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Tuesday Morning Education for Ministry Starts in September
From Hawley Todd, EfM Mentor:
Dear Friends, While many of you know that I have been a mentor for Education for Ministry and have led about 40 groups in this process, some of you may not be aware what EfM is. EfM is a place to explore questions and struggle with what you might believe and even more struggle to find some harmony between your thoughts and actions. There are no "pat answers" or conclusions you need to find--unless being authentic to who you are is a conclusion.
EfM takes place in a small group of 6 to 12 people. Note that it is neither a devotional Bible Study nor a therapy group. We will be having a day time class on Tuesday mornings at Grace beginning in September. If you want to join, you will be registered with the University of the South as a student. It is simple--just fill out the form I will send you and pay your tuition of $350 for 36 classes. Yes we meet once a week for 2 and 1/2 hours. We will most likely start at 9 but 9:30 is an option as well. All students will be study the theme for this year, "Living as Spiritually Mature Christians." New students will be studying the Hebrew Bible for the first 9 months. Notice I said Hebrew Bible and not the Old Testament. Hebrew Bible means that we study it as a Hebrew text--not as a Christian text. We try to understand when it was written and by whom and for what purpose. We discover it has many voices and was written over centuries. There is an evolution of theology within the Hebrew Bible and many images of God and humankind. I find it fascinating. However if you are a literalist, you may find many of your beliefs shaken to the core.
We need two more folks to make the class viable for the fall. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested.
For those who took EfM in the past, you may register to retake any year. The texts were recently completely changed for the better. The text for the New Testament is fantastic. Also I love the text for Year Three and church history. It actually presents Christianity as more than the Latin forms we know in the West. Pray and think about it. It will be fun and may stir your world up a bit! Blessings - Hawley Todd Call Hawley at 513-967-6581 or email him at todd@episcopalhealing.org. Read more about EfM here: efm.sewanee.edu/
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What Students Have to Say About Education for Ministry
J White says: "As a recent graduate of EfM, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a closer relationship with GOD, others and self! During my four years of EfM, my faith was tested due to family illness and employment issues; the classes became my stabilizing anchor. The readings reaffirmed my faith and the theological reflections increased my belief in humankind and my desire to put my FAITH into ACTION! I thank Hawley for inviting me to join, fellow classmates for sharing this journey with me and Marie (my sister) for encouraging me to attend each class because of the positive affect it was producing in me. Take the time to look into giving class a try. You won't be disappointed."
Anni Macht-Gibson says: "I can heartily recommend Education for Ministry. The curriculum is excellent and greatly deepened my understanding of scripture, both the the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament as well as the history of Christianity. More importantly, the interactions in the small group and the various techniques used to facilitate reflection and discussion have built relationships, strengthened my faith and greatly enriched my relationship with God. Hawley Todd is a remarkable mentor."
Ken Lyon says: "I recommend EfM for anyone who has questions about their faith. I won't say that I got all my questions answered--although I was helped to figure out many of them. What's important to me is that I'm now a lot more comfortable with the things that aren't clear to me yet, understanding that my life is about my faith journey. Don't have the time? Don't worry, once you've joined, you'll find the time."
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Buy Tickets Now for Grace Ministry Fund-Raiser on Saturday, September 19
Grace is sponsoring a fund raiser to support our ministries. It is called Discover the Pearl of Africa--A Celebration of Ugandan Culture. It'll feature, among other things a great Ugandan dinner and a silent auction. It will be held on Saturday, September 19 beginning at 6pm. Order your tickets by calling the office at 513-541-2415 or emailing office@gracecollegehill.org. Tickets cost $35/person or $60/couple before September 2 and $40/person thereafter. Some folks are buying a table of 8 or 10 and inviting their friends.
Seeking Auction Items. Carol Lyon is currently looking for auction items for the silent auction. She is wondering if you might have something you would be willing to donate. It could be an item or a service. For example, some people are donating baskets of wine, champagne, jewelry, a Cincinnati Reds basket or art work. Others are offering to be a chef for an evening for you or someone you know or to hold a brunch for you and your guests at their house.
There are lots of ideas on the internet. Just to name a few more possibilities: baskets for kids, or tools or tickets to events or chocolate. Other ideas that are popular include: vacation rentals, dog lovers basket, tutoring, spa services, etc. I am sure you get the idea and I am sure you have something unique you could offer.
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We'd Like Your Input About Christmas Eve
As your Worship Team and Senior Warden work together to schedule our Christmas Eve service for this year (which will be upon us before we know it!), we'd like to know which of the following times you'd prefer:
Please send your reply to the Office - via email to Office@gracecollegehill.org or phone, 513-541-2415, by this Thursday, August 13, 2015.
Thanks! Judy Handy
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Mark Your Calendar
This Wednesday, August 12: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing with laying on of hands, Healing Touch, Drumming, etc. Starts at 7pm. Every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm: Free Community Dinner. Come and enjoy the food and the fellowship. September 19: "The Pearl of Africa," Ugandan dinner, music and silent auction. The online Grace Church Calendar lists most everything we know about that's happening at Grace Church. If something's not listed, or if you see errors, please tell the office (office@gracecollegehill.org, 513-541-2415). |
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Thanks to ...
... Pauline Lutmer, who recently stepped up to shop for and prepare the meals for the two most recent Community Dinners. And now she's coming in to completely clean and organize our kitchen. Check it out! Pauline was previously known as the "dessert lady" because she had been preparing the desserts for most of our dinners.
... Larry Hill, who donated a window air conditioner, which Patrick Meade installed in the choir (aka TaiChi) room. The students much appreciate it, according to Jackie Millay.
... Ray Schneider, who went up on the flat roof on the Belmont side to remove the junk that was plugging the roof drains and also patch a leak. We shouldn't see water coming into the nave at that point now (at least for a while).
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If you would like to donate for altar flowers on any Sunday, please sign the Flower Sheet by the Belmont door or call the church office or email spikelyon@gmail.com or donate online at gracecollegehill.org.
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We Have an Opening for an Organization to Serve a Community Dinner
We now have an opening for another organization to take responsibility for one of the Community Dinners each month. This would involve shopping for food, preparing and serving the meals, and cleanup afterwards. If you know of an organization that might like to participate in providing this important community service, contact J White ( mizwone@gmail.com, 513-532-9362).
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Opportunities Available
Gardener/Landscaper. One of the first thing people see about Grace church is the outside of the building as well as the grounds. Does the place look loved? Is parishioner pride evident? Success in growing the church will be strongly influenced by the immediate perceptions of first time visitors. If you could devote a couple of hours a week to weeding and pruning you can help the church grow. For further information contact, Carol Lyon at spikelyon@gmail.com.
Altar Guild. Once a month, for about an hour on a Saturday morning, prepare the Altar for the Eucharist. You will have the opportunity to handle our beautiful silver sacred vessels as well as our lovely hangings. After the Sunday service, take down the Eucharistic elements and put them away. If you are interested e-mail Carol Lyon at spikelyon@gmail.com.
Writer. Get your creative juices going. Write an article for Grace Notes once a month or so about an event that is happening at Grace church or even just your. If you are interested, please e-mail Ken Lyon at eGraceNotes@gracecollegehill.org. . |
The first planned event for our 150th anniversary celebration for Grace Church will be held on March 6, 2016 at 4pm. It was March 6, 1866 that Grace Church members and friends met to elect the first Vestry and Wardens. That's days's worship service will be moved to the afternoon to make it easier for Grace alums and friends to attend.
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Help Set Up and Take Down for Summer Worship in the Great Hall. While we are worshiping in the great hall this summer, there are things that need to be set up and taken down. The altar, elements for the Eucharist need to be brought up from the sacristy, the flags, and setting the tables with tablecloths and candles. Little things, really, to enrich our worship and create the space we all want. Would you consider taking one week this summer to be in charge? Many hands make light work. The task would involve coming in early and leaving late. We also need help in the kitchen after snack and chat to make sure things are wiped up and put away. It is not fair that the same people are providing the experience for all. Your additions for snack and chat are always welcome!
Thank you in advance for your consideration. I know the Holy Spirit will move many of you to help. Please contact Judy Handy,worship chair (murf0202@gmail.com) or Candace Moxley, parish life (candy.moxley@yahoo.com) with your availability.
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Prayers and Thanksgivings
Belinda Perna recently broke her femur in a fall and is recovering at Llanfair in room 71. She and Roger will appreciate your prayers, carts and/or short visits.
Grace Staples has recovered from her foot surgery to the point where she can again come to church.
Prayers for healing are asked for Patty Rogers, The Rogers Family, (Sarah and Joe Rogers - Patty's parents), Carl, Jackie, Robb Martin, Kim Martin, Melissa, Jordan and Brandie, Rhonda and D.L. Sharp, The Partin Family, Maree White, Our President and Our Country, Albertha Howard and DeConte Howard, Peter Hawkins, Judy Handy, Madeena Nolan, Gwynne and Naomi Gabbard, Mae Armstead, James McNabb Nickname: Cousin, Jim and Nancy Vath, Darryl, Anne, Caleb, and Joshua Handy, Father Hufford, Father Ray Betts and Mary McLain, Ken Lyon, Gene, Wilson, Jo Carroll, Earl Sharp, Virginia Chapel and Family, MaryAnn Chappelear, Jane Davis, Nikki Yaptangco and Desmond, Anna Black, Lauren Flemister, Beth, Belinda Perna, Jeanne, Joshua Grout, Grace Staples.
Prayers are asked for members often not able to come to church: Elizabeth Kelly, Janet Henthorn, Naomi Koester, Elva Gscheidle, Jo Carroll, Anne Henneberg, Raymond Betts.
To add or subtract from this list, please contact the Church Office (513-541-2415, office@gracecollegehill.org) with the names of the persons to be included on this list. If you email, please place "Prayer Request" in the subject line. Please also indicate whether the name of the prayer recipient is to be listed in the bulletin.
Names remain on the list for about a month. Please let us know if people should be put back on the list.
Pastoral Care. If you need pastoral care or know of someone who does, please call or email the office (513-541-2415, office@gracecollegehill.org) Keep us informed about about illness, hospital stays, requests for visits, communion, and prayers for special concerns. |
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From the Editor...
You are receiving eGraceNotes because you subscribed online, or because you gave us your email. You can unsubscribe instantly at any time using the link at the bottom of each issue. eGraceNotes is published weekly whenever possible. Our purpose is to help keep members and friends of Grace Church up-to-date on what's happening at Grace and of other things that may be of particular interest to our readers. While we try our best to represent the Grace Church congregation, final responsibility for what you see here belongs solely to the editor. The content of eGraceNotes depends on what what is provided us. Send items to the editor at egracenotes@gracecollegehill.org. Photos in eGraceNotes may be edited to remove extraneous material. Ken Lyon, Editor |
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