grace episcopal church: messenger newsletter - august 2012

August 2012

The Messenger

What I Did This Summer… General Convention 2012 By Mo. Rebecca Dinovo

I was privileged to be able to attend the 77th General Convention that met in Indianapolis July 5-12th. This was my third Convention in a row: my first Convention experience was in Columbus, Ohio in 2006 when we elected the first female Primate (Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori) and my second was in Anaheim, California in 2009. I served as an “Exhibitor” in all three of the last Conventions for a group I co-founded called the Episcopal Network for Animal Welfare (ENAW). In 2009 I was elected to serve as an alternate Deputy for the Diocese of San Diego, as well. This year I was an Exhibitor and also participated in the “Gathering of Leaders” group that I am a part of with the goal of equipping younger clergy for Christ-centered leadership under the oversight of retired Bishop Claude Payne of the Diocese of Texas. Additionally, I was blessed to have time with the deputation and representatives from the Diocese of Missouri including Bishop Smith, Canon Dan Smith, the Rev. Dan Appleyard, Kathy Dyer, Mike Clark, the Rev. Tamsen Whistler, and the Rev. Doris Westfall, among others. Charlotte and I attended daily worship and I was invited to serve at Eucharist on Monday to the thousand plus Episcopalians gathered in the gigantic Marriott ballroom. The preaching was top notch and Spirit-filled every day and included the Presiding Bishop, Bishop Michael Curry, the Rev. Dr. Mary Crist, and the Rev. Alberto Cutie (formerly of the Roman Catholic Church).

I always spend some time sitting in and listening to the legislation that goes on in the House of Bishops and in the House of Deputies (elected lay and clergy from every Diocese). Some have likened seeing the floor of the House of Deputies for the first time to seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time: it is a staggeringly massive room filled with deputies from every Diocese of the Episcopal Church, presided over by the President of the HOD, Bonnie Anderson, and replete with stages, microphones, and jumbo video screens. The testimony by some the deputies on topics ranging from gender identity to the Israel-Palestine conflict prior to a vote, was impassioned and, at times, quite educational. Other times it was just plain boring…like all church business can be!

I spent most of my time, however, in the Convention “Exhibit Hall” at the ENAW booth, handing out information about our group and our sister organization in the United Kingdom called the “Anglican Society for Animal Welfare.” We sold ENAW pins and decals, handed out animal welfare resources, talked to deputies and visitors (often with photo swapping of our cats and dogs), and answered many questions. Our members have been involved in working for the approval of liturgies for creation, including the “Prayers for the Loss of a Beloved Animal” which was approved by both Houses at this Convention. We hoped to see a “Blessing of the Animals” service approved as

(Continued on page 10)

News of the people and ministries of . . .

514 E. Argonne Dr. �� Kirkwood, MO 63122 �� (314) 821-1806 �� www.GraceKirkwood.org

In this edition: Aging with Grace p. 9

Altar Guild Invitation p. 7

Choirs Begin Soon! p. 7

Church School News p. 3

Creation Care/Garden Update p. 8

Confirmation Class for Youth p. 3

Cycling Fundraiser Results p. 5

Dog Wash p. 6

ECM Summer Solstice Party p. 5

Foyer Groups Forming Now p. 2

Godly Play Training Sept. 8 p. 3

Grace on the Go: Forest Park p. 8

Greentree Parade Float p. 2

Grocery Coupons raise funds p. 6

Handbell Choirs Begin Soon p. 7

Holy Ground resumes p. 8

Men’s Coffee Hour p. 8

Meals on Wheels Volunteers p. 5

Needlepointing for God p. 4

Parish Family News p. 11

Pastoral Care Training p. 4

Prayer Chain Ministry p. 9

Prayer List p. 11

Sunday Coffee Hour Hosts p. 9

Telling Our Story: Archives p. 10

Trinity Hot Lunch Ministry p. 6

Trivia Night Fundraiser p. 4

Upcoming Events p. 10

Women’s Book Study p. 8

Youth: Mission Trip Reunion

& Kick Off Gathering p. 3

Worship With Us! Sundays:

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Tuesdays

9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Wednesdays

9:30 a.m. Morning Prayer

Grace Church Messenger August 2012 page 2

Start-Up Sunday: September 9, 2012

Come and be fed – body mind and spirit... Worship, learn & connect with friends at Grace!

Holy Eucharist at 8 & 10 a.m.

Christian Formation for all ages 9 - 9:45 a.m.

Child care will be provided in our Nursery

from 8:45 AM until 11:30 AM

Annual Picnic follows the 10:00 service

Making new friends with FOYER GROUPS

Foyer Groups are a fun and easy way for parishioners to get together on a regular basis for purely social reasons. They provide a means to develop new friendships, deepen old ones and help make our sometimes-too-large-seeming parish feel smaller and warmer.

There is no agenda or plan – just casual, Christian fellowship, relaxed conversation and a refreshing meal. Groups are made up of singles, couples, young people, retired folks, etc., in other words a cross section of the parish. Out of these meetings, friendships develop among people who might not have any other opportunity to meet and get to know each other. Newcomers are especially invited to join one of the groups at any time.

Each small group of 8 to 12 people generally meet once every four to six weeks, September through May, in the home of a different group member each time. Generally, the host provides the main course and the other members fill in the rest of the meal. Some groups have enjoyed gathering for a picnic or meeting at a local restaurant.

New groups form each fall and are put together randomly in order to add an element of spontaneity, such that each of us might have the opportunity to get to know others in the parish who may be outside our normal circle of acquaintance. In other words, this is a great way to meet and get to know those you might not otherwise.

Sound interesting to you? Sign up to participate in one of our Fall 2012 Foyer Groups. Please sign up by

Monday, September 10, in Albright Hall. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office.

Grace Church’s 2012 Greentree Parade float is in progress – come join the fun! Love a parade? Wanna have fun and represent Grace Church in the community? We have the perfect place for you! The 2011 winners of the Greentree Parade invite you to be part of this year’s float team! Our committee is looking for creative volunteers, a construction crew, and folks who like a nice walk on a Saturday morning.

This years’ parade theme is Your Favorite Fairy Tale. If you are a creative person, we would like to hear your ideas on how to connect that with Grace and incorporate it into a float design. If you’re not creative but would like to participate, volunteer to ride on the float and wave and refill candy for our walkers and provide them with water. We also need energetic folks to walk and hand out candy along the parade route. Help is also needed on the float construction crew. The float is moved (in pieces) to Harrisons’ driveway in Warson Woods right after Labor Day, along with our signature roof, and that is where the building takes place during the evening.

Sound like fun and something you could help with? Contact Lucy Ryan (821-7994), Jim Davis (984-8342), Bill Harrison (821-2384) or Chris Kurth (965-8038).

Young Adults/Young Families Gathering Saturday, August 25 – 5:00 p.m.

Young adults and families are invited to a pot-luck BBQ hosted by Jon & Melissa Hensley at their home in Kirkwood (1737 Lynkirk Lane) on Saturday, August 25 at 5:00 p.m. This will be a purely fun, social evening. If you are college age and up, single or married, with or without children - you are invited to join the Young Adults/Young Families BBQ. Please email Melissa ([email protected]) if you plan to attend.


Mission Trip Reunion: Pool Party & Pizza!

Sunday, August 19, 5:00pm

@ The Giessings’ House (1716 Stone Ridge Trail)

All 2012 Missioners, adult and youth, are invited to join us for a pool party with pizza and the showing of the official Mission Trip 2012 video (filmed/directed/produced by Molly Giessing).

Bring a suit, towel, and some dry clothes and join us for some fun! Contact Mo. Rebecca for more info. Thank you to the Giessing family for hosting us!

High School Youth Gathering Kick Off Meeting:

Sunday, September 16 after the 10:00 service

Join Mo. Rebecca for pizza, movie clips, and conversation about the day’s Bible readings. This will be the first of our monthly meetings for high schoolers (9th -12th grade) for the school year. I hope to see you there!

Youth News Church School

Godly Play Training Comes to Grace! Want to Teach Children about God and the Bible?

Join us for …

Godly Play Workshop: The Basics & Beyond

Saturday, September 8, 8:30-4:00 p.m.

We are continuing to build our group of teachers for the children of Grace and will be hosting a diocesan-wide training workshop to renew the skills of our current teachers and prepare those who are interested in serving in this important ministry to our children. Content covers mentoring children, structure of session/adult roles, stories from three genres and story practice. There is something in this workshop for both new and experienced Godly Play teachers and everyone is welcome!

Kathleen Capcara has been working for eighteen years to help establish Godly Play in churches. She has led seminars for parents and educators in a variety of settings – from national conferences and retreats, to both large and small congregations across the country. In addition to developing promotional and training materials for the Godly Play method, she has worked as the Director of Christian Education for several churches in Maryland. We are excited to have her at Grace and grateful to the Bishop’s Office for their assistance in bringing her.

If you have questions, please contact the Rev. D. Rebecca Dinovo. Registration forms are available on Grace’s website or through the parish office and are due Tuesday, September 4, to the Grace Church office. The cost is $20 per person to help cover the cost of the conference and includes lunch, supplies, and snacks/refreshments. (Grace’s Church School teachers are invited to attend free of charge.) For more information, please contact Mo. Rebecca at 821-1806, ext. 12 or [email protected]).

Interested in Youth Confirmation? Class forming now!

Our 2012-2013 Youth Confirmation Class is now forming! Please let Mo. Rebecca Dinovo know if you or your son or daughter is interested in being a part of Confirmation preparation this year. Youth in grades 8 or above are welcome and encouraged to join as they explore the roots of our Christian faith, our Baptismal Vows, the Bible, and Anglican worship, history, and theology. Classes will be held on Sunday evenings once a month from September through May from 5:00pm to 7:30pm and will include dinner. All confirmands will be required to participate in regular worship, a service project, and a final retreat. Email Mo. Rebecca for more information at: [email protected]. Plan to attend the Parent/Student Informational

Confirmation Meeting on Sunday, September 23, 4:30 p.m.

in the LaVielle Conference Room at Grace.

Like us on Facebook

“Like Us” on Facebook for the latest news from Grace! Search Facebook for “Grace Church Kirkwood” or click on the following link.

www.facebook.com/GraceChurchKirkwood


Needlepointing for God!

Liza Mitchell and Mary Etta Heggie began a project to create needlepoint kneelers for Grace Church’s communion rail 30 years ago. They designed patterns and recruited members of all ages to help stitch and complete two beautiful kneelers. But growing children, busy jobs and changes at Grace Church kept the creative pair from completing their project… until now.

Liza and Mary Etta are once again creating… and looking for additional members to help complete their project. If you’d like to take part in this labor of love, please contact Jane Cenova

at 842-7606 or [email protected]. Learn more about this project on Grace’s website at: www.gracekirkwood.org/2011/10/needlepoint-for-god/

Grace hosts pastoral care training for lay volunteers this fall

Community of Hope trains and supports lay volunteer pastoral care givers in their ministries. A Community of Hope Center was established at Grace in the spring of 2010 and the first training course was held the fall of 2010. Now the second training course is being planned.

An informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the LaVielle Conference Room at Grace. Please plan to attend to learn more about Community of Hope. More information will be published in upcoming editions of The

Messenger and Sunday announcement sheets, or you may contact the Rev. Rebecca Dinovo, Elizabeth Harding 636-253-0931, Sara Losse or Chris Kurth.

Elizabeth Harding, Facilitator

Grace Church Trivia Night and Auction

Saturday, September 22

Doors open at 6 p.m.; Trivia begins at 7 p.m.

Mark your calendar for a night of fun!

Proceeds benefit Grace’s Outreach Programs:

SPROG - Providing summer recreational and educational programs for children K -8th grade in Kirkwood and surrounding communities.

Episcopal City Mission – Providing support, hope and healing to youth in detention.

Kirkcare – Working in your own community to provide a variety of services including food deliveries from the local food pantry, assistance with utility bills and rent, school supplies and many other services.

Habitat for Humanity – Bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope for families in need.

Albright Hall will be decorated and ready for you to put your

thinking caps on! Bring your family and friends for a night of

stimulating, brain-teasing fun. Bring your favorite munchies to

snack on while pondering your trivia question answers.

$20 per person $160 for a table of eight

Proceeds go to Grace’s Outreach ministries - it’s a Home Run for everyone!

How can you help? We are looking for donations for the auction.

Ideas include: A skill or service you are willing to offer, host a

fun party in your home, donate tickets to a Cardinals, Blues, or

Rams game. Next time you go out to eat, ask to see the manager

and explain you are looking for gift certificates for the auction.

Gift certificates from things like car washes, gas cards and grocery

stores are popular.

Questions? Contact: Sara Fishburn, Trivia Night Organizer at

[email protected] or Shari Bonham, Senior Warden, at

[email protected] and put “Trivia Night” in the subject

line.


Grace Church’s Inaugural “Tour de Food” raises funds for Outreach

Food, fun, and fellowship motivated bicyclers at Grace Episcopal Church as they sponsored the first “Grace Tour de Food” on Saturday, June 16. Father Todd McDowell sent bikers on their way with a biker’s prayer “...watch over my brothers and sisters who ride with me,

keep them safe and close to thee, keep their wheels upon

the ground, so they’ll return here safe and sound!”

Riders traveled a “casual 10 mile” or “brisk 20 mile” route, starting and finishing at Grace Church. Riders enjoyed coffee and bagels at the start, stopped at stands for pie, bananas, and drinks along the way, and enjoyed a breakfast burrito feast (complete with sticky rolls) upon completion! The inaugural event included 25 participants, and raised $1,000 for Grace’s Legacy Fund which will benefit the many outreach programs supported by the parish for years to come.

Reaching Out with Grace “"May the gifts I give change me and the world."

~ The Rev. Alan Claassen

Summer Solstice Festival raises $7,500 for Episcopal City Mission

Grace Episcopal Church was pleased to be able to host this year’s Summer Solstice Festival Friday, June 22. The annual outreach event raises funds for Episcopal City Mission, which provides chaplaincy services in St. Louis’ juvenile detention centers.

ECM Executive Director Mary Kay Digby reports that 160 people attended this year’s event, bringing in $7,500 for this important ministry.

“It was awesome to be at Grace Kirkwood,” said Digby. “What a beautiful space and so many parishioners came out and supported ECM. It was also fun to have so many children join us.”

A group of talented musicians, including the Rev. Brooke Myers, Bill Wolff, Dean Hiller, Jamie Hiller and Chris Stephens, provided musical entertainment for the evening. Judd Holt, a member of Emmanuel in Webster Groves, also delighted the crowd with a humorous monologue. The menu for the evening included brats, hot dogs, sauerkraut, salad, chips, cookies, sno-cones, cotton candy and plenty of drinks for all.

We thank Grace members Betty Bowersox and Eric Woodruff for helping to coordinate this event.

Mark your calendars now for ECM’s next big event: The Moment in Time Gala will be Thursday, Sept. 27. Thanks to everyone who supports this unique and

important ministry!

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Needed! Come join Kirkwood Senior Center (385 S. Taylor) by partnering in the Meals on Wheels program Serving those 60 years and older, this service is a free, donation-based program for elderly adults in the community who are homebound and frail or recuperating from illness or injury. Adopt a route one day a week or more, and serve your Kirkwood neighbors. To learn more or to sign up and volunteer, please contact Sandy at 314-965-1002 or [email protected]. For those over age 60 and somewhat mobile, Mid-East Area Agency on Aging also offers activities and meals at our senior centers, as well transportation via an OATS bus. To learn more about our Meals on Wheels program and other Senior Center locations and activities, please contact Diane Justice at 636-207-0847.

Is God's will reflected in your will?

Remembering the Grace Church Legacy Fund will

continue your support of our mission and ministry

year, after year, after year.


Join us on a Godly journey with the Trinity Hot Lunch Program

By Katie Conrad, Trinity Hot Lunch volunteer

A year ago a new member of Grace Church, Wynne Stifel, shared with me how much she enjoyed participating in the Trinity Hot Lunch Program, and she encouraged me to join her and others in the parish who serve lunch once a month to the men, women and children – many of whom are homeless, who come to Trinity Episcopal Church in the central west end for the Sunday afternoon meal. Wynne’s enthusiasm was contagious, and I signed up immediately.

That first Sunday had a magical and profound effect on me – so much so that I continue to volunteer each month. We serve a delicious, hot meal of pork loin, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, and bread. An anonymous angel from Grace leaves yummy brownies for dessert.

We begin our work by joining hands and offering a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the ability and opportunity to serve Him. We also say Grace with our guests. After the food is prepared in the morning in Grace’s kitchen, it is transported in the afternoon to Trinity Church. We “plate” the food in Trinity’s kitchen, and a group of volunteers from another church serve our guests the plated food. We usually feed around 65-70 people and always have enough for “seconds” and “take-outs”. During the holidays, we pass out Christian-themed “goody bags” with cards prepared by our precious Sunday School children from Grace.

After we finally serve the last plate, I always feel invigorated, joyful and grateful. My favorite parts of the experience are driving up to Trinity and being warmly greeted by several guests who are waiting for us and are always eager to help us carry in the food; and watching

our guests enjoy the delicious meal and warm fellowship; and greeting the guests who pop their heads

into the kitchen to say “thank you – it was really good!” and exchanging “God bless you’s!” Doing God’s work with other Christians is the “icing on the cake”!

Please consider joining us on the second Sunday of each month – either to cook food in Grace’s kitchen in the morning or transporting and plating the food in the afternoon at Trinity, or simply by donating funds to help purchase the food. We pack up and transport the food to Trinity at 1:00 p.m. and return around 3:30 p.m. Call Chris Kurch – our chef extraordinaire and awesome, Godly team leader, for further information (965-8038).

“We serve with our Hands

Love with our Hearts

And seek the Face of Our Creator

In those we Serve.”

~ Mother Teresa

Attention shoppers!

Dierbergs, Shop N' Save and Schnucks grocery coupons help Grace Church

Grace Church will sell you grocery coupons/gift cards for your favorite grocery store at NO EXTRA

COST to you. Grace church receives up to 5% of your purchases and it costs you NOTHING! Shop N' Save and Dierbergs donates 5% back to Grace when you purchase the gift cards at Grace. Schnucks donates up to 5% of your purchases when you use your Escrip card. If you don't have a Schnucks Escrip card, we will be happy to sign you up. Just hand your Escrip card to a Schnucks cashier at check out, and they will swipe it for you. If you have an iphone or smart phone, you can add your Escrip card to your phone. No need to carry your card around! Download the free Card Star app and apply your Schnucks escrip card number to it. When you go to Schnucks, hand your phone to the checker. Your phone will be scanned by their portable scanner.

All proceeds from grocery coupons/gift cards and Escrip cards go to Grace's operational fund. This is our easiest fundraiser and it costs you nothing- just a walk to the Grocery coupon table in Albright Parish Hall. Our wonderful volunteers will be happy to assist you after the Sunday 8:00am and 10:00am services.

Last year, Grace church earned $2000. If everyone participated, imagine the gift of giving that would go back to Grace! See you at the Grocery Coupons table

next Sunday! Any questions, please call Julie Grossman 314.965.2966.

Grace Church Youth Missioners proudly present:

The 3rd Annual Dog Wash Saturday, September 22

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

at Grace Episcopal Church

Last year's dog wash raised almost $500 for our mission trip!

This year we are partnering with Dog Days of Kirkwood. We expect a lot of visitors, so get here early!

Treat Fido to some special TLC and spread the word in your neighborhood, work place and among your friends and family. We will wash any size dog for any size donation. It's that simple!

All funds will go to our annual summer Mission Trip in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Flyers are available in the Narthex at Grace. For more info, e-mail Sabine McDowell at [email protected].


An invitation to sing

Serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song. Psalm 100

Here at Grace Church our choirs provide music for the many services and events each year. In return the singers participate not only in quality music-making but also receive Christian education and the benefits of small group fellowship in a large parish.

Our choir program for children and youth gives instruction in the basics of church music history and performance, provides significant opportunities for meeting challenges in a team-oriented environment, and the privilege and responsibility of leading God's praises in public worship.

Through a structured program affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, beginning in Kindergarten, our singers learn to appreciate the value of achieving short- and long-range goals individually and collectively, have the opportunity to sing some of the greatest pieces of sacred music, and receive early opportunities for social interaction within the parish.

For K – 2nd Grade Boys & Girls

St. Patrick Choir

Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:15 PM — beginning September 5

For 3rd Grade thru Voice change

St. Nicholas Boys Choir

Tuesdays 4:30 – 5:45 PM — beginning September 4

For 3rd thru 7th Grade

St. Cecilia Girls Choir

Thursdays 4:30 – 5:45 PM — beginning September 6

Choir of Men, Women & Teens

Thursdays 7:00 - 8:45 PM — beginning August 23

For more information about the choral program, rehearsal schedule or to arrange an interview, please contact me at [email protected] or 821-1806 x21.

Phillip Brunswick, Organist & Choir Master

Handbell Choirs beginning soon

With fall fast approaching, it is time to decide what activities to put on our fall calendars. You might like to include handbells. At Grace, we have three active handbell choirs that regularly play for services. Rehearsals for all choirs will begin in late August.

St. Dunstan Handbell Choir is a training choir for elementary students from grades 4-8. It meets on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30-5:30 and will begin rehearsing August 29 in the handbell room (Room 2).

Gloria Deo Handbell Choir is a choir for high school students and adults with experience playing handbells. It meets for an hour on Sundays after church. Rehearsals for this choir begin August 26 in the handbell room.

All Saints Handbell Choir is a choir for adults with some musical background that meets every Wednesday evening from 7-8 p.m. Rehearsals begin August 29 in the handbell room.

Contact Ella Heigham (314-621-3077) if you would like to learn more about handbells at Grace.

Our Altar Guild invites YOU to a ministry of service!

Altar Guild members help make our worship services possible. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes preparations to ensure that our worship services run smoothly, including setting out the bread and wine, marking the readings and prayers, preparing the altar, and cleaning up after each service. The Altar Guild is also responsible for the care and keeping of our altar linens, altarware (chalices and patens) and other worship related items.

Serving on the Guild is a rewarding and important ministry of “in-reach” to the parish. It does not take a lot of time, just a once-a-month for about an hour, because each Sunday is covered by one of four teams of Altar Guild members. (“Many hands make light work!”) The work is not difficult, and it’s a great way to get to know other members of the parish.

Currently, there are openings on three of our four

teams. If you believe you are called to this ministry or would simply like more information, please contact Rebecca Harrison (Altar Guild Chairperson), Mo. Rebecca or Fr. Todd. Any member of the Altar Guild will also be happy to chat with you. If you do not know a member of Altar Guild, just go behind “the wall” after church on Sunday and find your way to the sacristy. You’ll find the faithful members of our Altar Guild there, doing the “dishes”!


Thursday morning Men’s Coffee Hour The Men’s Coffee Hour group meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 in the LaVielle Conference Room for pastries, coffee and conversation. The group is open to all members, visitors and men from other local churches. Contact Wes Proctor for more information.

“Coffee falls into the stomach … ideas begin to move,

things remembered arrive at full gallop … the shafts of

wit start up like sharp-shooters, similes arise, the paper is

covered with ink …”

-Honoré de Balzac

Women’s Ministries

Holy Ground: Monday, Sept. 10 at 6:30pm

All women are welcome and invited to join Holy Ground on the second Mondays of the month. We share a potluck supper followed by a discussion or activity related to the “holy” in our lives and conclude with an informal Eucharist. This is a time of sharing and celebrating what God is doing in and through the lives of the many women of Grace Church. Contact Mo. Rebecca or Gretchen Logue for more information.

Women’s Book Study Group: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

The Women’s Book Study group continues to meet throughout the summer and Fall and welcomes all women to join us as we read a wide variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction, and have a lively discussion over coffee and tea in the church library. Newcomers are always welcome and invited!

Books we have read recently include The Help, Amish

Grace, The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud”, The

Other Wes Moore, How the Irish Saved Civilization, The

Year of Living Biblically, and Made for Goodness. We are always looking for new titles that would interest the group. Soon we will be starting The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom about a young, orphaned, Irish girl sold into slavery to work in a plantation kitchen.

Many women attend the Tuesday morning Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. in Bethlehem Chapel with Mo. Rebecca prior to the book study, and we are usually finished meeting by 12 noon.

Contact Mo. Rebecca or Jody Walker for more information. We would love to have you spend the

morning with us!

Looking for Gardening Angels

The Creation Care Ministry and Gardens of Grace are flourishing. We are blessed to harvest beautiful veggies, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash and lettuce.

About once a week we harvest and bring the crop to ‘Circle of Concern’, where the food is donated to those in need. We are welcoming new gardening angels who would like to tend to the gardens and help with the harvest.

Please e-mail us at [email protected] if you are interested. We welcome anyone with a heart for feeding the hungry. Thank you!

Interested in learning more?

Our next Meeting will be on September 2 at 11:20 in the Kean Library.

Visit: http://gracecreationcare.blogspot.com/

Creation Care News

Grace on Go takes history tour of Forest Park/1904 World’s Fair

On Wednesday, September 26, join Grace on the Go on a mini-bus tour of Forest Park. Learn interesting facts you may not know about the park and its hosting of the 1904 World’s Fair from a Forest Park Forever guide. Following the 45-minute to 1 hour tour, we will have lunch (Dutch treat) at the Boathouse.

Please sign up in Albright Hall and leave your check for $15 in the Grace on the Go mailbox located in the hallway outside the parish office. Plan to carpool from Grace at 9:30 a.m. First-come, first-served for the 27-passenger bus, so sign up early for this first-of-the-program-year special event.


The Shepherd’s Center Shepherd’s Center is an interfaith volunteer organization that provides programs and services for older adults. On September 6 we will celebrate 14 years of service to the community and want you to know that you are welcome to join us to THINK, DANCE, LEARN, LAUGH, PLAY! Call us at 395-0988 to find out what’s happening and receive our mailings. Transitions: Shepherding Concerns and Conversations Shepherd’s Center is all about positive aging! We believe aging is good;

sometimes we need a bit more info as circumstances change. Older adults and their families can come to Thurs. evening classes at the Shepherd’s Center Aug. 2 – 23, 6 – 7:15 p.m. Topics include: Don’t

Worry Be Happy, Reducing Paper Clutter, Watch Your Step-Fall

Prevention, and Laughter is the Best Medicine. To register, call Shepherd’s Center: 395-0988 Cost is $5/class. Bring a friend for free.

Travel with Friends through the Shepherd’s Center Join the Shepherd’s Travelers the evening of August 16 for a trip to the Botanical Garden and dinner at the MAC. You’ll see the Chinese lanterns in daylight and at night. For details, call 395-0988.

AARP Safe Driving Class - Monday August 27 $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-members. Present or former educational employees (bus driver, janitor, tutor, etc.) pay only $5, To register by August 22, call 395-0988. Some insurance company reduce premiums for attending.

Friday Exercise Opportunities Friday mornings at Webster Hills UMC Christian Life Center (1333 West Lockwood)

9:10-10: Conscious Body Alignment/T’ai Chi with M. Schomaker; 10:10-11:00 Chair Yoga and More with Holly Ohmes; 11:10-12:00 Weights + Strength = Health with Kacey Cowdery. For more information, call the Shepherd’s Center at (314) 395-0988.

Aging with Grace

THE STORY continues! Sundays, starting September 9,

9:00 – 9:45 a.m. in LaVielle Conference Room

By Mo. Rebecca Dinovo

Dust off your Bible and “The Story” Participant’s Guide and get ready to join us for the second half of one of our most popular Sunday morning offerings at Grace as we jump back into “The Story”! Newcomers and returnees alike are welcome as we continue to explore the Bible with videos, books, reading, and discussion to deepen our understanding of the connection between our story and God’s Story.

Standing Notices The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is administered on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after (Nov. 6), the First Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of Our Lord), at the Great Vigil of Easter, and Pentecost. Baptisms are reserved for these occasions or when the Bishop is present. Please contact Mother Rebecca to arrange for a baptism. To report a death or a

hospitalization, please contact Father Todd or Mother Rebecca. To arrange for

a marriage and to begin pre-marital counseling, please contact Father Todd.

Pastoral Care at Grace The Clergy are available by appointment to discuss personal, pastoral or spiritual matters; please call or e-mail the clergy directly.

In case of a pastoral emergency, please call the parish office at 314-821-1806. For pastoral emergencies after office hours - call the parish office and press “7” to be connected to the priest-on-call 24 hours, seven days a week.

In case of severe illness, hospitalization, when a person is near death or at the death of a member of the church, please notify the clergy as soon as possible in order to secure the ministrations of the church.

Be a Not-Just-Donuts Coffee Hour Host

A wonderful service opportunity awaits families or groups: Sign up to host one (or more!) of our Not-Just-Donuts Coffee Hours. This is a fun and easy event to host and does not take much time or planning or out-of-pocket expenses.

Coffee hour is important because it provides us a weekly opportunity to connect with our friends and colleagues at church – and an opportunity for newcomers to meet us.

Harriet Foiles or Sara Losse will be glad to tell you more about this ministry of hospitality.

Sign up to host one or more Sundays using the sheet on the counter between the kitchen and Albright Parish Hall.

The Grace Church Prayer Chain It has been a busy summer for members of Grace Church’s Prayer Chain. While there has not been any R & R for us, (we have had 25 to 30 people on our list for months!) we have had many positive results. We believe in miracles and don't hesitate to ask for them! If you have a prayer request for family or friend, contact Ruth Moore 842-1153, the church office or clergy. Requests are kept confidential.


The Saints of Grace: Telling our Story There are a number of Grace Church parishioners and individuals otherwise connected to Grace Church whose personal recollections have the potential of adding to our rich parish history. The Archives Committee believes that we should move quickly to collect and catalogue these reminiscences. I prefer to use “reminiscences” rather than “oral history”, because we are collecting the raw, biased data that can provide historians both grist and filler for their interpretations down the road. Further, this needs to be done on a crash basis with those who, like me, are in their senior years, and more deliberately as we identify others who may have much to offer. I plan to label this activity and the location for the data collected as the Archives “Saints of Grace.”

I am in the process of developing a list of prospective interviewees and have completed an interviewer’s outline that can provide structure to such endeavors. We completed our first interview on June 13! I visualize as prospective interviewees former Senior Wardens; significant Vestry, Committee, and parish/

diocesan leaders; former youth education/activity

stalwarts; and hosts of others. I welcome your

recommendations. I look forward eagerly to those who will volunteer to be interviewed; and I warn you

that if you do not volunteer, you will have the opportunity to refuse me face-to face!

I will be recruiting volunteer interviewers. The Committee has a hand-held, battery-powered, digital voice recorder capable of transferring information to a computer as an audio digital file. Small portable audio recorders using minicasettes can be used and transcribed or individual longhand notes. Let me know if you would be willing to assist as an interviewer or have typing skills and can use a transcriber.

There are administrative details to be addressed, such as a release form to allow interviewees to give their permission to use the data collected as may be in the best interest of the parish while protecting their privacy and releasing the parish of liability or responsibility from claims or damages from libel, slander, invasion of privacy associated with the lawful use of data. The Archives computer needs to be updated, networked, and configured to work with audio digital files. There needs to be discussion as to how material like this is to be stored and accessed. These are all, however, matters that do not impact the gathering of data.

This is, frankly, something that should have been going on for some time. We may be starting late, but we intend to get up to speed as quickly as possible. For info or to volunteer, please call me at 821-1360.

Ron Jones, Archives Chairperson

well, but it was tabled for the next Convention. We have also worked with the Humane Society on developing animal ministry resources for churches and dealt with issues that are of moral concern for the church related to animal cruelty.

We have over 200 members around the country involved in a variety of animal welfare concerns and ministries ranging from volunteers in local shelters, to those involved in rescue work, to wildlife rehabilitators, to veterinarians, to those working towards humane farming practices, to those serving the poor who have cats and dogs in need of food and water in their local communities. Congregations can join our directory as “Animal Friendly” churches as well. It is a rather diverse and supportive group.

The best part about Convention however, is the opportunity to catch up with old friends from around the country, as well as making new friends. Despite how large our Convention is, there is a sense of community among we Episcopalians that pervades all else. Best of all, whether we agree or disagree on a particular issue, we are brothers and sisters in Christ, all praying and trusting that the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding us.

Interested in learning more about this summer's General Convention in Indianapolis? Click on these links for news stories, videos and comments:

Presiding Bishop’s Message on General Convention: http://publicaffairs.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/r/EC20B02A9FFC1288/0A4F77018478FD3D1726EA5DA1051479

Episcopal News Service: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/category/gc77/

General Convention Media Hub: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/gc2012/

Episcopal Cafe: http://www.episcopalcafe.com/

The Episcopal Church: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/

The Episcopal Church's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/episcopalian

What I did this Summer (Continued from page 1)

Upcoming Events at Grace Mission Trip Reunion (See p. 3) Sunday, August 19, 5:00 p.m. @ the Giessings

Choirs for All Ages (See p. 7) Rehearsals begin late August and early September

Handbell Choir (for all ages & abilities) (See p. 7) Rehearsals begin the last week of August

Young Adults/Young Families BBQ (See p. 2) Saturday, August 25, 5:00 p.m. @ the Hensley’s

Start Up Sunday: Church School, The Story & PICNIC! Sunday, September 9, at 9:00 a.m.

Godly Play Training (see p. 3) Saturday, September 8, 8:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Foyer Group Sign-Up deadline (see p. 2) Monday, September 10 in Albrigth Hall


News from the Parish Family Congratulations to Lindsay Kurth and Chad Amen who were married at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, June 9, 2012. The Rev. Doris Westfall and the Rev. Todd McDowell officiated and Phillip Brunswick was the organist. The Kurths “want to thank all of our parish family for their prayers and well-wishes as Lindsay and Chad start their new life together.” Congratulations also to new members Meagan Naas and Chas Aylsworth who were united in marriage at Grace’s altar on Saturday, June 9. The Rev. Todd McDowell officiated and Phillip Brunswick was the organist. Belated but very heartfelt congratulations to Laura

Sehie and Theo Esser who were married at Grace’s altar on Saturday, April 21. The couple reside in Ballwin, MO, and Laura is the daughter of Dianne and Steven

Sehie. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their

hearts, a mantle about their shoulders and a crown upon

their foreheads. (BCP p. 430)

We publish the Banns of Marriage between Melanie

Jianakoplos of Kirkwood, MO and Christopher Slane of Kailua, HI. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the first time of asking.

Many of us will miss long-time parishioner Martha

Jones, who moved to Florida in July to be closer to her son. Reports are that, in her usual way, she is fitting right in and enjoying every minute. She even has her cat with her! Fr. Todd visited briefly with Martha in her new home while he was on vacation. ... bless those whom we

love, now absent from us, and grant that both they and

we, drawing nearer to you, may be bound together by

your love … (BCP, p. 830)

Grace Church mourns the death of Folsta Sara Bailey

Gibbons. Folsta died peacefully Sunday, June 24. Our sympathy goes to her husband Michael and their children, Michael (and Liz) Gibbons and Edie (and

Dan) Barnard, and to their grandchildren: Danny,

Meredith, Michael and Sara. Folsta was born in El Paso, Texas and moved to Kirkwood in 1947. She graduated from Lindenwood College. Folsta married Michael Gibbons in 1956 and the couple had two children, Michael and Edie. Folsta worked for her family's law practice and served her community, including scout leader, Sunday school teacher; and she

was the first female senior warden at Grace Church. Funeral services were held June 28 at Grace Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Church Legacy Fund, Manor Grove or Alzheimer's Association.

The Rev. Michael P.G.G. Randolph died on Monday, July 30. Our prayers are with Fr. Michael, his wife Pat Cleary, his children and family, and all those his life touched that grieve his passing. Fr. Michael, canonically resident in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, is a beloved priest in this diocese and was Priest Associate at Trinity Church CWE. He came to Missouri in the Winter of 2000 to serve as Interim Dean of Christ Church Cathedral and also served at Grace Church. Arrangements are pending. Fr. Michael was a trusted colleague, mentor and an inspiration--in how he met health challenges head-on with prayer and faith, in his advocacy for voiceless populations, and in his proud legacy of interim ministry. Author of children's newsletters and monographs on African American leadership in the Episcopal Church, interim director and advisory council of Episcopal City Mission, chaplain to Second Wind his 41-year ministry of ordained life is rich. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the

souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest

in peace. Amen.

The Grace Church Legacy Fund is grateful for gifts in memory of Betty Nellums, Marjorie Stakes and Folsta

Gibbons.

Parish Intercessory Prayer List

Names cycle through our prayer list a month at a time. By the 25th of each month, please inform Angela Breeher in the parish office (821-1806, ext. 10) if continued prayers are requested for the following month or to add new names.

Jana, John & Sean Adams Dorothy Bardwell Emilie Brandhorst Mary Cadwallader Ginger Dokos Ed Fliss Ellen Friedla

Michael Gibbons family Jeanette Glad Tim Hildebrandt Martha Jones Bob Nellums and family Diane Willis

. . . and remember also our friends and family:

Catherine Dokos Ginger and John’s sister-in-law Dorothy Duncan Ginger Dokos’ sister William Duncan Ginger Dokos’ brother-in-law David Drichta Pam Hoffman’s son Marianna Deal Friend of Amy Bradshaw’s Teddy Friend of Ann Van Conia’s Jean McKenna Shari Bonham’s mother Janet Boner Sara Losse’s niece

Remember in your prayers for health and strength

our brothers and sisters at Grace:

Our Staff

The Rev. Todd McDowell, Rector, ext. 14 [email protected]

The Rev. Rebecca Dinovo, Associate Rector, ext. 12 [email protected]

Phillip Brunswick, Organist & Choir Master, ext. 21 [email protected]

Ella Heigham, Handbell Choir, ext. 36 [email protected]

Angela Breeher, Parish Administrator, ext. 10 [email protected]

Fernando Alfonso, Financial Administrator, ext. 11 [email protected]

Janis Greenbaum, Communications Coordinator, ext. 19 [email protected]

Judy Seltzer, Parish Secretary, ext. 13 [email protected]

514 EAST ARGONNE KIRKWOOD, MO 63122

The Messenger Schedule

The Messenger will be published monthly, on the last Tuesday of each month. The deadline for submitting articles is the 15th of the preceding month. (See schedule below.) Please submit articles to Angela Breeher by mail or by email ([email protected]).

Article Publication

Edition Deadline Date

September Aug. 15 Aug. 28

October Sept. 15 Sept. 25

November Oct. 15 Oct. 30

Newsletter Staff:

Editor/Layout: Angela Breeher

Photos: Janis Greenbaum

Distribution: Katie Conrad, Janis Greenbaum, Betty Salisbury

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grace episcopal church: messenger newsletter - august 2012

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