changes to our church communications. Perhaps the biggest change is with the publication you are reading right now - this will
be the final issue of our monthly newsletter. Please read through the list below to learn all about our plans.
We hope these changes make it easier for you to keep up with the many facets of our parish life as well get a new perspective on our world.
Weekly Announcements
This is where you’ll find what’s happening, when it’s happening and where it’s happening around Grace Church:
• iMessenger / weekly email: Our weekly email will be moving from Friday afternoon to Thursday morning delivery. The emails will list news briefs, with options to click through to full stories on our website. If you are not receiving these emails now, sign up using the link on the front page of our website.
• Messenger / weekly printed announcements: The Messenger will be a weekly (instead of monthly) publication and will be reformatted to list brief descriptions of upcoming ministry events, birthdays, anniversaries and other parish news. The printed version will be distributed with your Sunday worship bulletin; a downloadable copy will also be available on
our website.
*All announcements must be submitted by 9 a.m. each
Wednesday to be included in our weekly publications.
Bulletin Boards
Sign up for upcoming events, get information from various church ministries and find community news on our bulletin boards in Albright Parish Hall.
A New Year, a New Look: Changes coming for Grace Communications
Website
This is your one-stop information venue for everything at Grace Church. News, events, announcements, prayer lists, ministry descriptions, feature stories and our parish calendar -- it’s all accessible 24/7 wherever you are and updated on a daily basis.
• http://www.gracekirkwood.org: The site will soon have an updated look and will function more responsively on your mobile devices.
Quarterly Printed Newsletter
Our new quarterly publication will go a little deeper than our other communications to feed your spirit. Enjoy feature stories and pictures about the people, history and events at Grace Church as well as our surrounding community. We’ll also offer personal reflections, Christian formation articles and news from around the Diocese of Missouri, the Episcopal Church and the Worldwide Anglican Communion.
• Help us name this publication! Send your suggestions to [email protected].
Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram -- today’s technology gives us many options to spread the Good News from Grace Church. If you enjoy spending time on social media, please talk to Janis about becoming part of our network. Here are a few places you can find us now:
•Facebook.com/GraceChurchKirkwood
•Twitter.com: @GraceinKirkwood
•Flickr.com/GraceChurchKirkwood (pictures)
•Where else would you like to see Grace?
Communications Team Meeting Sunday, Dec. 7 / 11:15 a.m.
LaVielle Conference Room
Everyone is invited to be part of our Communications Team
… especially if:
you’re involved in ministry work at Grace you like to write
you like to take pictures you like social media you like to tell stories
Grace on the Go will enjoy the popular Holiday Brass Concert at Manchester Methodist Church on December 2. Remember: concert goers need to arrive and be seated by 9:30 a.m.
The group will head to the Caby’s home in Kirkwood for a Christmas party following the concert. Sign up quickly to bring a salad or dessert to the party.
Tour the Rep Theatre: Jan. 12
On Monday, Jan. 12, Grace on the Go has a treat for you! Tour behind the scenes at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Car pools will leave Grace at 9:20 for the 10 a.m. tour. Drivers may drop off passengers at the entrance on Big Bend. CJ Mugg’s will host us for lunch following the hour and a quarter tour.
Grace’s mission trip offers youth an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, take on new responsibilities, be challenged by hard work and learn the importance of giving from the heart to help others.
Our 20th annual mission trip will be June 7-13 and is open to all high school students. We’ll spend the week working with Habitat for Humanity. Our location will be finalized soon. Scholarships are available for anyone who needs assistance.
Along with the week of service next summer, the youth will be a part of our worship services, host fundraisers and get to know each other through fun social events throughout the year.
This ministry is also a wonderful experience for adults to share your faith and get to know our youth. We’re looking for additional members (not just parents) to help plan fundraisers and social events and to serve as chaperones on the trip.
If you are interested in being a part of our Youth Mission Trip ministry, please contact Janis Greenbaum in the church office.
Called to Service 2015 Youth Mission Trip
Tensions remain high throughout our community as we wait to hear the grand jury’s decision regarding the shooting death of Ferguson teen Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson.
Our doors at Grace Church will be open during the day, as they always are, for anyone who would like a quiet place to pray. Fr. Todd will be available for any special needs. Please keep the community, and everyone in it, in your prayers.
Our Diocesan Cathedral will be a place for the region to come together for prayer, listening and sanctuary during the reading of the grand jury decision and for the 24 hours immediately following.
Beginning 30 minutes before the broadcast of the deci-sion, Christ Church Cathedral will be open for prayer. Dean Mike Kinman and Canon Precentor Pat Partridge will be there for the 24 hours, along with cathedral parishioners providing hospitality, other clergy, and two security guards. Bishop Wayne plans to be present if he is not called elsewhere.
Plans are to broadcast a radio feed of the decision being read over the speaker system in the Nave followed by a period of silence. The cathedral will then be open for 24 hours for prayer -- with regular brief periods of scripture reading, corporate prayer and singing. Bofinger Chapel will be reserved for people who want to talk and process how they are feeling (it will not be a place of debate).
There will be trained counselors and facilitators present as much of the time as possible (if you are a counselor and want to sign up for a shift, please contact Dean Kinman at [email protected]).
This vigil will be held regardless of the outcome of the grand jury deliberations.
There will also be a virtual 24-hour vigil on Christ Church Cathedral's Facebook and Twitter (@CCCathedralSTL) that the diocese will mirror.
Refuge and Sanctuary
Hands-on Creation Care Lessons
Grace’s Creation Care Ministry is hosting a series of workshops and events this winter and spring to help everyone become better stewards of the earth. Programs are being planned on the following topics:
Jan. 18 / 11:30 a.m. Blessed Earth video & discussion Feb. 15 / 11:30 a.m. Butterflies & Hummingbirds March 15 / 11:30 a.m. Energy Audits April 19 / 11:30 a.m. Salsa Gardens May 16 / 2 p.m. Treasure Swap / Upcycling Event
24 Festival Eucharist & Christmas Pageant, 4 p.m. Carol Service, 10:30 p.m. Festival Eucharist, 11 p.m.
25 Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m. Church Office Closed
28 No Children’s or Adult Christian Formation Classes
31 New Year’s Eve Celebration, 7:30 p.m.
Grace Church will welcome Bishop Wayne Smith to our parish Sunday, Jan. 11. The Bishop will preach at both worship services, lead a special adult forum at 9 a.m., and preside at baptisms at the 10 a.m. service. Please plan to be a part of this special day.
The Bishop visits each parish and mission in the diocese approximately every 18 months.
When the Bishop is visiting, a special collection is taken during the Offertory. The Bishop’s Visitation Offering is designated for the mission of the Diocese of Missouri:
Both far off . . . .
Our partners in Lui Diocese are eager to build a Diocesan Conference Center where people can come from all around the Church in Lui to teach and
A Visit from the Bishop
learn, to be together, and to collaborate. Half of the offering will go toward supporting this priority of theirs.
And near . . . .
Pockets of dire need and poverty exist within the borders of the Diocese of Missouri, in urban locales and rural. Half of the offering will go toward seed money for mission within our own diocese.
About Bishop Smith: A native of Abilene, Texas, Smith was born Jan. 29, 1955. Raised a Baptist, he was a student at Baylor University when he became an Episcopalian. He graduated from Baylor with a master’s of arts in 1978. He earned his doctorate in
ministry from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., in 1993.
Grace Church Messenger December 2014 page 10
by Sue Nixon, Parish Secretary
The Vestry approved the purchase of an automated external defibrillator.
The fall clean up date for raking leaves and doing some indoor cleaning is November 22 at 9:00. All are invited to participate.
The Vestry approved investigating a new cloud based software package that would replace the current programs used for accounting, membership, e-mail contact and calendar.
A reception in honor of Angela Breeher’s years of service to Grace will be held on November 23.
The annual meeting will be held on January 25. The Vestry retreat will be held on February 6 and 7.
The ushers served 90 people at the November Trinity Hot Lunch.
The Vestry approved a contract for NAI DESCO to serve as the sole and exclusive agent for the sale of the Bennett Avenue property. Allen Klippel will be the agent.
The Vestry extends thanks to Mike Fitzgerald for
Vestry Highlights: November 11, 2014
Staff Changes at Grace Church
Parish Administrator Angela Breeher resigned her position at Grace Church to accept a job as Parish Administrator at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in University City. Her last day at Grace was November 25.
“This was a very difficult decision to make, ” Angela said. “I have come to know, respect and love the people of Grace Church and my staff colleagues. We have accomplished a lot together, lived through much change and shared in many celebra-tions and losses. I feel blessed to have become woven into the holy fabric of this place.”
We are grateful to Angela for sharing her skills and her kindness with our parish for more than four years and wish her all the best as she begins a new chapter in her career.
We are pleased to announce that Shari Bonham joins our staff as the Director of Development and Ministries Coordinator. Shari and her husband Wayne have been attending Grace Church since 1983. Shari is currently serving as Senior Warden of the Vestry, but will resign that position when she becomes a staff member.
“Although many of her day to day duties will be those that Angela had, it is my hope that this new position will engage our people in their journey, and provide leadership in their development as disciples of Jesus Christ,” said the Rev. Todd McDowell.
Shari is certified in Church Business Administration. She begins her new job at Grace December 18.
completing the review of the 2012 financial records. Mike is currently reviewing the 2013 financial records.
Pledge Income for the month of October was $30,598, which was $4,134 below budget.
YTD Pledge Income was $366,341, versus the budgeted amount of $377,456.
Total Revenues for the month were $43,496, which was $3,868 below budget.
YTD Total Revenues were $493,476 which was $18,574 below budget.
Total Expenses for October were $51,802 which was $4,930 below budget.
YTD Expenses were $510,633, which was $28,492 below budget.
Net Revenue for October was $(8,306) which was $1,063 better than the budgeted amount of ($9,369).
YTD Net Revenue was ($17,157) or $9,918 better than the budgeted amount of ($27,075).Our current cash reserves would cover an estimated 2.27 months of the budgeted 2014 expenses.
“Santa’s Helpers” Needed in Grace’s Office
Do you have a few hours to serve your par-ish? We are looking for members to greet visitors, answer phones and take messages in our front office on weekdays throughout December.
With Angela’s departure and the busy
holiday season upon us, the staff could really use your help!
You’ll find sign-up sheets in the office. Please check your calendar and see when you can lend a hand. Thank you for sharing your holiday spirit!
Grace Church Messenger December 2014 page 11
News from the Parish Family Parish Intercessory Prayer List
Dorothy Bardwell Betty Bowersox Neil Buckles Ed Fliss Ellen Friedla
Llew Heigham Bill & Connie Nix Jody Walker Phebe Williams
Walter Walker: Jody Walker’s husband Jimmie & Beverly Hilterbrand: Don Neubacher’s friends
The Clergy are available by appointment to discuss personal, pastoral or spiritual matters; please call or email the clergy directly.
In case of a pastoral emergency, please call the parish office at 314-821-1806. For pastoral emergencies after office hours, call the parish office and press “7” to be connected to the priest-on-call 24 hours, seven days a week.
In case of severe illness, hospitalization, when a person is near death or at the death of a member of the church, please notify the clergy as soon as possible in order to secure the ministrations of the church.
Remember in your prayers for health and strength:
. . . and remember also our friends and family:
Names cycle through our prayer list a month at a time.
By the 25th of each month, please inform Janis Greenbaum
in the parish office (821-1806, ext. 19) if continued prayers
are requested for the following month or to add new names.
Keep up to date on all the news
at Grace Episcopal Church
at GraceKirkwood.org If you have news to share with our parish family
Andrew Pillar who were united in marriage at Grace’s altar on Saturday, Nov. 8. Jaclyn is the daughter of Joan
Connelly and close friend of Mike Heyer’s.
We rejoice on the baptism of Aidan Augustine, Henry
Michael Esser and Allison Major on November 2. The newly-baptized and their families were the guests of honor at a reception during coffee hour following the 10 a.m. service that day. Congratulations and welcome to
the congregation of Christ’s flock.
Congratulations to Justin Mars on placing 4th in the Boys 200 yard IM at the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) 2014 Swimming & Diving Championships in St. Peters, November 8 - 9. Justin is a senior at Rockwood Summit and plans to attend St. Louis University, where he has been awarded an athletic scholarship for swimming.
We mourn the death of the following members:
• Teresinha (“Terri”) Salles Gilson died November 1 and our sympathy is extended to her daughter, Kris
Zambrana, and all of Terri’s family. Terri became a member of Grace Church following the merger with St. Matthew’s Church in 2013. She was born in Belem, Brazil where she met her husband of 45 years, the late Milo E. Gilson. She is survived by two daugh-ters, Alice Clodfelter and Kris Zambrana, eight grand-children and two great-grandchildren. Grace will host a memorial service and reception in thanksgiving for Terri's life Saturday, Nov. 29,
• Martha Jones died November 7 in Gainesville, FL. Her ashes will be interred with her husband Alexander (Danny) Jones at Oak Hill Cemetery.
• Hazel Treanor died last Wednesday, Nov. 12 in Lawrence, KS, at the age of 93. Hazel and her husband, Mercer, were members of Grace since 1975. She moved to Lawrence KS a few years ago, but continued to generously support Grace Church after her move. Her name will be engraved on the memorial plaque in the columbarium, next to her husband’s name.
Our sympathy is extended to Lesley and Jay Hoffarth
and their family on the death of Lesley’s mother, Patsy
Blanchard.
May they rest in peace and
light perpetual shine upon them.
Standing Notices
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is administered four times each year in Grace Church:
♦ The First Sunday after Epiphany / Baptism of Our Lord (Jan. 11, 2015)
♦ The Great Vigil of Easter (April 4, 2015)
♦ The Day of Pentecost (May 24, 2015)
♦ All Saints’ Sunday (Nov. 1, 2015)
To arrange for a baptism or marriage or to report a death or a hospitalization please contact Fr. Todd McDowell in the church office.
