The Grace Vine. March Rector s Writ. We must lay before (God) what is in us, not what ought to be in us. C.S. Lewis

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1 The Grace Vine March 2010 Rector s Writ Winter is well past the half way mark, but while we re waiting for spring we re called to give our spiritual attention to the observance of a holy Lent. That observance may include giving up something we enjoy: sweets, red meat, alcohol, coffee, pop, and such. It might include taking on a discipline and setting aside daily time for prayer, Scripture study. It may involve that spooky business of examining our lives to see if we re living Gospel teachings, living in the light of Christ in an intentional way, and being vessels for God s love and grace to be made present in the lives of others. That self-examination we re called to may open a window for the Spirit to stir us and motivate us to move beyond inertia, indifference, or procrastination and just do it: pray, read Scriptures, visit and listen to someone s story, use those gifts we ve been afraid or too busy to use. After all the whole aim of these Lenten observances is to draw us into a deeper relationship with God. We find hope and meaning, not in what we turn away from or take on, but in the LORD we seek to know, love, and serve. Following are a few quotes or prayers that might be useful to keep in mind as we continue our Lenten journey. True, whole prayer is nothing but love. St. Augustine Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. Gandhi We must lay before (God) what is in us, not what ought to be in us. C.S. Lewis Our whole being by its very nature is one vast need; incomplete empty yet cluttered, crying out for God who can untie things that are now knotted together and tie up things that are still dangling loose. C.S. Lewis The first step toward finding God, who is Truth, is to discover the truth about myself: and if I have been in error, this first step to truth is the discovery of my error. T. Merton Save us in our soul s distress, Be our help to cheer and bless, While we grow in holiness: Hear us, holy Jesu. Thomas Pollock, The Church of Ireland Hymnal, #99 May the Lord bless you and strengthen you in keeping a faithful Lent.

2 Service and Lay Ministry Schedule If you cannot serve when scheduled, please find a substitute and call the parish office with that person s name. Thank you for sharing in the liturgical ministry of Grace Church. Sunday, March 7th 8:00 & 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 3 Lent Lay Reader Bette Brooks Greeters Judy Canan & Kay Canan Acolytes Taylor Paxton Altar Guild Cindy Hoskins & Nancy Lundgren Coffee Hosts 8:00 Joan & Frank Seman 10:00 Fred & Nancy Lundgren Counters Sue Ahrens & Cory Conway Loyalton Kathy Summy Sunday, March 21 8:00 & 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 5 Lent Lay Reader Maynard Evans Greeters John & Mary Jean McDonald Acolyte Eric Splinter & Paige Paxton Altar Guild Cindy Hoskins & Nancy Ervin Coffee Hosts 8:00 Pat Williams & Cindy Hoskins 10:00 Chris Stickle & Denise Crouse Counters Sue Ahrens & Cory Conway Loyalton Bill Snyder 1 st Reading Exodus 3:1-15 Roberta O Keefe (8:00 AM) Carolyn Engert Psalm Psalm 63:1-8 2 nd Reading I Corinthians 10:1-13 Jeff Croll Gospel Luke 13:1-9 Sunday, March 14th 8:00 & 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist 4 Lent Deacon The Rev. William Snyder Lay Reader Carolyn Englert Greeters Jim & Nancy Ervin Acolytes Phillip Crouse & McKenna Conway Altar Guild Cindy Hoskins & Nancy Lundgren Coffee Hosts 8:00 TBA 10:00 John & Mary Jean McDonald Counters Sue Ahrens & Cory Conway Deacon The Rev. William D. Snyder Lay Reader Roberta O Keefe Greeters Bev Lewis-Mercury & Jeff Marsh Acolyte Kevin Splinter Coffee Hosts 8:00 10:00 Toni & Tony Worthen Altar Guild Cindy Hoskins & Nancy Lundgren Counters Sue Ahrens & Cory Conway 1 st Reading Joshua 5:9-12 Cathy Mansor Psalm Psalm 32 2 nd Reading 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Steve Barna Gospel Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 1 st Reading Isaiah 43:16-21 Roberta O Keefe (8:00 AM) Brandon Higgins Psalm Psalm nd Reading Philippians 3:4b-14 Stephanie York Gospel John 12:1-8 Sunday, March 28 8:00 & 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist Palm Sunday 1 st Reading Isaiah 50:4-9a Martha Croll Psalm Psalm 31: nd Reading Philippians 2:5-11 Fred Lundgren Gospel Luke 22:14 23:56

3 Monday, March 29 Officiating The Rev. Carol Evans Tuesday, March 30 Officiating The Rev. Carol Evans 6:00 PM Evening Prayer 6:00 PM Evening Prayer Wednesday, March 31 Officiating The Rev. Carol Evans Deacon The Rev. William D. Snyder Lay Reader Carolyn Englert Greeters Fred & Nancy Lundgren Acolyte Eric Splinter Altar Guild Nancy Lundgren, Cindy Hoskins, & Shirley Johnson Counters Marcia Splinter & Tony Worthen Deacon The Rev. William D. Snyder Lay Reader Maynard Evans Greeters Judy Canan Acolyte Jenna Summy Altar Guild Nancy Lundgren, Cindy Hoskins, & Shirley Johnson Counters Marcia Splinter & Tony Worthen 6:00 PM Healing Service with Holy Eucharist Thursday, April 1 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday Officiating The Rev. Carol S. Evans Deacon The Rev. William D. Snyder Lay Reader Bette Brooks Greeters Mary Jean & John McDonald Acolyte Philip Crouse, Thurifer; Jenna, Eric, Kevin, McKenna, Taylor & Paige Altar Guild Nancy Lundgren, Shirley Johnson, & Cindy Hoskins Coffee Hosts 8:00 TBA 10:00 Nancy & Jim Ervin Counters Marcia Splinter & Tony Worthen Loyalton Kathy Summy 1 st Reading Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) Nancy Lundgren Psalm Psalm 116:1, nd Reading 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Tim Splinter Gospel John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Friday, April 2 7:00 PM Stations of the Cross & Good Friday Officiating The Rev. Carol Evans 1 st Reading Isaiah 52:13 53:12 Psalm Psalm 22 2 nd Reading Hebrews 10:16-25 Gospel John 18:1 19:42 Saturday, April 3 10:00 AM Holy Saturday Sunday, April 4 8:00 & 10:00 AM Festive Holy Eucharist Easter 1 st Reading Isaiah 65:17-25 Roberta O Keefe (8:00 AM) Steve Barna Psalm 118:1-2, nd Reading Acts 10:34-43 Cathy Mansor Gospel Luke 24:1-12

4 Did You Know?... The Youth Group did a wonderful job at the Mardi Gras Pancake Supper on Feb. 14th. They had a lot of help in the kitchen and Addrianne Conway got very creative with the pancakes, making them into hearts in honor of Valentine s Day. The youth waited on their guests, cleaned up, and decorated the parish hall in Mardi Gras colors, of purple, gold, and green. Thanks to the youth directors Chris Stickle and Denise Crouse for all their hard work and to the youth: Schyler, McKenna, and Jillian Conway; Nicki & Sammy Stickle, Jenna Summy; Taylor and Paige Paxton. Cooks included Addrianne Conway, Phillip Crouse, Brittany Canon, Kathy Summy, Chris Stickle. Denise Crouse and Nicki Stickle took the money at the door. Stacey Scibelli and Lisa Paxton manned the 50/50, table. Zack Scibelli was selling tickets to the guests. Who could refuse a cute little red headed boy when he asked if you wanted to buy a ticket. Not many. Bill Snyder won the 50/50 drawing Sue Ahrens is headed for Minnesota to be with her mother, brother and his family, to celebrate her mother s 90th birthday Marsha Barna spent some time in Columbus with her children and grandson Judy Canan had foot surgery and daughter-in-law Kay took very good care of her; just like she always does. Just ask Judy Kay Canan is finding it very difficult enjoying her daughter Julie s new pet---a dog. The dog isn t enjoying their cat s company very much, so they have to spend time keeping the pets apart. The cat has the upstairs and the dog the downstairs. And never the twain shell meet!! Nick Frieden looked really nice Sunday, February 14th, Valentine s Day. He was sporting his best suit and carrying a single rose; all for his best girl Emily Summy. That was so nice of him!... Chris Stickle and Denise Crouse headed up the Fishes and Loaves program and they along with Nicki Stickle served lunch to those less fortunate on that Saturday at the Methodist Church in Ravenna Jim Ervin has been doing a stellar job keeping the snow off the driveways and sidewalks here at Grace. He s been at the church almost every morning, and sometime even later in the day, throughout these winter storms, and he s given the snow blower a real workout. Thanks Jim, the clean parking lots are really nice when you come to work!!... Reba Cook will host the Vestry Retreat at her home on March 6th. Thanks Reba for your hospitality and generosity. The Vestry is looking forward to a very busy and productive retreat Johnnie & Irene Machisko are headed to Florida for a month. They love their time away, but they also enjoy coming back home Gordon Thompson surprised the choir (and everyone in church) when he showed up for church on Feb. 21st. When he came into the choir room he was asked if he d like to sing and of course he did. It s a good thing that it was an anthem he knew. He was heard to say that you don t get a reception like that everywhere you go. We were all thrilled to see him after his move back to New Jersey. He was back in the Ohio to visit with college friends at Kent State University and of course to attend service at Grace We had a note from Phyllis Shorts and she and Bill are keeping themselves busy and doing well in Florida. They were back in snowy Ohio to attend the wedding and also a baby shower for their grandson, Will and his wife two very special occasions. She also sent pictures of their granddaughter Heather s wedding and the pictures are posted on the bulletin board in the parish hall. Heather was a lovely bride, check it out. Please pray for good results for Bill s fourth eye surgery Bonnie and Blake Quay are back from Florida and we re glad they re home. They are empty nesters (again) as daughter Kim moved to be closer to her job. We hope they will be in the area for awhile Marsha & Bill Snyder are headed for Dayton to see their granddaughter Ellie perform in her school s talent show. Ellie enjoys singing Ron Postlethwaite isn t the only one at Grace Church with a Hummer, the Worthens bought one too. They needed a car that could handle the snowy Ohio roads better. Driving in our Ohio winters isn t anything like driving in the winter in Georgia, is it?... Game Night was held at Sue Ahrens home and everyone had a great time. They hope that more people join them for the next Game Night on March 13th.

5 On the Horizon Saturday, March 13th Fellowship & Game Night 6:30 pm Back to the Parish Hall this month. If March is a bit too busy, we re open to feedback about possibly skipping a month and coming back at it in the spring. Sunday, March 21th Acolyte Training After 10m Service Time for a refresher course for EVERYBODY and to get organized and ready for Easter morning service. Saturday, April 10th Fellowship & Game Night 6:30 pm We ll be in the Parish Hall...unless we aren t...then we ll tell you otherwise. Saturday, May 1st Garrettsville Community Garage Sale Day We ll be returning to Splinter s driveway for this year to participate in Garrettsville s MASSIVE community garage sale day of madness. Saturday, May 8th Mother s Day Flower Sale Many hands will be needed and presale and preorder is a necessity for this one. Lenten Program Wednesdays in Lent February 24 th - March 24th 6:00 6:30pm Soup & Fellowship 6:30 7:15 Program & Discussion 7:15 Compline Holy Week & Easter Services Sunday, March 28th Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday & Holy Eucharist 8 & 10am Monday, March 29th 6pm Evening Prayer Tuesday, March 30th 6pm Evening Prayer Wednesday, March 31st 6pm Healing & Holy Eucharist Maundy Thursday, April 1st 7pm Maundy Thursday & Stripping of the Altar 10pm to 7am Prayer Vigil Good Friday, April 10th 7pm Stations of the Cross & Good Friday Liturgy Holy Saturday, April 11th 10am Holy Saturday Easter Sunday, April 12th Festive Easter Eucharist 8 & 10am

6 Fathers (and Mothers) and Friends By Bette Brooks They lived not only in ages past; there are hundreds of thousands still. The world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus' will. Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador March 24 Oscar Romero was born August 15, 1917, to a poor family in El Salvador. He was educated through grade three in the public school (the only public education offered) and was privately tutored until he was twelve or thirteen. Although he showed remarkable academic aptitude, his father insisted that he learn a skill such as carpentry since academic success seldom led to employment. However, it was clear, even in his youth, that he was leaning toward the Catholic priesthood. While studying in Rome in 1942, he was ordained priest and decided to remain there to earn a doctoral degree in theology. The following year, however, before completion of his studies, he was called home by his bishop because of Italy s Fascism. His itinerary led him through Cuba where he was interned for having come from Mussolini s Italy. After several months imprisonment, he was released and allowed to finally return to El Salvador. Romero worked as a parish priest for over 20 years, developing a reputation for his ability to work with the poor in the vast slums of San Salvador. He also became the rector of the interdiocesan seminary. However, his appointment as auxiliary bishop in 1970, as Bishop (1975), and especially as Archbishop in 1977 was met with surprise, dismay, and in some quarters incredulity. The government was pleased because he was considered quite conservative; many priests were upset because their own liberal leanings had been ignored by the appointment and they feared reprisals for their liberation theology with its strong commitment to the poor. Less than 3 weeks after Romero s appointment, his friend the Rev. Rutilio Grande, a progressive Jesuit priest, was gunned down by one of the government s death squads because of his work in the poor sections of the city. His death had a profound impact on Romero. If they have killed him for doing what he did, then I too have to walk the same path. He urged that the government investigate the assassination, a request that was ignored. Romero responded with a radicalism that surprised his clergy. He spoke out against poverty, social injustice, assassination, torture and his work began to be recognized internationally. In 1979, the Revolutionary Government Junta came to power amid a wave of human rights abuses by the paramilitary right-wing groups and the government. Romero criticized the United States for supporting the new government and begged President Carter to reduce its military support for the regime. However, America was afraid that El Salvador would become another Nicaragua and therefore less businessfriendly; we did nothing. On March 24, 1980, Archbishop Romero was assassinated while elevating the Host during the Eucharist. His murder galvanized the international community. No longer could Americans and others turn a deaf ear to the cries for justice in El Salvador. His funeral mass was attended by a quarter million people and was the scene of a violent confrontation, probably engineered by the Junta, during which approximately 50 mourners were shot by snipers after a bomb exploded in the square outside the cathedral. The service and burial in the crypt continued amid the sounds of gunfire outside. Today, Romero is remembered as a man who saw injustice to an entire population and sought to right it, initially within the parameters of his government s approval and, failing that, in strong confrontation to their reign of death and terror. And he is not the only martyr in El Salvador s struggle, merely its best known. A statue of Romero is displayed in Washington National Cathedral and another fills a prominent niche on the western façade of Westminster Abbey in the gallery of 20 th century martyrs. Prayer: Almighty God, You called Your servant Oscar Romero to be a voice for the voiceless poor, and to give his life as a seed of freedom and a sign of hope: Grant that, inspired by his sacrifice and the example of the martyrs of El Salvador, we may without fear or favor witness to Your Word who abides, Your Word who is Life, even Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom, with You and the Holy Spirit, be praise and glory now and forever. Amen

7 The Bulletin Board Acolytes Schedule Check these dates before we publish next month: 4/11 Schyler & Kevin 4/18 Taylor 4/25 Jenna The Fundraisers could use donations for the following: Money or supplies for making Easter Candy Ribbons, baskets & moss for the flower sale Garage sale items Large Tent (10x20 or larger) with sides for outdoor sales, or money toward the purchase Bill Artz of Marshall s and Majestic Dry Cleaning sent the parish a letter which included the following I have been praying for a way to make my business prosper as well as further the Kingdom of God. An idea came to me. If your congregation would bring their dry cleaning to us...once a month, bring all the receipts to Marshall s...we would Tithe [your] church 10% of the total. To that end, please give any receipts from Marshall s Dry-cleaning to Marsha Snyder for handling. Mike & Shirley Johnson have an electric lift chair available and they will deliver. Pat Williams has a free scanner, please contact her if you re interested in a scanner for your computer.

8 March The Grace Vine Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat 3 Lent 8am HE 9am Coffee 9:45 Ch. Ed. 10am HE 11:15 Coffee 4 Lent 8am HE 9am Coffee 9:45 Ch. Ed. 10am HE 11:15 Coffee 5 Lent 8am HE 9am Coffee 9:45 Ch. Ed. 10am HE 11:15 Coffee 28 Palm Sunday 8am HE 9am Coffee 9:45 Ch. Ed. 10am HE 11:15 Coffee pm Exercise Class 7pm MAC Mtg at St Paul s Akron pm Evening Prayer 2-4pm Sit & Stitch 6-7pm Exercise Class 7pm Vestry Meeting 6-7pm Exercise Class 2-4pm Sit & Stitch 6-7pm Exercise Class 30 6pm Evening Prayer 6-7pm Exercise Class Gracie s Back Door 5:30pm Healing Service 6pm Lenten Soup Supper and Study Gracie s Back Door 6pm Lenten Soup Supper and Study Gracie s Back Door 6pm Lenten Soup Supper and Study Gracie s Back Door 6pm Lenten Soup Supper and Study Gracie s Back Door 6pm Lenten Soup Supper and Study pm Choir Practice 7pm Choir Practice 8am Retired Men s Breakfast, Brimfield Steak House 7pm Choir Practice 25 7pm Choir Practice County Clothing Center 9am 3pm Vestry Retreat :30pm Fellowship & Game Night

9 Congratulations! and many happy returns... Birthdays 1st Bette Brooks 3rd Amelia Golec 6th Sally Wolf Langan 10th Eli Stover 14th Amanda Brooks Beverly Brooks 15th Sammy Vanderpool 22nd George Furrer Dutch Shriver Rodney Stickle 26th Ken Boydell Anniversaries 29th Dennis & Sally Dier Baptisms 11th Beth Dier 18th Joan Seman 21st Bill Shorts Sr. 24th Michael Williams 25th Mary Jean McDonald 26th Bernice McCauslin 31st Kay Canan Easter Music & Flowers Contributions for Easter & Music may be made by using this form. A musician will be hired and we will adorn the altar with lilies, hyacinths, and tulips. The suggest contribution is $ I would like to contribute to Easter music I would like to contribute to Easter flowers In memory of: In thanksgiving for: Given by:

10 Grace Episcopal Church of Ravenna The Rev. Carol Evans Rector The Rev. William Snyder Marsha Snyder Secretary Mary Ann Switz Organist/Choirmaster Phone: Web Site: The Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church Marcia Splinter (2010) Roberta O Keefe (2010) Clerk Fred Lundgren (2010) Tony Worthen (2011) Reba Cook (2011) Alice Boydell (2011) Cory Conway (2012) Sue Ahrens (2012) Joan Seman (2012) If you would like to take advantage of this, send me an at grwebmaster@graceravenna.org. Please consider carefully, however. We would rather make the paper copy and have it read than save the paper and postage and have it go unread. Thank you. The Grace Vine is now available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file on the church web site. If you would like, you can start retrieving it from there, rather than having a paper copy at the back of the church or in the mail. You would receive an notifying you when the issue ready and linking to it so you don t get a huge in your inbox. Get your Grace Vine electronically! Grace Episcopal Church 250 W. Cedar St. Ravenna OH 44266