Grace Episcopal Church - Cedar Rapids

05/23/2026

Weekly Updates 5/17
Holy Women, Holy Men
This Week
May 19 Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, 988
May 20 Alcuin of York, Deacon, 804
May 21 Lydia of Thyatira, Coworker of the Apostle Paul
May 22 Helena of Constantinople, Protector of the Holy Places, 330
Next Week
May 25 Bede, Priest and Historian, 735
May 26 Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605
May 28 Mechthild of Madgeburg, Mystic, c.1282

Birthdays
This Week
May 18 Danielle Ender
May 21 Bobbie Bowman
May 22 Kassandra Stulken

Remembrances
This Week
May 20 Darlene Eckley
May 24 John Whitmore
Next Week
May 30 Mabel Reading

Anniversaries
This Week
May 21 Doug Wilson & Kim McIrvin

Worship Minister Schedule

May 24 Ushers, Eckleys Lector, Ramon Howe Acolyte, Sarah Thompson Coffee Hour, Julie/ Sandra/ Maria Altar Guild, Jessie

May 31 Ushers, Bracewells Lector, Kathy Rhoads Acolyte, Zach Leboeuf Coffee Hour, Sarah/ Darrell Altar Guild,

June 7 Ushers, Lyle Offerman/Mason Eckley Lector, Lance Mack Acolyte, Sarah Thompson Coffee Hour, Kim/ Doug/ Janet Altar Guild, Jack

Rev. John had his second knee surgery last week. He is planning to take part in Marcia Goodman’s funeral, but will otherwise not be available for about four weeks. Plans for worship follow:

May 23 Marcia Goodman funeral, Rev. Jay Elmquist Presiding
(visitation at 9am, service at 10:30am)
May 24 Pentecost, Rev. Kathy Franzenburg Presiding
May 31 Morning Prayer, Sarah Thompson Officiant
June 7 Rev. Catherine Quell-Engel Presiding

As noted, the Day of Pentecost is on the 24th. You are encouraged to wear red to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

For those who are long-time Episcopalians, Morning Prayer is a familiar service, since eucharist was only celebrated once a month “back in the day.” For those less familiar, it is a beautiful service that has much to offer, echoing the days of the early church.

Celtic Worship with Communi0n is offered weekly, Sundays at 6pm, at Christ Episcopal Church, 220 40th St.NE. “A unique experience for spiritual growth inspired by the wisdom of the Celtic Christian Tradition. We embrace the mystery of creation through the gentle rhythms of folk music, poetry readings, hymns, a short Gospel reflection, prayerful candle lighting, and Holy Communion which is open to all people. This service offers time for quiet introspection.”

LOOKING AHEAD:
The next Bishop visitation will be on Sunday, June 28th. Please make plans to attend that day to welcome her and to hear her visions for the future of our diocese.

Q***r and Christian, a panel discussion sharing different views on the meeting point of q***r and Christian identities, will be held in the parish hall at Christ Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 11th, at 1pm.

Hello Friends! Rob Hogg is once again planning an evening of baseball at the Kernels with fellow Episco-PALS. The game starts at 1pm on Sunday, August 2nd. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by contacting Rob via phone call or email. His email is [email protected]

EPIC Summer Camp June 15-19 - Lutheran Lakeside Camp, Spirit Lake
4th-12th Graders: Experience engaging activities, inspiring worship, hands-on projects, building community and trying new things with youth from around the diocese. Registration closes June 1, 2026. Scholarships are available to defray the cost. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth from all over the diocese (and sometimes beyond) to experience a week filled with activities, learning, and fun!

If there is anything you wish to have add to the Weekly Updates, please contact Rev. John ([email protected]) or Allie Schmer ([email protected]) Please email any items to them by 10am on Wednesdays for inclusion in that week’s Updates.

05/01/2026

Weekly Updates 4/26

Holy Women, Holy Men
This Week
April 27 Zita of Tuscany, Worker of Charity, 1271
April 29 Catherine of Siena, Mystic and Prophetic Witness, 1380
May 2 Athanasius of Alexandria, Bishop and Theologian, 373
Next Week
May 4 Monica, Mother of Augustine of Hippo, 387
May 5 Martyrs of the Reformation Era
May 6 George of Lydda, Soldier and Martyr, c. 304
May 8 Julian of Norwich, Mystic and Theologian, c. 1417
May 9 Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop and Theologian, 389

Birthdays
This Week
April 27 Helen Mann
May 2 William Bloomhall
Next Week
May 5 Jacob Wittrock
May 7 Austin Rhoads

Remembrances
This Week
April 22 Mike Shedenhelm

Worship Minister Schedule
May 3 Ushers, Lyle Offerman/Mason Eckley Lector, Sandra Ong Acolyte, Sarah Thompson Coffee Hour, Kim/ Doug/ Janet Altar Guild, Jack
May 10 Ushers, Kim McIrvin/Doug Wilson Lector, Sarah Thompson Acolyte, Zach Leboeuf Coffee Hour, Karla/ Susie Altar Guild, Ann/ Susie
May 17 Ushers, Baskervilles Lector, Zach Leboeuf Acolyte, Lance Mack Coffee Hour, Judy/ Barbara Altar Guild, Barb/ Judy

Prayers are requested for Maureen Mack, who fell and broke her femur. She is currently being treated at St. Luke’s Care Center. Prayers also for Lance Mack as he navigates care for his heart.
Strengthen your servants Maureen and Lance, O God, to do what they have to do and bear what they have to bear; that, accepting your healing gifts through the skill of doctors and nurses, they may be restored to health with thankful hearts. Amen.

Prayers continue for Rev. Diane and David Eddy as she seeks relief from back issues and he continues his recovery from a work-related accident. Prayers also for Rev. Diane’s nephew. niece, and newborn baby. It was a difficult birth with many difficulties. The baby is struggling and mama is in the ICU.

O God, strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Vestry Executive Committee will meet Sunday, May 3, to set the agenda for the next Vestry meeting on Wednesday, May 6th, at 6:30 on Zoom.

We are having a bridal shower and farewell for Adele Dummermuth this Sunday, May 3, after the service

Convocations Meeting (previously known as Joint Chapter meeting): Our spring meeting is April 29 at 6pm on Zoom. Every church is part of a Convocation, and all are welcome to attend (diocesan convention delegates & all in congregational leadership roles are especially encouraged to attend). Register at iowaepiscopal.org.

The next Laundry Love will be on Thursday, May 14th, at Clean Laundry on 6th St. SW, from 6-9pm. If you are able to come and volunteer, please contact Ann Eckley.

Celtic Worship with Communi0n is offered weekly, Sundays at 6pm, at Christ Episcopal Church, 220 40th St.NE. “A unique experience for spiritual growth inspired by the wisdom of the Celtic Christian Tradition. We embrace the mystery of creation through the gentle rhythms of folk music, poetry readings, hymns, a short Gospel reflection, prayerful candle lighting, and Holy Communion which is open to all people. This service offers time for quiet introspection.”

Q***r and Christian, a panel discussion sharing different views on the meeting point of q***r and Christian identities, will be held in the parish hall at Christ Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 11th, at 1pm.

EPIC Summer Camp June 15-19 - Lutheran Lakeside Camp, Spirit Lake
4th-12th Graders: Experience engaging activities, inspiring worship, hands-on projects, building community and trying new things with youth from around the diocese. Registration closes June 1, 2026. Scholarships are available to defray the cost. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth from all over the diocese (and sometimes beyond) to experience a week filled with activities, learning, and fun!

EFM Mentor Training will take place in the Common Room at Grace during the following times:
Friday, May 1st, 5pm-9pm
Saturday, May 2nd, 9am-5pm
Sunday, May 3rd, 1pm-6pm

The Saturday ICE prayer vigils are on hold for the time-being.
This week’s EPISCOTRIVIA: Sanctus bell – A bell rung by a server during the eucharist to emphasize and call attention to particular moments in the liturgy. The bell may be a small hand bell or set of bells, or a gong rung with a clapper, or the tower bell of the church. The term is based on the practice of ringing the bell three times during the Sanctus. The practice of accompanying the Sanctus with bells dates from the fifteenth century.

If there is anything you wish to have add to the Weekly Updates, please contact Rev. John ([email protected]) or Allie Schmer ([email protected]) Please email any items to them by 10am on Wednesdays for inclusion in that week’s Updates.

04/23/2026

Some candids from Kate Hogg’s ordination to the diaconate. All of us at Grace are grateful for her presence with us during her field education, and wish her well as she continues to answer her call to serve Christ and the Church!

04/22/2026

Weekly Updates 4/19

Holy Women, Holy Men
This Week
April 21 Anselm of Canterbury, Archbishop of Canterbury and Theologian, 1109
April 22 Hadewijch of Brabant, Poet and Mystic, thirteenth century
April 23 Toyohiko Kagawa, Social Reformer, 1960
Next Week
April 27 Zita of Tuscany, Worker of Charity, 1271
April 29 Catherine of Siena, Mystic and Prophetic Witness, 1380
May 2 Athanasius of Alexandria, Bishop and Theologian, 373

Birthdays
Next Week
April 27 Helen Mann
May 2 William Bloomhall

Remembrances
This Week
April 21 Marcia Goodman
April 22 Mike Shedenhelm

Worship Minister Schedule
April 26 Ushers, Bracewells Lector, Johnathan Lartigue Acolyte, Lance Mack Coffee Hour, Sarah/ Darrell Altar Guild, Jessie

May 3 Ushers, Lyle Offerman/Mason Eckley Lector, Sandra Ong Acolyte, Sarah Thompson Coffee Hour, Kim/ Doug/ Janet Altar Guild, Jack

May 10 Ushers, Kim McIrvin/Doug Wilson Lector, Sarah Thompson Acolyte, Zach Leboeuf Coffee Hour, Karla/ Susie Altar Guild, Ann/ Susie

Sad news to share… Marcia Goodman, long-time member of Grace, passed on Tuesday, April 21st. We offer prayers of gratitude for her life and presence among us for many years. She worked many hours at the desk in the Medical Lending Closet and provided many of our decorations for table and altar. Whenever you see a flower arrangement, think of Marcia! Plans for her May 23rd memorial service as follows: Visitation, 9-10:30am. Service at 10:30. Luncheon to follow.

Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. BCP p. 499

We will commission the new vestry this Sunday, April 26. This year’s vestry includes: Maria Clark, Zack LeBoeuf, Ramon Howe, Jonathan Lartigue, Lance Mack (filling Joy Curry’s term). Pam Essex has decided that she is not able to serve at this time. Please hold them in prayer this year as they do the work of leading Grace into the future. First meeting for this vestry will be in person, April 22, at 6pm. We will be discerning roles, delegates to convention, and reviewing current issues.

We have a new way to communicate! There is a computer/phone app called Group Me that Ramon Howe has set up a Grace account with.
Use this link to access information that the congregation can use for community text updates/conversations

https://groupme.com/join_group/114190746/DjYOGc7o

This will be a way to quickly relay information, particularly regarding any closures or prayer needs.

Please keep our deacon, Rev. Diane, in your prayers. She is suffering from two separate spinal issues that make it difficult to stand or to walk. She will be undergoing treatments as the doctors determine the best way forward. In the meantime, Diane is still trying to nurse David back to health as he recovers from his work accident. The company has made him return to work in a limited capacity, since he cannot put any weight on his foot. [An editorial note from Rev. John… it is a shameful practice in the corporate manufacturing world to insist that people return to work before they have healed from workplace accidents, in order to reduce the hours of “time lost,” which falsely inflates their safety ratings]

Convocations Meeting (previously known as Joint Chapter meeting): Our spring meeting is April 29 at 6pm on Zoom. Every church is part of a Convocation, and all are welcome to attend (diocesan convention delegates & all in congregational leadership roles are especially encouraged to attend). Register at iowaepiscopal.org.

EPIC Summer Camp June 15-19 - Lutheran Lakeside Camp, Spirit Lake
4th-12th Graders: Experience engaging activities, inspiring worship, hands-on projects, building community and trying new things with youth from around the diocese. Registration closes June 1, 2026. Scholarships are available to defray the cost. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth from all over the diocese (and sometimes beyond) to experience a week filled with activities, learning, and fun!

On Saturday April 25th, there will be a workshop called “Gray Area Thinking” facilitated by Ellie Krug to focus on inclusion, particularly for our transgender neighbors. There is a poster in the Common Room with details. Rev. John has registered to attend. It is being sponsored by many of the congregations in the Inclusive Faith Network in Linn County (the newly minted name for what was formerly referred to as Welcoming and Affirming Congregations).

There is also a poster for an event at Prairiewoods titled “Loving the Wild: Earth-Centering our Spirituality” May 15-17. There are three ways to participate that can accommodate busy schedules.

Weekly Saturday prayer vigils are held outside of the ICE office, 9:30-10AM. It is a service based on Noonday Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, developed by the Daughters of the King. It is focused on hope, lamentation, fellowship, and concern. Rather than protest, it is a prayer of healing for everyone who is affected by the current strategies for immigration control. For more information, there is a poster on the Common Room bulletin board.

WEEK’S EPISCOTRIVIA: cure – The pastoral responsibility and charge of a member of the clergy. A cure is often a parish, but that pastoral responsibility may take other forms such as a specialized ministry or chaplaincy. In this regard, the member of the clergy has responsibility for the “cure of souls” of those entrusted to their pastoral care. The word “cure” is related in derivation to the word “care.”

If there is anything you wish to have add to the Weekly Updates, please contact Rev. John ([email protected]) or Allie Schmer ([email protected]) Please email any items to them by 10am on Wednesdays for inclusion in that week’s Updates.

Group for announcements and other important info

04/17/2026

Weekly Updates 4/12
Holy Women, Holy Men
This Week
April 14 Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione, Unmercenary Physicians, c.100, c.117
April 15 Damien, Priest, 1889 and Marianne Cope, Monastic, 1918 of Hawaii
April 16 Peter Williams Cassey, Priest, 1917 and Annie Besant Cassey, 1875
April 17 Kateri Tekakwitha, Prophetic Witness, 1680
April 18 Juana Inés de la Cruz, Monastic and Theologian, 1695
Next Week
April 21 Anselm of Canterbury, Archbishop of Canterbury and Theologian, 1109
April 22 Hadewijch of Brabant, Poet and Mystic, thirteenth century
April 23 Toyohiko Kagawa, Social Reformer, 1960

Birthdays
This Week
April 14 Lance Mack
Next Week
April 20 Marcia Goodman

Remembrances
This Week
April 15 Don Twentyman, Rex Smith
April 19 Ruth Miller
Next Week
April 22 Mike Shedenhelm

Worship Minister Schedule
April 19 Ushers, Eckleys Lector, Lance Mack Acolyte, Zach Leboeuf Coffee Hour, Julie/ Sandra/ Maria Altar Guild, Barb/ Judy
April 26 Ushers, Bracewells Lector, Johnathan Lartigue Acolyte, Lance Mack Coffee Hour, Sarah/ Darrell Altar Guild, Jessie
May 3 Ushers, Lyle Offerman/Mason Eckley Lector, Sandra Ong Acolyte, Sarah Thompson Coffee Hour, Kim/ Doug/ Janet Altar Guild, Jack

We will commission the new vestry this Sunday, April 19th. This year’s vestry includes: Maria Clark, Zack LeBoeuf, Ramon Howe, Jonathan Lartigue, Lance Mack (filling Joy Curry’s term), and Pam Essex. Please hold them in prayer this year as they do the work of leading Grace into the future. First meeting for this vestry will be in person, April 22, at 6pm. We will be discerning roles, delegates to convention, and reviewing current issues.

Rev. John will be attending the service with the congregation from Burundi this Sunday at 12:30. He has been asked to offer advice after the service for youth formation and other topics related to maintaining a congregation. If you are interested, please join him so we can better understand the people who share our space.

We have a new way to communicate! There is a computer/phone app called Group Me that Ramon Howe has set up a Grace account with.

Use this link to access information that the congregation can use for community text updates/conversations

https://groupme.com/join_group/114190746/DjYOGc7o

This will be a way to quickly relay information, particularly regarding any closures or prayer needs.

Please keep our deacon, Rev. Diane, in your prayers. She is suffering from two separate spinal issues that make it difficult to stand or to walk. She will be undergoing treatments as the doctors determine the best way forward. In the meantime, Diane is still trying to nurse David back to health as he recovers from his work accident. The company has made him return to work in a limited capacity, since he cannot put any weight on his foot. [An editorial note from Rev. John… it is a shameful practice in the corporate manufacturing world to insist that people return to work before they have healed from workplace accidents, in order to reduce the hours of “time lost,” which falsely inflates their safety ratings]

Our next Fellowship Event will be this Saturday, April 18th, 5:30 pm, at Cedar Rapids Bowling Center and the Great Escape. Come join the fun and spend some time together outside our usual church activities! Contact Ramon Howe with any questions.

The Behavioral Mental Heath Team works to identify, support, educate and develop parish ministry along with support groups for clergy throughout the diocese. We also provide educational opportunities for those around the diocese which may include training in depression, su***de assessment, mental health first aid, and resources for referral and treatment. When Hope Feels Hard: Resurrection Encounters & the Practice of Emotional Regulation

“Peace be with you” are among the first words the risen Christ speaks — to frightened, hiding disciples. What might these Easter encounters reveal about anxiety, shame, avoidance, and emotional regulation? In this interactive workshop, we will read scripture with attention to the nervous system, trauma responses, and the psychology of fear. Together we will explore how the resurrection speaks to human distress and how we can embody hope in psychologically informed ways. Hannah Landgraf is a temporarily licensed mental health counselor working in an inpatient behavioral health facility. She holds an M.Div. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Meeting is on Zoom, April 21st, at 12pm. Register at iowaepiscopal.org.

Convocations Meeting (previously known as Joint Chapter meeting): Our spring meeting is April 29 at 6pm on Zoom. Every church is part of a Convocation, and all are welcome to attend (diocesan convention delegates & all in congregational leadership roles are especially encouraged to attend). Register at iowaepiscopal.org.

EPIC Summer Camp June 15-19 - Lutheran Lakeside Camp, Spirit Lake
4th-12th Graders: Experience engaging activities, inspiring worship, hands-on projects, building community and trying new things with youth from around the diocese. Registration closes June 1, 2026. Scholarships are available to defray the cost. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth from all over the diocese (and sometimes beyond) to experience a week filled with activities, learning, and fun!

There will be an All-Inclusive Prom for middle and senior high students on April 18 from 7 to 10pm at Camp Tanager. Student ID will be required to participate. This is in response to how LGBTQIA+ youth are often marginalized at school events. If anyone is interested, please see Rev. John or the poster in the common room for sign-up details.

On Saturday April 25th, there will be a workshop called “Gray Area Thinking” facilitated by Ellie Krug to focus on inclusion, particularly for our transgender neighbors. There is a poster in the Common Room with details. Rev. John has registered to attend. It is being sponsored by many of the congregations in the Inclusive Faith Network in Linn County (the newly minted name for what was formerly referred to as Welcoming and Affirming Congregations).

There is also a poster for an event at Prairiewoods titled “Loving the Wild: Earth-Centering our Spirituality” May 15-17. There are three ways to participate that can accommodate busy schedules.

Weekly Saturday prayer vigils are held outside of the ICE office, 9:30-10AM. It is a service based on Noonday Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, developed by the Daughters of the King. It is focused on hope, lamentation, fellowship, and concern. Rather than protest, it is a prayer of healing for everyone who is affected by the current strategies for immigration control. For more information, there is a poster on the Common Room bulletin board.

WEEK’S EPISCOTRIVIA: resurrection of Jesus – The belief that Jesus was raised bodily from the dead by God on the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, exalting him to the near presence of God in eternal glory. The reality of Jesus’ resurrection was experienced by chosen witnesses and proclaimed by the early Christian community.

If there is anything you wish to have add to the Weekly Updates, please contact Rev. John ([email protected]) or Allie Schmer ([email protected]) Please email any items to them by 10am on Wednesdays for inclusion in that week’s Updates.

Group for announcements and other important info

04/11/2026

Happy Easter, Grace family!

We have entered the joyful season of Easter, a fifty day journey of hope, resurrection, and renewed life. As we continue to celebrate the return of Alleluia in our worship, may we keep discovering the ways God is still at work among us and in our world.

Here are this week’s updates:

Holy Women, Holy Men next week
April 14: Zenaida, Philonella, and Hermione
April 15: Damien and Marianne Cope of Hawaii
April 16: Peter Williams Cassey and Annie Besant Cassey
April 17: Kateri Tekakwitha
April 18: Juana Inés de la Cruz

Birthdays
April 14: Lance Mack

Remembrances
April 15: Don Twentyman and Rex Smith
April 19: Ruth Miller

Vestry update
Pam Essex has graciously agreed to serve on our Vestry. We are now at full strength and ready for another year of faithful leadership. The Vestry Executive Committee will meet after the service this Sunday to plan our first meeting, and the new vestry will be commissioned on Sunday, April 19.

New church communication tool

We have a new way to communicate! There is a computer/phone app called Group Me that Ramon Howe has set up a Grace account with.

Use this link to access information that the congregation can use for community text updates/conversations.

https://groupme.com/join_group/114190746/DjYOGc7o
This will be a way to quickly relay information, particularly regarding any closures or prayer needs.

Prayers requested
Please keep Alescha and Mike in your prayers. They are facing multiple health issues. Mike’s lung cancer has spread to other organs and Alescha continues to battle several ailments as well, with surgery coming soon.

Upcoming fellowship event
Our next Fellowship Event will be on Saturday, April 18th, 5:30 pm, at Cedar Rapids Bowling Center and the Great Escape. Come join the fun and spend some time together outside our usual church activities! Contact Ramon Howe with any questions.

Ordination celebration
This coming Saturday, April 11th, 4pm, will bring the ordination of Kate Hogg to the diaconate. We are all invited to attend the service, stay for the reception afterward, and wish Kate well as she steps into a new role in the church.

Youth opportunities
4th-12th Graders: Experience engaging activities, inspiring worship, hands-on projects, building community and trying new things with youth from around the diocese. Registration closes June 1, 2026. Scholarships are available to defray the cost. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth from all over the diocese (and sometimes beyond) to experience a week filled with activities, learning, and fun!

There will be an All-Inclusive Prom for middle and senior high students on April 18 from 7 to 10pm at Camp Tanager. Student ID will be required to participate. This is in response to how LGBTQIA+ youth are often marginalized at school events. If anyone is interested, please see Rev. John or the poster in the common room for sign-up details.

Upcoming workshops and events
On Saturday April 25th, there will be a workshop called “Gray Area Thinking” facilitated by Ellie Krug to focus on inclusion, particularly for our transgender neighbors. There is a poster in the Common Room with details. Rev. John has registered to attend. It is being sponsored by many of the congregations in the Inclusive Faith Network in Linn County (the newly minted name for what was formerly referred to as Welcoming and Affirming Congregations).

Weekly prayer vigils
Weekly Saturday prayer vigils are held outside of the ICE office, 9:30-10AM. It is a service based on Noonday Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, developed by the Daughters of the King. It is focused on hope, lamentation, fellowship, and concern. Rather than protest, it is a prayer of healing for everyone who is affected by the current strategies for immigration control. For more information, there is a poster on the Common Room bulletin board.

WEEK'S EPISCOTRIVIA: Easter – The feast of Christ’s resurrection. According to Bede, the word derives from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre. Christians in England applied the word to the principal festival of the church year, both day and season. Faith in Jesus’ resurrection on the Sunday or third day following his crucifixion is at the heart of the Christian faith. Easter sets the experience of springtime next to the ancient stories of deliverance and the proclamation of the risen Christ.

If there is anything you wish to have add to the Weekly Updates, please contact Rev. John ([email protected]) or Allie Schmer ([email protected]) Please email any items to them by 10am on Wednesdays for inclusion in that week’s Updates.

Group for announcements and other important info

04/02/2026

Join us for Maundy Thursday service tonight at 7 pm to commemorate the Last Supper and preparing for the death and resurrection of Christ. All are welcome to come as you are and worship with us!

03/28/2026

Grace Episcopal Church Weekly Updates – March 22 🌿

Holy Women, Holy Men

Mar 23: Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop & Missionary (c. 332)
Mar 24: Óscar Romero, Archbishop & Martyr (1980), and the Martyrs of El Salvador
Mar 26: Harriet Monsell, Monastic (1883)
Mar 27: Charles Henry Brent, Bishop (1929)
Mar 28: James Solomon Russell, Priest (1935)

Next Week:

Apr 2 – Maundy Thursday
Apr 3 – Good Friday
Apr 4 – Holy Saturday
Apr 5 – Easter Sunday 🌅
🎂 Birthdays

Apr 1: Barbra Rood, Doug Wilson
Apr 4: Lisa Thorpe
🕊️ Remembrances

Mar 23: Margaret Fuhrman, Diane Stewart
Mar 29: Ronald Olson

🙏 Worship Minister Schedule

Mar 29: Ushers – Lyle Offerman & Mason Eckley | Lector – Sarah Thompson | Acolyte – Zach Leboeuf | Coffee Hour – Kim, Doug & Janet | Altar Guild – All

Apr 5: Ushers – Kim McIrvin & Doug Wilson | Lector – Ramon Howe | Acolyte – Lance Mack | Coffee Hour – Karla & Susie | Altar Guild – Jack

Apr 12: Ushers – Baskervilles | Lector – Kathy Rhoads | Acolyte – Sarah Thompson | Coffee Hour – Judy & Barbara | Altar Guild – Ann & Susie

📣 Vestry Update
There was a brief meeting after the service on Sunday so we could finish our business from the annual meeting. We had three vestry positions to fill: Joy Curry, Zack LeBoeuf, and David Eddy. Zack was eligible for re-election and accepted another three-year term. Lance Mack agreed to serve out Joy’s term. We still need one more to fill out our vestry. If you feel called to serve, please let Rev. John, Maria Clark, or Rev. Diane know so we can bring it up for congregational approval.

Holy Week begins on Sunday. It is time already to make the final journey to the cross through special worship services.

✝️ Holy Week Services

Maundy Thursday: Apr 2, 7pm – Eucharist, hand washing, stripping of the altar
Good Friday: Apr 3, 12pm & 7pm – Services + Stations of the Cross after noon service
Holy Saturday: Apr 4, 7pm – Contemplative prayer with Labyrinth & Taizé chants
Easter Sunday: Apr 5, 9:30am – Celebrate the Resurrection! 🌸

🎉 Special Announcements

A date has been set for Kate Hogg’s ordination to the diaconate. Of course, we are all invited to attend. The service will be at Christ Church on Saturday, April 11, at 4 PM. A reception will follow. All of us at Grace are grateful for her presence with us during her field education, and wish her well as she continues to answer her call to serve Christ and the Church.

Iowa Safe Schools Annual Governor’s Conference for LGBTQ+ Youth April 3, 2026 for 6th-12th graders

The Governor's Conference—Gov Con—while it goes by many nicknames, since 2005 it’s always been more than just a conference.

The Governor’s Conference on LGBTQ+ Youth is a place where Midwest LGBTQ+ youth can come together, celebrate who they are, and find the support they deserve. It’s a day to connect with friends, meet allies, plan for the future, and learn how to make a difference in their schools and communities.

At a time when LGBTQ+ young people are facing more challenges than ever, this conference is a reminder that they’re not alone—they’re part of a strong, joyful community that has their back.

If your school does not have a group going and you want to attend, join our Episcopal Youth Group!

Registration ends March 27. Cost $45, scholarships are available. Go to iowaepiscopal.org

EPIC Summer Camp
June 15 to 19
Lutheran Lakeside Camp, Spirit Lake

4th to 12th graders are invited to experience engaging activities, inspiring worship, hands-on projects, building community, and trying new things with youth from around the diocese.

More information to come.
Early Bird registration is $400 and ends March 30.
Registration closes June 1, 2026.

There will be an All-Inclusive Prom for middle and senior high students on April 18 from 7 PM to 10 PM at Camp Tanager. Student ID will be required to participate. If anyone is interested, please see Rev. John or the poster in the common room for sign-up details.

Our fellowship event for April will be Bowling and an Escape Room. The date for the event will be April 18 at 5:30 PM. First, bowling will take place at the Cedar Rapids Bowling Center and the escape room at The Fantastic Escape. A signup sheet will be placed in the common room during coffee hour. If you are not able to make it into church before that, please call or text Ramon at 386-843-2406 if you are interested in attending.

On Saturday, April 25, there will be a workshop called “Gray Area Thinking” facilitated by Ellie Krug to focus on inclusion, particularly for our transgender neighbors. There is a poster in the Common Room with details.

There is also a poster for an event at Prairiewoods titled “Loving the Wild: Earth-Centering our Spirituality” on May 15 to 17. There are three ways to participate that can accommodate busy schedules.

Week’s Episcotrivia: The Sunday of the Passion, Palm Sunday

The Sunday before Easter is the day on which Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his Passion on the Cross are recalled. It is the first day of Holy Week. Red is the liturgical color for the day. The Liturgy of the Palms is the entrance rite for the service with readings, the blessing of palms, and the procession by the congregation into the sanctuary. The Passion Gospel is announced simply, “The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _____.” The customary response before and after the gospel are omitted.

Originally, Sunday was Palm Sunday with the Passion recalled in later services. It was determined later that the Passion should be included in the worship on this day because many people were not able to attend the weekday services and would go from Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem one Sunday to his triumphant resurrection the next, missing the meaningful and poignant events that came in between.

Weekly Saturday prayer vigils will be held outside of the ICE office from 9:30 to 10 AM. It is a service based on Noonday Prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, developed by the Daughters of the King. It is focused on hope, lamentation, fellowship, and concern. Rather than protest, it is a prayer of healing for everyone who is affected by the current strategies for immigration control. For more information, there is a poster on the Common Room bulletin board.

If there is anything you wish to have added to the Weekly Updates, please contact Rev. John at [email protected] or Allie Schmer at [email protected]. Please email any items to them by 10 AM on Wednesdays for inclusion in that week’s updates.