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Issue
216, May 5, 2013

A spiritual home where all are welcome; a healing place in a broken world.

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Prayer Shawl Ministry Group Meets, Knits
 
The revitalized Prayer Shawl Ministry group gathered for prayer, planning, munching, and yes, knitting and crocheting prayer shawls on Thursday evening, May 2, from 7 to 9:30 pm.

 

We had accomplished knitters including Carol Lyon and Rhonda Sharp who also provided a feast for the group. Jackie Johnson had the best intentions of learning to knit, but defaulted to her stellar crocheting skills and had 3-4 inches of a beautiful shawl completed by the end of the evening (we told her: "Why push water uphill?!").

 

Rhonda helped Michelle, who hadn't picked up knitting needles for 30 years, and proved quickly it was like riding a bicycle. Sam Spade worked with beginner Amy Lloyd who already had a practice piece going and with Rita Lyon who was a novice. By the end of the evening, Rita was knitting rows on her own. With a little practice (and a prayer or two) we know she'll be working on a shawl in no time!

 

We invite any one who is interested to join us the 1st Thursday of the month in the Grace Church Parlor from 7:00 until our fingers are ready to quit!  

 

No knitting experience is required. Materials provided for those who need them.

 

Blessing, Sam Spade 

Something's Happening at Grace 

Last week, two new Grace Church groups drew members, friends and newcomers to Grace to experience deepening spirituality and/or healing.

We had six knitters and knitters-to-be at the new Prayer Shawl Ministry group at 7 pm Thursday. One of the people there had been a newcomer at last Sunday's service. (This group will continue to meet on the first Thursday of each month.)

Ten people came to the Prayer and Meditation group at 11 am Friday. This was one attendee's first time at Grace Church. (This group meets every Friday.)

A couple of years ago, we recognized Grace Church's potential for being a center of spirituality and healing for the larger community. At that time, we wrote two goals that express this idea:
  • Increase participation and inclusion of those seeking God within the ministries of Grace Church.  
  • Develop and practice ways of bringing deeper spirituality and healing into the lives of parishioners and our neighbors.  

These two events of the past week, along with other things we've seen at Grace in recent years,  leads me to believe that we're growing into God's vision for Grace. Good. 

 

Observations by Ken Lyon. 

Easter Plants Planted

Laurie LeClaire & Carol Lyon got together Saturday and planted the remaining Easter plants outside near the Garth. 
Tell Us a Story
 

Which would you rather read: a story about a personal experience that one of us had, or an announcement of an upcoming event? I don't know about you, but I love reading about other people's experiences. So, I encourage you to share your stories for possible publication here. Send 'em here: egracenotes@gracecollegehil.org.

 

Wondering what to write about?  Here's this week's idea:  If you're relatively new to Grace, tell about why you came to Grace; if you've been around a while, tell about why you stay at Grace; if you went away and came back, well, tell that story.   

 

Ken Lyon, editor 

 

PS: Of course, we will continue to have our calendar and schedules and announcements of upcoming events, but we need the leaven of your stories.

Thanks to ...

... to everyone who has assisted with ECOT testing this past week and continuing into next week, and most especially thanks to J. White for all of the hard work she has done in the past and present to provide rental space for them and meet all of their needs.

... everyone who attended our first Prayer Shawl knitting meeting Thursday night. Thank you for all of the shawls you will be knitting for the people who will be helped by your prayers and your work.

... Rhonda Sharp, who remembers to send in "thank you's."

Send your "thank you's" to egracenotes@gracecollegehill.org. 

Even though everyone who does something special may not be recognized each week (although we do try), we are aware of how hard members of this congregation work together to keep this church going.  Most of the work done in this church is by volunteers, so thank you to every one in this congregation for keeping our dream of Grace Church alive by your consistent contributions.  None of us could do it without all of us working together.
Selected Short Subjects

Some bugs have been nibbling away at the Grace Church online calendar, apparently.  Some events mysteriously disappeared.  We have restored those that we could remember, but ask that if you have an interest in any event scheduled at Grace Church, please check the calendar and let the office  (513-541-2415, office@gracecollegehill.org) know if we've missed or messed up anything.  See this week's calendar below or see the whole calendar here: gracecollegehill.org/calendar.shtml

A pair of men's eyeglasses were found in a case with the name Boulevard Boutique on the case. If they are yours, you can pick them up in the church office. They are in a small wicker basket on the office desk.

You can read the most recent Caringbridges update on Patty Rogers here: 

caringbridge.org/visit/patriciarogers/journal. Patty is the teenager  

who has cancer that we have been praying for. She is by no means out of the woods, but you will see by this most recent update that her quality of life has improved significantly since prayers were first requested for her.

 

The Diocese is resuming its Virtual Tour Project, whose objective is to create 360-degree virtual tours of all congregations on Google+. You may remember that Grace Church was photographed last year. You can see tours of the 19 churches photographed so far (including Grace Church) here: diosohio.org/google360tours.html.
Interfaith Hospitality News

You probably know that Grace Church participates, along with other College Hill churches in hosting homeless families for a week every couple of months.  Here is a summary of Grace's contribution on April 19, written by Eileen Boyle.

Friday night was hosted by Grace Episcopal Church.  The coordinators were Belinda and Roger Perna.  They brought a great group of folks who showered the families with food, laughter and love.  The meal consisted of meatloaf, salad, baked potatoes, bread, gravy and dessert.  It was lovingly prepared and served by Mary McLain, Wanda Miller, Grace Staples, Roger and Belinda Perna.  The families LOVED the baked potatoes and said that this meal was such an unexpected pleasure.  It has been a long time since they had homemade meatloaf and all the fixings!  The kitchen host (and dishwasher) was Mary Sue Verhagen.  The activities volunteers were Tammy Robertson, Grace Staples, Madeena and Mike Nolan, David Nolan and  Tom Riley.  The kids loved playing games, puzzles and watching movies.  The Grace Episcopal overnight host was Roger Perna.  He was joined by Denis and Alison Tenyah and their 3 girls.  It was terrific having an entire family here to sleep overnight.  Judging from the laughter and smiles, they had fun too! 

Prayers and Thanksgivings

Prayers for healing are asked for Judy Handy, Rev. Ernestein, Patty Rogers and the the Rogers Family, Carl. Jackie, Robb Martin, Kim Martin, Melissa, Jordan and Brandie, Bill and Viola, Lee Hardy, Christine Hicks, Derek, Rhonda Sharp, The Partin Family, Mitchell, Bob, Jo Jo, Jared, Shirley L. Allen, Melissa, D.L., Merrilee Atkins, Carol Lyon, Maree White, Verene and Katrina, Rita Lyon, Anna Keefer, Christine Zuniga, KiKi, The Coal Miners and their families who are being laid off, Virginia Chapel, Our President and Our Country, Sam Spade, Bill Jenne, Aaron Watson, Vance, Kathy Wills, East Price Hill and The Lauck Family, Don Wake, Patience, Emily Bellingham, Peggy Partin, Cleo Leach, Tracy Siemer, Ortha Meyers, Malachi Francis, Trish G. Russo, Albertha Howard and DeConte Howard, Dumonstrong, Restoring Authentic Identity Attendees, AJ, Amanda Peery, JB, Angie and the Marshall Family, Monica Corvalan, Todd Carr, Amandita Sullivan, Horistine, Eugenia and Kenneth, Jeanne Mulholland, Helen, Pat Jones, Jacque, Kasey McAdams, Johnny, Lexi Woeste, Emily and Caleb, Earl and Ann, Angie Evans , Vickie.

 

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.
Altar Flowers

The flowers on the alter last week were donated in loving memory of Rhonda Sharp's father's birthday on April 27.

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.     
Upcoming ChiKung/TaiChi Classes at Grace

Beginning/Intermediate level ChiKung/TaiChi classes Friday evenings
from 6:30 to 8 pm, continuing May 17 and ending June 14.  Chi is vital life force energy.  You can learn to direct it in ways that will be stress relieving, rejuvenating, and re-balancing for your entire system.  Expand your resources.   Please join us in further enjoyment of your abundant Chi. "I would place ChiKung equal in importance to the incredible discoveries in the forties called antibiotics and in the fifties called immunizations," says Dr. Bill Manahan, University of Minnesota Medical School. Cost: $50 for the series,  $40.00 if you preregister by Wednesday, May 15. Walk-ins, $15/class).

Beginning level TaiChi classes Thursday mornings, 9:30 to 11:00 am, starting May 16 and ending June 13. TaiChi is an ancient, movement meditation.  The Chi is your vital life force energy.  The slow dance circulates the Chi in a relaxed calm manner throughout your entire system.  Scientifically, it's been shown to put you in your Alpha brain waves.  This releases 'feel good' hormones, expanding you into joy and calmness.
"Having a relaxed spirit is the secret of longevity," says 105-year-old TaiChi Master Wu Tu-nan. Cost: $50 for series, $40 if you preregister by Tuesday, April 2. Walk-ins, $15/class.

For either class, wear loose, comfortable clothing.  It's your choice if you want to be barefoot or wear flexible shoes.  Please bring your own water bottle.  Please contact Jackie with questions.

Classes conducted by Jackie Millay, harmonicpulsewellness.com, 513-405-1514, 513-541-4900.
 Coming Attractions

The online Grace Church Calendar lists most everything we know about that's happening at Grace Church. Here's a snapshot of about 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 as of today. 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 Worship Team Leader Bill Jenne (williamjenne1@aol.com).   

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, May 5: Eucharist II
  • Celebrant: The Rev. Susan Lehman
  • Keyboards: Bill Jenne
  • Acolyte: Mathias Mukasa
  • Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
  • Chalice: John Thayer
  • Lector: Tony Saylor
  • Prayers of the People: Mary McLain
  • Offering Counters: Roger Perna, Carol Lyon
  • Usher: Wanda Miller
  • Altar Guild: Tammy Robertson & Lisa Perry
  • Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
  • 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon

Wednesday, May 8, 7pm: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing

  • Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF

Sunday, May 12: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing

  • Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF
  • Acolyte: John Thayer
  • Healing Ministers: All
  • Lector: Tammy Robertson
  • Prayers of the People: Leah Wilson
  • Offering Counters: Wanda Miller, Ken Lyon
  • Usher: David Mukasa
  • Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
  • 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon

Sunday, May 19: Eucharist II

  • Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford
  • Keyboards: Bill Jenne
  • Acolyte: Mariah Mukasa
  • Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
  • Chalice: Carol Lyon
  • Lector: Judy Handy
  • Prayers of the People: Tony Saylor
  • Offering Counters: John Thayer, Bill Jenne
  • Usher: Ruth Bertram
  • Altar Guild: Jacqueline McCray
  • Flower Guild: Carol Lyon
  • 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon

Sunday, May 26: Eucharist II

  • Celebrant: The Rev. David Z. Howard
  • Keyboards: Bill Jenne
  • Acolyte: Mathias Mukasa
  • Healing Ministers (leads): J White & Hawley Todd
  • Chalice: Ken Lyon
  • Lector: Leah Wilson
  • Prayers of the People: John Thayer
  • Offering Counters: Ruth Bertram, Roger Perna
  • Usher: Phyllis Mukasa
  • Altar Guild: Wanda Miller
  • Flower Guild: Wanda Miller
  • 9am Adult Bible Study: Ken Lyon

Sunday, June 2: Eucharist II

  • Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford

Sunday, June 9: Eucharist II

  • Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford

Wednesday, June 12, 7pm: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing

  • Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF

Sunday, June 16: Celebration of Wholeness and Healing

  • Officiant: Hawley Todd, TSSF

Sunday, June 23: Eucharist II

  • Celebrant: The Rev. Bob Hufford

Sunday, June 30: Eucharist II

  • Celebrant: The Rev. David Z. Howard
Absalom Jones From the Editor...

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Ken Lyon, Editor, egracenotes@gracecollegehill.org
Grace Episcopal Church | Phone: 513-541-2415 | 5501 Hamilton Avenue at Belmont Avenue | College Hill (Cincinnati) | OH | 45224