News
May 2024
GRACE NOTES
Our Mission: “To Nurture our Members and Feed our Neighbors”
Grace Church Ministry/Organizational Tree
Vestry
Tom Dornbusch, Sr. Warden tom.dornbusch@gmail.com
Deb Landin, Jr. Warden squawkamole@yahoo.com
Don Stump, Clerk astump@zoominternet.net
Larry VonBlon, Treasurer Vbx4@embarqmail.com
Jennifer Blue jenniferpotterblue@gmail.com
Eleanor Dixon-Wade edixonwade@gmail.com
Margaret Ransom mransom65@gmail.com
Jason Whitehead manwhitehead@aol.com
Terri Winnick winnick3@osu.edu
Aaron Zhu aaronzhu@citicx.com
Ministry Teams
Worship Tom Dornbusch, Karen Davis
Christian Formation Jennifer Blue, Tom Dornbusch
Communication Pamela Henney
Outreach
Pastoral Care Tom Dornbusch, Jennifer Blue
Hospitality Deb Landin, Joanne Mudra
Building & Security Deb Landin, Dick Vogus
Administration Larry Von Blon
Staff
Pam Armstrong Office Administrator
gracechurch41@yahoo.com
Lori Turner Director of Music
davidhcrane@bright.net
Michael Blue Sexton
mtblue1958@gmail.com
Aaron Zhu Social Media Coordinator
aaronzhu@citicx.com
The Rev. Daniel Orr Pantry Director danielorr@zoho.com
From The Warden’s Desk
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure”-Proverbs 4:25-26
I was talking with a friend the other day who told me we are in a strange time again. Jesus has risen and now we wait until Pentecost. This is a time when we now know the rest of story after Jesus’ death and resurrection, but we wait for his coming again. However, we don’t know when he will return. It is very similar to our situation now. We know Joe has left and we don’t know when we will have our next rector. The future seems scary, fearing the unknown of what is to come for Grace.
We do have certain answers. This past week I met with Canon Jessie Gutsell Dodson along with the Senior Warden from St. Mark’s Shelby to explore ways in which St. Mark’s- Shelby, St. Matthew’s-Ashland, and Grace can work together to provide a shared ministry to our mission area. This would be a triad ministry in which we would collaborate by sharing rectors, writing bulletins for those who do not have a secretary, and maybe even a shared ministry to our communities. This triad relationship seeks what we are called to as Christ’s beloved and that is to share in community with one another. This is ongoing and will continue to develop and evolve as we go into this new adventure together.
Much the same is the new adventure for our confirmands and recipients. Congratulations to Michael Blue, Jennifer Blue, Reagan Dove, Pamela Henney, Matthew Mosier-Miller, Amanda Mosier-Miller, and Stephen Myers. These individuals have affirmed their faith in Christ Jesus and have taken the next step in their faith journey walking with Christ. We must also not forget to keep our eyes looking forward and trust God’s path for us, taking it one step at a time. Just as Emily Dickinson said, “One step at a time is all it takes to get you there.”
Know that we are not alone. The Diocese is working tremendously hard to provide a vision for our future ministries. Your vestry is also working hard in the meantime to ensure what is best for our congregation is being put first. Our diocesan staff are focused on this mission area and want us to be successful. In the end, Grace will still be Grace. We will still be the congregation we are, opening and accepting to all persons. We may not know exactly where we are going but we do know where we have been, who we are as Christ’s beloved, and what we stand for which goes back to our baptismal covenant: respecting the dignity of all persons and loving our neighbor as ourselves. May you find peace in this affirmation and enjoy this Easter season.
Peace,
Tom Dornbusch
WELCOME perfect SEVEN!
It was so moving to see seven of you all join Grace April 13.Seven is the number of completion in our faith. I think we should refer to each of you as one of the Perfect Seven. Your faith and commitment even while Grace is in transition felt especially strong.
At the service April 13th there were four priests present, Bishop Anne and Cannon Jessie. But still I felt as though there was an absence, a hole about the size of Fr Joe's presence. All details were taken care of so well by wardens, former wardens, altar guild, choir and others, yet "life is changed, not ended," as we say in the Book of Common Prayer. We miss you Fr. J!
Peace,
Daniel+
Meet the Vestry
Deb Landin
In what seems to be a running theme with many of our congregants, Junior Warden Deb Landin, Episcopal since her marriage to Paul, was asked by a friend Doris Williams to “come to [Grace] church with me” which she did and has been a part of the church ever since.[In writing these bios and visiting after church, I am finding many people have this come once and stay experience with Grace Church]
Serving her second term as Junior Warden, Deb enjoys the varied traditions of Grace Church, although she now prefers the silence of the 8 a.m. service, which does not bother her tinnitus as much. “I like the structure and love how all the reactors put their personal feelings into the sermons.”
In her job as second warden, Deb has used her previous contacts and field construction work to help organize the new parking lot and the new roof in her first term. Now, the job includes the undercroft project, as well as finding a new rector.
She is pleased to help Tom Dornbusch in leading the vestry. “Tom is doing a fantastic job!” I can fix things and deal with contracts,” and is drawn to help in the pantry, but “I’m still figuring it all out.”
Her vision of Grace Church focuses on growth of the congregation “including more children,” who she enjoys hearing play in the new soft play section in back of the congregation. She also hopes the undercroft project can be accomplished in such a way that the congregation can continue to use it for dinners and so forth, as well as the pantry.
When asked about her joys and concerns for Grace Church, she revealed a strong faith. “I’ve no concerns. I believe all will come about when we least expect it. Everything’s going to be okay.” As for the new rector, “if someone loves God and can work within our outreach and mission, I welcome them.”
When not helping out at church, Deb is passionate about her vocation as a wildlife rehabber. This summer, though, she is convincing herself not to work 7 days a week. We will see… Other hobbies include knitting and walking. Aside from her husband of 35 years, Paul, she has a daughter, a son and a stepson, plus 4 grandchildren. (Did you know - Claim to fame? Her step-daughter-in-law is Samantha Gibb, daughter of Maurice Gibb of the BeeGees).
Tanzania Mission
In November a group will travel from the Diocese of Ohio to join the Diocese of Tanga, Tanzania, on their annual pilgrimage (Safari Msalaba - Journey of the Cross). This year Tanga Diocese celebrates one of their early Bishops, Frank Weston, who died 100 years ago.
The walk will start November 6 in the East Usambara Mountains at a pool of water where he and Jesus healed a person. The Safari Msalaba will end in Magilla, Sunday November 17 at a convent founded in penance for slavery.
If you have interest in joining the trip, talk to Fr Daniel, who will take the third month of his sabbatical to go - 419 377-2733. If you serve on the altar guild and have liturgical items to send, WONDERFUL. Bp Weston was, and still today the Diocese is very high church. If you can't go on the trip, but could be on the planning committee, you could be a valuable link. Call Fr Daniel - 419 377-2733.
Please add the trip and the partnership to your prayers, thank you.
Daniel+
EASTER BIBLE STUDY
Join Us For Noon Friday Brown Bag Bible Study!
We are exploring Amos & Hosea - Boundaries, Tough Love, Amazing Grace.
This study challenges study groups to join the prophets in being boundary-crossers; to cross the boundary between religion and politics, or that boundary between "us" and "them." Amos’ and Hosea’s message is surely relevant for a society such as ours, divided on issues of theology, politics, economics, government, and morality. We need to hear about God’s tough love and amazing grace which are extended by the Lord to a people who have often broken the divine heart.
All are welcome to attend. Let us learn and grow together as we make this Easter journey. If you have any questions or need more information, please reach out to Jenny Blue at 419-612-6813 or email jenniferpotterblue@gmail.com
Please commit to helping out once a month joining a team to bring snacks to share after 8 and 10 a.m. services. Sign up on the bulletin board. No need for breakfast feasts; keep it simple!
Everyone welcome!
Tuesday, May 28
4:30 p.m.
Olive Garden
BOOK CLUB!
First Tuesdays at 6 p.m. September - June
Due to cancellation for storms in April, on May 7 we will discuss both the April book Horse and the May book Finding Dorothy
Also bring ideas for a book and a restaurant for our June meeting.
New York Times bestselling non-fiction author Elizabeth Letts journeys into the lives of Frank and Maud Baum to show the love, loss, inspiration, and perseverance found in America’s heartland that features in Baum’s popular The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its transition to the 1938 Hollywood stage. In a backstage fraught with controversy, and nearly 20 years after her husband’s passing, Maud Baum is the only one left who knows Dorothy’s secrets, attempting to protect both the real Dorothy and the young girl who plays her.
Visit Our Facebook Site
Visiting our Facebook site will help direct more people to our Grace Church main website. With our upcoming website redesign, we will
need that increased traffic.
OUTREACH
Notes from the Food Pantry
Undercroft - we are reviewing our preliminary drawings from Dan Seckel (who is retiring) with other architects and contractors. We are beginning to explore removing paneling in the back hall. Wardens, Joanne and Daniel talk each Monday at 8 am. Thoughts? Questions? Contributions? talk to one of us. Vestry will have some communication soon. And ...
Nelson Shogren, organizer of Pantry Pedals for Grace Pantry, shows off some of the bikes.
. Would you like to sponsor a pantry. We are offering 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of each month as opportunities for you to sponsor an evening pantry in honor of someone, or in celebration of something. Do you have a milestone anniversary, birthday, reunion, graduation, birth? Would you like to honor someone special in your life? This is a unique opportunity to celebrate in a way that can be tailored to the person/people being Unlike most parties, there is a lasting benefit for all who participate. We ask for a minimum contribution of $200 for the Undercroft Project. You may come with volunteers, or not. You may decorate, or not. You may purchase a segment of demolition, or not. You may come in costume, or not. Would you please spread this offer on social media, to your neighbors, and in your circles of work/volunteering, etc.
Bishop Anne Jolly and Levi Dornbusch bless a donation of new locks for the Pantry Pedals Project.
Our first sponsored pantry is likely to be sponsored by Kelly Neef and Dr. Chris Yohn in celebration of their wedding (which was AT Grace last year.) By the way, Dr. Chris has our neighbor 5 Points Primary care coming to the pantry twice a month for confidential testing.
Pantry volunteers Kelly and Ladarius just had TWINSSNIWT!
Not only that, they named their children after long-term volunteers - Jamery and his partner Deana!! (Someone want to sponsor a pantry in their honor?) God bless these new parents and two little ones.
Thank You Mike for our new rolling counters! (Someone want to sponsor a pantry in his, or in Perfect Sevens' honor?)
Thank You JPB for regular Facebook posting FOR FREE! (Someone want to sponsor a pantry in their honor?)
Richland County Fnd. donated $1000 to Pantry Pedals for Bike locks. Laverne at Evergreen Cycles refused to charge anything more than cost, and even got a further discount from his supplier. . . SO Bp. Anne blessed 80 U-locks with Levi's help. (Someone want to sponsor a pantry in their honor?)
Peace, Daniel+