Bede Music Box

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH PO Box 596 Carthage MO 64836 417 - 358 - 4631 fax 417 - 358 - 6775 www.gracecarthage.org The SPIRIT of GRACE Regular Events... Sunday • Holy Eucharist 8 & 10:30 • Acolyte Practice 9 • Sunday School 9:15 • La Santa Misa 12 • Estudio Biblico 1:30 Monday • Book Club, 9:30 • Quilting, 1 • Narcotics Anonymous 7 Tuesday • Men @ St Luke’s 10 • Coro en Espanol 5 Wednesday • Choir Practice 5:30 • Holy Eucharist 6 • Dinner, Youth Groups & Bible Study, 6:30 Thursday • Move Exercise Class 9:30 • Holy Eucharist @ St Luke’s 2 • Friends Anonymous 4 Friday • Holy Eucharist 10 Saturday • Altar Guild 9 • Worship Service 5 pm • Estudio Biblico 7 From the Rectory: The Rev. Steven C. Wilson May 2011 this world, to take away the sting of living this side of the Fall. But we do have the power to take the cards dealt us and play beautifully. The Easter message is in large part about the mystery of trag- edy redeemed. Not obliterated, but redeemed. Christ could have come down from the Cross, or called ten legions of angels to overturn the corrupt powers of His time before they even ar- rested Him. But He didn’t. What He did was to take pain and death and suffering and trans- form it, to turn death into life, ugliness into beauty, tears of sorrow into tears of joy. And He promises us that, if we follow His example, we too can live that new and more abundant life of grace. The sorrows that are handed us are not, for the most part, in our control. They will not go away, they will not be ignored, they will not be mastered. But they can be offered to God with the prayer that we can find it in our power to transform them into beauty. My great sorrows — deaths, divorce, hasty words spo- ken without thought — can be Continued page 14 April showers bring May flow- ers, right? So why don’t we look at pain and loss in our own lives with the same relentless opti- mism we accord the weather? “Life,” says the hero in The Princess Bride , “is pain. Anyone who says differently is selling something.” Christians do not subscribe to quite so pessimistic a view of this world as that, but we do recognize that tragedy, death, sin, limitations, pain, sor- row, brokenness, death are part of this fallen order of creation. Things may not have been in- tended to be exactly like this, but for whatever reason, this is how they really are. And all the phi- losophizing about why things have worked out this way does- n’t fix it or make it any different. Theologians wrestle with this in high - powered classes devoted to “theodicy,” the understanding of how a good and all powerful God could allow things to be so obviously not good. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to a mystery. It is, as they say, what it is. It’s what we do with things that matters, in the final analysis. We have no power to change COFFEE HOSTS Mel & Julie Anderson Dennis & Kathy Conrow 2 MAY BIRTHDAYS 1 Dustin Chapman 2 Kelsey Baucom, Matthew Goolsby 3 Robert Harwell, Bill Haughawout 8 Elisabeth (Biffie) Creigton, Spencer Orr, William Schesser 10 Chris Rogers 11 Raelene Nickols 13 Wesley Campbell 14 Marcella Christy, Leonard Luehring, Byron Ovalle, Josh Slates 15 Alex White 19 Kevin Charleston 20 Robert Duvall, Frank Lane 21 Dr. Denise Hamar 22 James Lee, Owen Taylor 23 Twila Ferguson 24 William Labhart 25 Jeanne Fanning 26 Mark Baucom 27 Tiffany Lindsay 30 Sarah Evans, Diann Ferguson ANNIVERSARIES 6 13 Bill & Lora Phelps 15 Mark & Stephanie Williams 18 Troy & Liz Salchow 19 Gabriel & Elizabeth Speck 21 Mike & Pam Robertson 22 Dustin & Stacey Chapman, Jamie & Michelle Hensley 26 Fr. Fred & Elaine Taylor, Jeff & Nancy Dymott 28 Forrest & Catherine Marsden 29 Andy & Sabrina Lynch, Jerry & Doris Sample 31 Harry & Cindy Rogers, Bryan & Katy Bewick the following was discussed: The Rector reviewed the Holy Week schedule, discussed how certain policy clarifications from our new bishop will impact worship (specifically, that there will be Saturday night worship throughout the summer, but no guar- antee that any given Saturday will be commun- ion), and reminded the Vestry that we are con- tinuing to prioritize expansion of our clergy staff in the coming years. Deacon Galen discussed the Bricks for Haiti campaign which ERD and our diocese are be- ginning. A motion was made and accepted to designate the Haiti portion of our Easter offer- ing for this campaign, which aims to recon- struct the cathedral complex in Port - au - Prince in the coming years. Father Palma thanked the congregation for the had over 50 participants. Thanks especially to Glenda & Loren Erwin, Jinny & Dale Hopp, and Bonnie Jones, who cooked for the meals, and to Father Sierra who took confessions. Junior Warden Carolyn Phelps reported that stalled and the organ pipe replaced. Gas main work in the street in front of the Church is on- going and may impact our kitchen for a day or two. There is a bid for security/lock needs, but we will discuss that at next month’s meeting. Due to the changed schedule, not all financial reports were available. The Stewardship Committee gave a presenta- tion, focusing on their planned listening session on May 25 in which they will ask how we can strengthen our parish life and witness, and on events already held, such as the March planned giving seminar with Don Gass. VESTRY UPDATE 3 DIRECTORY CHANGES Paul & Deborah Patrick Kathy Williams Mike & Jacque McDonald Drew Longan, Congratulations to Nate Dowell and Samantha Vaughn, wed at Grace Church on Sat, April 30 Parish Prayer List (Nursing Home & Shut Ins) Patricia Rouse, Helen Rogers, Jean Berry, Amanda McClanahan, Mary Helen Dunaway, Dorothy Taylor, Dorothy Solomonson, Carolene Kelly, Gerri Green, Juanita Pence, Evelyn Jackson, Michelle Short, Lois Raschke, Tom Adams, Jim Brown, Jerry Chrisman, Bill Hansford, Jean Page, Robert Duvall (Immediate Needs Mike McDonald, Robert Harwell, Wayne Campbell, Cindy Putnam, Gabriel Wilson, Robert Young Jr., Dell Flanigan, Hopp Flanigan, Frank Lane, Diann Ferguson, Lon Orr, Dana Cam- eron, Raelene Nickols, Eugenia Pivaral, Opal Faye Campbell, Sydni Harlan, Jim Ellis, Melissa Grace Schesser, Ericka Taylor, Carolyn Ford, Fr. Dennis Smart, Keith (Pistol) Baugh, Fr. Chuck Weise, Cathy Spencer, Stan Knoderer, Tristan Goodwin, Gene Anderson, Nic Smith, Jeff Smith, Jeana Bartosh, Joyce Wilkerson, Mary Lee, Adeline Jones, Sina Manzer, Jim Lynch, Keith Shaw, Cindy Emerson, Carolene Kelly, Fred Smith, Ardyn Anderson, Neil Foreman, Don Yankie, Phyllis Shields, Keiko & Tim Nakayama, Evelyn Henderson, Michelle Boyd (Military service) Adam Hertzberg, Doug Snodgrass, Dane Bell, Brandon Collins, Michael Craig, Jake Douglas, Michael Franco, Cameron Graham, Danny Hughes, Rich Jones, Joey Olson, Garrick Palermo, Grant Short, Allan Vaughan, Devon Walker, Toby Walters, Gary Welch, Josh Wilson, Jeffrey, Monty McBroom, Cody Graham, Dawn Spiller, Steven Sample, Savas Kyri- akidis Diocesan Cycle of Prayer St. Paul’s Church, & St. Peter’s Church Kansas City, St. Anne’s Church, & St. Paul’s Church Lee’s Summit, Christ Church, Lexington Anglican Cycle of Prayer New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newark, N & S Carolina, N & S Dakota, N’ern California, N’ern Indiana, N’ern Michigan (USA) New Westminster (Canada) Newcastle (England) Newcastle, N Queensland, Queensland NW, The N’ern Territory (Australia) Nicara- gua ( Central America ) N’ern Malawi (Central Africa) Ngbo, N’ern Izon, Niger Delta N, Nike, Ni- ger West, Nnewi (Nigeria) Nord Kivu (Congo) N Central Philippines, N’ern & S’ern Philippines, N’ern Luzon (Philippines) NE Caribbean - Aruba (West Indies) N Kerala (South India) N’ern Ar- gentina (South America) N’ern Mexico (Mexico) The PARISH PRAYER LIST 4 From the DEACONS’ DESK The Rev. Jeffrey Bell The Journey of Faith Faith is a response to the person of Jesus, a personal and individual response to His presence within us and in our world. To respond with faith and love means that we have to give attention on a regular basis to this relationship. It means taking time for personal as well as community prayer. It means investing time in studying and reflect- ing upon the Word of God so that we can learn more about Him, about ourselves, and about how we are called to live this life. Such a response results in news that may at times be an overwhelming experience. We may become awestruck at the infinite power of God and may at other times simply feel grateful for his gentleness. He is the Shepherd who cares for His flock with love and generosity, the Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep! He is Jesus who em- braces small children with great tenderness and who has compassion on the poor, the sick, and the needy. Our response in faith also involves self discovery; an on - going journey that implies and to one another. The Word of God, the teaching of Jesus, challenges each of us to continue to become more aware of the kind of person that God wants us to be, and to take the necessary steps to become that person. The discoveries associated with our response of faith and love are not limited to dis- coveries of God or ourselves. They also involve discovery of one another and the re- alization that we are all children of God. For most of us, this discovery involves the greatest challenge of all and may call changes in the way we live our lives, or at least changes in the manner in which we perceive others. Many people today are suffering, have empty lives, search for meaning, and the reason for their existence. They are all around us, and may include members of our own family, our closest friends, and the people with whom we work. We see this emptiness and despair, in a person whose zest for life has been eroded by serious illness or loneliness, in those who have lost control because of dependency issues, or those on the verge of despair because the have The Gospels depict Jesus’ great sensitivity to the poor and the oppressed. He was criti- cized by some for openly associating with them and acting on their behalf. This criti- cism did not prompt Him to avoid this important aspect of His ministry, nor should it order to do this we must be willing to pour ourselves out to the world that may not al- ways agree or understand. But, Jesus never said it was going to be easy. 5 May 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 II EASTER Acolyte Appreciation Sunday 2 ST MARK (transferred) 3 SS PHILIP & JAMES ( transferred) 6:30 pm St Cath- erine’s Girls’ Night Out at Dos Arcos 8:30 pm Softball 4 Monnica, Mother of Augustine 5 6 7 9 am Ferns for Lit- eracy Center 10 - 2 pm Quiet Day 8 III EASTER Mothers’ Day 9 Gregory Nazian- zene 10 6:30 pm Softball 11 12 KAIROS Prison Ministry in Cam- eron now through Sunday 13 Noon Encore 14 15 IV EASTER 2 pm Madsen funeral 3 pm Music Devo- tees 16 The Martyrs of the Sudan 17 5:30 pm Vestry 8:30 pm Softball 18 19 Dunstan of Can- terbury 5 pm Relay for Life 20 Alcuin of Tours 6 pm Movie Night “Leap of Faith” 21 22 V EASTER 23 24 Jackson Kemper 25 Venerable Bede 3 pm Folding Party 7 pm Stewardship Listening Session 26 Augustine of Canterbury 27 28 29 VI EASTER 4:30 pm Platt/Mack wedding 30 Memorial Day/Rogation Day : Office closed 31 VISITATION of the BLESSED VIRGIN 7:30 pm Softball Season: Easter Color: White (except May 2, St Mark, red, & May 3, Sts Philip & James, red) 6 SPEAKING OF HEALTH: NURSE BARBARA MOUNTJOY Healthy eating is about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible all of which can be achieved by learning some basic facts and using them in a way that works for you. Here are a number of “Best Tips Ever” regarding Healthy Eating. Drink plenty of water or other calorie - So you can end up eating extra calories when an ice - cold glass of water is really what you need. A splash of citrus or a flavored tea if you don’t care for plain water. ings of vegetables & fruits each day. You’re less likely to overeat because they displace fat in your diet and contain phytochemicals that have documented disease prevention properties. Consider whether you’re really hungry. Hunger is your body’s way of telling you that you need fuel. you have finished eating you should feel better – not stuffed, bloated or tired. ten occurs after dinner. Allow yourself a low - calorie snack, like a 100 calorie pack of cookies or a scoop of low - fat ice - cream. You will be surprised how that will satisfy you. Eat several mini - meals during the day. Studies show people who eat 4 - 5 snacks per day are better able meals or snacks – dinner should be the last time you eat. burning while keeping you feeling full. Healthy protein sources include yogurt, cheese, nuts or beans. Spice it up. Food that is loaded with flavor will stimulate your taste buds and be more satisfying. - hot fireball candy for a long - few calories. Stock your kitchen with healthy convenience foods. Having ready - to - eat snacks and meals - in - minutes staples on hand. You’ll be less likely to hit the drive - through or call in a pizza order if you can make a healthy meal in 5 or 10 minutes…frozen chicken tenders, bags of washed greens, canned diced toma- toes & canned beans, pre - cooked brown rice, chicken & beef broth, fresh veggies or frozen stir - fry veggies – – a healthy meal. Order children’s portions at restaurants. At home use smaller plates. This helps the portions look like more, and if your mind is satisfied your stomach likely will be also. you eat them in season. your veggies you could loose a pant or dress size in a year. Be physically active. Don’t use exercise either to punish yourself for eating or to “earn” the right to eat more. That sets up a negative thought pattern, which is why many people hate to exercise. Focus on how great you feel. Physical activity is good for you whether you are trying to lose weight or not, so keep it positive and build a lifelong habit. 7 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: MAY 2011 Sunday, May 1 8 am O.T. Reader/Epistle: Ruth Smith Prayers of People: Jackie Johnson Chalice: Deacon Galen Snodgrass Subdeacon: Wayne Ytell Server: Richard Roske Sacristan: Carolyn Phelps 10:30 am OT: Michael Goolsby NT: George Platt Chalice: Margie Tucker Subdeacon: Brad Cameron Acolyte Mentor: Brad Cameron Servers: Quincy Charleston, Capt Jay S immons Cross: Tom Simmons Torches: Emma Charleston Sacristan: Donna Lane Ushers: Jim Creighton Mike Robertson AV: Elisa White Flower Delivery: Clif Kester Sunday, May 8 8 am O.T. Reader/Epistle: Glenda Erwin Prayers of People: Gary Cole Chalice: Deacon Jeff Bell Subdeacon: Wayne Ytell Server: Kirby Newport Sacristan: Jeannie Slates 10:30 am OT: Debbie Jones NT: Mark Sponaugle Chalice: Rayella Lindsay Subdeacon: Tom Flanigan Acolyte Mentor: Michele Sexton Servers: Carlie Wakefield Capt Julio Ovalle Crosses: Matt Goolsby Torches: Ashleigh Wilson Sarah Wilson Sacristan: Ushers: Larry McGuire, Claude New- port AV: Jim & Colby Wakefield Home Comm: Bell/Ytell - Lon Orr Sunday, May 15 8 am O.T. Reader/Epistle: Kelly Roske Prayers of People: Wayne Ytell Chalice: Wayne Ytell Subdeacon: Kirby Newport Server: Brad Cameron Sacristan: Jeanie Slates 10:30 am OT: Julie Anderson NT: Bonnie Jones Chalice: George Platt Subdeacon: Bonnie Jones Acolyte Mentor: Elisa White Servers: Madeline Marsden Capt Ellen Stiles Salchow Crosses: Will Mansfield Torches: Katie & Taylor Mansfield Sacristan: Debbie Orr Ushers: Jim Grimes/ Dale Hopp AV: Mike Robertson Home Comm:Galen/Bonnie - G.Cordell Flower Delivery: Barbara McPheeters Sunday, May 22 8 am O.T. Reader/Epistle: Marty Griffin Prayers of People: Wayne Ytell Chalice: Marty Griffin Subdeacon: Wayne Ytell Server: Nancy Dymott Sacristan: Jinny Hopp 10:30 am OT: Michael Goolsby NT: Jerry Sample Chalice: Tom Flanigan Subdeacon: Michael Goolsby Acolyte Mentor: Elaine Wurst Servers: Cecilie Washburn Capt Drew Schesser Cross: Oliver Sprinkle, Sydni Harlan Torches: Alex & Ana Wilkowski Sacristan: Ushers: Larry Hartman/Steve Erwin AV: Scott Mansfield Flower Delivery: Kevin Curtis Wednesdays, 6 pm Sacristan: Barbara Mountyjoy May 4: Reader: Julie Anderson Chalice: Ron Ferguson May 11: Reader/Chalice: Scott Stone May 18: Reader/Chalice: Bonnie Jones May 25: Reader/Chalice: Margie Tucker Saturdays, 5 pm April 30: Reader/Chalice: Scott Stone Sacristan: Marcia McGuire May 7: Reader: Jimmy Grimes Chalice: Galen Snodgrass Sacristan: Donna Lane May 14: Reader: Jack Slates Chalice: Scott Stone Sacristan: Donna Lane May 21: Reader: Glenda Erwin Chalice: Bonnie Jones Sacristan: Carolyn Phelps May 28: Reader: George Plat Chalice: Jeff Bell Sacristan: Carolyn Phelps Sunday, May 29 8 am O.T. Reader/Epistle: Wayne Ytell Reader NT: Peggy Ralston Chalice: Kirby Newport Subdeacon: Wayne Ytell Server: Nancy Dymott Sacristan: Jinny Hopp 10:30 am OT: Chuck Edds NT: Donna Lane Chalice: Brad Cameron Subdeacon: Scott Stone Acolyte Mentor: Elaine Wurst Servers: Nancy Dymott Michele Sexton Cross: Richard Roske/Scott Stone Torches: Kirby Newport/Elaine Wurst Sacristan: Debbie Orr Ushers: Chuck Erwin/Mike Goolsby Flower Delivery: Mitch Christy 8 PARISH LIFE ST CATE’S GIRLS NIGHT OUT : May 2 Join the ladies of St. Catherine’s for Girls Night Out at Dos Arcos on Tues, May 2 at 6:30. No meeting, ’cause we’re eating! All women, regardless of whether they’ve been to a St. Catherine’s meeting, are welcomed. ENCORE CLUB: May 13 Friday, Noon: RSVP $5 per person Chef: Barbara Mountjoy Presenter: Bill Schmitt, Director of Physical Therapy at McCune Brooks Regional Hospital DEVOTEES CONCERT: May 15 Carthage Musical Devotees Members’ Talent Show 3:00 pm MOVIE NIGHT: MAY 20 Come at 6 with your snack and friend to have a social hour. Leap of F aith, starring Steve Martin, Debra Winger, Philip Seymour Hoff- ing of Elmer Gantry — the story of a con - artist evangelist who finds faith and God are harder to control than he thinks... ROGATION DAYS: May 30 & 31 The Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday before harvests, and seasonable weather. Take the opportunity to plant a tree under which your great - grandchildren will sit someday, or go for a walk and be amazed at the good earth God has given us to both “till and keep” — that is, to use and to preserve. Blooming in Your Bible Garden Right Now Asphodelus ramosus, the branched as- phodel, is ex- tremely rare in cultivation in this coun- try. We have, in fact, some of the only flowering specimens in the Midwest! This relative of the red hot poker and aloe vera is a fixture of ancient Greek myth, in which those who died heroically went to the Elysian Fields (a very nice suburb of Mt. Olympus) after death, the villainous to Tartarus (a rather grim eternal slum) and most “ordinary” folks went to the Asphodel Fields, a boring place where the nicest thing to eat was the watery bulb of this plant. Christianity changed all that — Greece was breaking with paganism in the 5th century, the custom grew of planting aspho- del bulbs plant atop your departed’s tomb, to signal that even if they weren’t particularly special, they were now destined for more than paganism had thought. “Daffodil,” by the way, is a mispronunciation of as - fodil. We borrowed the name of this famous, finicky plant and gave it to another species which is easier to grow in our area. Interested in Italy? Join our parish trip to Sicily, leaving June 4, 2012. See 9 STEWARDSHIP DID YOU KNOW? from attending Church is that no one has “noticed” their absence. A nice note or “we’ve missed you, hope you’re not feeling poorly” call might be just the thing to spark a revived interest. rishioner who’s out of the habit of atten- dance is just to call and say “We’ve missed you. Is everything okay?” No guilt, no shame, just a heartfelt message that they matter to you. Our parish nurse program is funded by a sin- gle pledge specifically to that program, ena- bling you and the entire community to benefit from Nurse Barbara’s pastoral and medical Our youth group trips are entirely funded by fund - raisers done by the youth and adult vol- unteers — not a dime comes out of the parish — most churches with large, active youth programs have paid professionals running the pro- gram — we are all volunteer — and subsidize ski trips and other “fun times,” while our kids raise their own funds for major educational - spiritual or “hammers and nails” ministry trips. LISTENING SESSION: May 25 Join us May 25 th , as the Stewardship Commit- tee hosts “Listening Session.” A time to gather around and ponder questions such as “What connects you to Grace Church?” or “What do you find yourself committing your time to or willing to commit your time to?” Consider these and other questions about stewardship then join us Wednesday, May 25 th , 2011 for an evening of constructive conversation and listen- ing. Program begins in the Parish House approx 7:00 pm, after the regular Wednesday night service and meal. EDUCATION ADULT FORUMS May 1 & 8: Paul, Ephesus and How the Epistles Reflect and Challenge the Modern World: The Rev. John Christianson May 15: Barbara Mountjoy walks us through some issues in health May 22: Jerusalem, Jerusalem — a look at the Holy City and how its architecture has shaped our worship and our conception of matters from the mundane (why the priest puts on a sa- cred rain coat mid - service) to the sublime (the “Way of the Cross”) May 29: “The glorious company of the saints in light:” Memorial Day and how the Church re- members heroic Christians WED NIGHTS Final Wed Night for Bible Study & Youth Groups is June 1. There will be a VBS later this summer, the first week of August, built around the mini - musical “It’s Cool in the Furnace” about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s ad- ventures in Babylon. There will be a Quiet Day, with Holy Commun- ion, prayer time in the Centering Prayer tradi- tion, and Labyrinth walk (weather permitting) on Saturday May 7. 10 - 12, lunch included. RSVP to the office. Ladies of the parish are invited to the ECW breakfast on Sat, May 21, at 10 at St. James’ Church in Springfield. There will be music, a presentation on the progress of the construc- tion at the day care center in Palapye, Botswana, and lots of fun fellowship. Reservations are re- - anne@hotmail.com. There will be a carpool leaving from our parking lot at 8:30 am that morning — see Jinny Hopp! 10 NA Do you know someone with a drug prob- lem? Narcotics Anonymous meets at Grace Church in the basement of Spencer Hall each Monday at 7 pm. Al - Anon is a meet- ing for those whose lives have been affected by a problem drinker. NEARLY NEW Many of our outreach projects are funded by the sale of gently used clothing at the Nearly New Shop. Speak to Cindy Chilton or Carolyn Cole about donations (you can receive money back on consignment or make a tax - deductible contribution) or to volunteer for a 3 - hour shift once a month. DERBY DAY @ ST LUKE’S Join our Episcopal nursing home staff and residents for an art show 10 - 4, Monday, May 9, and to watch the taped race with ju- leps at 3 pm. Ladies’ floppy hats needed for residents...see the Rector. And don’t forget our weekly ministries, Tuesday and Saturday mornings, and Thursday afternoons. ST. CATHERINE’S GUILD Will be selling “Cinnamon Rolls for Little Souls” on Father’s Day, June 19th, at 9:15 & noon. All money will go to the Children’s Haven. Put this date on your calendar so we may help these special little souls. You may pre - order by calling Marsha Delaney at 359 - 5728 and leave a message. We will have frozen cinnamon rolls available for use at a later time. OUTREACH & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY Would you like to sign up to be a part of the Prayer Vigil for the May 11 - 15 KAI- ROS prison ministry? Check out , or see the Rec- tor! Agape, or letters of support and prayer to those taking part, can also be something one can commit to — see the rules on the website. COMMUNITY HOUSING T he ministerial alliance is sponsoring a “rebuild” of a house owned by an elderly woman here in town. Tentatively, con- struction should be completed by early May, with plumbing, concrete, framing, roofing, siding, electrical, sheetrock, paint- ing, trimwork, landscaping and meals all needed. Contact Jim Barnes, the project manager, at betty019@centurytel.net, or through the Nazarene Church at 358 - 4265, to learn more. JAPANESE BLOSSOMS Our Wednesday night PBJ class (grades 4 - 6) is selling the results of its horticultural experiment at the 1st Annual Plant Sale, May 1! Tomatoes, peppers, hostas, echina- cea, day lilies and more are on sale to raise funds for ERD’s earthquake relief in Ja- pan. FERNS for LITERACY CENTER In our parking lot, Sat, May 7, all morning, $10 a piece. What a lovely gift for your mom... 11 PLATICANDO en ESPANOL: PADRE JOSE PALMA The Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of West Missouri thanks everyone for their support of our Lenten Retreat, held for the third consecutive year. We are grateful to Grace Church for hosting the retreat; to our presenter, Cuco Escalera, and his Okla- homa parishioners, Jose, Iris, Daniel, and Adela; and Ginny, Dale, Bonnie, Glenda, and Loren for food services and to Fr. Frank Sierra for hearing confessions. In this retreat, as in other ministries, we have seen how God works in the lives of par- ticipants. We started from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm. The retreat theme was: The Christian Commitment. Ephesians 4:6 - 7 There is one God and Father of all, that is above all, works through all and in all. But each of us has received the gifts that Christ wanted to give. Ephesians 4:22 - 24 As for his old way of life, put away your old nature which is corrupt, deceived by evil desires . You must be renewed in your mind and spirit, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. From 6 to 8:30 pm We had the Rite of Healing and Confessions. On Sunday at 12:00 pm We celebrated the Holy Eucharist. From 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Testimonies. The attendance was 50 to 60 people. Testimonies of participants: “God is love because I found the happiness in God I was looking for.” “Thanks be to God. I am happy because God gave me the breath of life through his Holy Spirit, and through His Son Jesus Christ, He delivered me.” “My experience at the retreat was so beautiful and so great. I thank God for every- thing you have done in my life and my family.” “Last year God delivered me, and this year, He delivered my wife. We are now free and we live in the love of God.” Many thanks and blessings to all. The Rev. Canon Jose Palma 12 Thank you… To our fabulous Seder Meal crew, ably chaired by Kathy “What am I, chopped liver?” Gilpin: cooks Pam White; Julie Anderson & Robert Denning; clean up crew : Kevin, Toni, Matthew, Christopher & Joseph Beatty, Jeannie & Mike Goolsby, Cary Lee, Stephanie Lynch, Debby Orr, Richard Roske, John Schaffer & Wanda Spencer, and of course, our sexton, source of all last minute shopping runs for “one more item,” Rita Burken To our equally fabulous Agape Feast crew, ably chaired by Beth “Too much butter? Can you use those words in that order?” McDaniel: cooks & clean up Chalaine Bell, Biffie Creighton, Liz Foster, Robin Frink, Jeanne Goolsby, Brian Hunter, Cathy Moomaw, Ceri & Jason Otero, Jane Platt, Ruth Platt, Monica Puerto, Margie Tucker, Bonnie Jones, Jane Platt, Barbara Putnam, Ann Ulmer, Steve Wilson; “pit crew” Chris Orr, Larry Albright, Mitch Christy, Eric Ferrell, Mike Goolsby, Wade Hamilton, Cary Lee, Sam Rogers, Allen Stinebrook; décor team Pat Cowan, Cindy Chilton, Gloria LaFerla; pistachio pickers Julie Anderson, Susie Bewick, Kathy Conrow, Claudia Mundell — than 500% their normal number of services this week To our acolytes, lay readers and altar guild, for whom this is the “Ministry Marathon,” with every service different, and every service rather labor intensive, and especially to those altar guild members who had to launder linens nightly since so many of our purificators ( altar nap- kins ) have mysteriously vanished or fallen apart through use in recent months To Kevin and Toni Beatty, our lamb suppliers (both for eating and for petting), and to Kelly Heidlage and Bob Locarni, our packing plant delivery system To our Easter Egg hunt gang, overseen by Trish Charleston, with able help from many others To Biffie Creighton, who baked the cool - cross muffins for Easter morning To Larry Hartman and Claude Newport, who made sure we had lilies galore, tulips on the steps, and ample flora for the most beautiful flowered cross ever To our Vestry, which had the vision to once again dedicate the loose offering to those in need throughout the neighborhood and the world There is no more amazing place in the Four States to worship, to fast and feast, during Holy Week than Grace Church, thanks to the dedication of the lengthy list of your family above who gave so generously of themselves. Left: Lambs and kids (both kinds!) enjoying Easter morning at Grace Church Right: The spec- tacular flowered cross awaits pro- cession into the Church 13 SOFTBALL Your softball team had a wonderful first showing, narrowly losing to the Nazarene team on Tues- day night of Holy Week ( the Nazarenes, for the record, were not fasting, so that explains that, right?). Join them at Municipal Park, behind the golf course, for the upcoming season! April 26 6:30 May 3 8:30 May 10 6:30 May 17 8:30 May 31 7:30 June 7 7:30 June 14 6:30 June 21 8:30 June 28 6:30 BRICKS for HAITI Our vestry voted to send part of the undesignated Easter Offering to The Episcopal Church Foundation for bricks to rebuild Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port - au - Prince, Haiti. Deacon Galen learned that monies sent to this bricks & mortar project will be matched by Trinity Wall Street in others. Thank you for your generous donations. HEIFER INTERNATIONAL Our current quarter tube project has collected $150.00 towards the goal of $315 for animals in Estonia . COMING IN JUNE Block off the evening of Friday, June 24, for a wine tasting and Art - a - Fair to benefit our 2013 youth pilgrimage travel fund. This event will incorporate a silent auction of our youth and parish- ioners’ creative arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques. We invite all our artists to consider donat- ing an item — sculpture, watercolor, photographs, quilting, cross stitching, weaving, glass work — to this wonderful affair. This is an opportunity to raid your attic for items of vast intrinsic value which don’t really fit your decorative scheme any more. Any Faberge eggs or out - of - date Picasso etchings just cluttering up the closets? Remember, if you haven’t seen it or used it in a year, it’s time to find a home where it will be loved. And, of course, all donations are tax - deductible (see storage for your items! Let’s make this event a resounding success! Left: The pro- cession of palms and monstrance begins Holy Week Right: Flowers, lights and brass deck the altar with splendor to end Holy Week 14 Sun, May 1: SECOND EASTER: Acts 2:14, 22 - - 9, John 20:18 - 31 Mon, May 2: ST MARK the EVANGELIST (transferred from April 25, Easter week) Isaiah 52:7 - 10, Ephesians 4:7 - 8, 11 - 16, Mark 1:1 - 15 Tues, May 3: ST PHILIP & ST JAMES, APOSTLES (transferred from May 1, Sunday) Isaiah 30:18 - 21, II Corinthians 4:1 - 6, John 14: 6 - 14 Wed, May 4 - Sat, May 7: Daniel 2:17 – 3:30, 1John 2:12 - 3:18, John 17:20 - 26, Luke 3:1 - 4:13 Sun, May 8, THIRD EASTER (Mothers’ Day ) Acts 2:14, 36 - 41 - 23, Luke 24:13 - 35 Mon, May 9 – Sat, May 14: Daniel 4:19 - 6:28, 1 John 3:19 - 5:20, 2 John 1 - 13, 3 John 1 - 15, Luke4:14 - 5:39 Sun, May 15, FOURTH EASTER Acts 2:42 - - 25, John 10:1 - 10 Mon, May 16 - Sat, May 21 Wisdom 1:16 - 2:11, 21 - 24, 3:1 - 9, 4:16 - 5:9 - 23, 6:12 - 23, 7:1 - 14, Colos- sians 1:1 - 3:17, Luke 6:1 - 7:18 - 35 Sun, May 22, FIFTH EASTER Acts 7:55 - 60, - 10, John 14:1 - 14 Mon, May 23 - Sun, May 28, Wisdom 9:1, 7 - 18 - 10:1 - 21, 13:1 - 9, 14:27 - 15:3, 16:15 - 17:1, 19:1 - 8,18 - 22, Colossians 3: 18 - 4:1 - 18, Romans 12:1 - 15:13, Luke 7:36 - 9:17 Sun, May 29, SIXTH EASTER, Acts 7:55 - 60, - 10, John 14:1 - 14 Mon, May 30 Rogation Day, Deuteronomy 8:1 - 10, James 1:1 - 15, Luke 9:18 - 27 Tues, May 31, Rogation Day & VISITA- TION of the VIRGIN: 1Samuel 2:1 - 10, Ro- mans 12:9 - 16, Luke 1:39 - 57 Patronal Feasts Please pray for the following on their “name days” Mon, May 2: St. Mark’s Church, Kimberling City Tues, May 3: St. Philip’s Churches, Joplin & Trenton READINGS in MAY From the Rectory, page one sorrow, or they can be the catalyst I need to move forward (here’s the spiritual hint) as if I really believe what I say I do. I say I be- lieve that God is in control and loves me and wants the best for me — so I have to live as if that were true. This is not Robert Schuller - style “power of positive thinking,” it’s theological humility. I can’t see how God is working things out — I may never see how God is working things out. But if I say that I believe He is doing so, then I have to stop fixating on what’s broken and start living as if it were beautifully re- stored. Not “letting go,” but forgiving . The Greek word for forgive is “aphieme.” That means “to let fall from one’s grasp.” I have to turn lose of my grip on the thing that I’m hanging onto. It may not leave my side when I drop it — it may in fact follow me all the days of my life like a dog or a bad yearbook photo. But if I’m not grasping it tightly, not consciously focusing on it, then God can use my hands for higher purposes. The pain of my life is real, and it won’t be denied or wished away. But it also doesn’t have to be the thing that shapes my daily ac- tions, defines what I can and cannot do. If I acknowledge that God will use it, no matter how horrible it is, to His glory and to the reconciliation of the cosmos, then I can look at my pain and say “Thank you that you are using this horrible dreadful thing in ways that I cannot see, and help me to stop focus- ing on its horrible dreadfulness, but rather to trust that you see farther than I do.” Life is pain, and anyone who says differently is sell- — but pain can be the seed of splendor. Just look at the Garden Tomb to see how that works...