The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost - August 23, 2015
Summer Service Schedule in underway - services at 8 & 10AM
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Bob & Donna Weber, Mickey Federico, Yasso Herath, Peter Lubeck, Catherine Lubeck, Shirley Federico, Courtney Hoenveld, Janet, Thomas Humeston, Elaine MacPhee, Tankert Mahler, Marie Haynie, Jack Seeman, Miranda Pinckert, Adele, Clinton Taplin, Dominique Rhoklin, Fred Teyan, Marie Stay, Marie Young, Peggy, Madeline Schnalzer, Peter Zakrepine, Betty Mettler, Marvin Spruck, Jeannie, Lyn Casey, Rosemarie Buri, Louise Bohr, Sally Sarvent, Alexandra Mettler, Dr. Roufa, Helen Scalici, Rosemary Owen, Kathleen Hoenveld, Tom LaColla, Cathy Rae, Joanne Carter, Luke Oullen, The Rev. John Meyer, May, Barbara, Dennis McSherry, Joanne, Dolores Puhl, Pam
Readings [We are using Track 2 of the indicated readings.]
COLLECT OF THE DAY Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection
It has become a common feeling, I believe, as we have watched our heroes falling over the years, that our own small stone of activism, which might not seem to measure up to the rugged boulders of heroism we have so admired, is a paltry offering toward the building of an edifice of hope. Many who believe this choose to withhold their offerings out of shame.
This is the tragedy of the world. For we can do nothing substantial toward changing our course on the planet, a destructive one, without rousing ourselves, individual by individual, and bringing our small imperfect stones to the pile.
I have learned other things: One is the futility of expecting anyone, including ourselves, to be perfect. People who go about seeking to change the world, to diminish suffering, to demonstrate any kind of enlightenment, are often as flawed as anybody else. Sometimes more so.
But it is the awareness of having faults, I think, and the knowledge that this links us to everyone on Earth, that opens us to courage and compassion. It occurs to me that often many of those I deeply love are flawed. They might actually have said or done some of the mean things I've felt, heard, read about or feared. But it is the struggle with the flaw, surprisingly endearing, and the going on anyhow, that is what I cherish about them.
Sometimes our stones are, to us, misshapen, odd. Their color seems off. Their singing, comical and strange. Presenting them, we perceive our own imperfect nakedness, but also, paradoxically, the wholeness, the rightness, of it. In the collective vulnerability of presence, we learn not to be afraid.
Fun(d)Raiser: Burger Throw Down and "Big Hero Six" (6:30pm)
Think you make the best burger around? Enter the Grace Church Burger Throw Down and test your burger against fellow Grace Master Cooks.
Ground rules:
Each contestant* will provide and make 50 slider sized hamburgers. Burgers will be cooked at Grace.
Contestant will provide all condiments for their burgers (cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.)
Burgers can be made with any protein - beef, pork, lamb, turkey (why?), bison, fish, vegetarian or combination
Contestants should also make one side to feed at least 12 people. (Ex. salad, Cole slaw, baked beans, potato salad, etc.)
*Contestants can be a small team - one member making the burger and one making the side dish.) Grillers and one member of their team will have their ticket fees waived)
Grace FUND (d) Raisers will provide slider rolls, corn on the cob, watermelon, non-alcoholic beverages, and paper goods.
A screening of the movie Big Hero Six in the Garden will follow the Burger Throw Down.
We are looking for anyone who can loan a barbecue grill to Grace for that evening. Jeff will be bringing a 22" Weber Charcoal Grill, but we could use a few others. If you can provide a grill, or to sign up as a contestant, contact Jeff or Pat.
$10.00 adult $7.50 children (under 12) Tickets go on sale after the 10am service next week!
Sunday, September 13 Sunday service schedule returns to 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am
Concert for Remembrance, 9/11 (free) (5:00pm) More HERE
Friday, September 18 Fun(d)Raiser: Clearwater Sailing(6:30pm)
Grace Church is going sailing on board the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Departing from the pier in Piermont at 6:30pm for a two hour cruise. Crew members from the Clearwater will provide informative presentations about Hudson River ecology, teach sea chanteys, and we will be able to assist with the raising and lowering of the sails, steering the sloop and all will enjoy the sunset. Boarding by 6:25pm.
FUN(d) RAISERS will bring cookies and light beverages. You are free to bring your own food and beverages (wine and beer okay) you cannot bring glassware on board (plastic okay) but you must take all your trash and litter with you when you debark. If anyone wants to bring a guitar or banjo along, we'd certainly appreciate it! For more information contact Jeff McDowell or Pat Cose.
Tickets are $40.00 and go on sale next week. $30.00 from each ticket goes to the Clearwater for the upkeep of the ship and to support the Clearwater organization and $10.00 will go to Grace Church. Sail is limited to a total of 50.
Sunday, September 20 Ministry Fair and Church School Registration
Saturday, September 26 Cabaret for a Cause: a musical evening to benefit Helping Hands
" I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers flow in the right direction, will the earth turn as it was taught, and if not how shall I correct it?
Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven, can I do better?
Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows can do it and I am, well, hopeless.
Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it, am I going to get rheumatism, lockjaw, dementia?
Finally I saw that worrying had come to nothing. And gave it up. And took my old body and went out into the morning, and sang."
Friday, September 18