Jim Redden, David Sgarlata, Steve Kvaal and I went off on a retreat for the beginning of THRIVE (congregational vitality program). We spent time reflecting on our first memories of God, ways we learn, leadership styles, vital and not so vital ministries of Grace and where we see hope. We met other congregations with similar hopes and dreams and challenges.

 

Our work with THRIVE will be to gather information about who we are and who we feel called to be. It was an exciting weekend.

 

The THRIVE team and Accountability Team look forward to this two-year journey. We look forward to diving into the results of our survey (more about that in an article below).

 

Karen Mensch, a parishioner, approached me to say what a joy it was to fill out that survey.  Here are her thoughts:

 

Dear Thrive Team-

I want to thank you for the opportunity to complete the Congregational Assessment Tool Survey.  I decided to take the survey so that my voice could be included in future planning for our church community.  As I answered the questions I found this tool to be a good way to gauge what truly is important to me in my community participation and where my personal challenges are as a member of this community.  The survey offered me the opportunity to pause and reflect on my personal relationships with our community and where I find strengths or weaknesses in those relationships.  I look forward to seeing the results of the survey and working together to strengthen our shared work and worship.   Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this assessment.

 

-Karen-Jo Mensch

 

May 2014 be a year filled with vital and life giving moments that are filled with God.

 

-Shawn

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!

We would like to include a report from all chairs of Grace ministries in the 2013 Annual Report, to be presented at the Annual Meeting on January 26, 2014.  Please click here to email a brief report about the ministry for which you are the leader to Douglas VanHouten no later than January 20th.  Thank you!

After the 10:30 service on Sunday, January 19, please feel free to grab a cup of coffee and gather in the choir pews for a 30-minute presentation giving basic facts and fascinating anecdotes regarding our fine 1922 Casavant pipe organ.  Parish Musician Dennis Northway will explain and walk our ears around our beautiful worship space.  Basic information and an aural tour of the organ will be presented in a light and not-too-technical format.  We hope you will join us!

Those who requested a boxed set of contribution envelopes for 2014 may pick them up from the table behind the back pew in church.  This will save us substantial mailing costs.  If you are unable to get to church, however, please email me and I'll mail them to you. 

Thank you,
Douglas VanHouten

At all services the communion bread that we share is made by a small group of parishioners. As their lives change, the group of bakers has gradually changed and new bakers are invited to participate in this lovely ministry. We have an opening or two for new bakers for 2014.  The communion bread is made at home (on your schedule) and brought to the freezer in the kitchen just prior to each baker's assigned month. There is a flat (quick-bread) bread recipe available or small loaves of yeast bread are equally welcome. The months of May and November will need new bakers but assignments may also be rearranged to suit prospective bakers' schedules.  Please contact Lil Hohmann at 708-848-9066 or lilhohmann@sbcglobal.net.  

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):

 

The date of the next Benedictine Experience will be Tuesday, January 28, 2014, from 7 to 9PM.  Please note this is a change from the originally scheduled February 4 date. More information at this link.

Are you a young person or adult ready to take the next step in your spiritual journey? Or do you know one who is? Next month Grace will begin a preparation process for those interested in confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation of faith by the Bishop (date to be announced). Interested people should speak to Shawn or Nick.

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 early this month 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 the 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. 

Thank you for your willingness to be a part of this congregational assessment and for helping to build Grace's future.

• 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).

Community of Congregations Meeting
Thursday, January 30th at 6:30 pm
Maguire Hall at St. Catherine's-St. Lucy's Catholic Church
34 N. Austin Boulevard in Oak Park

Doors Open at 6:30 
Buffet Dinner 6:45
Program 7:30
Business Meeting 8:30

 

Please join the Community of Congregations to continue the dialogue started at their September 30th Community Meeting: exploring ways to build relationships between Chicago's western neighborhoods and the western suburbs.

 

Topics to be covered:

• Empowering Youth
• Radical Hospitality
• Economic Justice

Following a brief presentation, trained facilitators will lead small groups in identifying opportunities for individuals to get involved, congregations to get engaged, and organizations to collaborate.

 

A good will offering of $15 is optional.

 

Reservations can be made by contacting Katie Avalos at oprfcoc@gmail.com or by calling 312-560-3968.

An invitation from the Peace and Justice Committee of Ascension Catholic Church of Oak Park:

It's terrible when parents of kids born here are deported.  But can I do anything? Of course racism bothers me. But what do I do? Those poor people in the Philippines and Haiti, still without homes after typhoon and earthquake-I made a donation. Is there something more I can do? It's not right that women who do the same work as men are paid less, but I'm not the boss, so what can I do?

 

Come pray for immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons; for understanding and harmony between races of people; for an end to discrimination against people based on socio-economic status, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

 

Thursday, January 23  7:30 - 8:30 PM

Ascension Church 801 S East Ave., Oak Park, IL

For more information, please call 708-434-1533 or email davidp@ascensionchurch.com