Let’s Get to Know the Pliskas ~ by Dave Rubin

In each issue of Grace to You, we highlight one of our parish families. Let’s visit with a couple who attend the 9:45 Service,

Hank and Sharyn Pliska.

Sharyn is quite active here at Grace. She sings with the Choir of Grace and is also the Choir Music Organizer.

She is a Reader at the 9:45 Service and volunteers in the church office, where one of her responsibilities is

copying the Sunday sermon to the church website. She is a member of the ECW, creates silk arrangements

for the Bazaar, and bakes the delicious Communion loaves we share on special Sundays. Originally from

Waterbury, Connecticut, Sharyn attended John F. Kennedy High School and, after graduation, became a

homemaker until her son was old enough to enter first grade. At that time, she took a job as a dispatcher

for the first cable company in central Connecticut. Next, she entered the field of Direct Marketing where

she rose through the ranks to become a Client Service Manager. Her final employment was as an Office

Administrator from 2009 until 2012, at which time she and Hank retired to Florida. Sharyn currently

works part-time as a Realtor Assistant at Fontana Realty and in what little spare time she has, enjoys

aerobics, playing tennis and daily walks, does calligraphy and writes poetry, is a member of the Ocala

Palms Bowling League and also sings with and serves as Librarian for the Marion Civic Chorale.

Hank is also a Connecticuter. Born in New Britain, Connecticut, his first job was teaching history. He

changed careers and was employed as a materials manager for 3 different companies, one of which had

him relocate to Michigan so he had to commute by plane to be with his family for 18 months! Having had

enough of that, Hank worked for 3 years at a forging company (metals, not currency) and then became a

security guard at ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, where he met many interesting and famous

individuals. He loves cooking and gardening, does all the grocery shopping and landscaping at their house, and is also practicing his golf

swing to resume the game he loves. He’s also looking for a good fishing hole!

Hank and Sharyn met through work and were married in 1983. Although Sharyn was raised Baptist and Hank Roman Catholic, they became

Episcopalians and were married in the Episcopal Church. Hank brought 4 children into the marriage, a son and daughter that live in Connecti-

cut and two daughters that live in North Carolina; and Sharyn has 2 more: a son, Erik, who is a nurse in New York and a daughter, Lisa, who

is a school secretary in Connecticut. They have a total of 13 grandchildren, ranging in age from 8 to 29. They have no pets, but are contem-

plating acquiring a dog.

While still employed, Hank and Sharyn had looked in the Punta Gorda area for a retirement home; but decided that the danger from

hurricanes was too great in that coastal community. Having friends in The Villages, they decided that the Ocala area was perfect for them.

They searched the Internet for Episcopal churches and found Grace by our website. After visiting a few other churches, they came to Grace

where they were first greeted by the Heitmans. Not only did they consider Grace the closest to their former church in Connecticut, they

immediately felt at home here and Hank, who had grown dissatisfied with the Church, had a spiritual awakening here…they both consider

Grace to be the ideal place to continue their spiritual journey. So in October, 2012, they became members.

That’s the story of the Pliskas. Now that you know a little more about Hank and Sharyn, be sure to greet them when you see them in church or

around town!

Lana McGinley

Lise Kent, Sponsor

Lisa San Ly

Karla & Jody Wilson, Sponsors

Zedeena Emani Fisher

Mary Delancey, Wendy Gordon, Lynn Nobles

Joe & Suzanne Bryant, Sponsors

Roy Livingston Rolle, IV

Son of Julia & Roy Livingston Rolle III

Rana & Tristan Van Voorhis, Godparents

Ryan David Kutz

Son of Scott & Susan Kutz

Eric Kutz & Tina Garzia, Godparents

Ellie Harper Luckey

Daughter of Ashlie & John Cameron Luckey

Michelle Spottswood & Brian King, Godparents

Welcoming the Newly Baptized!

Baptisms took place Easter Day, April 20th and April 27th.

Grace Episcopal Church Welcomes The Right Reverend & Mrs. Gregory O. Brewer

Bishop Gregory & Laura Lee Brewer

Mrs. Brewer in one of her elegant trademark hats.

Several ladies at Grace also wore hats in Mrs. Brewer’s honor.

Confirmation Class of 2014 ~ by Chester Trow

We are happy to announce that our 2014 Confirmation Class was a great success. The class is a very diverse group of inquiring minds

seeking to discern God’s plan for their lives. We had twelve students ranging in age from 13 to 69, four were men and eight women, three

were from Catholic traditions, one is a recent convert, one was a Lutheran, two were from Baptist traditions, and the remaining five were of

Episcopal backgrounds. They are all excited about their public confession of faith, their personal undertaking of their Baptismal vows, and

their formal admission as members of our parish. We pray for their continued growth in the faith.

Members of the Confirmation Class met for six weeks under the direction of Mr. Chester Trow.

Just prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation or Reception, the candidates met with Bishop Brewer to review procedures.

Members of the congregation were honored to welcome Bishop Greg and Laura Lee to the Parish House Sunday, April 27 th. Bishop Brewer

addressed those present for an informal discussion and opportunity to ask questions. The Bishop then preached and celebrated at the 9:45

Service in addition to performing one Baptism, ten Confirmations and two Receptions. Following the service a reception was held honoring

the Confirmands and newly Received in the Parish House.

Jeremiah & Heather Hetzel

Thomas Andersen

With his sister Kirstine Andersen.

Micah French

Zedeena Fisher

With Joseph & Suzanne Bryant and Dominique Smitherman.

Congratulations to the Confirmands

who have renewed their commitment to

Christ.

Emily Ayres

With Mike & Ruby Parker, Stephen Ayres, Jan & Fred Ward.

Dianna La Beur & Joan Canzoneri

With Dave La Beur & Mike Canzoneri.

Lise Kent

With Richard Kent.

Amy Robertson

With Joe Robertson & Nancy Armstrong. Andrew Runyon

With Rebecca Anderson & Bethany Anderson.

Lisa Ly

With Julia, Karla & Jody Wilson.

We congratulate those Confirmed or

Received into this communion.

All Glory, Laud, and Honor To Thee, Redeemer King!

Palm Sunday Procession

Chalice Ministers Joe Morgan,

Karen Kudia & Deacon Mike Anderson.

The procession began at the corner of Watula Avenue

& Fort King Street…...

…..and headed east to Tuscawilla Avenue as members of

the congregation, singing and waving palm branches,

joined in all along the route…..

…..everyone then continued to sing hymns

throughout the entire route leading back down

Broadway and into the church, following the cross

recalling Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. …..and on around the block past the Butterfly Garden

onto Broadway Street and to the Lively House steps for

the reading of the Gospel …..

Following the Maundy Thursday service, once the altar has

been stripped and all symbols, hangings and evidence of the

Holy Sacrament have been removed, the church is plunged into

darkness. Only the faint light above the center crucifix is left

burning as the congregation leaves the sanctuary in silence.

Thus begins the Overnight Vigil. Throughout the dark night

until the morning of Good Friday, church members take turns

keeping watch in silent prayer. All that remains is a crown of

thorns which has been placed on the altar. Resting among the

thorns is an empty paten and an empty chalice.

Very early Sunday morning, before sunrise, another Vigil

has been prepared. This is the Easter Vigil! The scent of

lilies is evident in the darkened church and a faint light

shines from above the center crucifix as it has done all

weekend. Deacon Mary stands near the altar where

hangings and flowers, and other sacred symbols of our

Lord Jesus Christ begin to be evident. Soon she and the

other clergy and members of the procession will enter the

still darkened sanctuary. She will carry the lighted Paschal

Candle, chanting “The Light of Christ” as she lights the

hand held candles of the congregation who chant back

“Thanks Be To God”! Morning sunlight also brightens the

church and more candles are lit and Easter is celebrated!

Alleluia! Christ Is Risen! Alleluia!

~ ~ ~ HE IS RISEN! ~ ~ ~

Alexis Ashley decorates the Easter Cross with fresh flowers.

Deacon Mary Delancey

& Fr. Jonathan.

Chester Trow, Deacon Mike Anderson & Frank Blasucci.

Acolytes Alex Johnson, Preston Stephens,

James Rubin & Dave Rubin, Verger.

Ayden Ginder places a Lenten Mite Box

into the miniature Grace Church. Ryan Ashley brought his Mite Box

to add to the Easter offering.

~ ~ ~ THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED! ~ ~ ~

Greg & Stephanie Harrell

Walker & Shealy

Bobby Berryman, Cindy Bush

& Bobbie Jean Bush.

Kirstine, Laurel & Thomas

Andersen.

Ann Anderson greeted everyone

between services with traditional

Hot Crossed Buns.

Alex & Scott Johnson

Samantha & Angela

Josh, River & Sophia Head

Lunch with the Rector

Father Jonathan enjoys having

fellowship with Grace’s

parishioners by meeting them for

lunch at a local restaurant. If you

would like to get to know your

priest better, call the church office

at (352) 622-7881 to schedule a

lunch date.

Grace Family,

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

This simple, yet profound statement is why Grace Episcopal Church exists. We are here as an ancient faith for modern times to bring glory

to Christ. When Jesus rose from the dead, there was every reason to rejoice and we continue by adding our voices in that profound

exclamation.

However, it may seem, particularly after an undertaking like the capital campaign, that we aren't worshiping the Lord so much as paying for

the campus. Some may say, "Well, you 'say' you care about the community, but all your do is raise money for yourself." And, it's true. We

spend a lot of time focusing on ourselves and our ministries here. So the question is a valid one: why does Grace Episcopal Church exist?

To serve itself or those in need?

So, for clarity, let me emphatically state: Grace exists to reach out to and care for those here and those not yet here in the name of Jesus

Christ. This means we exist to reach inwardly to those already a part of the Kingdom of God here AND to those who are in need of Jesus'

saving touch. That touch could be in a physical way like the outreach to the group homes, or an emotional touch like those who use the

Grace Clinic Christian Counseling or a spiritual touch for those who are blessed by one of the major outreaches we've led. Even now we are

planning a major outreach in the Fall to help Christian parents in Ocala raise their children in the church.

Additionally, capital campaign is a part of that outreach when it improves our campus so that we can use it

for these outreaches and/or those who come looking for hope and life. When they see we are a people who

take stewardship of God's creation seriously they learn a lot about who we are and why. In a direct way, it's

evangelism to the world when we put our money where our mouth is.

Please continue to pray for the outreach of Grace. It's why we are here and how we will continue to join

Jesus Christ as he builds his Kingdom in Ocala. And don't forget:

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!!!

With you on the journey,

Fr. Jonathan +

Capital Campaign Update ~ by Barbara Trow

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your generosity has surpassed expectations. As of this writing, 145 Grace members and friends have

donated or pledged donations totaling $540,000 to the Honoring the Past, Enhancing the Present, Securing the Future campaign.

It was a pleasure for me to become better acquainted with many of you during this process.

I know that your decisions were made prayerfully, with faith in the Lord and trust in Grace’s

leadership. I was very touched by your generosity and your kindness, and I felt a real spirit

of community as we worked toward our common goal of improving and preserving our

place of worship.

Now, I ask your prayers for our Vestry and Church leadership as they begin to implement

repairs and renovations to enhance, preserve and protect our Church home. It’s an exciting

time in the life of Grace Episcopal Church!

Three’s a Charm ~ by Wayne Taylor

Now that the fund raising phase of capital campaign has been very successfully completed, it’s time to move forward to the exciting

improvements planned for Grace Episcopal Church. Three projects are in the works at the present time. The first

project is installing protective tempered glass covers over the church’s 28 stained glass windows, and the second

project is replacing the sound system in the Sanctuary and Parish House. The third and most dramatic project is

the re-design of the Parish House vestibule and lighting upgrades.

We have great news to report on the stained glass window project. We have received the third estimate on the

preventive maintenance required to preserve the windows. After a thorough inspection of the windows by the third

expert, it was concluded that the windows are generally in very good shape and only a basic cleaning will be

required prior to installing the tempered glass covers. Truly the third estimate was a charm as it protects the

integrity of the windows and contains the overall project cost.

To date, two bids have been received on the sound system project. A third bid will be entertained later this month,

including additional meetings with the sound vendors prior to a decision and contract award.

The Parish Hall vestibule re-design is well underway. The architectural firm is scheduled to deliver the first set of

drawings for review in late April.

These are exciting times at Grace, and we continue to seek God’s guidance as we move forward with these projects.

A dark and dingy vestibule, welcoming to no one.

The sunlight is where it always is...outside.

The bulletin board stays hidden behind a door.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry ~ by Martha Jane Singeltary

The Prayer Shawl Ministry would like to thank those who have been so kind and thoughtful in donating yarn and funds for supplies. They are

both greatly appreciated and a tremendous aid for us in our endeavors. We will not have regular

meetings during the summer months, but will continue to make our shawls, lap robes and baby

blankets. So far this year we have blessed others with six prayer shawls, three lap robes, and one

baby blanket. Deacon Mary Delancey has been a wonderful help in seeing that the shawls,

robes and blankets are distributed appropriately.

This continues to be a very rewarding ministry, and we welcome anyone who likes to knit or

crochet to join us. Much of our work is done at home and patterns and yarn are supplied. For

more information, please call Martha Jane Singeltary at 352-629-6057.

Please let the Prayer Shawl Ministry know if you have a friend, neighbor or family

member who might enjoy a shawl or lap robe. Is a new baby expected soon by a loved

one? Let us provide a soft and lovingly made baby blanket .

This beautiful little girl is Rya Van Voorhis

daughter of Tristan & Rana Van Voorhis

and granddaughter of Roy & Louise Rolle, Jr.

Our Prayers Go With Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson, pictured here with his wife Alex and daughters

Samantha and Angela is soon to be deployed. We send our

prayers and our thanks for Scott’s service to our country. Bishop Greg Brewer offers a special

blessing upon Scott and his family during

the 9:45 Service April 27th.

A Thank You From the VPK for Their

Many Blessings!

The Grace VPK Team thanks the many church members

who have given so generously to support this ministry for

the thirty-two little lambs of God and their families.

Your gifts and prayers have been greatly appreciated!

This year we have been especially blessed by the gifts of

four very special members. Please come and see the labors

of their love! Lise Kent’s classroom has a beautiful mural

of lambs in a meadow painted by Grace’s artist, Patti Gilman.

Morgan Kraan shared his woodworking talents by constructing a

multi-use stage/deck on the school playground and building a custom

bookcase for our library. He also moved the existing shelves to house our video

collection. Our computer “lab” will have another computer soon

thanks to the generosity of Gary and Eleanor Simon. God’s

incredible goodness shines through these wonderful people!

Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude, thankfulness, and blessings!

Shirley Webb, Barbara Moore, Lise Kent, Anissa Cunjie, Lana McGinley, and Caroline Pearson

Learn! Make Friends! Play!

At Grace VPK, This is What We Do!

The Gift of Music Reaches Beyond The Church Walls

Grace Family,

What a joy to share in the gifts God has given us! The music program here at Grace Episcopal Church is quickly becoming a natural way for

many of us to share our unique gifts. Our choir members all have different interests and skill sets, but when we come together to make music

it becomes clear that God has brought us together to create something greater than the sum of our parts.

One of the ways that God is moving in our midst is through Kirstine Andersen's ministry to her friends at Westport High School. About a

month ago, Kirstine formed a choir of about 16 students and taught them a gorgeous a capella piece she sang at the Royal School of Church

Music camp in Newport, Rhode Island, where we sent her and Eliana French last summer. Over the last few weeks, she's been preparing them

by teaching them other music that we sing here at Grace. By the time this newsletter launches, you will have already heard this choir lead our

worship service on May 4th. Take a moment and thank our God for doing such a work among us.

Lastly, I'm pleased to announce a partnership with the choir of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church here in Ocala. At the end of June we'll be

coming together to put on concerts at both churches. Because our two congregations are quite diverse, I'm so looking forward to sharing in

some equally diverse music! The concert at Grace will be the evening of June 28th, at 7p.m. What a blessing to share with a sister church in

this! Please plan on coming out to support what God is doing in our midst.

In Christ,

Josh Head

Melissa & Matthew Bumbach,

accompanying Bob Cubbage

& Josh Head March 9th, are

regular guest musicians at

concerts and services.

Tenor Andrew Struhar

in concert at Grace

March 13th.

Nelle Smith, guest

musician at many

special services at

Grace.

Grace Episcopal Church has seen tremendous

growth in both liturgical music and concerts,

frequently involving guest musicians from our

community. Here are just a few of the many

talented visitors we have had the privilege of

having at Grace.

Dear Grace Church family,

I would like to start off by thanking you again for the opportunity to attend the RSCM Newport Choir camp last summer, and for also

sponsoring me to attend the Royal School of Church Music King’s College course in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania this summer. This camp has

really changed my life, and made me love sacred music that much more. Today in church, a guest choir performed for you. This choir was

made up of some of my closest friends and some very talented musicians. I formed this group of roughly sixteen, for the sole purpose of

mastering and performing the Baristow’s “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”. This was one of the pieces I had the privilege to perform at

RSCM Newport last summer. At RSCM, we did it in the back of Emmanuel Church in Newport, with our entire group of choristers and

adults, which was quite large. I wanted to try that on a smaller scale, with only a couple of people on each part, and it has been crazy fun to be

a part of! In a smaller group, you can feel how each person is essential, and how together we can convey this fantastic text, stemming from the

Bible verse Habakkuk 2:20 “The LORD is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him.” I am so excited to be able to share the

beautiful music from RSCM, and I am greatly looking forward to attending this year’s King’s College Course.

Peace and love,

Kirstine Andersen

Students from Westport High School

and members of a choir formed by

Kirstine Andersen.

Kirstine Andersen & brother Thomas will be attending

the Royal School of Church Music this summer. Kirstine

& Thomas sing in the Grace choir and often do duets on

special occasions. Kirstine has also been a featured soloist

during church services.

The History of the 80th Birthday Party ~ by Libby Robinson

The year was 1998 and during an ECW meeting one of our women told us that she was hosting a tea party in a local restaurant for

another woman who had graciously volunteered to drive her to Gainesville for a period of three months, so that she might have dental

work done. Our member could only afford to host her benefactor for this birthday celebration, but she welcomed anyone who wanted

to go at their own expense and share the party. Over thirty women showed up and it was a wonderful afternoon.

Unfortunately the business of serving tea parties was a new venture for this restaurant, and since we were the first scheduled party it

turned out to be a total serving disaster, punctuated by many comments from the ladies as to how much better we could do this at

Grace. Several weeks later Ann Anderson and I, having left the party with many ideas about the possibility of having our own Birthday

tea party, encountered a woman at ECW who was turning 87. Realizing that we couldn’t celebrate the many birthdays in our group on

an individual basis, we came up with the idea of having one large party honoring those women who were 85, or would be during the

calendar year. Women of the entire church would be invited to join us and help to make this a true celebration.

Our timing wasn’t too good because it was November and we had competition from the football games and the bazaar. As the time

grew closer Ann realized that her contributions would be limited because of previous commitments, so I took over the planning. As

usual, Ann and her many helpers, turned the Parish House into a wonderful tea room with a long serving table covered in a white table

cloth complete with bunting along the side and topped with a beautiful tall floral arrangement. A separate table was set up for serving

tea and coffee from a gleaming silver service loaned to us by one of our ECW women. The Birthday cake was the cause of much

concern, not only because of the cost, but how could we get one that would accommodate the hundred or so guests that we hoped to

attract. We came up with the idea of beautiful homemade layer cakes and they have come to symbolize our party. Each year we look

forward to the wonderful contributions baked by some ten women, and Ann skillfully decorates around them and adorns the table with

individual flowers. Because of the success of our first venture, ECW decided to make this an annual event with the only change being

in the scheduling. A change to the second Saturday in March was made. Because the next March would be too soon for a repeat party,

we scheduled the next one for the year 2000.

In 2008 the many changes in Grace Church challenged the ECW with the need to adjust our guest list. Not only had we lost some of

our faithful members to the split in the church, but we had lost many of our ninety year olds. We no longer had enough women who

were 85 or older to warrant such a party. It was decided then to lower the age to 80 and to invite the men of our congregation to join

us. These changes have been well received.

Each year those members in our church who have reached the age of 80 or more; or those who will do so during that calendar year, are

sent a special invitation to our party. Each invitee is greeted at the door with a corsage or boutonniere, and has their picture taken. A

copy of the picture is mailed to them and a copy is placed in our photo album. The guest is then escorted to a table of their choice and

joined by family and friends. Father Jonathan EmCee ’s the program, food is served, and a good time is had by all.

ECW has a photo album covering all sixteen parties. Many of the guests have been well into their 90’s. Others have just turned 80 in

the year they attended their first party. Like our annual bazaar, this is a great time to renew friendships and have a good time. All

members of Grace are always invited to attend, and we thank those of you who have helped make these parties a success by your

attendance.

Since you now know that you too are invited to the annual ECW 80(+) Birthday party, we of ECW hope that you will mark your 2015

calendars for the second Saturday of March in 2015 and join us in the birthday celebration of our church members who

were born in 1935 or before. In celebrating with them, you can make each party one that the older

members of our church will long remember.

Mary & Ed Garrepy and Dr. Ed Anderson.

ECW Update ~ by Joan Canzoneri

Episcopal Church Women is a group that gathers monthly for fellowship, fun and ideas on how we can help the church

and the community. We provide learning opportunities through speaker presentations. In January, the guest speaker

was Dawn Westgate, Executive Director of Kimberly Center for Child Protection. Our guest speaker in February was

Barbara Trow, a member of the Cabinet Group for Grace's Capital Campaign. She spoke about the goals of the

campaign and answered questions about projects that are planned.

ECW hosted the Annual 80th Birthday Party honoring out "Greatest Generation" on March

8th. Flower arrangements in red, white and gold were spectacular! The cakes, made from

special recipes, were delicious!

The luncheon at Ann Anderson's lake house, on May 22nd, is the last gathering before the summer

vacation. All women are invited to this event. We welcome new members! Announcements

for upcoming events are printed in the Sunday bulletins. Watch for our August gathering, as we usually get

together at a local restaurant before beginning our fall activities in September.

Members of ECW celebrate Grace’s Greatest Generation at the Annual 80+ Birthday Party.

Guests enjoyed musical entertainment provided by Josh & Sophia Head.

Fr. Al Durrance & Joyce Drane

enjoy a delicious lunch, cake and conversation.

Thomas Surman joined by Ruth Ray & Ray Voelkel

reminisce about old friends as they discover Thomas and Ruth both

graduated from the same high school the same year.

A Parish Work Day and Blessing of the New Cathedral Oak

Traditionally prior to the celebrations of

Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter,

members of Grace Episcopal Church

participate in a Parish Workday. This

year the Workday was moved forward a

few weeks so that our gardens and

grounds would look neat and trimmed

in time for the blessing of our new tree,

a magnificent Cathedral Oak.

The congregation gathers in the garden for the blessing of the tree .

Joe Morgan & Bob Brown clear away brush. Greg Harrell& Attie French

at the Parish Workday

Choristers Kirstine Andersen, Suzanne Bryant, Josh Head

& Thomas Andersen.

Fr. Jonathan reads the from

The Book of Occasional

Services.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper & Talent Show!

Chester Trow mixes the batter.

Savannah Jenkins

and her musical hula hoop.

A duet by Josh Head and his young student, Tyler Livingston.

Karen Holland

Mardi Gras juggler.

Carolyn Ayres flips the cakes.

Kyle Sammons, Eliana French, Liza Allison, Micah , Attie, Maurica & Alia French.

New Church Photo Directory Coming Soon ~ by Eleanor Simons

Can’t remember the names of that couple that has been sitting by you for the last month in church? Are you fairly new and overwhelmed by

all the names you have to remember? Help is on the way in the form of a new photo directory. It will also help if you need an address or a

phone number to send a note or make a call.

This directory is going to be done here at Grace Episcopal Church in-house by volunteers and staff. This means that your family photo will

be taken at Grace, but there will be no sales people involved. Your family photo will be used only for the photo directory. We are asking for

a $10 donation for each directory to cover the production costs.

You will be asked to sign up for a time to have your photo taken. There will be sign up sheets available at the church every Sunday in May.

Photos will be taken in early June. Two photo sessions will be on Sunday mornings. You can schedule a

time before or after church. We are trying to make this easy and convenient, fast and painless. All you have

to do is sign up for a time and then smile. We hope to have a new photo directory with everyone included.

Check your calendar and make sure you sign up for a photo appointment. Photo dates are: Sunday, June 1st,

Wednesday afternoon, June 4th, and Sunday, June 8th.

Grace Episcopal Church has grown!

This book is already outdated!

WHAT CAN YOU DO? ~ by Ruth Kraan, Daughters of the King

Do you have a special talent or ability that you can share with those in need? Can you drive

someone to the doctor or to the grocery store? Can you help organize or sort out

health care bills? Can you sit with someone to allow their caregiver some

respite time? Can you help with small home repair needs? Can you make

the time to call and check on someone living alone? Can you make

and deliver a meal? There are many things that you who say “I don’t

do anything special” can do to help those in need. The Daughters of

the King is starting a CARE BANK for Grace Episcopal Church and

all those who may seek assistance from Grace. This GRACE CHURCH

CARE BANK will be a list kept in the church office of those willing to share

their time and talent with others so that anyone contacting the church office

or anyone else in the church for aid could be linked with someone who can assist

them with their special needs. For more information or to offer your time or talents

please contact Ruth Kraan at 352-693-4924.

Many Items Are Needed at the Domestic Violence Shelter ~ by Nancy Dunleavy

The Ocala Marion County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center has many new additions to their list of items for

daily living. They would appreciate new or lightly used pillows , fitted twin bed sheets, and blankets. Additionally

garbage bags, zip lock plastic bags, body wash, paper towels , toilet paper, baby

wipes, baby diapers, cleaning supplies, shampoo/conditioners and the usual personal

toiletries are always needed. The clients often arrive empty-handed so any

personal items are much appreciated. Grace Episcopal Church makes deliveries

weekly. We traditionally ask for donations the second Sunday of each

month, however donations may be brought to church any Sunday

and placed in the designated box, or near it, located in the Parish

House. During business hours, donations will also be accepted at

the church office. Please mark donations plainly “for Domestic

Violence Shelter”. They also accept canned goods and new

underwear, pajamas and socks for women and children.

Thank You For All The Plastic Caps! ~ by Eleanor Simons

We have what we need for our May project at the Girl's Group Home.

We appreciate all the plastic caps that many of you have collected

and brought in. They will be put to good use. The girls will be

making lawn decorations for their garden similar to the

ones they saw at the Appleton Museum as their May art

project.

Reaching Out to the Community - A Christian Tradition at Grace

Interfaith Emergency Services provides many services to residents of Marion County. Stocking a food pantry

with groceries is just one of the many ways we can help them. Inside the Parish House entrance is grocery

cart provided to us by a local Publix. And sitting in the child seat is our own Lulu Grace. Her primary goal is

to remind us that many of the families and children of Marion County need food, paper products and

toiletries, the same as we all do to meet daily needs. An easy way to accomplish this is to check our local

supermarkets for BOGOs - Buy One Get One Free deals! Buy one of a product you need and donate the

free one to Interfaith Emergency Services. Or better yet, donate both of the items! Place your donations to

Interfaith in the Publix grocery cart. Interfaith also appreciates your donations of plastic shopping bags as

they reuse them for the families who come to the food pantry

for groceries.

See your company’s ad here! Business card ads may be placed for

the nominal rate of $5.00 per issue of

Grace To You every two months.

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Promises For You "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he

removed our transgressions from us."

Psalm 103:12

I once heard a joke that described a frequent failure in forgiving. A woman went to her pastor for advice on improving her marriage. When

the pastor asked what her greatest complaint was, she replied, "Every time we get into a fight, my husband gets historical." When her pastor

said, "You must mean hysterical," she responded, "I mean exactly what I said; he keeps a mental record of everything I've done wrong, and

whenever he's mad, I get a history lesson!"

Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 207.

Food for Thought Take a moment today to remember the Four Promises of Forgiveness:

1. I will not dwell on this incident.

2. I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.

3. I will not talk to others about this incident.

4. I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.

Then take a moment to remember something else: This is the way God forgives you. It's natural for us to read the Four Promises of For-

giveness as another set of laws to which we're presently failing to live up; however, the gospel reminds us that they should be read first and

foremost as God's commitment to us because of the sacrifice of his son. That commitment says that he will never "get historical" in bringing

up sins for which we have been forgiven!

Is there an area in life where you feel condemned even though you've genuinely repented before God? Take a moment to hear God speaking

the Four Promises of Forgiveness to you with regard to that particular issue. As you read them again, try adding your name to the beginning

of each promise as a reminder that God speaks them personally to you. Remember Romans 8:1 applies to you, not just other Christians:

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

When you accept this and apply it to your own life, prepare to be pleasantly surprised how much easier it will become to apply the Four

Promises of Forgiveness to others who have hurt you.

PeaceMeal is a publication of Peacemaker® Ministries. Copyright 2012. Reprinted with permission

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