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"Right Reverend Father in God:
"We, the undersigned, residents of Oak Park, County of Cook, Diocese of Illinois, being desirous of obtaining the services of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and ready, according to our several ability, to sustain the same, do hereby request you to inquire into our estate and provide for us as you may deem proper and expedient.
"We do hereby declare ourselves, individually and collectively, ready to do what in us lies to establish and sustain the regular worship of the said Church, and promote its influence in our neighborhood; and we promise conformity to its doctrines, disciplines, liturgy, rites and usages. We put ourselves under your charge and will reverently obey your authority . . . In accordance with these obligations and rules we now ask the privilege of being organized as a Mission under the name of Grace Church, Oak Park, Illinois . . .
Signed:
A.S. Pack, George Sharp, Robert Worthington, T.S. Rattle, A.W. Giles, John Carne, Jr., Mrs. C.E. Roe, Fred J. Knott, A.W. Pebbles, Ella V. Fitch, Annie M. Hunt, Mrs. M.A. Bennett, H.S. Scheck, Mrs. S.E. Pebbles, Emma J. Sharp, Mrs. C.M. Sturges, Mary Mayo, Leon T. Brown, Joseph Harvey, Hiram Coombs, Edward E. Giddings, Fannie Harvey, Mrs. T. S. VanBergen, S. E. Pebbles, James Broddle, Edith Delafield, Mrs. W.C. Taylor, Mrs. E.E. Mayo, Mrs. Veasie, Mrs. G.W. Brown, M.J. Brown, Irene Brown, Mrs. A. W. Giles, Mrs. T. S. Rattle, W.J. Taylor, J.H. Ervine
On Nov. 20, 1879 Bishop William Edward McLaren, Bishop of Illinois (Diocese of Chicago) sent a letter announcing that Grace Church was fully declared a mission.
Nov. 9, 1879 was the first service of Grace Church. The service was held at Hoard's Hall (pictured below) at the corner of Lake and Marion Streets. New members were so motivated to start a new church that they started worshiping before Grace was formally declared a mission.
135 Years of Ministry. Now that is something to be proud about. I wonder what it was like to be part of the beginnings of this place. What needs of the neighborhood did they see as part of the mission? How did they open the doors to those searching for a spiritual home? Was it any different than what we do today? What can we learn from these early pioneers?
Were your family members part of the early history? What stories have been passed down to you? What can we carry with us into the next 135 years?
I think that it is quite fitting that we are being asked to turn in our Financial Pledge to the operating budget as well as a donation to the Legacy of Grace Fund on the 135th birthday of this church. What a way to show how we want God's mission to continue in this place we call Grace.
Come this Sunday! Share your story of being of Grace. Take in the history and give thanks to God for the heritage that has been passed down to us.
-Shawn
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Property Committee Wishes Grace a Happy Birthday
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And is working to ensure that our buildings endure
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A newly formed and energized Property Committee began meeting monthly in December 2013 to assess the condition of our buildings. Over time we have developed a plan to resolve as many of the issues as possible. Our vision is to return the buildings to well-functioning spaces that can serve our community and others well into the future. The Property Committee adapted a new process to prioritize and efficiently manage the projects in an organized way. A spreadsheet was developed to prioritize what needs our attention now and what will need to be done in 2015 and beyond. For instance, the parish hall shingle roof will need to be replaced next year; it is over 30 years old. The chimney facing east will need to be removed as it is in very poor condition. The separation of the West wall of the 1958 addition has been stabilized and the second phase of interior structural repairs has begun but cosmetic repairs will be needed this winter. The Property Committee hopes to continue our work next year with the support of the congregation. If you have questions, please ask one of the members of the Property Committee.
-Leslie Atwood, Sharon Harmsworth, Lillian Hohmann, Clifford Hunt, Al Papillon, Mark Woodworth, Mary Hope Griffin
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Recital and Potluck for John Seaton's Birthday
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 The Adult Choir of Grace Episcopal Church
Cordially invites the Congregation
to a
Recital and Festive Potluck
In Commemoration of the 70th Birthday of
Parishioner and Chorister John Seaton
on
Friday, 14 November, 2014
The concert to commence at 6:30 p.m.
Followed by a gracious repast
To perform, to bring a dish, to R.S.V.P. or just ask a question, contact Dennis Northway, Parish Musician.
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Rector's Forum: Rescheduled to Dec. 7
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Rector's Forum: Holy Conversations
I am pleased to say that the Forum will be on December 7, after both morning services. I have invited Jim Steen, trained in the CAT (Congregational Assessment Tool), to join in our conversation about the report for the priests and other general questions we might have for him.
-Shawn
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ReVive (formerly Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Basket Program Seeking Donations & Help
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 Working on your Christmas shopping list? Please don't forget to add
one more special name . . .
Through the ReVive Center for Housing and Healing (formerly Cathedral Shelter) Christmas Basket program, Grace Church will supply Christmas gifts for 5 seniors and 13 families (a total of 50 individuals) this year.
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE:
- The names and gift requests of the members of Grace's families will be available in the Parish Hall after each service on Sunday, November 16 and Sunday, November 23. 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; or, consider sponsoring an entire family (Grace's families this year range from two to five members). You can also contact Heidi Lukas (708-308-0602 or lukash@cso.org) to receive a name(s) and gift requests.
- ReVive guidelines state that you should plan to spend $25-$30 per person for gifts. This is only a guideline and, of course, the amount you spend is at your discretion. Please do not feel obligated to buy everything on the person's list. We recommend buying two gifts per person - one "practical" item (such as clothing, etc.) and one "fun" item (such as a toy for a child or bubble bath for an adult, etc.). You may also wish to confer with those Grace members who have chosen members of the same family in order to equalize gifts purchased.
- Wrap your gift(s) and clearly mark the outside with the recipient's name and family number. Please place your gifts in a packing box (left open) so that we can more easily coordinate our packing and delivery to ReVive Center.
- Bring your gift(s) to the Parish Hall on Sunday, December 7. Please note that this is the last day for drop-off; if you need to make arrangements to drop-off sooner than this, please contact Heidi Lukas or Sue Wells.
- Volunteers are needed to help load the gifts into ReVive's truck on Tuesday, December 9 (exact time to be confirmed). If you are available to help, please contact Heidi Lukas or Sue Wells.
Thank you in advance for your support of this very important program!
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Book Study Group to Meet November 5th
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Please note the change in location
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Our next discussion is Wednesday, November 5, at 7:30 PM, at the home of Sue & Charles Wells (this is a change in location).
We will finish the book, Exploring Reality, and discuss the final chapters 7 - 10 (51 pages).
Following the November gathering, our next book discussion will be on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 7:30 PM. We will be reading The Hidden Gospel, by Neil Douglas-Klotz. Kindly click below to order so that Grace will receive a portion of the revenue.
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The Hidden Gospel: Decoding the Spiritual Message of the Aramaic Jesus
by Neil Douglas-Klotz by Quest Books
Paperback
List Price: $16.95
Our Price: $8.74
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Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
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Please consider attending the Community of Congregations' Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 23 at 7PM. This year's service is at West Suburban Temple Har Zion in River Forest.
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Attention Amazon Shoppers
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Support Grace while you shop!
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If you shop at Amazon, please use the link below to access Amazon.com. Grace will then get a percentage of any purchases made. It's a painless way to help Grace and costs you nothing. FYI, we never see who buys what. We've already raised over $130 thanks to all those who have participated thus far.
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Participants in Upcoming Sunday Services
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November 9th 10:30am Service:
MC/LEMS: Mark Woodworth; Natalia Reniszewski, Bob Vogler, Sue Wells, Lascelles Anderson, Tony Dobrowolski
LECTORS: Tony Dobrowolski, Lascelles Anderson
INTERCESSORS: Faye Peters, Mary Pat Mauro
ALTAR GUILD: Joan Anderson, Heather Bovell, Flora Green, Kathy Onayemi, Al Papillon, Willie Polite, Sally Prescott, Natalie Ratz, Marie Rock, Jane Shirley, Chuck Tupta; Mary Ann Urbashich
BREAD BAKER: Sarah Hunt
USHERS: Paul Gervais, Jane Shirley, Paul O'Kelly, Cathy O'Kelly
GREETERS: Flora Green, Sarah Hunt, DeLacy Sarantos
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS AFTER 9:00 SERVICE: Cyndy Reynolds, beverages
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS AFTER 10:30 SERVICE: Cyndy Reynolds, beverages; Sarah Hunt, treats
November 16th 10:30am Service:
MC/LEMS: Cyndy Reynolds; Cherryl Holt, Barbara Larsen, Phoenix Sullivan, Charlie MacDougall, Karen Mensch
LECTORS: Steve Fanning, Hansi Kess
INTERCESSORS: Willie Polite, Linda Coberly
ALTAR GUILD: Joan Anderson, Heather Bovell, Flora Green, Kathy Onayemi, Al Papillon, Willie Polite, Sally Prescott, Natalie Ratz, Marie Rock, Jane Shirley, Chuck Tupta; Mary Ann Urbashich
BREAD BAKER: Sarah Hunt
USHERS: Flora Green, Stan Kaderbek, Linda Francis, Alex Lippitt
GREETERS: Donna Anderson, Adrienne Gervais, Cyndy Reynolds
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS AFTER 9:00 SERVICE: Cyndy Reynolds, beverages
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS AFTER 10:30 SERVICE: Cyndy Reynolds, beverages; Sarah Hunt, treats
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Wednesday, November 05, 2014
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Wednesday Morning Eucharist
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7:00 AM
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SLAA/SAA Meeting
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9:00 AM
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Schola Rehearsal
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3:30 PM
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Handel Week Chorus Rehearsal
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6:00 PM
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St. Giles Catechesis
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6:00 PM
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Finance Committee
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7:00 PM
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Book Study Group
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7:30 PM
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PADS overnight shelter
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7:30 PM
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Thursday, November 06, 2014
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SLAA/SAA Meeting
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9:00 AM
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Staff Meeting
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11:30 AM
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PADS Memorial Service & Reception
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4:00 PM
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Evensong
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6:00 PM
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Healing Prayer Group
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6:30 PM
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SAA 12-Step Group
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7:00 PM
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Sight Reading Club
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7:00 PM
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Adult Choir Rehearsal
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7:30 PM
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Friday, November 07, 2014
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Rector's Day Off
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SLAA/SAA 12-Step Workshop
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9:05 AM
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Saturday, November 08, 2014
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St. Giles Catechesis
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9:00 AM
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SLAA 12-Step Group
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9:30 AM
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Sunday, November 09, 2014
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The Rite Place - A service for the child in us all
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9:00 AM
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Coffee Hour
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9:30 AM
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) LEVEL 1
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9:35 AM
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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) LEVEL 2
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9:35 AM
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Lectionary Discussion Group
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9:45 AM
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Sung Choral Eucharist
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10:30 AM
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Coffee Hour
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11:45 AM
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Outreach Committee
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11:45 AM
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G.A.P. Year
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12:00 PM
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J2A Youth Group
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12:00 PM
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Madrigal Rehearsal
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1:30 PM
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Graceful Needlers
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3:00 PM
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Sunday Afternoon Service
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4:30 PM
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SLAA 12-Step Group
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7:00 PM
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AA 12-Step Group
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8:30 PM
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Monday, November 10, 2014
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SLAA/SAA Meeting
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9:00 AM
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EfM (Education for Ministry)
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7:00 PM
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014
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SLAA/SAA Meeting
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9:00 AM
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St. Giles Catechesis
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4:00 PM
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A Benedictine Experience
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7:00 PM
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SLAA 12-Step Group
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7:00 PM
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Wednesday, November 12, 2014
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Wednesday Morning Eucharist
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7:00 AM
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SLAA/SAA Meeting
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9:00 AM
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Schola Rehearsal
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3:30 PM
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Handel Week Chorus Rehearsal
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6:00 PM
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St. Giles Catechesis
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6:00 PM
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PADS overnight shelter
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7:30 PM
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Grace Episcopal Church 924 Lake Street Oak Park, Illinois 60301 www.GraceOakPark.org 
Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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Our Mission:
Grace Church seeks to bring God's love and Christ's teaching to all people, to become a passionately involved, intentional Christian community, to support the spiritual journey of each person, and to work toward reconciliation, peace, and justice in our world.
Our Core Values:
-Reach out to support our neighbors locally and worldwide as we seek to obey God's command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
-Encourage and support spiritual growth in all people while respecting that each person is at a different point in his or her spiritual journey.
-Work to be ever more present to and caring for each member of the Grace community and to be fully welcoming to all who enter Grace's doors.
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