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Save the Date
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Vestry Meeting:
July 22, after church
Parish Picnic:
Sunday, September 2
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Welcome to Grace!
As part of our being Grace in the city, we want to extend our welcome to anyone seeking God or a deeper life with God. If someone you know fits that situation, consider forwarding this newsletter to her or him. Or, if you prefer, let the church office know and we'll do the forwarding.
See you Sunday. --Beth Reed, Priest-in-charge |
| Sunday, June 24, at Grace | |  Eucharist, Refreshments
We celebrate the Eucharist at 10:00 AM.
The gospel this week is Jesus getting in a boat with his disciples to go to Gentile (foreign, hostile) territory. A storm arises (wouldn't that be a convenient reason to avoid going to a difficult place?) but Jesus calms it, and they continue to "the other side." How and when do we find ourselves in a boat we'd rather not be in, heading to a place we'd rather not go? Why does Jesus calm the storm?
If you missed the opportunity last week to contribute to the United Thank Offering, you may contribute this week by using a special blue-and-white envelope found at the back of the church, or by simply writing "UTO" on the memo line of a check made out to Grace Church.
After the service, we'll gather for refreshments and conversation.
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| Summer Reading Group | |  Notes from a participant . . .
"Last night, I was one of 14 members of Grace Allentown who discussed the first three chapters of The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto by Tavis Smiley and Cornel West. Grace Parish Administrator Bob House suggested the book and led us (with relevant handouts) in energetic discussion. One incredible fact from chapter three: 'Ignoring, denying and dismissing the poor has become a multimillion dollar enterprise.' And a quote from Louis D. Brandeis: 'We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can't have both.' I highly recommend this disturbing book. I highly recommend forming a group to discuss it."
Parishioner Bill Lewellis wrote that on Monday on the blog he keeps for the diocese, newSpin. |
PA Council of Churches Ministry of Public Advocacy
| |  We can make our voices heard
Our state's council of churches keeps a list of issues that people of faith may be especially concerned about. It publishes a weekly "news and action summary" so people can communicate with their legislators about current issues.
The June 15 edition includes background and contact information on areas as diverse as carbon emissions, restoring human services funding in the state budget, advocating for early childhood education, supporting the Violence Against Women Act, and ensuring minimum wage and overtime pay for home care workers.
Visit this site to see what issues are before the legislature and how to sign for the weekly alerts. |
77th General Convention
| | The meeting is July 5-12
Representatives of the Episcopal Church will gather soon in Indianapolis for the triennial General Convention. Each diocese sends a deputation, a group of elected clergy and lay leaders. They familiarize themselves with the issues on the agenda, participate in hearings and discussions at the Convention, and vote on important matters.
Grace's senior warden, Libby House, is a deputy from our diocese. To hear from other deputies and for a local take on the Convention, consult this blog.
To learn more about how the Convention works and its agenda this year, from the national church's point of view, click here. |
| Allentown Arts Park | |  Weekly market and music are across the street
The Allentown Growers' Market, with fresh produce and prepared foods, has moved to the Arts Park this year. The park is a gem just up the street from Grace, beside the Baum School on Fifth Street. There are picnic tables, a fountain, and grass bordered by plenty of walls for seating. The market is held every Wednesday, 11:30-1:30, until mid-October. Each week, there is music as well. For more information and the music schedule, click here.
Allentown also hosts "Lively Lunches" in the Arts Park. Each Tuesday from 12:00-1:30, a local musician or band sets up in a corner and adds a festive tone for the local office workers and neighbors eating their lunches. It's a low-key and pleasant thing to do on a summer day. For a schedule, click here. |
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