Paying it Forward

Several weeks ago I went out to the Delia's restaurant for lunch or breakfast with a parishioner. As we were leaving, I noticed a small sign that said, "Paying it Forward" and next to it was a container with round plastic chips in it.  Much to my delight I was told that they ask their patrons to give a donation of $2.95 to help pay for a cup of coffee or part of a meal for someone who can not afford it.  They prefer that their customers not give to the panhandlers that walk up to them. At the same time, they value taking care of those who are in need.  They call it, "Paying it Forward."

During WWII, retreating German forces ordered the bombing of the Cathedral in Vienna. Those orders were ignored and it was saved from the destruction that had been planned for it. Not too long after fires, started by looters, broke out around the area and the winds picked up and landed them on the roof.  It caught fire and collapsed.  Luckily, much of the century old Cathedral was not destroyed. So beloved was this Cathedral, that rebuilding began immediately.

St. Stephen's has an amazing history and I urge you to read more about it. 

Delia's Restaurant and St. Stephen's Cathedral are prime examples of Stewardship of people and places.  The folks from Delia's understand that each of us has a responsibility to care for those who are in need and to do so in responsible ways.  St. Stephen's history shows thousands of years of caring for their building and the people of Vienna.

This past Sunday, when I came back up to the altar after anointing those who asked for healing prayers, I had the profound sense of being in a sacred space that has been around for years and has heard the faith stories and journeys of so many people (members and nonmembers).

When I give of my financial resources to Grace, I give because I believe God has called me to support the ministries and organizations that understand the fullness of being the people of God in the world - to places that will strive to "Pay it Forward" like our ancestors.

-Shawn 

Coffee Hour has long supported our community effort as we continue to grow as a congregation through this fellowship time.  We have struggled for the last few years with Coffee Hour for both the early and late services.  As a result, we'd like to create a new acronym! and a new ministry committee called the CHEERS Committee - Coffee Hour Efficacy and Entertainment Reserve Staff.  This group of fine hospitable people would  consist of 12-15 people responsible for providing beverage ONLY for the early and late services, each person having this duty once per quarter, no financial outlay, just that of time from 9am - 12n. 

Snacks, etc. could be provided by those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, etc. during that week and would be purely voluntary.  Those celebrating will be contacted a month out as a reminder to bring treats as they so choose.  Those celebrating are welcomed and encouraged to partner with the CHEERS host for that day.  In addition, CHEERS hosts will partner with the Newcomer's Committee to bring new congregants into the fold assisting with Coffee Hour while getting to know others. 

Anyone from both services can attend early or late, sort of a come and go "coffee experience".  This not only offers a co-mingling of both services but an opportunity to grab a cup of delicious coffee at any time during the morning.

The kitchen will be well supplied (thank you Sarah Hunt and Jane Shirley!) with coffee, decaf and regular, tea, coffee cream, juice for the children, lemonade/iced tea for the summer months,  and appropriate paper goods.  Assistance in learning the kitchen equipment will also be provided to those hosts in charge.

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SIGNED UP FOR COFFEE HOUR, please KEEP you hosting obligation as we get this ministry and schedule up and running.

Please stop by our table at the Ministry Fair this Sunday to sign up as we start this new hosting ministry at Grace.   

-Cyndy Reynolds, Sarah Hunt, and Sam Love

Through the Cathedral Shelter Christmas Basket program, Grace Church will supply Christmas gifts for 9 families (approximately 50 individuals total) this year.  

All but 10 names were taken last Sunday. The remaining names and gift requests of the members of Grace's families will be available in the Parish Hall after each service this Sunday, November 17.  Simply choose a member of one of the families and fill out your name and contact information on the list next to the person's name you have chosen.  You can also contact Heidi Lukas (708-308-0602 or lukash@cso.org) to receive a name and gift requests.

Tickets are now on sale for our annual Boars Head Feast presented by the Madrigal Choir of Grace Church.

Come join us for a wonderful evening of an originally-scripted performance in period costume, with music and dance set in the splendor of our nave, magically transformed into your Lord's and Lady's great hall.

Dinner and General Seating tickets are available.

The dates are Friday Dec. 13, 2013 at 7PM and Saturday Dec. 14, 2013 at 7PM.

Dinner is $40 for adults and $30 for students, and General Seating is $15 for adults and $10 for students.

All patrons will receive a $5 discount for attending in renaissance style costume.

Dinner seating is by reservation only and must be made by Sunday Dec. 8th.

General seating is unreserved, and includes dessert and beverage.

Click here for a ticket order form. 

For more information click here to contact Silvano Brugioni, or call him at 708-655-1702. 

On November 15, 2013 the Episcopal Church will host and produce a forum centering on a critical topic for our times: Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America. Originating from St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS (Diocese of Mississippi), the 90-minute ecumenical forum will be live webcast beginning at 1PM Central.

The forum will be moderated by well-known journalist and PBS commentator Ray Suarez. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will keynote the event. Two panel discussions will focus on main themes: Racism in America today - why does it persist? And Racism in America's future - where is there hope for change?

The Anti-Racism Commission in the Diocese of Chicago will be hosting a viewing of the live webcast and luncheon at St. James Commons, 65 E. Huron St., Chicago, from 12:30 - 3:30PM.  Some members of the staff of Grace will be attending this important event.  All are welcome. 

The Oak Park River Forest Community of Congregations invites you to the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. 

Manya Brachear Pashman, a religion reporter at the Chicago Tribune, is the featured speaker. The service will represent diverse spiritual traditions as the community gathers in worship, finding peace and gratitude for God's many blessings. All community members are welcome and warmly encouraged to attend. After the service, United Lutheran will host a reception with refreshments and fellowship.

A collection will benefit the Holiday Food and Gift Basket Program and the Community of Congregations. Donations of non-perishable food items will also be received for the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry.