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A spiritual home where all are welcome; a healing place in a broken world.
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About Transfiguration Sunday from Fr. Bob Hufford
On Transfiguration Sunday each year we are blessed with the story of Jesus' remarkable Transfiguration on Mount Tabor in the presence of Moses, Elijah, Peter, James and John. This event gave the Apostles the courage to face the journey to Jerusalem which was ahead of them and the Passion, Crucifixion, and Death of their leader, Jesus Christ. Transformed on the mountain, God showed Jesus to be His True Son and the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. God gave the Apostles through this event all the coping gifts necessary to comprehend the Passion, Death, and Resurrection soon to come.
You might remember that at Church last Sunday, I asked you to be a part of the Transfiguration. I asked you to remember a time when God gave you the glorious possibility of Transfiguration in your life. What was a Mt. Tabor experienced for you? What God-sent experience blessed you and helps you now to face hard times and times when answers seem not to be forthcoming? How do you cope? What helps you through and to the other side? Let's ponder and discuss these things as we rejoice in transfiguring moments in the lives of the Apostles and in our lives as well!
This is a Blessed close to the Epiphany Season and a good preparation for Holy Lent yet to come.
Yours in Christ, Fr. Bob+
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 Lent Begins This Week on Ash Wednesday
Lent begins at Grace Church Wednesday, February 13, with two very different worship experiences.
The traditional Ash Wednesday Eucharist with imposition of ashes will occur at noon, with Susan Lehman celebrating.
The usual second Wednesday Celebration of Wholeness and Healing starts at 7, but with the addition of optional imposition of ashes.
As usual, the free Community Dinner will precede the Healing Service, starting at 5 pm.
Starting Sunday, there will be two booklets available to inform your observance of Lent: Lenten Meditations, and Disciples on the Way. Check 'em out!
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Lent Madness 3013 Announced
The fourth annual "saintly smackdown" begins February 14.  What do you get when you combine a love of sports with a love of saints? Lent Madness, of course. A year after this unique online devotion went viral-with mentions in Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, and many other media outlets, Lent Madness is back. Based loosely on the wildly popular NCAA basketball tournament, Lent Madness pits 32 saints against one another in public voting as they compete for the coveted Golden Halo. But it is more than that: Lent Madness is really an online devotional tool designed to help people learn about saints. The competition begins on Thursday, February 14 and takes place at lentmadness.org. The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for twenty-four hours, and people vote for their favorite saint. Sixteen saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the Golden Halo. The 2012 Lent Madness champion was Mary Magdalene. Go to lentmadness.org/ to learn more and to enter your email so you can vote in every pairing. It's fun!
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Elections to be Held at Annual Meeting Next Sunday
The Grace Church Annual Meeting will be held after Sunday worship on February 17. All members and friends are invited to come together to elect officers, hear reports, and enjoy lunch. The Nominating Committee (Mary McClain and Ken Lyon) expects to make several nominations for various offices. Other nominations may be made at the meeting, with the permission of the nominee. The following have agreed to be nominated to be Wardens: - Roger Perna for another 1-year term as Senior Warden.
- Wanda Miller for another 1-year term as Junior Warden.
The following have agreed to be nominated to Mission Council positions. - Hawley Todd for a 1-year term on Mission Council.
- John Thayer, Ruth Bertram and Sam Spade for 3-year terms on Mission Council.
Remaining on Mission Council are David Mukasa, J White, and Ken Lyon. Assuming that all nominees are elected, this will give us seven Mission Council Members. Mission Council is comprised of from six to nine members, so there are two more positions available. The following have agreed to be nominated to leadership positions on the Mission & Formation Team: - Hawley Todd to serve a one-year term as Convener.
- Laurie LeCLaire to serve a three-year term as Pastoral Care Co-Leader.
- Rhonda Sharp to serve a three-year term as Newcomer Ministry & Congregational Life Co-Leader.
- Hawley Todd to serve a one-year term as Healing Ministry Team Leader.
Remaining Team Leaders are: - Bill Jenne, Worship Team Leader.
- David Mukasa, Pastoral Care Co-Team Leader.
- J White, Outreach Team Leader.
- J White, Newcomer Ministry & Congregational Life Co-Team Leader.
- Virginia Chapel, Christian Formation Team Leader.
Carol Lyon and David Mukasa remain as Convention Delegates serving the last of two year terms. Maria Mukasa has agreed to be nominated as Convention Alternate. One more Alternate needs to be nominated. |
A Happiness Story from Jackie Millay
 We received this from Jackie Millay, who conducts ChiKung and TaiChi classes at Grace Church.
I'd like to share a happiness story. Being able to access, cultivate, and move the Chi throughout my system has helped me recover pretty much completely from almost dying twice. I love this gift and feel honored to be able to share it.
I started learning the ancient Chinese movement meditation/martial art form, TaiChi, after an inspiring dream in 1978. TaiChi is a form of ChiKung, which is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that originated 5,000+ years ago. In the early spring of 2010, I needed to take a medical leave from my teaching position. That was the year I was to retire. Given this "opportunity" to bring myself back to health, I spent a good deal of my time meditating and learning more about ChiKung (Qigong). This word simply refers to skills that are practiced to keep the flow of our energies fluid throughout our systems. "Chi" means "vital life force energy." It is the energy of nature, you, and the Cosmos. Chi is fluid, formless, mysterious, constant, and ever-changing. It exhibits different qualities depending upon its vibration/frequency. It gathers information as it listens and responds to our thoughts, wishes, and desires.
Accessing the Chi has saved my life. Contributed by Jackie Millay (513-405-1514, 513-541-4900, socaja@yahoo.com) |
 Thanks to ... ... David Mukasa for arranging to have the closet in the Acolyte room re-plastered. ... Don Wake and Bob Jones for cleaning up and painting the Acolyte room and the hallway around it. Don was here all day on Friday and much of Saturday painting.
... Ruth Bertam for providing needed supplies for the office. She purchased many things we needed, and it helps a lot.
... Wanda Miller for making lunch for everyone who attended the Buildings and Grounds meeting Friday.
... Ruth Bertram for the work she's doing to get our treasurer files up to date, and thanks to Roger Perna for helping her take over the Treasurer responsibilities.
... Rhonda Sharp and Sam Spade for volunteering to be backup editors for eGraceNotes. Your editor really appreciates their willingness to serve. |
Prayers and Thanksgivings
 Prayers for healing are asked for Judy Handy, Rev. Ernestein, Patty Rogers, The Rogers Family, Ken Lyon, Carl, Jackie, Robb Martin, Kim Martin, Melissa, The Erik Handy Family, The Darryl Handy Family, The Burlew Family, Jordan and Brandie, Bill and Viola, Lee Hardy, Christine Hicks, Derek, Rhonda, The Partin Family, Mitchell, Bob, Jo Jo, Jared, Shirley L. Allen, Melissa, D.L., Marrilee Atkins, Carol Lyon, Maree White, Verene and Katrina, Tom, Rita Lyon, Anna Keefer, Christine Zuniga, Cornell Bryant, Pastor Rita and Family, Karen and Diane, KiKi, The Coal Miners and their families who are being laid off, Virginia Chapel, Our President and Our Country, Judith , Peter Hawkins, Doug Jones, Katrina Gamble, Donna, Sam Spade, Bill Jenne, Aaron Watson, Vance, Kathy Wills, Thom Shumann, East Price Hill and The Lauck Family, Don Wake, Patience, Emily Bellingham, Peggy Partin, Cleo Leach, Tracy Siemer, Erna, Ortha Meyers, Malachi Francis, Trish G. Russo. Prayers for "shut-ins," (members and friends who are often not able to attend) are asked for Nancy Hall, Janet Henthorn, Mary Jane Showers, Elizabeth Kelly, Jane Strohmeier, Naomi Koester, Elva Gscheidle, Jo Carroll, Anne Henneberg. To add or subtract from this list, 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. |
 The Flowers on the Altar ... ... last week were given by Ken & Carol Lyon to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for 49 years of marriage. You can donate money for altar flowers to adorn our worship, to glorify God, and to honor whomever you might want to specify. The suggested donation is $35 for one Sunday. You may sign up on the flower sheet by the Belmont door, or call the church office. Or you can donate online here. |
House of Deputies President Jennings Calls for Action on Immigration Reform
(The House of Deputies of one of two bodies that meet at General Convention every three years to govern the Episcopal Church.) Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: For more than twenty-five years, the General Convention of The Episcopal Church has called for immigration measures that would give to undocumented immigrants the dignity and respect that we all possess as citizens of the realm of God. In keeping with that legislation, I applaud the current bipartisan proposal for immigration reform developed by eight senators who have overcome party differences to act for the common good. I am particularly glad that the senators have proposed an expedited pathway to citizenship for DREAM Act youth-the hardworking young people who were brought to this country as children-and for the farm workers on whom so many of us rely for our daily bread. At the 77th General Convention in July 2012, The Episcopal Church strengthened its existing call for comprehensive immigration reform by urging that same-sex partners be treated in the same manner as opposite-sex partners in immigration matters. I am grateful to President Obama for including this measure in his immigration reform proposal, and I urge that lesbian and gay families be treated equally in the comprehensive immigration reform legislation that makes its way to Congress. Last summer's General Convention also expressed its concern about refugee policy and unjust immigration enforcement and I ask lawmakers to ensure that new or existing enforcement measures are humane and just and that we continue to welcome and protect refugees and those seeking asylum. We Episcopalians know that welcoming the stranger among us is one of our greatest responsibilities and joys. You can stand with our immigrant sisters and brothers in the Episcopal Church and across the country by calling your members of Congress. When you call, please ask them to pass comprehensive immigration reform swiftly; include an expedited pathway to citizenship for DREAM Act young people and farm workers; ensure that families can stay together; treat lesbian and gay families equally; and provide for humane enforcement and protection for vulnerable migrants and refugees who are victims of crime and domestic violence. In our Baptismal Covenant, we have promised to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being. Advocacy for just public policy is one way of fulfilling that commitment, and I am grateful for the witness of General Convention that guides our way. Faithfully, The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President, House of Deputies
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World Sound Healing Day Coming to Grace Friday, February 15
 World Sound Healing Day--a sonic valentine for the earth--will be celebrated at Grace Church on Friday February 15, from 7 to 9 pm. It'll be held in the sanctuary, where the great acoustics will enhance the sounds.
Connect with hundreds of thousands on the planet for the 11th Annual World Sound Healing Day, founded by sound pioneer Jonathan Goldman.
Become a Sonic Co-Creator. Enjoy standout musicians, sound healers and audience toning "AH" for the heart....
Featuring:- Ron Esposito ~ Emcee, Crystal Bowls
- Pat Kelly ~ Piano
- Roxana Imam ~ Clarinet
- Billy Larkin ~ Piano/Vocals
- Janice T. Sunflower ~ Native American Flute
- Audrey Causilla ~ Chant/Harmonium
- Randy Brewer ~ Mandolin/Tabla/Vocals
- Devin Brooks ~ Sound Engineer/Crystal Bowls
- Baoku Moses ~ African Drums
- John Rodgers ~ Guitar
- Daishon Woody ~ Hand Drums
- Rev. Frieda Hughes ~ Vocal Toning
Doors open at 6:30pm. Suggested Love Donation: $10
Contact Audrey Causilla, producer, for information (513.374.1783, causilla@yahoo.com) or for more information on Jonathan Goldman and the 2013 World Sound Healing Day Video see worldsoundhealingday.org. J White is the Grace Church contact for this event. You can hear a live interview with World Sound Healing Day organizers on Tuesday, February 5, on WAIF radio, 88.3MHz from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. HEAL OUR PLANET! HEAL OUR WATERS! RAISE OUR CONSCIOUSNESS! |
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Restoring Authentic Identity Coming to Grace Church
For more information, see connectionssp.org. Rhonda Sharp is the Grace Church contact for this event.
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The "Mo-Tones Big Band" Celebrates Mardi Gras
Remember the great concert in the Great Hall given by the the Queen City Rainbow Band's "Mo-Tones Big Band?" Now the QCRB is sponsoring their annual Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, February 16, beginning at 8pm at the Cabaret featuring the "Mo-Tones Big Band." It is sure to be an exciting evening of great music, dancing, and fun.
The Cabaret is located above the Below Zero Lounge at 1122 Walnut Street, Cincinnati. $5 tickets will be sold at the door. Bring extra cash for raffle items.
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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). |
Worship Service Schedule & Participants
Here is the worship schedule through the end of March 2013, as of today. 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, February 10: Eucharist II- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mathias Mukasa
- Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Toussaint Thrower
- Prayers of the People: Ken Lyon
- Offering Counters: John Thayer, Bill Jenne
- Usher: Mary McLain
- Altar Guild: Jacquelyn McCray
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: TBA
Wednesday, February 13, Noon: Ash Wednesday Service- Celebrant: The Rev. Susan Lehman
- Acolyte: John Thayer
- Chalice: Ken Lyon
- Lector: Leah Wilson
- Usher: Roger Perna
- Altar Guild: Jacqueline McCray
Wednesday, February 13, 7pm: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
Sunday, February 17: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Handbells: John Thayer
- Acolyte: Toussaint Thrower
- Healing Ministers: J White, Hawley Todd, Ray Betts, Tammy Robertson, Bill Jenne, Laurie LeClaire, Gwynne Gabbard, Sam Spade
- Lector: Ken Lyon
- Litany of Healing: John Thayer
- Offering Counters: Ruth Bertram, Roger Perna
- Usher: Wanda Miller
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: TBA
Sunday, February 24: Eucharist II- Celebrant: The Rev. David Howard
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Jamanuel Thrower
- Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
- Chalice: Ken Lyon
- Lector: John Thayer
- Prayers of the People: Maria Mukasa
- Offering Counters: Ken Lyon, Carol Lyon
- Usher: David Mukasa
- Altar Guild: Carol Lyon
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: TBA
Sunday, March 3: Eucharist II- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mariah Mukasa
- Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
- Chalice: Wanda Miller
- Lector: Maria Mukasa
- Prayers of the People: Judy Handy
- Offering Counters: Wanda Miller, John Thayer
- Usher: Phyllis Mukasa
- Altar Guild: Tammy Robertson & Lisa Perry
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: TBA
Sunday, March 10: Eucharist II- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mathias Mukasa
- Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Tammy Robertson
- Prayers of the People: Phyllis Mukasa
- Offering Counters: Bill Jenne, Ruth Bertram
- Usher: Ruth Bertram
- Altar Guild: Jacquelyn McCray
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: TBA
Wednesday, March 13, 7pm: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
Sunday, March 17: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing- Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Handbells: John Thayer
- Acolyte: Toussaint Thrower
- Healing Ministers: J White, Hawley Todd, Ray Betts, Tammy Robertson, Bill Jenne, Laurie LeClaire, Gwynne Gabbard, Sam Spade
- Lector: Mary McLain
- Litany of Healing: Ken Lyon
- Offering Counters: Roger Perna, Ken Lyon
- Usher: Don Wake
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: TBA
Sunday, March 24, Palm/Passion Sunday: Eucharist II- Celebrants: The Right Rev. Kenneth Price, The Rev. Bob Hufford
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Jamanuel Thrower
- Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
- Chalice: Ken Lyon
- Lector: Judy Handy
- Prayers of the People: Toussaint Thrower
- Offering Counters: Carol Lyon, Wanda Miller
- Usher: Mary McLain
- Altar Guild: Carol Lyon
- Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: TBA
Thursday, March 28, 7:30 PM: Maundy Thursday- Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
Friday, March 28, Noon to 3PM: Community Good Friday Service- Several Preachers, including:
Sunday, March 31: Easter Day, Eucharist II- Celebrants: The Revs. Bob Hufford and David Howard
- Keyboards: Bill Jenne
- Acolyte: Mariah Mukasa
- Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
- Chalice: Carol Lyon
- Lector: Ken Lyon
- Prayers of the People: Mary McLain
- Offering Counters: John Thayer, Bill Jenne
- Usher: Wanda Miller
- Altar Guild: Wanda Miller
- Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
- 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon
- 10am Sunday School: TBA
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