Ministry of Spiritual Life & Fellowship
“Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?…I will, with God’s help.” (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 304)
BEIDERWELL FUND
The Fund was created in honor of George Beiderwell who had an open mind as well as an open heart. The Fund makes it possible to offer spiritual and educational opportunities above and beyond our budget. The Fund has made it possible to invite special speakers, sponsor Faith in Film, bring in a drama group, offer retreats and seminars, give the Renaissance Faire to the community, and have weekends away for men, women, and families.
Contact: Financial Secretary Trish Hines (270-443-1363)
FAITH IN FICTION
The “Faith in Fiction” class is a thought-provoking look at short stories dealing with the complex nature of faith and unbelief. God: Stories edited by C. Michael Curtis of The Atlantic Monthly and the sequel Faith: Stories were among the compilations read and discussed by the group. Any and all are welcome to attend. Typically the class reads a couple of stories each week and meets on Sunday mornings for a lively discussion of various interpretations. Classes are announced in the newsletter.
Contact: Gerry Gutfreund (270-898-8576) or Matt Jaeger (270-217-8690)
FAITH IN FILM
Issues of faith abound in films: sin and betrayal, love and grace, ethics and regret, sacrifice and redemption. The “Faith in Film” series, brought to you by several area churches in conjunction with Maiden Alley Cinema, was started by Grace not only as a venue to show films that deal with matters of spirituality and faith, but also to provide a forum for discussion. Currently viewings are the second Monday of each month (March-October) at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $5.
Contact: Coordinator Matt Jaeger (270-217-8690)
FEED AND READ
Stretch your mind with quality conversation and good food on Thursday evenings at Grace at 6:00 p.m. with this book club as they examine the progressive side of Christianity.
Contact: Tricia Baxter (270-415-9959)
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING (DOK)
The Daughters of the King is an order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate. The mission of the order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through prayer, service, and evangelism. Daughters take a vow to observe the rule of prayer and the rule of service in their lives and to be active in evangelism. Grace by the River Chapter of DOK was chartered in 1999 and is one of 14 chapters in our diocese. We have hosted the Diocesan DOK semi-annual assemblies three times. Within our own parish we have sponsored Lenten and Advent retreats. Prayer for our parish and the world is the focus of our monthly meeting. All women of Grace church are invited to become Daughters, and preparatory classes are held whenever two or more women express an interest.
Contact: Doris Ross (270-354-9596), Jane Rutter (270-443-2932)
EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY (EYC)
Grace Church not only believes that the youth are the future of the church, but that they can and should play an active, vital role in the church at the present stage of their lives, building the foundation for continued involvement with the church through their adult years. With an emphasis on those in grades 6 through 12, the youth ministry of Grace Episcopal Church strives to mentor our young members through: 1) Creative religious education – using non-traditional sources to help us understand God’s purpose for our lives; 2) Community building recreation, such as our annual lock-in and weekend getaways; 3) Showing others the face of Christ in the world and being good stewards of all of creation through activities ranging from combating hunger to caring for neglected animals to helping keep our environment clean; and 4) Relational ministry – being accessible to our youth not just on Sunday nights. One such avenue is our utilization of technology such as Facebook and Instant Messaging, providing a source by which they stay current about upcoming EYC activities or, should the need arise, a safe place to talk with a trusted adult about any issue. Volunteers are needed to cook or buy food for Sunday night youth meetings and occasionally as drivers for trips. Check the website for meeting times and dates.
Contact: Youth Minister Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363) or visit www.gracepaducahyouth.net
GRACE KIDS
Grace Kids is a community of faith for kids in 2nd through 5th grades. The group meets one Sunday night per month for a faith-developing exercise styled much like the current EYC Sunday nights: dinner, a game or two, a video lesson and discussion afterward. Grace Kids will alternate monthly between these Sunday night gatherings and a service project, which may or may not be on a Sunday evening. If you have children in this age range, we would love to have them participate! Watch the schedule on the EYC/Grace Kids bulletin boards or on the youth group website, www.gracepaducahyouth.net.
Contact: Youth Minister Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363 or 270-519-6019), Donna Groves (270-534-0560)
GIRLS OF GRACE
Several times a year, a series of afternoon gatherings or a Saturday event for young adolescent girls is held in someone’s home or at the church. The girls help choose the topic for the next series. Each meeting includes snacks, serious discussion, interactive learning, crafts, prayer, and plenty of time for enjoying each other’s company. Topics so far have included friendship, self-esteem, self-care, and relationships. The girls have often suggested that the boys need a similar class!
Contact: Girls of Grace Leader Julie Jaeger (270-443-8264).
If you are interested in a Boys’ Class, contact Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363).
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAM)
With the addition of the Rev. Ellen Ekevag to our staff in 2006, YAM began to take shape as activities and ministry with and by people in their 20s and 30s. Encouraging spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach were the primary goals achieved through a variety of events and the building of relationships. Pub Theology was a prime example of ministry that drew together seekers from a variety of faith backgrounds and even no faith background at a local restaurant pub. The active YAM group chose a new name in 2009—HIPWADERS. Ellen left our staff at the end of 2009, and so one of the tasks of 2010 will be to re-evaluate our approach to ministry with young adults and establish new directions and leadership. Your input is needed.
Contact: The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-443-1363)
FOYER GROUPS (currently inactive)
Deriving their name from the foyer or place of welcome in a home, Foyer Groups are groups of 6-8 people who meet monthly to share a simple meal and get to know each other in a relaxed informal way. Members take turns hosting. Groups have met not only in each other’s homes, but also in the church library, the parish hall, at a restaurant, and even at a winery. The “simple meal” can be as simple as hors d’oeuvres or desserts and coffee. Keeping hospitality alive and strengthening spiritual friendships are the only essentials. To join Foyer Groups, simply call the coordinator or the Parish Office.
Contact: Coordinator Sherry Shadle (270-442-6552)
VERGERS’ BREAKFAST
Through cooking and serving monthly Sunday breakfasts from 8:30 until 9:30 am, the Vergers regularly bring the parish together in fellowship. The meal is beyond delicious: eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy, pastries, and fresh fruit. Proceeds from the breakfasts help fund youth activities, camp scholarships, and kitchen equipment. Dates are announced in the Lo and Behold. New volunteers are always needed to help prepare the breakfasts.
Contact: Coordinator Ron Slatick (270-554-5919)
SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER
“Shrove” comes from a Middle English word meaning “to make or go to confession.” Shrove Tuesday was traditionally a day for people to visit their priest, or shrivener, to repent of their sins before the season of Lent began. This day before Ash Wednesday included feasting on foods that were forbidden during the Lenten Fast. Butter, eggs, and milk were turned into stacks of pancakes. At Grace Church, the Youth Group carries on the tradition of Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday by preparing and serving a Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday as a fundraiser for EYC activities. They welcome help in the kitchen, as well as diners!
Contact: Youth Minister Stefan Jagoe (270-443-1363)
LENTEN SUPPERS & PROGRAMS
On Wednesday evenings during Lent each year, we gather in the Parish Hall for supper and a program. Suppers are sometimes potlucks built around the program theme of the evening. One year various expressions of spirituality such as Quaker silence and labyrinth walking were explored, and the evening ended with Compline in the church. Another year guests from various community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Project Hope, and Ministry on the River educated us about their work, and we completed hands-on projects to benefit those ministries. During another Lent, we “traveled” to various provinces of the Anglican Communion such as India, Sudan, Singapore, and New Zealand, learning about the region and experiencing worship from the prayer book of that branch of the Communion. Lent 2009 featured the series “Guest Starring…God,” while 2010 and 2011 included several small groups on interesting topics. Nursery care and activities for children are provided upon request. Ideas and leaders for future Lenten Programs, as well as a supper coordinator, are welcomed.
Contact: Parish Administrator Kimberly Stevens (270-443-1363), The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363)
PENTECOST PICNIC
Each year on Pentecost Sunday, after releasing red balloons bearing messages of blessing, a grand picnic is held on the lawn in celebration of the birthday of the Christian church. Barbecued chicken and an enormous birthday cake are highlights of the picnic.
Contact: Verger Ron Slatick (270-554-5919)
FAMILY WEEKEND
The Family Weekend is a yearly opportunity for our Parish Family to gather together in the beautiful surroundings at All Saints Episcopal Center in Leitchfield, KY. This July weekend is free of programming and obligations. What you do and what you take away is completely up to you. Relax with friends, wander down to the chapel for a prayer, take a hike, have a swim in the pool, read a book, fly a kite, learn Chinese, sing the catalogue of Stephen Foster songs, enjoy a S’more, write a poem, paddle a canoe or kayak on the river, watercolor, seek out immutable landscapes, discover a new smell, laugh, vanish temporarily, play Tiddlywinks, turn off the phone, dream big, feel eternal. The weekend includes an outdoor Eucharist.
Contact: Parish Administrator Kimberly Stevens (270-443-1363)
WOMEN’S RETREATS
Women’s retreats at Grace offer sacred space for prayer, study, reflection, and fellowship in a gracious and hospitable atmosphere. Most recent topics include “Courageous Women: Lives of Women Saints” (led by Louella Lyon, Mary Sisto, and Libby Wade) and an Advent Retreat based on Sue Monk Kidd’s book When the Heart Waits (led by Julie Jaeger and Libby Wade). These typically day-long retreats are always open to the community. Watch for announcements of future retreats in the Lo and Behold and on the parish website. Ideas for topics and leaders are always welcome. (If there is interest in a Men’s Retreat, that can be arranged also!)
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade, The Rev. Meghan Holland, and The Rev. Richard Paxton (270-443-1363)
CHRISMONS
Each year, a kind and generous parishioner who wishes to remain anonymous makes over 100 small chrismons (symbols of Christ) to give to the children of the parish. The chrismons are designed by Christa Burr and always include an explanation of the symbol. By the time a young person leaves high school, he or she might have a collection of 18 ornaments to take to a new home. Each Christmas as the chrismons are unpacked and hung on a tree, connections with Grace and with Jesus Christ are strengthened. Before “Chrismon Sunday” in Advent, a handmade storage envelope or box is created for each ornament. Working on this project takes a relatively small investment of time and offers a chance for fellowship and service.
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