Grace Episcopal Church
707 First Avenue
Sterling, IL 61081
(815) 625-0442

Sunday Worship
9:00 am
followed by Coffee Hour and
Christian Education

Mission Statement:

"The mission of Grace Church is to continue Christ's ministry in the world through worship, teaching, healing and service."

    

Site Directory

Last Modified:
August 2008

plr

"Hat Sunday" is the 1st Sunday of each month
Photo by Donna ~ Thank you!

Welcome to our cyberplace. The Lord Jesus Christ bless all of you who stop by. The red white and blue signs seen on thousands of street corners say it all: You are Welcome! That's the hallmark of the Episcopal Church.

All sorts and conditions of men (and women) are welcome, for Jesus came only for us sinners, not the righteous, or those who think they are. To paraphrase the great Evangelical Scholar and Cambridge Don, Burton Scott Easton, "The perfection to which we are called is not the absence of sin, but the presence of inclusive love."

So, no matter who you are, what you've done, what you believe or don't believe, Grace Church can be a home, a haven of peace and joy, growth and inspiration for you.

Grace Notes

Father David's Monthly Letter: "August"

Peg W, Senior Warden: "Summer's End

Your questions answered: Unction

Thank you so much...

...to all of you who helped to make my birthday so special. I never expected so much and am overwhelmed by the love you have shown me. Thank you again, Shirley Swopes

Special Labor Day Sermon

August 31st will find us celebrating Labor Day with the presentation of a special sermon by Peg Williams, Lay Preacher, Senior Warden, and former official of the Teachers Union.

The Union movement brought about great changes in the quality of life here in the United States and in other parts of the world as well. The movement was the Gospel in action: As much as you've done it unto the least of these, my brethren, you've done it unto me!

"Grace-Filled Ladies" Night Out

Ladies Night Out will be Friday, September 5. We will meet at Forest Inn, 20657 Lincoln Hwy, Rt 30, Morrison, at 5:30 pm. Please sign up in the Parish Hall if you plan to attend.

Major Changes in Sunday Schedule

The Vestry has voted to change the Worship Schedule on Sundays to two services, with Sunday School scheduled between the services:

     8:00 am - Said Eucharist
     9:00 am - Sunday School for all ages
     10:15 am - Sung Eucharist

The change will take place beginning September 7th, the first Sunday of the month.

They have also requested that the first services of the new schedule feature another Instructed Eucharist.

The change was requested by a number of people and has been considered for the past two months. Only two people expressed some displeasure with this arrangement, but many more thought it a great opportunity for church growth as it allows many more to attend.

Sunday School: What Would Jesus Do?

WWJD has become a popular phrase in Christianity today. Everything from t-shirts to bracelets are being sold with the familiar initials. What might happen if one were to make this a rule for life? Find out in an exciting new Sunday School class for both men and women beginning September 7 at 9:00 am.

We will be studying the classic book, In His Steps. Grab your coffee and enjoy being a Sunday School student once again.

Spiritual Fellowship: Holy Hour

On the second Saturday of each month we will hold a special time of prayer, praise, and worship. We can sing, offer prayers for healing, share and study scripture and offer our insights, and perhaps enjoy a guest speaker on occasion. Do join us for this spiritual fellowship.

September 13 at 6:30 pm

Soup, Salad, and Study

Enjoy soup, salad, and fellowship as we meet on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, beginning September 10. This Fall the focus will be on "The Acts of the Apostles," featuring in-depth lectures by Fr. David Rude, followed by discussions.

The menu the first night is Seafood Soup. If you don't care for Sea Food, we will pray for you and offer an alternate menu.

An Evening of Golden Oldies!
August 25, 5:00-7:00 pm

Father David and Elizabeth will be performing at the Latin American Club, 2708 West Lincolnway, Sterling, Illinois, on August 25 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Please stop by for great food and entertainment and to say 'Hi' to your Grace Church friends. On the menu: tacos, burritos, tamales, nachos

Parish Movie Night
August 22 at 5:30 pm

A true story about Rudy who, against all odds, lives his dream to play football for Notre Dame. A triumphant story where the journey is as important as the ultimate success.

Parish movie night begins at 5:30 pm with a Pot-luck dinner followed by the movie in the library and then a discussion led by Elizabeth.

Parish Movie Night, September 26:
An international soccer star is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that bring his career to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress, struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upsidedown...until a simple gesture of kindness brings them together.

Grace Church Library

Grace Church would welcome donations of books that are uplifting, inspiring, or Christian in nature. If you have any questions, call Shirley Swopes.

Marian Rosary Group
Wednesdays at 1 pm in the Chapel

The Holy Eucharist is offered each Wednesday at 1 pm in the Chapel. Then the Rosary Group meets every Wednesday at 1:30 pm to pray for the needs of people in the congregation. Prayer request forms are available in the Narthex. If you can't make it, please spend a few moments at home praying for those listed in The Prayer Closet.

New Testaments of Jesus Christ

Grace Church Radio features interviews with Grace Church people and others about their own walk of faith. Be inspired by the experiences of God in the lives of people you know and love. Currently available are interviews with:

• Genaro Zamarippa
• Marge Smith
• Bree Johnson
• Alderman Skip Lee
• Pat Fecht
• Sally Schuneman
• Peg Williams, Senior Warden

Something to Think About: This is a series of programs dealing with basic questions of the faith.

Photos to Share

If you take photos of Grace Church or of events at Grace Church, please consider sharing them with your Grace Church family by sending a copy to the Grace Church office, preferably in digital form. Images of minors will not be used without permission from their parents or guardians.

Please note: If you do not want your image posted on the Grace Church website, please tell PegR.

Church Calendar

Learn about the Episcopal Church

Prayer Closet


Growing in Faith
through Study


Growing in Faith
by Serving Others

Ministry Servants
for next Week


Father David's newsletter

Recorded sermons

• Testaments
• Songs
• Special Programs
• "Something to Think About"

*Philco AM/FM 6 tube radio by Russ Brady, Source: flickr.com

Grace Church Interior/Exterior Photos, except as noted: PLR