Records show that beginning as early as the 4th Century, the Church at Jerusalem celebrated The Presentation in the Temple of Jesus by Mary and Joseph. Over the centuries this has turned into a rite of blessing candles for the assembly (congregation) for personal spiritual devotions. Candles are given to each person to take home.

This Sunday, February 2, Grace will be offering such a service. You will be given two candles: one for your own devotions and one for you to give to someone who just might need to experience the "Light of Christ."

Curious about this service? Come to both the 9 am and the 10:30 where we will honor the feast of The Presentation in the Temple of Jesus through the lens of a Candlemas service.

Google "Candlemas" to learn more about how the Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic Church have honored this day.

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Warming Bodies, Minds and Spirits

A huge round of thanks to all who helped Grace turn into a warming center during the coldest of days.  I would name people but know that I would leave some folks out.  I have seen signs of some people who dropped off stuff and took off of work and know of many that were in and out throughout the day.

Our guests were so thankful for the space, the food and the friendship.

Several of us are pondering the need for a new ministry in our area. We wonder if there is a need for some kind of day time facility for our guests.  A place where there might be social workers and friends.

Thoughts and prayers needed.

Emmanuel Church, La Grange, Grace Church, Oak Park and the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago invite young singers to Come Children Sing!, an all-day festival of song on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 10 am to 3 pm at Grace Church in Oak Park. The day concludes with a 2 pm Festival Evensong led by Bishop Lee.

The event is free and all children from the diocese are welcome. Please use our online RSVP form.

The music selections are available for download here, but there is no requirement or need for advance preparation.  If you have any questions, please contact Dennis Northway. 

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. 

All are welcome to join us on Wednesday, February 5, 7:30 PM, at the home of Bets Howland and Dennis Zavac.   

We will be finishing John Shelby Spong's book and finalizing what our next book will be. We will discuss chapters 12, 13, and Epilogue (A Final Word) .

Concerning our next book, it was suggested that we take a break from Christianity and take a look at Buddhism. At the January discussion meeting, two possible books were discussed - each by highly respected authors known for their ability to communicate Buddhist principles to a western audience.   

The book that was favored is by a Buddhist nun, Pema Chodrin, When Things Fall Apart.

The other book was authored by a Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, Living Buddha, Living Christ.

We look forward to seeing you and discussing the final chapters of Why Christianity Must Change or Die.

If you have questions, or would like to join the group, please click here to contact Bets & Dennis. 

Shake off the winter "blahs" and treat yourself to a little fun for a good cause.  Our faithful adult choir likes to sing other things beside sacred anthems!  Join us in the Parish Hall at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 7th for our almost-annual Adult Choir Cabaret Night!  Light food and drinks will be available as choir members sing songs of romance and comedy and it all is for a good cause!  The $5 admission price will go to help the Madrigal choir travel to Washington DC to sing Evensong at Washington National Cathedral. See you there!

Are you a young person or adult interested in exploring your faith life, learning more about the Episcopal Church, or even taking the next step of your spiritual journey? Or do you know someone who is? Next month Grace will begin a faith formation series, open to all, to explore our place in our scriptures, traditions, and the life of the church. Those who choose may conclude the series in confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation of faith by the Bishop (date to be announced), but interest in these ceremonies is not a prerequisite - all are welcome. Interested people should speak to Shawn Schreiner, Nick Currie or Eric Biddy.  

AESTAS CONSORT, a professional baroque music ensemble will be presenting a program of sacred works by Bach and Buxtehude.  The performance will take place in River Forest, at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division Street on Saturday, February 1 at 7:00pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or by emailing aestasconsort@gmail.com.

On the program are Buxtehude's masterpiece Membra Jesu Nostri and Bach's moving Cantata No. 4, Christ lag in Todesbanden.  These classic lenten cantatas of the Baroque are balanced with the Chicago premiere of (movements from) Kile Smith's Vespers. 

February 9th 10:30am Service:
ACOLYTES: TBD
MC/LEMS:  Cyndy Reynolds; James Redden, Helen Thomason, Sue Wells, Bob Vogler, Lascelles Anderson
LECTORS: Marilyn Wardle, Bonnie Shadid
INTERCESSORS: John Seaton, Barbara Larsen
ALTAR GUILD: Joan Anderson, Heather Bovell, Scott Garman, Flora Green, Hansi Kess, Kathy Onayemi, Al Papillon, Willie Polite, Sally Prescott, Natalie Ratz, Marie Rock, Jane Shirley, Chuck Tupta; Mary Ann Urbashich
BREAD BAKER: The Lucé family
USHERS: Adrienne Gervais, Jane Shirley, Paul O'Kelly, Cathy O'Kelly
GREETERS: Flora Green, Sarah Hunt, DeLacy Sarantos
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS AFTER 9:00 SERVICE: Volunteer(s) needed
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS AFTER 10:30 SERVICE: Volunteer(s) needed