Graceapostlejuly2015 by lisa richey

The Apostle monthly newsletter for

Grace Episcopal Church including the Lutherans of Christ the King 105 S Madison Street, Whiteville, NC, 28472 www.gracechrist.com T: 910.642.4784

Peggy Blackmon, Carol and Jacob Brack, The Deans Family, Brenda Horne (our church housekeeper), Ruth & Johnnie B. Glass, Shirley Jo and Seth Smith Sr., Harold & Marie Hughes, Jack & Alice Babb, Lisa Richey’s mother (Edna Bearnes), Elsie Campbell’s niece (Brenda), Jerry Jupina’s brother (Michael), the Jupina’s daughter (Vicki Di Muzio), Margaret Palmer’s father (Shep), Peggy Blackmon’s sister-in-law (Jennifer Yoder), Kay Horne’s uncle (Jack Terrell), Jacqui Lye’s husband (Michael Newton), Alice Murphy’s brother (Tony), Amy Strickland’s nephew (Wesley), all in war’s way, the unemployed, underemployed, and those in financial crises. A complete list of prayer requests is located in the on the bulletin board by the rector’s office. Collect for the Fourth of July, BCP p. 242 Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Thanksgiving for the Nation, BCP, p. 838 Almighty God, giver of all good things: We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land. They restore us, though we often destroy them. Heal us. We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them. Forgive us. We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall short of them. Inspire us.

July 2015 We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light. Enlighten us. We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again. Renew us. Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen. The Episcopal Church’s 78th General Convention made history June 27 when it chose Diocese of North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry to be its 27th presiding bishop. Curry, 62, was elected by the House of Bishops from a slate of four nominees, on the first ballot. His election was confirmed by the House of Deputies, as outlined in the church’s canons. He will serve a nine-year term that officially begins Nov. 1. On that date, Curry will succeed current Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and he will become the first person of color to hold that position. A liturgy marking the beginning of Curry’s ministry as presiding bishop and primate will be celebrated Nov. 1, All Saints Day at Washington National Cathedral. Curry has been North Carolina’s 11th diocesan bishop since he was ordained and consecrated on June 17, 2000. He was the rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Baltimore, Maryland, when he was elected to the see on Feb. 11, 2000. He is also the current chair of Episcopal Relief & Development’s Board of Directors. This makes the second time in a row that the General Convention made history with its election of a presiding bishop. In 2006, Jefferts Schori became the first woman ever elected presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. She was also the first female among the primates, or

ordained leaders, of the Anglican Communion’s 38 provinces, a distinction she still holds.

For more information concerning the 78th Episcopal General Convention, visit http://www.generalconvention.org

hamburgers were cooked, packaged, frozen, and distributed to those who came to the food pantry the next day. A win-win for all Please note: Because of so many BUSY summer schedules, there will NOT be a Grace Family Night in July.

Repairs: A new leak in the portico walkway roof will be investigated.

REMINDER: During the summer months, the choir will gather at 9:00 AM on Sundays to pick up music folders and practice service hymns (except for Sunday’s scheduled as Rite I). Please vest. There will be no Thursday night rehearsals during the summer (except for July 16 in preparation for Centennial Sunday). The usual rehearsal schedule will begin again after Labor Day. Change in usual denominational service schedule: July 5 – Episcopal HE II July 12 – Lutheran HE July 19 – Episcopal HE II – Centennial Day July 26 – Episcopal HE I Keep watching for more information about Jamie Faulk’s upcoming organ concert in August at Grace Church. It’s another event in our centennial year of celebration!

Christian Formation: Summer Bible Study, Wednesday Nights JulySeptember: Mark: The way of all nations. Come study with us and join the conversation with scripture. The study will kick off with viewing a one-man presentation of the Gospel of Mark by Max McLean on June 24th. Group facilitator: The Rev’d Gary Bauer.

Gardens Clean-Up: In preparation for our Centennial Celebration, we need to do some “house cleaning.” Stop by the main bulletin board to sign up to perform one of the many tasks (washing, weeding, trimming, etc.) needed to make Grace Church sparkle. If you haven’t completed your work by now, please bring your tools and get to work! Also, for those who prefer to work INSIDE, Grace House needs general mopping, vacuuming, and dusting.

Opportunities When you go grocery shopping, please remember our food pantry. We continue to need canned veggies and meats (Vienna sausages, beef stew, hash, Spam, etc.), dried lima beans/pintos/rice, soups (chicken noodle), canned pasta, canned fruits (particularly fruits in light syrup or juice only), cereal and grits, flour and sugar, cooking oil, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items. Gas gift cards are appreciated (Walmart). Please remember: We can take frozen food items too! Families First: Contributions of laundry soap and cleaning supplies continue to be gathered for Families First. Please place your donations in the blue tub in the Parish Hall by Connie’s office. Hospice: We still are collecting soda and paper goods for Lower Cape Fear Hospice. Please place your donations in the blue tub by Connie’s office.

!A big “THANK YOU” is extended to all who made our Family Night activity on June 17th such a success. Our parish picnic (held inside to void the heat and the bugs!) was attended by nearly 30 people. Once again, Bill Horne served as our grill master, assisted by John Deans, Jim Blanchard, and Jerome Williams. Extra

Shoe Boxes: Don’t wait for the fall; start working on your contribution to our centennial project of a 100 filled shoe boxes for the Christmas Child Project (Samaritan’s Purse). Start NOW! If you cannot full a shoe box with gifts, please consider making a donation to help with mailing costs. See Kay Horne for more instructions.

Save the date: Centennial Celebration – July 19, 2015 It’s almost here . . . our parish centennial celebration: 100 Years of Grace! Rev’d Dr. James Taylor, former rector of Grace and Christ the King (1996-1999), will be the preacher and cocelebrant on that day. Several other former rectors also will be in attendance. Following the service, there will be a reception in the Parish Hall. Historical artifacts, pictures, and clipping will be on display in a lovely wall unit donated by Dr. and Mrs. Ray Thigpen. Peruse the photos and try to find your younger self. Commemorative Christmas ornaments featuring a picture of the church will be for sale. Please plan on being here for all the festivities.

Appreciation Day: Sunday, June 21, was pronounced ‘Connie Ghent Appreciation Day’ by the rector and vestry. In light of her dedicated service to Grace Church for over thirty years, Connie was presented with a love offering from the congregation and other gifts. The following declaration was read:

We are grateful for the many gifts God has bestowed on Connie and for her willingness to use those gifts for the welfare of this congregation, the mission of ecumenical engagement between Lutherans and Episcopalians, and the advancement of God’s kingdom. As Treasurer, Connie has exercised financial acumen, discipline, and organization. As choir member, she has raised her voice in song and lifted us to praise. As vestry member, she has completed her assigned tasks with diligence. In all she has done, Connie has shown a spirit of humble commitment that has allowed the Vestry to grapple with issues before it with wisdom and mutual respect. We affirm that by her godly example, Connie Ghent is a great encouragement to her fellow parish leaders and a great stimulant to individual members to pursue good works in all sorts of ministry. We look forward with anticipation to the ways in which God will use Connie to advance the mission to “know Christ and make Him known.” A framed copy of the declaration was provided by Lisa Richey and given to Mrs. Ghent.

A Declaration of Appreciation

A FRIENDLY REMINDER: While you are off enjoying your time traveling, visiting family and friends, playing golf, or soaking up rays at the beach, the church’s financial commitments and bills do NOT take a vacation.

The Vestry and Rector of Grace Episcopal Church including the Lutherans of Christ the King express gratitude to God for our long-time member and God’s faithful servant

Connie Ghent.

Please remember to send in your pledges this summer. OUR JUNE STEWARDSHP

DATE ATTENDANCE 06/07/15 06/14/15 06/21/15 06/28/15 Sub-Total

OFFERING $ 2,963.00 $ 2,979.00 $ 248.00 $ 2,277.00 $ 8,467.00

Transfer from MRS Renovations

Total

$ 8,967.00

Our weekly Ministry needs are $ 2,487.29

500.00

$ 9,949.16 982.16 Short

SPECIAL GIFTS______ Families First Cash $ 10.00 Help Mission $ 46.00 Food Pantry $ 260.00 Centennial Fund $ 167.00 Blessing In A Bottle $ 270.88 Love Offering $ 825.00 United Thank Offering $ 183.00 Total

$1,761.88 Budget needs YTD Income YTD

$ 64,669.54 $ 59,237.21

SERVICE SCHEDULE Day/Service July 5 Pentecost 6 HE II 9:30

July and the first Sunday in August

Acolytes

Lectors

Usher/Greeter

Altar Guild

Jerry J© Lisa R

John D

Lisa R

Peggy B Avis H

Fellowship of the day S Deans

Vestry People Jerry J John D

July 12 Jerome W© Willie W same as Lisa R Paula B Pentecost 7 Lisa R Lisa R above Connie G H.E. 9:30 Lutheran _ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________ July 19 Shari G Pentecost 8 Connie G Ray T© Bill H Connie G Centennial Ray T HE iI 9:30 Donna T Shirley Jo S Reception Kay H Centennial Celebration ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________ July 26 same as Pentecost 9 Lisa R Lisa R© Jerome W above Hillie H Paula B HE I 9:30 Alice M Jerry J August 2 Pentecost 10 HE II 9:30

volunteer

Gary B© Jerry J

John D

Ruth G Paula B

Alice M

Alice M John D

THANKS FOR FINDING A REPLACEMENT (and letting Anne & Connie know) IF YOU CANNOT SERVE YOUR SCHEDULED TIME.

Grace Episcopal Church 105 S Madison Street Whiteville NC 28472

July 2015 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

1 NO mid-wk HE, 2

Friday

3 office closed

bible study or meal 7 pm Solidarity Service at St. Mark AME Zion

5 Pentecost 6

9:00 choir 9:30 Episcopal HE II

office closed

12 Pentecost 7

9:00 choir 9:30 Lutheran HE

7 PM Compassionate Friends Meeting

4 Independence Day

10 office closed 11

17 office

6 PM HE II 6:30 Bible study & fellowship meal. Family Night is not scheduled in July.

10AM Commission on Ministry Mtg, Kinston

closed

6 PM HE II

6:30 Bible study & fellowship meal

19 Pentecost 7

9:00 choir 9:30 Episcopal HE II

Rector vacation

Rector vacation NO mid-wk HE, bible study or fellowship meal

Centennial Day

Revâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Dr. James Taylor Reception follows 26 svc. Pentecost 4 NO Music 9:30 Episcopal HE I

Saturday

6 PM HE II

6:30 Vestry Mtg

6:30 Bible study & fellowship meal

5 PM Choir

24 office closed

31 office closed