Warming Center!  Warming Bodies, Minds and Spirits!

Like the magi who so long ago were pulled from their homes to go another way towards something very unknown, my mother started us on that kind of journey when she took our family to an Episcopal Church on January 6, 1974 (Feast of the Epiphany). Some might define it as "an Epiphany moment." It was that day that sent us to a spiritual home like nothing we had ever experienced before.

That day was for me the awakening of the call to follow the Christ child on a path that involves reaching out to all kinds of folks. Our family was embraced for who were - flaws and all.  We had not experienced that in any other faith community.

In its own way, it might have been the catalyst for encouraging Grace to open our doors as a "warming center." The gospel, Jesus, asks that we embrace all and feed people in body, mind and spirits.

Watching Mary Pat, John, Carter, Bennett, Mary Hope, Jim and Harrison interacting with one another and with our guests as they served food and conversations to all, was heartwarming and body-warming.

Bonnie Perry, rector of All Saints' Ravenswood, recently asked the question: "When was the last time you went out of your way for God? When was the last time you altered your course, your behavior, your trajectory to bear witness to or enhance your spiritual beliefs?" (Facebook, 2014).

January 6th and 7th would be the answer for a few folks at Grace.  How about the rest of you?

Peace,

The Book Discussion Group meets on Wednesday, January 8 at 7:30 PM at the home of Bets Howland and Dennis Zavac.  We will be discussing chapters 9, 10 and 11 of Why Christianity Must Change Or Die, by John Shelby Spong. 

Please let Dennis & Bets know if you are coming.  Everyone was so generous with food and drink at the December meeting, Dennis & Bets will take care of libations and light snacks this time.

Reminder: Our final discussion of this book is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th. 

The Grace Church Annual Meeting-at which we'll elect vestry members, warden and delegates to Diocesan Convention-will take place on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 9:40AM.

On that day the second service will begin 30 minutes later than usual. So, we'll have a 9:00 a.m. service followed by the Annual Meeting, and a second service at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome!

Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 6:30pm

It is 255 years after his birth and those who love a good party with plenty of wit in poetry-reading, a wee bit of the dram and all the traditions of pipes and Scottish dancers will enjoy this toast to the Immortal Memory. Traditional haggis warm reekin' rich with champit tatties and bashed neeps, Cullen Skink and savory Highland Beef that's on the menu for an elegant, adults-only party.

A Burns Supper is nothing less than an almost ancient ritual. Dress is traditionally black tie or kilts (they are rentable) but at least evening clothes with as much plaid as you wish.  We invite all guests to recite/sing Burns' poetry - that's the most enjoyable part of the evening. Please click here to let our emcee, Mark Woodworth know (by January 23rd) what poetry you wish to share so he can prepare the program. Cost is $40 and includes meal, entertainment and some first-rate single-malt Scotch and other beverages. You are welcome to bring your favorite brand to share.

Reservations and payment may be made online by January 23, 2014.  Your advance payment will secure your seating. Click below to purchase your tickets (type names of all attendees for whom you are purchasing tickets, then click buy now):

List Name(s) of Attendee(s):

As you know, we recently agreed to participate in the Diocesan program Thrive.  Besides the many congregational development sessions, the vestry and Thrive Team are very excited about this opportunity.  All members of Grace were invited by email yesterday to participate in the first step which is to conduct a congregational assessment.  This assessment will provide a clear picture of who we are as a church and what directions are most important for our future. The tool we are using is the Church Assessment Tool (CAT), which will provide key indicators of our congregational health along with areas of challenge and potential growth. It will help us to collect and understand the range of views that exist at Grace and the possibilities, willingness, capacity and energy for moving our ministry into the future.

In case you missed yesterday's email, you'll find it (and the link to the survey) at this link.  Please be sure that you, your spouse and all young adults and youth living in your home have an opportunity to complete the survey.  INDIVIDUAL INPUT is key to our gaining insight into overall perceptions and experiences. 

Tim Edwards (lifelong Grace Church parishioner and acolyte) is a sophomore at Downers Grove North High School and he has played the cello in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras for the past five years. This summer the Symphony is planning a very exciting trip to China where they will have the opportunity to perform in five major cities.  Tim is working very hard to raise money to help with the cost of this trip and he would like to invite the members of Grace Church to support him by attending a benefit recital that he will be giving on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 4pm here at Grace.  His sister Rachel, who is a graduate student majoring in violin performance and his mother Debbie, who is a violin and viola teacher will be guest artists joining him on this recital and they will be performing works by Bach, Mozart, Albretchsburger, and Mark O'Connor.  They hope that you will attend and are very grateful for your support.

• helps to discern the vision toward which God is drawing that particular community;
• articulates and communicates the vision;
• holds the community accountable for its realization of that vision;
• stewards of the property and finances of the congregation and
• keeps the mission of the Church and that of the individual congregation clearly before the parish community.

• All baptized persons of the age of eighteen years and upwards, who regularly attend the public services of the Church in the Parish, and are recognized as members of the Parish by the Rector and at least one of the Wardens, or, if the Rector be not present, by the two Wardens, and whose names appear on the books of the Parish Treasurer as having contributed by pew rent, by pledge, by subscription or otherwise to the funds to meet the expenses or other obligations of the Parish during the six months immediately previous to the Meeting, it being understood that the pledge or obligation for such contributions shall have been incurred prior to the said six months; and in addition declare their willingness to conform to the Doctrine, Discipline and Worship of the Church. (Diocesan Canon) 
• Is expected to attend all monthly Vestry meetings and the annual Vestry retreat.  If a Vestry member misses three or more meetings within a calendar year, it may be cause for consideration of removal (Parish Guidelines).