Messenger -October 2008
514 E. Argonne Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314) 821-1806
www.gracekirkwood.org
What is Past is Prologue
We were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. (1 Thes. 2:8)
Paul, as we know, led a peripatetic life. Yet, as he moved among the Mediterranean communities, often distant from each other, he was a genius at keeping in touch. Life as an interim is much like that, except that we are not permitted to keep in touch. The shared experiences and relationships that you build, and will value throughout your life, tend to end with the ministry.
But for 22 months, relationships, experiences, growth and especially affection, grow and blossom. In an odd way, I understand what Paul says when he refers to his flock as “children”, although I wouldn’t have put it that way. But, to adopt a sometimes lost and, almost always, struggling community of faith, and to undertake to lead them from their desert to an oasis of an endless verdant future, frequently conjures up images of being “father”, rather than “Father”. I suppose that’s about the point at which I discovered I had entered a feeling of “tender caring for my children.”
As I reflect on our journey, I just realized, that our journey really is, “to an oasis”, rather than, “into an oasis”. As you enter your future, I can only stand at the edge of the oasis for a brief time, and glimpse the blossoming flower of faith in action that is moving beyond me. This has been evident in several recent meetings, especially the Vestry and Worship Committee. The discussions, drawing on the many successful things we have done and planned to do for some time, are now coming to fruition. Then I discover the journey is now taking place without me, even though I am in the room. And I am thrilled that we have moved beyond “me”. One of the major objectives of the interim, the capacity of the people of God to be the primary ministers of the Gospel, is being acted out in front of me. To be a little crass, “We have come a long way, Baby.” St Paul would be proud of us.
He was right, of course, “We are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves.” Bishop Victoria Matthew’s advice to me, when I began my first interim, “You have to love them, John.” And no where has it been more true than at Grace.
It began with Jeanie Davis’ call, as Joan and I were disembarking from our cruise. It was the tone of her voice, “We’d like you to come to Grace.” Then, the “formal” interview with Jeanie and Janet Mika.
Yes, there have been rough patches and ruffled feathers. Growth and change exact their price, one way or another. But I knew we had passed a barrier when a woman called and said, “I want to do xyz ministry.” I responded, “Go ahead.” “But I want to do it,” she continued. “That’s fine, go ahead.” “You mean I can actually do it!” “Uh huh,” I replied. “Just call and let me know how and when I can help.” I don’t actually think she said “goodbye”. Funny, I remember times like that; but I have difficulty remembering the not-so-good times, and we shared a number of those. It is the funny, moving, sharing and successful times that are the barometers of growth, development, relationship and love.
It is also helpful to recall that you and I didn’t do this by ourselves, we had help. Walt, Emily and Phillip have been in the thick of it with us. In the first year, Beth ministered to both you and to me. More recently, we have had Renee, Lois and Susan. Then there’s Fernando, the quiet guy, who ties his public persona to finances, but does so much else. Just like you, they have to cope with “the interim” as well. Just like you, they have done wonderfully well, and are deeply appreciated.
Paul went off to Rome, to the cross that was waiting for him. Joan and I have other ventures in mind. Whatever happens, wherever we go, whatever we do, you are part of us. We both pray that your future will be richer than you imagine it could be; that the Spirit of God, like the Cloud for the Israelites in the desert, will lead you into the Promised Land of a full life of being the living Gospel of Jesus in this community and beyond.
John+
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise. (Collect, October 26/8)
SAVE THE DATE!
January 4, 2009
The New Year brings a new service to Grace Church!
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, Grace will begin a new Contemporary Family Worship Service at 9:15am every Sunday. It will be led by a lay Worship Team, with guidance from clergy. If you think your family will enjoy an informal, joyous service, come give it a try!
We’ll need lots of help with this service—please share some of your God-given talents! We’ll need singers, musicians, sound people, computer nerds, kid wranglers….you get the idea! If you would like to be a part of this new way to celebrate God’s will, please contact Leah Giessing at 314-650-7417 or Leahmygies@prodigy.net . New Year, new service—we’ll see you at 9:15 on January 4!
Interim Process Comes to a Conclusion
In January of 2007, the Interim Process started at Grace Episcopal Church. In the nearly 20 months since that start much has been accomplished and the Search Process has been very successfully launched. The successful launch of the Search Process means the Interim Process has come to a close.
The Reverend John Dunn proposed that his last Sunday at Grace be on October 12, 2008 and that his final day at Grace be October 15, 2008. The Vestry approved these dates at the September 9, 2008 meeting.
In celebration of The Reverend Dunn’s ministry at Grace, there will a special reception following the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services on October 12, 2008. We invite and encourage all at Grace to join us in this celebration as we provide our heartfelt thanks to John for the care, leadership, and concern he demonstrated for Grace. This will be an opportunity for all of us to say our goodbyes to both John and Joan Dunn and to thank them for their journeying with us through this process.
We are working with the Diocese of Missouri to arrange for a supply priest to act in the role of priest in charge for the period of time between the conclusion of the interim and the calling of a new rector. By having a supply priest serve in the role of priest in charge we can allow our Curate, the Reverend Emily Davis to continue her important ministries to the youth at Grace and honor her commitment to the St. Thomas Mission for the Deaf, as well as, continue the other ministries she supports at Grace.
This period between the conclusion of the interim and the installation of the new priest is a necessary step in our preparation of a new rector. The length of this period will be determined by many factors that impact on the Search Process but may be several months in duration. During this transitional period we encourage you to continue your faithful attendance at the Sunday morning worship services and your continued involvement in the many ministries that make Grace our spiritual home.
With faith,
David Willard
Senior Warden
Please Read the Parish Profile!
Our Parish Profile brochure is available for rector candidates to help explain our spiritual journey. We reflect upon our colorful past, assess where we are today, and describe a vision of where we want to go. We welcome you to view the brochure.
We are excited about the journey described in the brochure, and will talk about it in more detail in future articles. Please give us your feedback.
Rev. Dan Smith is scouring the national church candidate database and is talking with peers in other dioceses. He is very positive about what lies ahead for Grace. Our Committee will receive over 100 resumes from Dan on Thursday, October 9th and review them together. Our individual observations will be compared and discussed as a group, sifting the candidate pool down to only those that best match our rector responsibilities (as described in the Parish Profile).
Those remaining candidates will be sent a Parish Profile brochure, a Parish Messenger, and a questionnaire. Candidates will have two weeks to respond. Our Committee will then review these, and further reduce the candidate pool.
Phone interviews will be arranged with remaining candidates, with us asking more questions (some submitted by you) that give us good insight to their leadership experience, spiritual/pastoral views, personal life, and community outreach interest. (Several Committee members will lead discussion; however the entire Committee will “sit-in” these calls.) After group discussion, we will select those candidates to be discretely visited by Committee team members (several team members will meet with the candidate, visit their existing parish, attend a service, and hear a sermon).
There is a lot happening in October. We will carefully review every candidate, making sure no one slips through a crack. Please keep Grace Church in your prayers as we search for a passionate and dynamic rector, capable of embracing us for who we are and strengthening us for what we can become!
The Rector Search Committee
Invest in Grace
First, my sincere thanks to all who have committed to the Invest in Grace Campaign. As we conclude the interim and enter into the Search Process, Grace’s financial health becomes even more critical.
The financial report to the vestry for the first eight months of the current year shows that pledge income and expenses are on target with the budget. The one area of projected income in the budget that shows a significant variance from the budget is Invest in Grace. We have received contributions and commitments for over $10,000. However, this leaves us significantly short of the budget goal of $24,000 for Invest in Grace.
The initial request for the Invest in Grace Campaign was based on 80 individuals contributing $300 each to get to the total of $24,000. We currently have fewer than 30 of those who have pledged who have contributed to Invest in Grace. Some of those individuals contributed more than $300.
I am writing again to request your assistance in improving Grace’s financial picture by prayerfully considering the Invest in Grace Campaign and contributing as you are able. For example, if each of those who have pledged and have not contributed toward Invest in Grace were to give $100 our goal would be exceeded.
Sincerely,
David Willard
Senior Warden
Newcomer Orientation - October 20, 2008 7:00 pm LeVielle Room
Are you a Newcomer to Grace Church? Or, are you a parishioner who desires to find out more about all that Grace Church has to offer? On October 20 at 7:00 pm, the Welcoming Committee will hold its annual Newcomer Orientation. Rev. Emily Hilquist-Davis, a vestry member, and representative committee chairs will attend. This meeting is designed to provide information about the church and answer any questions that interested parishioners may have. Please RSVP to Sandy Padgett at sandypad@att.net or 314-835-1012. Childcare is available for this event.
Upcoming Events for High School Teens
St. Francis Day PET BLESSING *** Mission Trip Fundraiser***
Saturday, Oct. 4th. Set-up begins at 12:30. We’ll be done by 4:30 at the latest. All missioners need to participate.
Sr. Youth Retreat [focus: relationships]
Saturday & Sunday Nov. 1st ― 10 a.m. thru Nov. 2 ― 11:30a.m.
Teen-Led Worship ― Nov. 16th ― 10a.m. service
All missioners need to participate.
Rehearsal: Saturday, Nov. 15th ― 9a.m. to noon
Set-up the day of: Sunday, Nov. 16th ― 9a.m.
Lunch & fun to celebrate: after the service ‘til 12:30 or 1 pm
High School Sunday discussion continues on 1st Sundays at 9a.m.
(Oct. 5, Nov. 2 = included in retreat, Dec. 7…)
Group Meetings on 1st Mondays and 3rd Sundays
Please contact Rev. Emily to be added to e-mail info list. (314-821-1806, x. 19 or emily.davis@gracekirkwood.org)
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 19th - Worship for the Young at Heart - the 10:00 service will be lead by Grace's Youth. Don't miss this wonderful worship. The children practice songs for this during the weekly Young People's Worships.
October 26th - Stewardship Fair at 9:00. Instead of Church School this week, the youth are encouraged to attend the Stewardship Fair with their families.
Grace Church Outreach Committee oversees 11 worthy projects throughout the Kirkwood community and into the wider area of the diocese and the world. This summer, Grace hosted SPROG, Inc.
SPROG offers educational and recreational activities for underprivileged children in the Kirkwood area during the summer. SPROG also provides employment, leadership training, and work experience for youth as counselors. Grace Church provides a yearly grant, a member for the SPROG board, use of the building for the summer activities, a room year round for the office, and volunteers as needed. By all accounts, SPROG had another successful summer at Grace Church!
Help Needed!
Another worthy Outreach program is in danger of being eliminated for lack of a project manager. Reaching Refugees, an International Institute, is a non-profit organization that contracts with the United States government to resettle and support refugees in St. Louis. Grace Church provides volunteers and in-kind donations.
Could you consider being a project manager for this worthy cause? All you would need to do is organize collections of clothing and household items, and be able to transport or arrange to transport them to the Reaching Refugees center. Please contact Barbara Berry or Dianne Sehie is you can provide a few hours of your time for this cause.
Grace Church: Calling all animal lovers!
St. Francis Day Pet Blessing
& Animal Festival
All Pets Welcome!
Sat. Oct. 4th ― 2 to 3:30pm
Pet Blessing at 2:15
― short liturgy + individual blessings for pets
Sr. Youth are raising funds for Mission Trip 2009
Caramel Apples ― design your own or buy fresh-made
Animal Balloons
Face Painting
Gourmet doggy treats ― baked by Grace teens
Grace Episcopal Church
514 E. Argonne
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-821-1806
www.GraceKirkwood.org
FUNDRAISING
This is just a reminder that all fundraising events must be approved by the Fundraising Oversight Committee. Blank forms can be found outside Albright Hall and can be placed in my box when completed. Proceeds from fundraising events can be earmarked for a specific project (ex. Mission Trip), for the general fund, or can be designated for an outreach project. Keep in mind that the Outreach Committee spends a great deal of time screening possible recipients for their funds, so you may simply designate this committee to receive the proceeds. Other outreach projects are subject to their approval as well as ours.
Monies gathered from outside Grace Church must go into some sort of outreach. In other words, money gathered from the Greentree booth needs to go back out into the community.
The forms should be turned in several weeks ahead of the event to give the committee ample time to review them. After the event, a summary showing attendance and money raised should be put either in my box or sent to me via e-mail so that I can share it with the rest of the committee.
Grocery coupon profits will go into the general fund.
Ticket sales should not be scheduled for more than 3 or 4 weeks before the event. This is done to avoid excessive solicitations and to save wear and tear on event coordinators since people have a tendency to wait until the last minute to purchase tickets.
If you have any questions, please give any of us a call.
Janet Heyer, Vestry Liaison JMurphHi@aol.com
Hank Caby, Vestry Liaison
Marty O’Leary, Outreach Liaison
Jo Musson, Committee Member
Nominating Committee for 2009 Vestry
The Vestry has Named John Cullinane, James Krakowski, Jim Moore amd Carlos Nunez to form a Nominating Committee for four new Vestry Members, whose 3 year terms will start at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting in January, 2009.
This will be the first Vestry for our new Rector and it should be a very exciting time for Grace Church. If you are interested in being a part of this Nominating Committee or know someone who you feel would be an asset to this committee please let one of the above people know or put a note in Jim Moore’s mailbox.
Safeguarding God’s Children Workshop
(vital information. no cost.)
Required by the Episcopal Church for clergy, church employees, and volunteers who regularly supervise youth activities. Strongly recommended for Vestry members & Sunday school teachers.
Saturday, October 11, 9a.m. to noon at Christ Church Cathedral
and
Saturday, November 8, 1 to 4 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood (following a diocesan youth ministry training and networking event that we are hosting as well.)
A note from our curate Rev. Emily:
I am one of the trainers offering these workshops for the prevention of child sexual abuse. They are chock full of information about how abusers work themselves into a position of trust to take advantage of children. I encourage all parents to attend at least the first half of this workshop – though the whole thing is worthwhile.
The Rev. Emily Hillquist Davis+, Grace Episcopal & St. Thomas Church for the Deaf -- (314) 821-1806
NOT JUST DONUTS needs volunteer hosts/hostesses for a variety of Sundays, especially after the 10am service on Sept 28, Oct 5, Oct. 19, Oct 26. A sign up sheet is next to the Donut table---after the service, come have a cup of coffee, fellowship with us.... then look over the Sundays you might be able to host coffee hour. We can help you learn the routine & written instructions are in the folder near the coffee maker. Thanks for all you do to make our Grace family & visitors feel welcomed! Harriet Foiles, Liz Allen
Evensong Service in the Style of Taizé
SUNDAY, October 5 at 5 pm
A Place to Meet God
Through a blend of ritual, reverence, and simplicity...
In the midst of community...
In prayer for healing and wholeness
for oneself, for others and the Church...
And to be renewed.
The worship tradition represented in this Evensong service began many years ago in the ecumenical French monastic community called Taizé. It is a quiet service of meditation, reflection, readings and music. The experience finds its true meaning in the active participation of all assembled by focusing and deepening our faith trough the power of prayer. Therefore, everyone is encouraged to participate as the Spirit moves them, whether that be in song, prayer, or quiet meditation. Much of our modern personal need is for entertainment. We have "busy" souls. The liturgy that has been developed around the Taizé community is primarily for the worship of God, but it is also meant to quiet the soul. The quietness does not happen at once, but gradually during the worship. There is repetition in the words of the music, there are many periods of silence, and the readings are read slowly - all so that we may have a deep quiet grow in our hearts. Then we may be still and be at peace in the presence of God. Come and join us in Bethlehem Chapel for this peaceful and moving service.
What is SWEEPS?
Come to the Ministry Fair Sunday October 26, 2008 following both services in Albright Hall. Visit with a representative from each of the SWEEPS; Stewardship, Worship, Education, Evangelism (Hospitality), Pastoral, and Stewardship. Learn the important role each of these play in the life of Grace. There will be information available about different committees, opportunities to sign up with committees, maybe even a special snack.
Women’s Study Group
If you have a few hours free on any Tuesday morning, how about joining the Women’s Study Group? We meet every Tuesday morning in Kean Library at 10:00 A.M. for coffee and fellowship. We are currently reading and discussing “The Shack” by William Young. It is a compelling story about a man who has lost his faith after the tragic death of his young daughter, and how he finds God in a most unusual manner. The issues that are raised in our readings provoke lots of comments and opinions and sometimes tears and laughter as well as moving personal stories from our participants. While we are a close knit group who care deeply about one another, we are always happy to welcome newcomers. And it’s okay if you can’t make every week. Come join us. If you’d like more information, call Susan Leach at 636-225-8116 or just show up. You’re always welcome.
Why Do They Do It?
Do you ever wonder what inspires women like our Curate Emily Davis to devote their lives to God’s service? You may get some insight at the Women of Grace meeting on Tuesday, October 21. We will welcome three female priests, each at a different stage of her vocation, to tell her personal story of God’s call. Joining Emily will be the Reverend Doris Westfall, Rector of St. Matthew’s -Warson Woods, and the Reverend Kelly Carlson, a recent seminary graduate and assistant at St. Peter’s-Ladue.
As is our usual custom, we will enjoy a brown bag lunch at noon (drinks and dessert provided) and our guests will tell their personal stories beginning at 1:00 P.M. All women of Grace Church are invited (men too) so pack your favorite sandwich or salad and plan to join us in the LaVielle Room on October 21st.
It’s Time to Think “Bazaar”
This year’s holiday bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, December 6 and it’s not too soon to start planning your contribution. Are you handy at making candy? Do you ache to bake? Get those recipes ready. Someone will be calling you. If you don’t know a measuring spoon from a ramekin, you are still needed. Save your gently-used books, CDs, DVDs and costume jewelry. We’ll have a special sale of those items. Marty O’Leary, Christie Boyle and Shirley Browne are heading up this year’s efforts. If you can help in any way, please speak to one of them soon.
Grace on the Go is planning a trip to historic Alton, Illinois, Friday October 17 .
Our first stop will be the Great Rivers Museum at the Melvin Price Lock and Dam . We also plan to visit the Alton Museum of History and Art, which contains information on the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War. Other points of interest are the Confederate Cemetary monument and the site of the Civil War Monument on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River.
We will lunch at "My Just Desserts, a charming restaurant in downtown Alton featuring soup, salad and sandwiches and 9-13 home made desserts made daily.
Grace on the Go has no membership list. All events are open to all parish members. Watch for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex Any questions, call the Hoeys (821-4317) or the Boyles(821-5421).
Hi All:
Come join us for the Jazz Concert at 7 PM on Friday, October 10, 2008, featuring The Carolbeth Trio with vocalist, Debby Lennon, Carol True-piano, Glen Smith-guitar, and David True-drums. Tickets will be $10.00/adult and $5.00/student. Cash or Check will be accepted. No credit cards. Snacks will be free and provided at each table. Tickets on sale in Albright Hall following all services.
Thanks, Lud Waldren
GENERAL SUNDAY SCHEDULES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
9:00 - 9:50: Church School
9:00 - 9:50: Parent's Place
9:00 - 11:30: Nursery is Open
10:00 during the service: Young People's Worship in the LaVeille Room - this is an age-appropriate service of songs and lessons. The children re-join the parents during the passing of the peace.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL MIXER
Attention all 7th & 8th Graders - Mark your calendar! First Annual Fall Mixer will take place right here at Grace on Saturday, November 1st. DJ and refreshments from 7:00 - 9:30pm in Albright Hall. Invite all your friends. Watch for more information in the next couple of weeks
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SEEKING HELP WITH "NOT JUST DONUTS"
There is a shortage of people to staff "Not Just Donuts" after church on the following dates: 9/28; 10/5; 11/23; 12/7; and 12/14
It really isn't hard and it is a great project for a family. Please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the kitchen or contact Sandy Padgett20for more information.
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PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Looking to get involved? Please see the parent volunteer sign-up sheet posted outside of the Parent's Place Room and find a fun activity in which you can share your time and talent.
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GRACE OUTREACH AT WORK
A Happy Birthday Party
A stalwart band of Grace parishioners descended on the St. Louis Detention Center on Friday, June 20 to celebrate the birthdays of some of the center’s young residents. Our group arrived early to decorate the room and from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M., it was non-stop fun. Music was provided by the Southwest Baptist Church Praise Music Ensemble, thanks to the generosity of Kirkwood resident Martha Durbin. The Fliss family delighted everyone with their magic tricks including a knife-throwing act featuring Father John and his wife, Joan. (We trust they’re still speaking to one another.)
After a feast of ice cream, candy, chips and punch, the birthday celebrants received gifts of Cardinal baseball memorabilia. Thanks to our volunteers Phil and Michelle Morrow, Debbie Caby, Chris Kurth, Dick and Becky Entenman, Diane Willis, Liz Allen, the Dunns and the Fliss Family for providing an evening to remember.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
First, the good news: Grace people are the most generous folks around. (See above.)
Then, the bad news: Outreach contributions are significantly lower than in past years.
And now, the ugly news: More people than ever are in need.
More than 90% of our Outreach budget goes to help people right here in our own community to provide assistance with food, housing and guidance for young people at risk. Please take that Outreach envelope you’ll find in your pew, put a few dollars in it, drop it in the collection plate and thank God you’re on the giving end and not the receiving end.
SHARE YOUR TALENTS WITH GRACE CHURCH PASTORAL CARE MINISTRIES
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
CARE-LINE – weekly phone updates on current events, persons in the hospital and funeral notices.
Stephen Ministries – find out about future Stephen Ministry training programs.
Eucharistic Visitors – taking Communion to home-bound members. Sign up for the next training course to become a licensed Eucharistic Visitor.
Visitation – visit or phone shut-ins and/or bring altar flowers to home and hospital-bound members.
St. Paul’s Guild – send notes of cheer and consolation to those in need and to college students.
Funeral Arrangements – help families through the procedures and decisions needed at the time of family member funerals. Includes planning any receptions if requested by the family.
Come visit the Pastoral Care Ministries tables at the Sunday Oct. 26 Parish Ministries Fair in Albright Hall to find out more about these gratifying ways to share your talents.
Bike for Bikes is only 5 weeks away!
The members of your church, especially your youth, are invited to participate in a diocesan wide youth event hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church of St. Charles. Bike for Bikes is a bike-a-thon for the benefit of the Diocese of Lui in Sudan. The proceeds raised by this event will help purchase bikes and help with bike maintenance for the Diocese of Lui.
Please join us for this exciting event on October 18, 2008 at 3 pm. The bike-a-thon will take place on the Katy Trail in St. Charles County. Registration will start at 2:00 pm in the south end of the parking at Frontier Park. The park is located one block off of Main Street, St. Charles. You and your youth must check in at the registration desk. Then, as a group, we will hit the trail with a blessing and a prayer.
The ride will consist of biking one hour down the trail towards Weldon Springs and one hour back. Rest stops will mark your way down the trail. Each rest stop will have volunteers with water, first aid and communication abilities. Everyone must be checked off the trail before leaving the event.
All bikers, walkers and volunteers are invited back to Trinity for a cookout, bonfire and S’mores. We will also have a drawing for various prizes at the cookout.
In order for Trinity to be prepared to host this event, please contact Holly Murray at 636-448-4005 or Katie Lillard at 314-805-4402 or the church office at 636-949-0160 to register. If you are sending more than two youths please send an accompanying adult or if your member is ten years old or younger then a parent or a guardian needs to accompany the child.
Although this is a youth hosted event, this not a youth only event. Everyone is welcomed!
Hope to see you there!!!