Grace Notes
June 19, 2025
In Sunday’s lesson from I Kings the prophet Elijah is depressed. He has fomented rebellion and then, in dramatic fashion, insulted and killed the prophets of Baal in order that “it will be known that you are God in Israel.” Elijah’s actions set Jezebel against him, and he fled from her into the wilderness. In our story Elijah is in despair and wishes for his own death since, in his view, he has failed and is no better than his ancestors. But even in his desperation Elijah is tuned to God’s voice. God sends an angel to compel him to eat, drink and rest in preparation for a long walk to mount Horeb where they will meet. On mount Horeb, against all expectation, Elijah does not meet God in the wind, earthquake and fire, but in the “sound of sheer silence.” In that silence God allows Elijah to pour out his despair then sends him out to do the work he is supposed to do. Next Tuesday we remember the Nativity of John the Baptist and we meet Elizabeth and Zechariah who, likewise, hear from God in unexpected ways. They, like Elijah, though shocked and surprised, are tuned to God’s voice, listen, respond in praise and obedience, and go about the work God has set for them.
May we, too, be tuned to God’s voice and guidance that shows itself in unexpected ways.
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 832)
Jim Jeffery
Calendar
Thursday, June 19, 2025, Yarn Group, 10 A.M.
Thursday, July 19, 2025, 12 Noon, Holy Eucharist, Rev. Jerry O’Neal presiding
Thursday, June 19, 2025, 6:30 P.M. Vestry Meeting. Please let Connie know if you would like to join on Zoom.
Sunday, June 22, 2025, 9 A.M. Adult Education in the Parish Hall.
Sunday, June 22, 2025, 10 A.M., Liturgy of the Word
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 12 Noon, Holy Eucharist, Rev. Jerry O’Neal presiding
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 6:30 P.M. DOK at the Church or on Zoom
Announcements:
Sunday services through August
The Vestry has voted that we will have a “Service of the Word” twice a month, with supply priests being utilized on the other Sundays. We will continue to follow the bulletin for these services but will, of course, exclude the Holy Eucharist. The sermon can be a brief homily, with the topic being any of the readings of the day, or experiences and thoughts that relate to the readings. This table shows the open dates through August. If you are interested in participating in any of the services, please let Connie know.
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New Windows for the Parish Hall
We have met the challenge to raise $3500 for our new parish hall windows. Thank you so much to all who donated. The windows have been ordered and will be placed soon. A special thank you to David Blakley, Jr. Warden for arranging and coordinating all of these services.
And… Have you noticed our building’s mini “face-lift”? All the brown trim, gutters, etc are being repainted, and wood repaired where needed. Once the painting is complete, our Grace Episcopal Church sign will be placed on the McDonald’s side of the building.
Hospitality Needs
To all artsy/crafty parishioners! Some of our table centerpieces are showing their age and need some refurbishing. If you can help, please contact Mary Mordue. Thanks!
Our new website
Jenni Sanderfer, our office administrator, has developed two forms to assist us with day-to-day operations. The first is a snapshot of information you would like to be included on our master calendar, which is on the website. There is another form that is to be utilized if you have someone, or something, you would like for Grace members to remember in prayer. Both forms can be found on the Parish Hall bulletin board, and on the office door. Completed forms should be placed in the office drop box by the side door.
Morning and Evening Prayer via Zoom
Morning Prayer is said Tuesday and Saturday mornings at 9 A.M. Evening Prayer is said Wednesday evenings at 8 P.M. Please contact Andy Bonnell at [email protected] if you would like to join these Zoom meetings.
Gathering Grace
Thanks to all who helped with last Sunday’s meal. We served 138 meals of pizza, salad, and brownies! We couldn’t have done it without you.
The sign-up sheet goes through the end of July. Please sign up/sign out when you know your schedules and availabilies for those Sundays.
Thank you!
A Better Way. Needs for June/July.
Children are out of school and items are needed to keep them entertained. Please consider donating some of the following – sidewalk chalk, ankle skippers, activity books, flip flops, bubble wands, jump ropes, frisbees, balls, yo-yos, and nerf footballs. Dollar Tree and Dollar General have these at a reasonable price. Thank You!
Daughters of the King
On June 26 we will meet at the church or on Zoom for our monthly meeting beginning with a bring your own dinner at 6:30 and a short meeting beginning at 7. The topic for the program is a discussion of a book by Steven Charleston, a Native American bishop.
Adult Education
Next Sunday, June 22, there will be a study of the lessons appointed for that day. Bring your favorite Bible and concordance. No lectures, just respectful questions and discussions of meanings and applications for today. These study sessions will begin at 9:00 A.M. on Sunday mornings in the parish hall.
Christian Ministries. Needs for June.
Cereal and oatmeal, peanut butter, Ramen noodles, spaghetti, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, canned soups, and toilet paper.
Yarn Group
The Yarn Group will meet every first and third Thursday of the month at 10 A.M.
Kitchen Needs
Blue Recycling Bags – Have any lying around you don’t need? We use them in various rooms at church and our supply is almost gone. Place any you can share in the Church kitchen.
Diocesan News:
- See the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis website for news and upcoming events. Home – The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis
Episcopal Church Links
Celebrations!
Birthdays
Mark Mordue June 19
Anniversaries
Kristi and Kirby Koriath June 21
Guidelines for Grace Notes
Jim will be gone June 22 through July 5. Please let Connie know if there are any items for Grace Notes. Thanks!
Please submit items for Grace Notes by 8 P.M. Tuesday for Thursday publication