Know Your Church Staff ~ by Dave Rubin

We have a new Children’s Ministry Coordinator here at Grace. Our previous Coordinator,

Xiomara Telesford, is taking a heavy load of Nursing school classes and had to give up the

position in favor of her studies. To replace her, the Lord has brought us Ms Buff Moring.

Buff, mother of Parker, is extremely well qualified for this position. A native of Ocala, Buff

attended the Grace School, Forest High School, and majored in Religion at the University of

the South in Sewanee. She’s served as the Director of Youth Ministries at St. James

Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, LA; and in the same position at Christ Church Frederica

on St. Simons Island, GA. Buff has also taken advanced training from the Diocese of Central

Florida. Employed as a Case Coordinator for the Guardian Ad Litem Program, Buff will

enthusiastically apply her skills to the youngsters in our Nursery and Children’s Church,

giving them interactive, interesting, fun, hands-on teachings which follow the Episcopal

Lectionary.

Remember, children from infants up to age 3 are welcome to attend the Nursery between 9:30 and 11:15. Older children, up to age 8, can

attend Children’s Church from where they’ll rejoin their parents during the Passing of the Peace. If you have any questions or suggestions

for either of these areas or are interested in volunteering to assist, please take a moment and talk to Buff.

Buff Moring with son Parker Hoeft

Ms Moring with Molly Hetzel, Parker Hoeft, Angela Johnson,

Terryn & Maggie Ginder.

Hidden Treasures of Grace: The Rose Window

Look at the back of the church, high in the Baptistry and you will see this lovely round stained glass window*. It follows the medieval

tradition of creating windows that are not only beautiful but are also rich in symbolism. The Rev. Kathleen Eickwort, retired priest and

member of the Grace congregation, shares with us what our rose window is saying:

And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. (Luke 2:40)

This is the young Jesus, Whose parents found Him at the temple. (Luke 2:41-50)

Looking at the picture:

At the top is a Christogram, IHS, iota-eta-sigma, for the first three letters in Greek of the

Holy Name of Jesus.

On the right is a Rose of Sharon, standing for Jesus Christ and His church, a sweet aroma

of Christ to God.

At the bottom is a trefoil symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

On the left is the chalice and host of Holy Communion: “This is my body...this cup is the

new covenant in my blood.” It shows Jesus’ obedience and purity as a young person.

(Romans 12:2)

The white tunic with gold trim seems to be a prophetic foreshadowing of his attire as High

Priest in heaven (Revelation 1:13). See the front of the Church where the Risen Christ is flanked

by two angels with censers.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:50)

The word “favor” is “charis” in Greek, which is also translated as “grace.” The rose window tells the story of God’s grace through our Lord,

Jesus Christ. The window was given by Margarita and Leon B. Thrasher, in memory of America and Aurelio Dobarganes. The Dobarganes’

are the great-great grandparents of Buff Moring, Children’s Ministry Coordinator; the Thrashers are her great-grandparents.

*The image above is what you will see inside the church. This window is meant to be “read”

from outside. This is unusual for stained glass windows and unique for the windows at Grace.

The Rose Window: Inside View

The Rose Window: Outside View

Tis the Season…. Two of Them ~ by Janie Rubin

The Season of Advent will be upon us before much longer. And on it’s heels comes, Christmas! It’s an exciting and busy time for many of us

with planning special meals and events, giving gifts, sending cards, and looking for things for the children to do with school out for

their winter break.

Advent (from the Latin adventus, meaning coming) is that season in the church calendar in preparation for

Christmas, the Coming of the Christ Child. The liturgical color is blue, the color of hope, which we will see in the

vestments and hangings. Celebrate Advent at home as a family by making an Advent Wreath. An Advent

Wreath workshop will be held December 1st (the first Sunday of Advent) at 8:30 a.m. in the Parish House.

Devotional booklets may be made available or you might prefer the devotionals found in Forward Day by

Day or Our Daily Bread, two booklets you can get here at church year round. A large Advent Wreath will

be in the church and will be lit each Sunday of the season. Another idea, especially for children, might be the

purchase of an Advent Calendar. Look for one with a Christian theme, rather than a more secular calendar

depicting Santa Claus. Each day during Advent a different “door” in the Advent Calendar is opened to reveal a

picture leading up to the Nativity. More elaborate Advent Calendars might contain candy or small gifts behind the

“doors”. You can find Advent Calendars at many card shops, or online at sites such as <amazon.com> or sometimes there are small ones

here at church. If you’re feeling really ambitious, gather the kids around the table and make your own Advent Calendar using art paper and

pictures from old Christmas Cards.

Christmas! Here it comes, ready or not! This is also a great time for families to have an

opportunity to teach children the true meaning of the day. Decorate your home with a nativity

scene. Choose decorations for inside and outside that illustrate that you are celebrating the

birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. If you traditionally send Christmas cards, keep the

meaning of Christmas in mind with your greetings. And remember others who

might benefit from an extra hand at Christmastime. Someone without family

nearby might enjoy an invitation for Christmas dinner. Remember to pick an

ornament from Grace’s Undecorate the Tree Project which benefits teens in foster

homes. Support the efforts of Interfaith Emergency Services, Ocala Marion Domestic

Violence Shelter or Salvation Army.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Fall is here and what a wonderful time of the year, not only because of the cooler weather (Thank the Lord!), but

because of all the great things happening around us. Celebrations of all kinds: celebrations of God's blessings

(Thanksgiving), celebrations of our King (Christmas), and all kinds of smaller celebrations (parties) in between.

And sometimes we get "celebration-itis". So many "get togethers" that we feel overwhelmed, flustered and

sometimes, in the worst moments, flat out exhausted. All because we started out with a simple idea: let's celebrate

the great things in our life.

So, what's the antidote? Fewer parties? "No presents this year..."? Ignore invitations and phone calls from those

who want you to come and be with them? Never. Jesus loved to go to parties. From weddings (John 2) to dinner

parties with tax collectors (there's a wild and crazy one in Luke 19!) Over and over he celebrated with those around

him because it's in those times that we share life - we reflect on what matters - we pause long enough to look around

and say "thank you for this place and these people".

The antidote is to be thoughtful about which celebrations are the ones you want to be at. Which are the ones that

bring you joy. The parties that you will bless others and be blessed by those attending. And if you start feeling overwhelmed, back out of a

couple. Step away for a moment or two. No hard feelings, right? Being present is more important than feeling anxiety, so do what it takes to

be in the moment in these significant life moments.

As you do, not only are you following Christ's model, you're learning how to listen to Him in the midst of the cacophony.

Bless you in this special time.

Fr. Jonathan+

Time to Deck the Halls ~ Go Christmas Shopping ~ Spread Cheer and Goodwill

and Grace Episcopal Church is where you can do it all at once!!

The Grace Episcopal Church Bazaar will be held November 8th and 9th! Come and shop, have lunch at the

Angels’ Tea Room and then shop some more. There will be once loved items that

can be your newly acquired treasures! We have toys, books, good used clothing,

art, antiques, and collectables! Beautifully hand crafted decorations for your

home are the centerpieces of the Bazaar. Antique, vintage, retro and new

jewelry items will be for sale at prices too good to be missed! Be sure to visit

our baked goods table for homemade delectable treats to take home.

The Episcopal Church Women, who sponsor the Bazaar, use the profits for

Community and Church outreach programs. A few of the local organizations who

have benefitted from the Bazaar include PACE for Girls, the Ocala Marion

County Domestic Violence Center, as well as Grace Church’s VPK

Program and needs within the church as they arise.

When you attend the Bazaar, you have the opportunity to find wonderful decorations for

your home or office, shop for everyone on your Christmas list, enjoy lunch with your

friends and neighbors who you’ve invited to come with you, and do something wonderful

to support your community all at the same time! How much Christmas spirit is that!

Other important dates to remember:

December 5th - ECW’s centerpiece workshop. Ann Anderson shows us how to create centerpieces using live greenery right

from our own church garden. No artistic talent is necessary to turn out a beautiful table display to use at home or present as a gift.

December 12th - ECW’s Christmas luncheon. Members will gather for this annual event for fun and fellowship. Mark the date and plan to

attend. Never been to an ECW gathering before? Then this is an excellent time to come join the good times and get to know each other.

Time and place of both of these events will be announced in weekly Sunday bulletins.

Things are Falling Into Place at the VPK This Fall

Grace’s VPK welcomed 30 wonderful little lambs to the Lively House on the

first day of school. A few children (moms and dads, too) arrived a little

anxious but all left happy and excited about their new adventure! Since that

first day of school, the enrollment of four-year olds has increased to 32.

The Grace VPK Team welcomed two new members: Caroline Kooy as the

After Care Teacher and Joshua Head to lead the children in song twice a week.

Barbara Moore returned as Lead Teacher and Lise Kent completed the many

requirements to move from being an Assistant Teacher to become a Classroom Teacher. (We are

delighted to have her in this new position!) Anissa Cunjie and Lana McGinley returned as Assistant

Teachers with Shirley Webb continuing as the Director and Substitute Teacher.

Your generous response to the request for donations by selecting little lambs from the

shepherd’s flock set out on Back to Church Sunday was overwhelming! Thank you all for

your many contributions! As Grace VPK begins its 4th year sharing Jesus’ love with these

new little lambs, your prayers and support are truly appreciated.

Grace Episcopal Church Annual Bazaar The Oldest in Ocala

Friday, November 8th - 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 9th - 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 10th - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

(Sunday is Grace Congregation Only Shopping)

Plan ahead and order early!

We will design and decorate your office!

We will also make small gifts for your employees, customers, clients or patients!

During the Bazaar of course, there will be our

Display of Christmas Arrangements and Angels of Love for gifts.

Remember to shop for your

special friends, grandparents, teachers, neighbors, postman or shut-ins

Get your Christmas Shopping lists ready to browse our selection of

Twice Loved Treasures

Country Kitchen Goodies

Jewelry - New, Retro, Vintage & Antique

Books, Toys & Games

Art and Antiques

Have lunch with your friends at

The Angel Tea Room

11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Invite all of your friends and neighbors!

Call Ann Anderson at 566-6576

For information and details.

Expressing Our Faith Through Song

"Music has a unique place in our worship in its ability to draw us closer to God because it is sensual and it's rhythmic, and it's singing. It

takes a little bit of courage, doesn't it, to stand up in a congregation and use your voice to express your faith? It's

such a weird thing to do, but such a wonderful thing to do, a gift that God gave us. So I think because of that vulner-

ability, it has a unique place in helping us in our sanctification." -Fernando Ortega

As we move into a new season of the calendar, I invite you to draw closer to God by moving the faith of your hearts

to songs of your voice. There are several events coming up that will be great times to do that. One of those moments

will be at Christmas Unplugged in December. Every year we have this night to come together to sing and tell stories

in a casual atmosphere before the Christmas stress has set in. I'm looking forward to

playing with some extra musicians this year and orchestrating our music!

Christmas music is my favorite. My prayer is that

whenever we sing, we will stand together as the church

and give voice to our faith.

Looking forward to worshiping with you,

Josh Head

Let Us Raise Our Voices and Sing!

As we approach the Christmas Season, there will be so many opportunities to celebrate through music. Where better than at our own church!

Josh mentions Christmas stress and sad though it seems, we can get bogged down in stressful things during what

should be a joyful time of year. Christmas Unplugged is such an occasion when the entire family can gather the

evening of December 11th to sing favorite carols right out of the hymnal. We’ll also share

stories and enjoy each other in fellowship for home made pies and fun in the Parish House.

As we know liturgically, Christmas actually begins December 24th and continues until the

Epiphany Season, January 6th. On Sunday

December 29th, we will have one Sunday

Service at 10:00 a.m., where will continue with

the festive music of Christmas with a “Service of

Song”.

Grace Episcopal Church has been blessed with a

wonderful music program. Our small choir has more

than doubled in size.

Josh Head has also shared his talent to the children at

both Ambleside School and Grace VPK with music classes.

We have already

seen other musicians join in our worship services

including trumpets, drums, violins and guitars in

addition to the keyboard and our lovely organ.

And we have heard that a baby grand piano has been

donated. The new year at Grace promises to be very

exciting indeed!

Christmas

Unplugged

Amblesing performed at the recent Blessing of the Animals.

The VPK students have been introduced

to guitar, drums and trumpet.

The Girls Group Home - Five New Girls ~ by Eleanor Simons

Each September when we visit the Girls Group Home there are new girls to get to know and we miss the girls that are no longer there. This

year there are five new girls to get to know. We sat down recently with them to plan activities for the

school year ahead. These girls were friendly and chatty. They seem creative and willing to try new

things. As we talked, the one girl that had been there last year mentioned building the picnic

table. She jumped up ran into her room and came back with the photos. One photo was in

a frame and the others were in her scrapbook. She wanted everyone to look at the

photos and we talked about building the picnic table. She remembered it as

being one of the best things we did together.

Each time when we leave the girls group home we wonder if we have made a

difference. We wonder if coming only once a month really matters. This time

as we said good-by to the girls we knew that we are making memories for them.

We knew that we can do things with them that no one else is doing. We can cook,

sew, do crafts, and build picnic tables with them and we are building memories

that are important to them and to us.

If you are interested in participating in this mission contact Eleanor Simons,

Susie Anderson, or Mary Delancey.

Save Your Plastic Caps!!

Here’s a project we can all participate in by recycling plastic caps into an art

project! No work involved and it’s free!

The girls at the Group Home visited the Appleton Art Museum recently and

saw garden flowers made with plastic caps. They would like to make some

for their yard. In order to do this we will need plastic caps in a variety of

colors. If you are willing to save plastic caps for the next few months, bring

them to the church office. The girls will have fun making the flowers and

you will be a part of the project.

How Cute is This!

What a creative way for

these young girls to turn an

art project into something to

enhance their own home!

And it’s a great way for all of

us to participate in

community outreach with

very little effort! And no

cost! Check your cupboards,

spice racks and cleaning

supplies for plastic caps!

Let’s Do It!

Undecorate the Tree!

Beginning December 1st, we will begin un-decorating a

Christmas Tree! A Christmas Tree will be on display for

three Sundays. It will start out fully decorated with

ornaments. Each ornament will represent an activity that the

teens at the group homes can enjoy over the holidays during

their winter break from school. The cost of each activity will

be marked on the ornament. By contributing that amount, we

can provide these young people with things like movie

tickets, paintball games, bowling, pizza parties, ice cream

socials, and visits to area restaurants.

Every year that we have done this, we have received lovely

thank you letters from the

boys and girls. These teens

are middle and high school

aged children who for a

multitude of reasons can

not live at home with their

families. Many of them

have never known a truly

happy time during

Christmas until their

experiences in the group

homes.

Watch for the decorated

Christmas Tree and let’s

get it Un-decorated!!

Christmas Poinsettias and Swags

It is time to order Christmas Poinsettias and Swags. If you would like to sponsor these decorations, please

complete the form that can be found at the back of the church. Place the completed form in the offering plate, or

bring or send it to the Church Office by December 18th. Please include payment. The poinsettias and swags are $15

each. (Please make check out to Grace Episcopal Church and note “Poinsettias / Swags” on the memo line.)

2014 Altar Flower Donations

If you would like to place flowers on the altar this year please fill out a

Flower Request Form and return it to the church office. Arrangements

are made by the Flower Guild at a cost of $50 per week. This is a wonderful way not only to

remember loved ones, but also to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions, or just

to give thanks and praise God.

No flowers are placed on the altar during Lent (Mar. 5-Apr. 17), and only greens are used during

Advent (Dec.1 – Dec. 22). Donations may be made for Palm Sunday and Advent greenery. That

cost is $25. If you have questions or need additional information please call Carolyn Ayres at

629-1148 (home), or 286-8536 (cell).

Scotland’s Gift to the Episcopal Church in the USA ~ by Dave Rubin

The Episcopal Church in the USA also has a strong link to Scotland. After American independence, Samuel Seabury

was selected to be bishop, but since there were no American bishops who could consecrate him, Seabury went to

London. Once there he was told that British law forbade the Archbishop of Canterbury to consecrate “foreigners,” as

they could not swear the required oath of allegiance to the British Crown. Undeterred, Seabury then went to the

Scottish Episcopal Church, whose bishops refused to recognize royal authority and was consecrated in Aberdeen on

November 14, 1784. This was done with the condition that Seabury study the Scottish Rite of Holy Communion and

work for its adoption rather than the English rite of 1662. Seabury's defense of the Scottish service, especially its

restoration of the epiklesis or invocation of the Holy Spirit in the consecration of the Communion elements

influenced the first Book of Common Prayer adopted by the Episcopal Church in 1789.

Although it took many years for this to happen, Seabury had also argued for the restoration of the weekly celebration

of Holy Communion on Sunday rather than the infrequent observance that became customary in most Protestant

churches after the Reformation. He wrote that "when I consider its importance, both on account of the positive

command of Christ, and of the many and great benefits we receive from it, I cannot but regret that it does not make a

part of every Sunday's solemnity." Seabury was ahead of his time, but almost two centuries later weekly Eucharist

was established in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.

The Kirkin' o' the Tartan

As far as scholars can tell, the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan is a purely American tradition that celebrates Scottish heritage. In 1941, the Rev. Peter

Marshall, chaplain of the U.S. Senate and minister of Washington's New York Avenue Presbyterian Church created a special Sunday service

to give solace to Scottish-Americans involved in World War II. This service was similar to the

ones conducted in the Scottish Highlands after the Battle of Culloden in 1745 that led to the Act

of Proscription, which banned the wearing of any tartans, Scottish culture and music and the

speaking of Gaelic for 36 years. Highlanders would hide and smuggle small tartan swatches

into churches and receive a special blessing from sympathetic ministers.

When finally the Act of Proscription was repealed, the highlanders, as Cunningham in his

History of Scotland has written: "returned with joy to their beloved kilt, no longer bound to the

unmanly trews [trousers] of the lowlanders." It is in spiritual continuity with this era of Scottish

History that we celebrate the liturgy of the Kirkin’ o' the Tartan.

In many Episcopal Churches, as at Grace, on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew,

banners of Tartan are brought into the church and Scottish music is played in honor of this

tradition and heritage. This year Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan will be November 17th, at 9:45.

Grace Episcopal Church Reaches Out to the Ocala Community

As part of our ongoing outreach to the Ocala community, Grace Episcopal Church will be participating in at least twelve programs in

partnership with the Bereavement Department and the Transitions Program of Hospice of Marion County, and Munroe Regional Hospital's

Prestige 55. In November, Grace will be participating in two presentations for Munroe Regional Hospital's Prestige 55 program. Don Hires

and Mary Delancey will be presenting “Grief and the Holidays: How to Survive”. The program will be presented at 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday,

November 12th at Munroe's Timber Ridge Center, and again at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, November 18th on the Munroe Campus.

Starting in December and continuing throughout next year, we will partner with Hospice of Marion County to present "Expressions of Grief;"

a series of four experiential workshop designed by Don Hires. Participants will use a variety of creative arts and music as a way of expressing

their grief. Paint Your Grief is a workshop in which attendees will express their grief through color. In The Face of Grief participants decorate

full facial masks with words and phrases that give visual meaning to their inward emotions. Write Your Grief is a workshop on journaling ,

and the healing aspects of putting our own feelings into words. The Sound of Grief teaches participants how to use native drumming to create

their own music as a means to promote healing.

Starting in January 2014, and continuing throughout the year, Grace Episcopal Church in partnership with the Transitions Program of

Hospice of Marion County will host four quarterly luncheons for caregivers. Along with lunch there will be entertainment and door prizes.

This is simply a way for us to reach out to a group of husbands, wives, sons, daughters and others who spend countless hours as a caregiver to

a loved one. We want them to know how much we care and support them in this journey.

For more information about any of these programs contact Don Hires or Mary Delancey.

TRANSITIONS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

What is Transitions? Transitions is a free, volunteer-based community service program that is available to anyone with a

life-limiting illness. Transitions clients include individuals who choose to pursue curative or palliative treatment such a

chemotherapy or radiation. There are those who do not yet qualify for hospice care or those who are not emotionally ready

for hospice care. Don’t we all know someone who is caring for a loved one with

Alzheimer’s?

The goal of Transitions is to let these people know that someone is there for them and we want to help. As a volunteer-

based program, you would be the key to helping our neighbors during their time of need. This support may come in the form of

companionship, emotional support, errands, household help, and respite for caregivers. It could be as easy as conversation and reminiscing,

holding a hand, listening and comforting. Anyone who has been a caregiver knows how stressful this time can be, and for a volunteer to sit

with a loved one for a few hours so the caregiver can get out is such a blessing.

What is required for being a Transitions volunteer? Simply a loving heart and a willingness to help others. Please think about working with

us. Current volunteers believe the blessing they receive through their service always exceed their expectations!

To Volunteer please contact:

Donna Shaffer

Transitions Manager

(352) 854-5200

The Williams Family from our VPK are served breakfast.

Another delicious meal during coffee hour was provided to

church members and their guests. James Rubin helping Nancy

Dunleavy at breakfast.

Elaine Sarbeck & Martha Jane Singeltary are joined by Elaine’s family from Tallahassee, Louis,

Stephen & Teresa Sarbeck.

Barbara Moore, VPK Lead

Teacher & Brian Weinschreider

with the VPK Wish List. Fr. Jonathan lead us in the Blessing

of the VPK for the new school year.

Musicians Bob Cubbage, Sophia & Joshua Head, and Nelle Smith.

Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

Jeff Shealy, Frank & Jackie

Blasucci, and Fr. Jonathan.

Back

To Church

Sunday

Grace Church Parish Survey 2013

In August and September Grace members were invited to complete a survey designed to determine overall perceptions of Grace Church and

gather specific opinions about Children’s Church and Music Ministries. 98 people responded.

Here is a summary of the results:

· Grace Church is viewed as a good place for families; it is not strongly seen as a “bunch of old people”

· Grace is seen as only slightly more conservative than liberal, but not strongly either

· 93.9% had talked to others about Grace Church in the prior six months

o Most talked about were the good quality of the preaching and the friendliness of the people

o Least said was that the church changes peoples’ lives

· When compared to other churches

o The preaching was strongly seen as better

o Lowest ratings were given to “People’s lives are changed more often” and “People encounter God more often”

· VPK/Early Learning Center was considered the most effective outreach and Uptown Community Garden the least effective

· Over half of the respondents suggested advertising to make Grace’s work better known in the community, with 25% suggesting ad-

vertising in print media; nearly 30% suggested increased community outreach

· The work of Children’s Church was not well known. (Only about half of the respondents evaluated the items listed)

o Remarks to the Children’s Ministry Coordinator were small in number, with the greatest frequency being positive comments

o The next largest group was request for more communication

· A very large number of respondents felt that the worship music helped them encounter God

o A similarly large number identify with traditional music; a little more than half of the respondents identify with contempo-

rary music

o A very large number felt the music volume to be “just right”

o Remarks to the Music Ministry Coordinator were overwhelmingly positive

Demographics:

· The age range of respondents largely reflected the age range of adult members; 60-69 year olds were, however somewhat over repre-

sented

· Over half of the respondents have attended Grace less than 6 years

If you would like more information about the survey results, please contact the Church Office.

Maurica French &

Ann Anderson

Alan Garri

Bob Brown, Joe Morgan

& Dave Rubin

Micah French &

Greg Harrell

Parish Workday

Grace Episcopal Church Animal

Blessing

October 12, 2013

Nancy Dunleavy & Echo.

Dave Norman

& Miss Short Tail

Squirrel & Mice Rescue.

Verger Dave Rubin leads the Parade of Animals including

Bob & Lee Saputo walking seven Australian sheep dogs!

Hadassah Blaire, VPK student, shows friends her Rabbit Koko with her dad Andrew and brother Levi.

Dianne LaBeur, Joan & Michael Canzoneri with

Harley & Bruiser.

Bailey & Porter Craig (in face paint) show Fr. Jonathan their dog Sonny.

Rebecca Anderson’s dog Sadie receives a blessing from Fr. Al Durrance &

Rev. Kathleen Eickwort.

Mystery Dinner

It’s no mystery that the Grace family loves to get together for a good time. The “mystery” of the dinner party held October 18th was

however, where you would go for dinner and who would be your dinner companions. Everyone gathered at the rectory for happy hour and to

find out the names of their hosts for the dinners that followed. Lovely meals were served at the homes of Lise & Richard Kent, Jeremiah &

Heather Hetzel, Chester & Barbara Trow, and Craig & Mary Baggs. The proceeds from the Mystery Dinner will go to El Hogar in Honduras.

Lila McKean, Fr. Jonathan

Andrew Runyon & Bethany Anderson

Karen Kudia & Elaine Heitman

Dave & Janie Rubin with Pat Harris

Mary Delancey, Chester Trow

& Robert McGhee

Brad Hetzel, Jeremiah

Hetzel & Michael Hart

Faith in Action Sunday

Ruth Ray &

James Rubin

fill a barrel with hedge clippings.

Ginny Grouby gets a helping

hand from DOK Members Angelique

Langen, Ruth Kraan, Patti

Gilman & Mary Delancey.

Morgan Kraan added new shrubs to a garden.

Karen Holland tackles a thorny bougainvillea.

Diane Taylor raking leaves.

Alexis Ashley trimming back vines.

Michael Ashley filled the trailer with branches to haul away.

Sharyn Pliska spent the day

filling boxes with Christmas

presents for Operation

Christmas Child.

Andrew Lavar adds a toothbrush to the gift he’s wrapping.

THOUGHTS ON INTERCESSSORY PRAYER

FROM A DAUGHTER OF THE KING ~ by Patti Gilman

What exactly is intercessory prayer, and why am I struggling to define and share my thoughts with you? It’s all mixed up with who I am as

a Christian, promises I have made and tried to keep and about the amazing soup pot of family, friends and neighbors who surround and

sustain me.

We are, each of us, bound to others by relationships varying in degree from intimate to casual. Since

I am writing to parishioners of Grace, I am assuming that I speak to Christians and have a level

playing field of faith and trust. We are all so fragile when it comes to the ups and downs of just being

human; one day we are dazzled with wonder with our good fortune, the next day knocked to our

knees by tragedy.

I have learned (mostly at Grace) that I am a child of God, beloved but not magically protected from pain. I have

learned the incredible reality of the power and love embodied in the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father. I believe in prayer and I believe

that lifting up in prayer those who I know are suffering is a task I must do, that I want to do and that I will do. In standing in the midst of

others who are sick, hurting, or in any kind of need I am able to lift another into the arms of a loving God who can do what I cannot. In my

most anxious and desperate moments, unable to ‘make it better’- I can intercede for healing or whatever God’s will might be. I can put my

brother in God’s presence, and visualize him enfolded in the everlasting arms.

Intercessory prayer enlarges your heart, makes you aware of other’s difficulties and very often results in “putting feet on your prayers,” by

reaching out in love in some physical way. To intercede before God is to make caring a reality. God wants us to do this, to give the hard

work to Him and trust that He will handle it. When you are freed from anxiety you have more time to love and to make that difference that

you well may be able to make in the life or situation before you.

Daughters of the King make a vow when they enter the Order to pray daily. Prayer and service are the lynchpins of the Order. We pray for

our families, friends and neighbors and those who are alone. We pray for the Church, the nation, and the world. We are praying ladies and

you are in our prayers….every day. Care to join us? We’ll welcome you warmly.

Jeremiah Hetzel & Charlie Boyle pay a

visit to Agnes at New Horizons.

Karen Kudia brought Grace ‘s own therapy dog, Baron to visit with John at New Horizons.

Jordan Anthony chatting with Juanita, a

resident of New Horizons nursing home.

Looking Forward to 2014!

January 5th ~ Epiphany. Epiphany is the liturgical season following

Christmas commonly associated with the visit to the Christ Child by the

Magi or Three Kings.

January 12th ~ Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Baptisms, Annual Meeting, Vestry Elections, Congregation Breakfast.

On this date, we celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Baptisms will be held at Grace as

well. If you would like to be baptized on this day, contact Fr. Jonathan through the church office. From

8:30 - 9:15 a.m. in the Parish House, the monthly Congregation Breakfast will be served. This is also the

Annual Parish Meeting and Vestry Election and everyone should plan to attend. It is also the Sunday to bring

in donations of canned goods, paper products and personal toiletries for our friends at Interfaith Emergency

Services and Ocala Marion Domestic Violence Center.

January 15th ~ “Fun, Fellowship, and Finger Food”. We will all gather in the Parish House this evening at 5:30 p.m. to meet and greet

our newcomers. All persons new to the congregation, come meet the rest of your church family in a fun, relaxed social evening for the whole

family.

January 19th ~ Installation of the Vestry. The new Vestry will be installed and presented at both the 7:30 and 9:45 a.m. Services.

January 20th ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Annual Parade. The City of Ocala commemorates the birthdate of Martin Luther King, Jr.

with a parade. Members of Grace are to assemble at 9:00 a.m. at the Square downtown.

January 23rd ~ Hospice Caregiver Luncheon. Grace in partnership with Hospice of Marion, will sponsor

a luncheon for Hospice Caregivers in the Parish House, 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

January 23rd ~ Anniversary of the Consecration of Grace as an Episcopal Church.

January 26th ~ Outreach Sunday, Coffee Hour. This Sunday there will be a presentation of the various Outreach Ministries of Grace and a

coffee hour after the 9:45 service.

Baptism and Confirmation

Baptism and Confirmation. Two sacraments with connected vows. In the baptism of infants and young

children, parents and god-parents, on behalf of the child, make a statement of faith, based upon the words

found in the Apostles Creed. We reaffirm these vows every Sunday when we repeat the words found in the

creeds generally using the Nicene Creed. These creeds direct how we as Christians are to live out our faith. (See

page 292 in the BCP.) Older children and adults who were not baptized as infants may be baptized as well. Rather

than god-parents, an older child or adult has a sponsor present them to the church for the sacrament of baptism. Baptism in the Episcopal

Church makes the newly baptized a full member of the church.

Confirmation is the mature public affirmation of faith made by the baptized child upon reaching an age of discretion.

The individual now speaks for himself or herself committing to the promises made at baptism. At the sacrament of

confirmation, the individual receives the laying on of hands by a bishop. Those persons to be presented to the bishop

for confirmation will attend confirmation classes, a series of lectures provided by the clergy of the church in the

weeks preceding the bishop’s visit. These classes are also recommended for those wishing to participate in the Rites

of Reaffirmation or Reception.

Reaffirmation means you wish to restate your commitment to Christ in the Episcopal Church. Some people who have

been inactive in a church for a lengthy period of time may wish to receive the Rite of Reaffirmation. Reception on

the other hand is the receiving of a person into the Episcopal church who has been actively involved in church of a

different denomination. Often the person was even confirmed already in another tradition such as Lutheran or Roman Catholic.

On April 27th, Bishop Greg Brewer will visit Grace for Confirmations and

Baptisms. Those wishing to be confirmed, reaffirmed or received may see

Fr. Jonathan or contact the church office for details. Confirmation

classes will begin in March.

February 9th ~ Renewal of Wedding Vows, Congregation Valentine Breakfast. At both

worship services, married couples will be given an opportunity to renew their wedding

vows. This service is a beautiful way to celebrate the joining of two individuals into

one with each other with the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. A Valentine’s Day

themed breakfast will also be held in the Parish House from 8:30 - 9:15

a.m.

February 14th ~ Date Night! Love Song Recital and Wine & Cheese Party. It’s Valentine’s Day and the

perfect evening to plan a date with your sweetheart for an evening of Love Songs,

Wine and Cheese. This fun evening will be held in the Parish House, 7:00 - 8:30

p.m.. There will be a nominal charge of $10 per person. Proceeds will go toward

scholarships for Music Camp.

February 16th

~ Capital Campaign Commitment Sunday. Grace is embarking on a large scale fund raising campaign to

make much needed capital improvements in our church campus. On this date, we shall discuss this campaign in further

detail regarding pledging toward our goal.

February 23rd ~ Instructed Eucharist, Coffee Hour. An Instructed Eucharist is an educational

opportunity for us all to review why we do what we do during a typical Sunday Communion service.

As we progress through the service, a liturgical explanation will be given. This is an excellent chance

to learn a little church history as it pertains to the worship service. Following the 9:45 service there

will be another excellent coffee hour. The coffee hours at Grace are much more than coffee and rolls.

Come enjoy a lovely buffet and opportunity to socialize with family and friends.

Peacemakers – The Four G’s of Biblical Conflict Resolution ~ by the Peacemakers Team

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

As much as we may try to avoid it, conflict happens. Conflict does not, however, have to be bad or destructive. Conflict is an opportunity - if

we take the time to step back from the conflict and ask ourselves what we can do to use this conflict to grow spiritually.

The “Four G’s” of Biblical peacemaking give us a way to see the opportunity in conflict.

Glorify God. We do this in the midst of conflict by

· trusting Him (“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” Proverbs 3:5)

· obeying Him (“If you love me, keep my commands,” John 14:25) and

· imitating Him (“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children,” Ephesians 5:1)

One of the best ways to stay focused on spiritual growth in the midst of conflict is to ask, “How can I please and honor the Lord in this situation?”

Get the log out of your own eye: This may be the most challenging principles of peacemaking. There are two kinds of logs that we need to

look for when dealing with a conflict. First we need to ask if we have had a critical, negative, or overly sensitive attitude that has led to

unnecessary conflict. The harder question to ask ourselves is if we have been sinful in our words and actions toward the other person.

Gently restore: This is the second most challenging principle of peacemaking. Jesus tells us, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out

their fault…(Matthew 18:15). But Jesus tells us to do that with love, mercy and forgiveness.

Go and be reconciled: Biblical peacemaking pursues genuine forgiveness and reconciliation. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and

dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another

if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:12-13) Forgiveness is a spiritual process that

we need God’s help to accomplish. As we seek to forgive others, we need to continually ask God for grace to enable us to imitate His

wonderful forgiveness toward us.

If you want to know more about peacemaking, contact a member of the Peacemaking Team (Don Hires, Diane Parks, Terry Walker, Deacon

Mary), stop into the Church Office to borrow “The Peacemaker” book or visit the Peacemaker website at www.peacemaker.net for

publications and training.

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Sunday Worship ~ 7:30 A.M., Rite 1; 8:45 A.M., Sunday School; 9:45 A.M., Rite 2

Wednesday ~ 12:00 Noon, Healing Service

Office Hours ~ Monday through Thursday, 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.; Friday - closed

Telephone: 622-7881; E Mail: info@graceocala.org

River Liliana Head

Daughter of Josh & Sophia Head

Jon & Michelle Twining, Godparents

We Welcome the Newly Baptized! A New Director for Acolytes

The new vestments have arrived.

Thomas Andersen creates an ice cream sundae

after the acolyte meeting.

Deb Bockhold has been

appointed as Acolyte Director.

Alia & Eliana French review protocol with

acolytes James Rubin, Thomas Andersen, Pam Pouncy & Alex Johnson.