September 2019 The Monthly Newsle er of Grace Episcopal Church • Hutchinson, Kansas
PASSING THE PEACE Some Reflec ons from a Non-Episcopalian The Passing of the Peace is such an important part of our Episcopal worship, and it occurs at a cri cal juncture in our liturgy. The Peace is the climax of the Liturgy of the Word, and it also serves as the transi on into the Liturgy of the Table. In the Liturgy of the Word, God meets us in the Scriptures, the Gospel, the Sermon, the Creed, the Prayers, the Confession of our Sin, and in the proclama on of God’s forgiveness. Through it all, we come to know that God has reconciled himself to us through Christ and that we are at peace with God. In turn, this Peace of Christ becomes the founda on of our coming and si ng down at the table with God in the Eucharist. This Peace is also the founda on of our being reconciled to one another, and so the passing of the Peace of Christ is an important liturgical act. Recently, I was visi ng one of my favorite blogs, experimentaltheology.blogspot.com. The author, Richard Beck, a professor of psychology at Abilene Chris an University, was talking about passing the Peace. In par cular, he contrasts it with his own church’s prac ce of gree ng people in worship. Beck offers some reflec ons as to the value and significance of the passing of the Peace. These reflec ons from a non-Episcopalian can inform and enhance our own apprecia on and prac ce of this important and valuable part of our liturgical life. Socially and pragma cally, passing the peace is a hospitable liturgy for introverts and for those who are struggling on a Sunday morning. The Christ-focused script—”The peace of Christ be with you.”—helps the introverts and it doesn’t force us to pretend. But the deeper reason for why passing the peace is a be er liturgy than the “let’s stand and greet those around you” liturgy is that passing the peace focuses us on the true founda on of Chris an community. The problem with the “gree ng me” liturgy is that it asks us, in sixty awkward seconds, to find some common ground between yourself and a stranger. You ask those standard get-to-know you ques ons, looking for some point of connec on. The theological issue here, beyond this me being hell on introverts, is that this “gree ng me” liturgy is forcing us to look for the source of community within ourselves. We look for commonali es and similari es, and when we find these we find connec on and community. In short, the “gree ng me” liturgy is malforming us as it is asking us to find community in similarity and sameness. Passing the peace, by contrast, points us away from ourselves toward the true ground of Chris an community: the peace of Christ. We don’t bond over the fact that we both watched the Dallas Cowboy game. We bond because we are recipients of the peace of Christ. The “gree ng me” liturgy is awful because it brings up college football. Passing the peace, by contrast, points us to Jesus.* Peace of Christ to you, Fr. Ted + frted.grace@gmail.com *From “Start Passing the Peace: Part 2, The Founda on of Chris an Community” found at experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/2017/01/start-passing-peace-part-2-founda on.html.
SERVING CHRIST BY MINISTERING TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY & THE PARISH
“Volunteers are the core of the program. They help us fulfill our mission to bring kindness and compassion.” — Nikkee Byard, program coordinator Please consider volunteering so that we can show the youth of our community that Hutchinson cares. Ways you can help: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
BE A MENTOR • Mentors spend about 15-20 minutes once a week, meeting one on one with a student to offer support and encouragement. BE A TUTOR • Tutors work with students a er school with their studies for about 30 minutes. This can be done Monday through Thursday at the school. BE AN EARLY BIRD • Early Birds hang out with students at HMS 8 one day a week from 7:15 to 8:00 am in the cafeteria or gym. BE AN INTERVIEWER • The Salthawk Angel Tree program provides Christmas gi s for at risk students. Interviewers visit with each student to find out what their needs are and also a few of their wants. DONATE • Monetary dona ons are welcomed and needed. Checks can be made out to Salthawk Community Support and turned into the church office any me.
S ll have more ques ons? Ready to volunteer? Contact SCS Board chair, Sally Russell (694-9145; sallyruss@sbcglobal.net) or program coordinator, Nikkee Byard (615-4356; byardnikkee@usd308.com).
Sunday, September 29 • 2:00 pm Grace Memorial Garden We will bless our pets who are present. We will remember our pets who are past. —2—
STATE FAIR PARKING ALL PARISH FUNDRAISER • SEPTEMBER 6-15 The Kansas State Fair is upon us! We have a few parking lot me slots to fill, please call the church office to sign up. The money earned from this fundraiser is crucial to suppor ng our children and youth programs. For the youth, it defrays costs of fellowship-based events as well as mission-based trips and ac vies. It also provides scholarships for both youth and younger children who a end church camp each summer. This allows all of our children and youth to parcipate in these important ac vi es that help to nurture their faith! Finally, the Youth Group gives back a por on of all funds contributed to the fundraising account by making donaons to those in need in our community and around the world. This year’s parking fundraiser will also directly support those youth who are raising money for a Pilgrimage to England with Bishop Cowell. A por on of the funds earned (propor onate to the hours worked by those youth) will be allocated to individual trip fundraising accounts for the trip. Although our children and young people will benefit from this fundraiser, they and their families cannot staff the parking lot for the en rety of the fair. The majority of the parking lot hours fall during school and work hours (also see Historical Note below). Even the evening and weekend hours can be a challenge for busy young families. This is where we come in! Our church is not large, but we are a suppor ve and wonderful community. Please give of your me to support our youth and children, and know that they will con nue to spread the impact of your generosity far and wide. The signup sheet is in the Narthex. — Blessings, Fr. Ted
GRACE T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE We have the following sizes available in our red Grace Church T-Shirts. Come by the office and pick one up! They are $20 each. We have 2 small, 2 medium, 1 Large, and 2 X-large.
DATES AVAILABLE FOR SUNDAY COFFEE FELLOWSHIP The following dates are available to host our weekly coffee fellowship. You can sign up on the Narthex board and remember, it doesn’t have to be fancy or even homemade! September 22, 29 November 17, 24 December 15, 29
COMMUNITY CLOTHES CLOSET REQUEST You are now welcome to bring your gently used fall and winter clothing for the Community Clothes Closet.
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GRACE FOOD PANTRY UPDATE The Food Pantry Fund has a balance of $395.00. Please bring Hamburger, Chicken, or Tuna Helper for our pantry this month. So far this year we have given out 256 bags of groceries to families in need.
SALTHAWK COMMUNITY SUPPORT UPDATE SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 04 05 06 07 08 09 13 16 17 22 23 27 28 29
Sean Minner Laura Southards Jerry East Owen Stauffacher Gregg Wamsley Larry Minner Averie Brown Easton Brown Sco Ma hews Maddy Siller Leslie Specht Terry Wilson Nan Meschke Leanne McLeland Janice Minner Jeff Frizell Dylan Kohls Ruth Ann Spitzer Kathy Tobin
Please bring Chaps ck for SCS this month. All items will be given to SCS for students in need. Photo submi ed by Toni Co rell.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 FOR LABOR DAY.
SCS is in need of volunteer Mentors, Tutors, Interviewers, and monetary dona ons. Contact Nikki Byard at 620-615-4356 to find out how you can help.
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 01 05 09 19 30
Don & Ann Adams Stephen & Julia Chalfant Terry Wilson & Kelli Curry Richard & Beth Russell Ted & Julie Kimmel Jerry & Jan Howard
Please call the church office if we have missed your special day!
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN Basket Raffle Fundraiser It’s me to start thinking about our annual basket fundraiser held during Annual Conven on October.18-19 in Dodge City. Ideas for baskets are college themes, pet lovers, kids, wine and cheese lovers, coffee… If you have any ques ons, contact Toni at the Diocesan office, 669-0006. More informa on to come in October.
CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE Ken & Fifi Eckrote have moved to 3600 Dartmouth, Apt. 21. Hutchinson 67502.
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The Children's Chapel group during the 10:15 a.m. service is going strong. Children aged 3-12-ish (older children are welcome) walk upstairs in a Cross procession soon a er the service starts, and come back downstairs during the passing of the peace. While it is completely acceptable for children to stay in the sanctuary during the Bible Readings, Sermon and Prayers, some children get more out of a service that is designed for them. Children's Chapel is not a place to send your child so you can pray in peace. It isn't play me. We do work and worship in our chapel upstairs. The kids hear and learn the Doxology and The Lord's Prayer, they have their own set of Prayers of the People and a Li le Creed similar to the Nicene Creed. They learn about who par cipates in an Episcopal church service, what those funny clothes are, and why the colors change throughout the year. We also focus on the Gospel or Old Testament reading. We act out stories that lend themselves. Jesus calming the storm and appearing to the disciples a er the Resurrec on are especially fun to act out! The last Sunday in July the Gospel was Luke 11:1-13, in which Jesus taught the disciples The Lord's Prayer. When this story comes up every three years, we all delight in rewri ng the prayer in our own language. It's always a lot of fun, and this year was no excep on. So here it is, The Lord's Prayer in language our 2019 grade school children understand: Hey God, We love Your home, we wish to come there. Your name is as beau ful as diamonds. Come cleanse the Earth. Give us our gluten-free pancakes. Forgive us all the wrong things we have done. I will forgive the evil Earth. Please don't let us be tempted. Keep us safe. Yours is the wonderful kingdom, wonderful power and wonderful glory. Amen. ~Julie Steen
NEW ROCK LANDSCAPING DONE We hope you all have no ced the new rock in the gardens at the front of the church! The work was done in August with a special gi by a church member.
Photos submi ed by Toni Co rell.
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Dear People of Grace, Thank you so much for awarding me the Sylvia Mayer Scholarship, it means so much and will be a great help as I start my college career at the University of Nebraska. Thank you, Mary Waln Dear Grace Family, I sincerely thank you for helping support me financially as I begin my diaconate studies at BKSM. I know I also have your spiritual & moral support in my journey. Peace, Todd Ray Dear Grace Church, On behalf of the Hutchinson Correc onal Facility, I would like to express our gra tude to the Hutchinson KAIROS Volunteer Team for their amazing prison ministry. Your passion and dedica on during the last 16 years, outpouring your love and me and uncondi onally serving the inmates, is a solid and clear example of the love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. Thank you for your commitment to the prison ministry at HCF. Chaplain Oscar Gomez
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 • UTO OFFERING The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO, individuals are invited to embrace and deepen a personal daily spiritual discipline of gra tude. UTO encourages people to no ce the good things that happen each day, give thanks to God for those blessings and make an offering for each blessing using a UTO Blue Box. UTO distributes 100% of what is collected to support innovave mission and ministry throughout The Episcopal Church and Provinces of the Anglican Communion. On Sunday, September 22 we ask that you return your blue boxes with your offerings and UTO envelopes will be available in the bulle ns.
BABY SHOWER FOR MTR. AMY LONG The ECW hosted a baby shower in July for Mtr. Amy. Now we all anxiously await the arrival of li le girl Long.
Photos submi ed by Toni Co rell.
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GODLY PLAY Sundays at 9:15 am in the back room of the Undercro For ages 3-12
September 11 & 25 4:45 p.m. Conference Room
OUR NURSERY is located in the Undercro , and is available for our li le ones Sunday mornings during Sunday school and the 10:15 service.
Saturday, September 21 5:30 pm 310 Birch Way at the home of Brad & Leslie Specht
September 5 & 19 2:00 p.m. Wesley Towers
GRACE CHOIR NEEDS YOUR VOICE Li your voice up to the Lord! The Grace choir will begin its season on Sunday, September 15. Rehearsals are at 9:00am every Sunday morning, followed by performances during the 10:15am service. All are welcome! If you have ques ons, contact our choir director Missy Waln at 664-0665.
GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Dr. Ted Blakley ............................................ Rector frted.grace@gmail.com • 620-314-7520 The Rev. Amy Long ...................................... Assistant Priest The Rev. Bill Waln ........................................ Assistant Priest The Rev. Larry Steadman............................ Priest Associate The Rev. Larry Carver ............................ Priest in Residence Brandon and Mtr. Amy Long ................ Youth Coordinators Todd Ray .................... Coordinator of Eucharis c Ministries Jan Howard ............................................................. Organist Missy Waln ................................................... Music Director Rosie Bean .............................................. Nursery A endant Laura Southards ........................................................ Sexton Brenda Hoefer ..................................... Office Administrator HOW TO CONTACT US 2 Hyde Park Drive; Hutchinson, KS 67502 620-662-8024 phone • 620-662-2930 fax grace.hutch@sbcglobal.net • www.gracechurchhutch.org www.facebook.com/gracechurchhutch CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday through Thursday • 9:00am to 4:00pm
VESTRY Mitch Hixson (2020) ......................Senior Warden Howard Dame (2020) .................... Junior Warden Todd Ray (2021) .............................................Clerk Toni Co rell ........................................... Treasurer Kelly Curry (2020) Kathy Petz (2021) Jim Richardson (2021) Stephen Armstrong (2022) Steve Hawkins (2022) Jan Steen (2022) SUNDAYS 8:00am • Holy Eucharist I (spoken) 9:15am • Sunday School for All Ages* 10:15am • Holy Eucharist II (music) *Except on Second Sundays of a month when the Youth prepare breakfast for the congrega on.
WEDNESDAYS 9:30am • Holy Eucharist I — in the Chapel 10:00am • Bible Study — Parish Hall
Sun 1 8:00 & 10:15am Holy Eucharist I & II
Mon 2
Tue 3
Wed
Thu
4 9:30am Eucharist I 10:00am Bible Study
5 7:00am Bible Study 1:30–3:30 pm 2:00pm Eucharist at Wesley Towers
Fri
Sat 7
6
PARKING LOT ALL PARISH FUNDRAISER BEGINS!
9:15am Sunday School for All Ages
8EN 8:00 & 10:15am Holy Eucharist I & II 9:00 am Youth
9:30am Godly Play 10:15am Combined Service 15 8:00 & 10:15am Holy Eucharist I & II
For Labor Day 7 pm Al-Anon 9
5:30pm Eucharist II 6:30pm UTX Youth 10
17
9:00am Choir 9:30am Godly Play
23
UTO Sunday 8:00 & 10:15am Holy Eucharist I & II 9:00am Choir 9:15am Sunday School for All Ages 7:00pm Al-Anon 29 8:00 & 10:15am Holy Eucharist I & II 9:00am Choir 9:15am Sunday School for All Ages
30
2:00pm
7:00pm Al-Anon
13
14
18 9:30am Eucharist I 10:00am Bible Study
19 7:00am Bible Study 1:30–3:30 pm 2:00pm Eucharist at Wesley Towers
20
21
5:30pm At the home of Brad & Leslie Specht
5:30pm Eucharist II 6:30pm UTX Youth
7:00pm Al-Anon 22
12 7:00am Bible Study
4:45pm DOK 5:30pm Eucharist II 6:30pm UTX Youth
7:00pm Al-Anon 16 10:00am
11 9:30am Eucharist I 10:00am Bible Study
24
25 9:30am Eucharist I 10:00am Bible Study 1:30–3:30 pm
26 7:00am Bible Study
27
28
4:45pm DOK 5:30pm Eucharist II 6:30pm UTX Youth
COMING IN OCTOBER... Saturday, October 3 Thursday, October 10 Fri.-Sat., October 18-19 Saturday, October 26 Sunday, October 27
Oxford House BINGO & Dinner Night Altar Guild Annual Conven on in Dodge City Family Supper Club Annual Giving Sunday • 1 Service & Luncheon