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A spiritual home where all are welcome; a healing place in a broken world.
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Healing Service Tomorrow
Grace Church's regular once-a-month Sunday Celebration of Wholeness and Healing is tomorrow at 10am in the air-conditioned Great Hall. Grace Church is discovering that healing, broadly understood, is an integral part of almost everything we do. Healing is not only for the body and not only for the spirit; it's also about healing the relationship between us and God, and it's about healing broken relationships among us as individuals and groups. Come and pray for whatever healing need is biggest in your life right now--and receive the gift of hands laid on and prayers for your healing and the healing of others you care for.
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Wednesday was a "Two-Fer:" a Free Meal AND a Healing Service
Last Wednesday, a free meal was served to all comers at Grace Church from 5 pm to 8 pm. The meal was sponsored by Life Renewal Fellowship Church and was supported by Grace Episcopal Church.
The monthly second Wednesday Celebration of Wholeness and Healing started at about 7 pm with prayers, laying on of hands, and a variety of modes of healing.
The interesting part is how these two events complemented each other. Hawley Todd advertised the meal to the Healing Service regulars and was pleased to see a good number of them come early and have dinner. There was a cross fertilization of healing folks sitting with others who just came for the meal.
Word about the Healing Service is getting around. We had folks drive to the service from Louisville to see if what we do could be used in their Lutheran church. The Louisville folks came because of the web site. We also had some drive down from Dayton to check us out. This was in addition to several newcomers recruited by Hawley, Rhonda Sharp and others. About 45 people attended the service, which didn't end until about 11:10pm!
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Common Ministry at Grace Church after Three Years.
In 2009, Grace Church was invited to participate in the first series of Common Ministry workshops conducted by the Diocese of Southern Ohio. As a status check three years into the program, the Diocese asked Grace Church to answer some questions. Grace Church's answers follow:
1. Question: What do you consider the most important accomplishment coming out of the Common Ministry work?
Answer: The members of Grace moved from a concept of having a priest in charge who was responsible for everything to a concept of shared ministry where everyone shares responsibility for all that goes in the parish.
2. Question: What ministries have been strengthened or begun in response to the work?
Answer:
- Grace clarified its values and mission.
- Grace created a Common Ministry Task Force which participated in the Diocesan Common Ministry program, organized several congregational CM workshops, did a health assessment, established priorities, and got them instilled in the various committees & teams before disbanding.
- Grace created a Mission & Formation Team with specific teams to handle: Newcomer Ministry, Pastoral Care, Worship, Outreach, and Christian Formation.
- Grace created a functioning Executive Committee which meets weekly.
- In reality all of our ministries have been strengthened because of the recognition that we are a priesthood of all believers.
- In particular the healing ministry has been strengthened.
3. Question: What connections to other organizations have been established to further the Common Ministry goals and initiatives?
Answer:
- Grace has worked with Episcopal Healing Ministries to create new and innovative healing services to reach out seekers and to those alienated from organized religion. The second Wednesday service draws a variety of healers and seekers from all over Greater Cincinnati. Once a month, we have a more formal Healing Service at our 10 am worship time.
- Grace hosts Education for Ministry and typically has participants from various Episcopal parishes and other denominations.
- Grace is a member of the local Ministerium (organization of local ministers) and through them, hosts the community Good Friday service.
- Grace is a member of Christ's Community in College Hill and contributes regularly to the food pantry.
- Grace participates in the community IHN program, and contributes our share to hosting homeless families.
- Grace attends monthly College Hill Summit meetings of community leaders, to stay plugged into the community and to offer our support when we can.
- Grace and Life Renewal Fellowship Church are together offering monthly free community dinners beginning in July 2012.
- Grace has come to understand that our facility is a great asset and is finding other organizations to use it that support our mission. Examples:
- The Rainbow Band practices weekly (supports our inclusiveness values and our healing emphasis)
- Yoga classes meet several times a week (healing).
- Life Renewal Fellowship worships weekly (outreach).
- NA meets weekly (outreach and healing).
- Parolees come monthly to get community service credit, involving as many Grace People a we have parolees most months (inclusiveness and healing).
- We offer our parking lot as overflow space for the neighboring College Hill Recreation Center (outreach).
- Ballet Classes for girls 3 - 12 meet weekly (community support)
4. Question: What measures for assessing growth and accomplishment of outcomes were developed?
Answer:
- Every team of the Mission and Formation Team has had specific goals for each year and developed plans to chart growth and achievement of those goals.
- Grace has had regular parish meetings to reflect upon the process.
5. Question: Who is responsible for this evaluation? If an initial evaluation has been done, please share the results.
Answer:
- The mission council has responsibility for this evaluation, which was assigned to a co-chair of the Mission and Formation Team, Hawley Todd TSSF, to get input from the members of Grace Church to compile this report.
- Final form was approved by the Executive Committee.
6. Question: What is the future of Common Ministry in your congregation?
Answer:
- Grace is committed to Common Ministry as the life blood of all that Grace does.
- Grace prefers the term "shared ministry" because it more fully captures our vision.
June, 2012
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 Short Subjects
I am happy and honored to say that I'll be offering a ChiKung/TaiChi workshop coming up very soon at Grace in the Small Assembly Room. Please feel free to contact me with any questions/interest.
Stay Cool, Jackie Millay, 513-405-1514.
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Grace Values: Grow and Awaken Continually to God's Presence in Our Lives
 Mission Council recently voted to reaffirm the Grace Church Values Statements. Last Sunday, Rhonda Sharp spoke about "Grow and Awaken Continually to God's Presence in Our Lives:" The value I chose to discuss is "Grow and Awaken continually to God's presence in our lives". The writer Anne McCaffrey is quoted as saying, "Make no judgments where you have no compassion." This defines how I try to approach Christianity. I have learned that growing and awakening continually to God's presence in my life means growing and awakening each day to how I affect my fellow man and how I allow my fellow man to affect me. God does not love any one of us better than the other one. When we are affecting each other in positive ways, at least most of the time, then we are awakening to God's presence. We are creating a little bit of heaven here on earth. If I had one bit of encouragement to share with a brother or sister in Christ, it would be to remember what we have to be grateful for in the brothers and sisters who share our Episcopal faith and our congregation. I grew up in a denomination whose focus on the letter of the law was so strong that it created widespread judgment and hatred. Making a personal decision to not be that type of Christian led me to understand the spirit of the law. Living by the spirit of the law allows us to measure our own intentions and determine why we might be inclined to commit the sin of judging others. This self examination teaches us to love our fellow man in spite of their faults--to continue to love them even if those faults are so great we have to set boundaries to protect ourselves. I wish I could say that understanding instantly made me the person God wants me to be, but I can't. Gaining that understanding was simply my first step in a lifelong journey of daily improving how I respond to my fellow man. I am human. I fail. Sometimes I get angry or judge another person, especially when they have harmed me in some way, even trivial ways. The good news is that coming to that understanding has allowed me to become better than I was a year ago, or two years ago, or when I took my first step on this journey. I can accept forgiveness and grace when I stumble just like I can give it to my fellow man. The biggest thing I have learned in my journey to know God is that judgment and hatred move us continually farther away from God. The more it is accepted, the worse it gets. Going down that road can get a person so far away from God, while they think they are living for God, that they can't even see how bad they are making God look to those who are watching in disgust. And, that downward spiral can begin with the smallest judgment against our brother or sister if we do not get that judgment in check. On the other hand, gratitude and acceptance lead us continually closer to God and allow us to display God in a way that can improve the world around us. |
Hawley Todd's Homily on Grace Values from Wednesday's Healing Service
Over the years, many people have commented how unique this Celebration of Wholeness and Healing service is. I believe it is an expression of the values of Grace Church and all that we try to embody here. First and foremost we strive to treat each and every person who comes here as a child of God. That means that EVERYONE who walks through the door is precious. Whether I trust that person or not, he/she is still a child of God. Grow and awaken continually to God's presence in our lives. In a nutshell, growing in awareness of God's presence in all our lives describes what I see here every Wednesday night at the healing service. I anticipate this service each month and really look forward to it. From experience, I know that God will show up and do really wonderful things. I never know what will happen and look forward to being surprised. It is a process of awakening to the glorious reality of God in our midst and in one another. And for some of us who have come to this service, it is the first time that God was more than a concept or a philosophical idea. It is so awesome to be with a sister of brother the first time, she/he experiences the reality of the living presence of God. It is a joyous event to "awaken." Be guided always by honesty and integrity. Having helped lead this service for the past five years, I can attest to the integrity and honesty of those who come. We have our faults and always strive to learn and improve - and that is a manifestation of integrity at its best. We strive to be honest with ourselves and one another. We don't have answers but we do share God's love and presence. We can share our pain and our joys in a safe environment where all are welcomed and honored. Be nourished by people of every cultural background and Honor everyone's age, race, economic situation, sexual orientation, family configuration and religious approach. Think of all the cultural backgrounds represented in this service. Christianity started out as a Jewish sect that arose in the Middle East as a synthesis of Greek Thought and Jewish traditions. Our liturgy is based on prayers out of the Irish and New Zealand Books of Common Prayer. We use African drumming. We use Reike as one of our chief healing modalities. While there are various legends surrounding the origins of Reike, I personally see it as a Japanese form of healing with Buddhist roots. Yet I have read books and articles that try to find its origins in Christianity. On any given evening, we have folks from a wide variety of cultural and spiritual backgrounds in attendance. And here is the critical point--we really do honor each other's cultural backgrounds and religious approaches. We don't just tolerate one another. We cherish and grow from and with one another. Serve God by sharing with those in need and by working actively for social justice. Sharing with those in need. For an example just walk down the hallway to the Great Hall! Right now, Grace Church is having a free community dinner for anyone who shows up! And that is just one example! Personally I believe God, the Great Spirit, Divine Love, the mother and father of us all, meets us right where we are, with whatever language and words we choose to use and in whatever cultural or religious understandings we have. God transcends all the limitations we try to put upon ultimate reality and yet comes and meets us here tonight. The Divine blesses, touches, and transforms our lives. Right here! Right now! Isn't it amazing? |
 Thanks to ...
... everyone who made a card for Patty, the 13-year old girl who is being aggressively treated for cancer at Children's Hospital, and to everyone who offered assistance with the family's needs while they are living in Cincinnati to be with their daughter during her treatments. ... Bob Jones for getting the building sparkling clean and ready for the wedding on Saturday, and thanks to anyone else in the congregation who assisted with wedding preparations. ... everyone who assisted in setting up the Great Hall for services. ... Toussaint Thrower & Ken Lyon for the work you both have done to move us toward on-screen services. ... Tammy Robertson for your years as a member of the bulletin team. We are grateful for everything you did and everything you taught Judy and Rhonda as you were leaving the team. ... Judy Handy for taking over Tammy's role on the bulletin team. ... Pastor Rita Bryant and members of Life Renewal Church who prepared the free dinner for Wednesday night. They made everyone feel welcome. Also, thanks to Robin and those who assisted her with the cooking. ... J. White for assisting Pastor Rita in planning the Wednesday night dinner. ... J. White for all the hard work that has helped us have so many building rentals lately, and for doing it while you are assisting with family health challenges. ... Grace Staples for going above & beyond the all of duty to get Grace Notes printed last week, including fighting a stubborn copier and finally taking it to Staples in 105 degree heat. ... Hawley Todd for his sermon at the Healing Service on Wednesday night that helped all of the attendees not only better understand the values Grace Church tries to live by but also emphasized the value of each person in attendance. ... the Executive Committee for always working to make Grace Church be the best place it can be, and mostly thank you for always finding the most positive approach possible to resolve issues that arise. ... Rhonda Sharp for taking the time to notice the folks who deserve our thanks, and for sending them to eGraceNotes@GraceCollegeHill.org. |
Altar Flowers
This Sunday's altar flowers are given by Julia Basuta Kakande and Vincent Kudjoe Gbewonyo, who are being married at Grace Church today.
To donate altar flowers on the Sunday of your choosing, see the sign-up sheet in the church near the upper Belmont entrance. Or call the office. Or donate online here.
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Coming Attractions
The online Grace Church Calendar lists most everything we know about that's happening at Grace Church. Here's a snapshot of a week's worth of the online calendar as of today. If something's not listed, or if you see errors, please tell the office (office@gracecollegehill.org, 513-541-2415).
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Your Prayers are Asked
 Please keep these people in your prayers for their special needs: Judy Handy, Rev. Ernestein, Albertha, DeConte (Dee), Patty Rogers, The Rogers Family, Ken Lyon, Carl, Robb Martin, Kim Martin, Melissa, Tara, Paul, The Erik Handy Family, The Darryl Handy Family, The Burlew Family, The Fantetti Family, Harry Shafer, Viola and Bill and Johnny, Lee Hardy, Christine Hicks, Debbie, Chris and Charlie, Derek, Dave, Cindy, Denise, Rick, Rhonda, The Partin Family, The Sharp Family, Angie and LaMont, Tonya, Mitchell, Rita, Nadine Renee, Bob, Teresa and Kids, Jo Jo, Jared, Shirley L. Allen, Melissa, David, Theresa Buskirk Neabrey, Patience , Marrilee Atkins, Leroy, Carol Lyon, Karen and Diana, Maree White, Verene and Katrina, Tom, Tim Nagel, Tim Nagel, Jr., Steve, Mike, Estil and Cloma. "Shut-ins." Please remember these members and friends who are often not able to attend: Mary Lou Bellows, Nancy Hall, Maureen Back, Janet Henthorn, Carl Relyea, Mary Jane Showers, Elizabeth Kelly, Jane Strohmeier, Naomi Koester, Elva Gscheidle, Mary Ratliff, Jo Carroll, Anne Henneberg. Please contact the Church Office (513-541-2415, office@gracecollegehill.org) with the names of the persons to be included on this list. If you email, please place "Prayer Request" in the subject line. Please also indicate whether the name of the prayer recipient is to be listed in the bulletin. Names remain on the list for about a month. Please let us know if people should be put back on the list. Pastoral Care
If you need pastoral care or know of someone who does, please call or email the office (513-541-2415, office@gracecollegehill.org). Keep us informed about about illness, hospital stays, requests for visits, communion, and prayers for special concerns.
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Worship Service Schedule & Participants
Here is the worship schedule through the end of September, as of today. If you're a worship participant, check it out, some changes have been made. The up-to-date schedule is available on our website ( gracecollegehill.org). If you're scheduled and can't make it, find a substitute and let Ken Lyon ( webmaster@gracecollegehill.org, 513-542-2941) know so the schedule can be updated.
Sunday Service Participants are needed in all volunteer positions. We will provide training as needed. We are a Common Ministry Parish - everyone is encouraged to serve. Contact Judy Handy (jhandy23@cinci.rr.com, 513-681-5829). Sunday, July 15: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing
- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Lector: Judy Handy
- Litany of Healing: Grace Staples
- Offering Counter: Roger Perna
- Usher: Wanda Miller
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, July 22: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Ken Lyon
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Ken Lyon
- Lector: Toussaint Thrower
- Prayers of the People: Ken Lyon
- Offering Counter: John Thayer
- Usher: Grace Staples
- Altar Guild: Wanda Miller
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, July 29: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. Kimberly Knight
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Jamanuel Thrower
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Wanda Miller
- Lector: Ken Lyon
- Prayers of the People: Carol Lyon
- Offering Counter: Roger Perna
- Usher: Phyllis Mukasa
- Altar Guild: Carol Lyon
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, August 5: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. David Howard
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Toussaint Thrower
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Grace Staples
- Lector: Carol Lyon
- Prayers of the People: John Thayer
- Offering Counter: John Thayer
- Usher: Ruth Bertram
- Altar Guild: Tammy Robertson & Lisa Perry
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Wednesday, August 8: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing
- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
Sunday, August 12: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing
- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mathias Mukasa
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: John Thayer
- Lector: John Thayer
- Litany of Healing: Toussaint Thrower
- Offering Counter: Roger Perna
- Usher: Albertha Howard
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, August 19: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Jamanuel Thrower
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Grace Staples
- Prayers of the People: Maria Mukasa
- Offering Counter: John Thayer
- Usher: David Mukasa
- Altar Guild: Jacquelyn McCray
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, August 26: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. Susan Lehman
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mariah Mukasa
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Ken Lyon
- Lector: Maria Mukasa
- Prayers of the People: Judy Handy
- Offering Counter: Roger Perna
- Usher: Mary McLain
- Altar Guild: Carol Lyon
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, September 2: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. Susan Lehman
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Toussaint Thrower
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Tammy Robertson
- Prayers of the People: Phyllis Mukasa
- Offering Counter: John Thayer
- Usher: Wanda Miller
- Altar Guild: Tammy Robertson & Lisa Perry
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, September 9: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing
- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mathias Mukasa
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Lector: Mary McLain
- Litany of Healing: Mary McLain
- Offering Counter: Roger Perna
- Usher: David Mukasa
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Wednesday, September 12: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing
- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
Sunday, September 16: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Jamanuel Thrower
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Judy Handy
- Prayers of the People: Toussaint Thrower
- Offering Counter: John Thayer
- Usher: Phyllis Mukasa
- Altar Guild: Jacquelyn McCray
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, September 23: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. Kimberly Knight
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: John Thayer
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Ken Lyon
- Lector: Toussaint Thrower
- Prayers of the People:
- Offering Counter: Roger Perna
- Usher: Mary McLain
- Altar Guild: Carol Lyon
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
Sunday, September 30: Eucharist II
- Celebrant: The Rev. David Howard
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mariah Mukasa
- Healing Minister (lead): J White
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Ken Lyon
- Prayers of the People: Grace Staples
- Offering Counter: John Thayer
- Usher: Wanda Miller
- Altar Guild: Wanda Miller
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
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