GRACE CHURCH PARISH NEWS

PRESIDING BISHOP TO VISIT DIOCESE

Our Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori will be visiting our diocese in May! On Saturday, May 17, at noon, the diocese will gather at the new All Saints Episcopal Conference Center in Leitchfield for a service of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The presiding bishop will preach and celebrate. A reception will follow the service.

That evening there will be an Evensong service at Grace Church, Paducah and a conversation with Bishop Schori will follow the service.

We are invited to attend either or both of the services. I am hopeful that many of us will be able to experience her presence. In order to plan for these events the diocese will be distributing tickets ahead of time. To that end we have placed a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the Gaither Hallway. Please let us know of your plans so that we may obtain tickets.

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RECTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

CAN USE YOUR ASSISTANCE

The Rector’s Discretionary Fund is a parish fund operating under the rector’s discretion to assist persons in need. The fund is available to assist with emergency assistance needs such as power, water, and gas bills. Usually checks are only written to the specific agency or company. Records are kept but the anonymity of the recipient is preserved.

Since I became rector, the discretionary fund has been self-funding beginning with your generous contributions at my ordination to the priesthood. The fund also receives any donations that I receive for special services such as weddings and funerals. Also some parishioners have made contributions to the fund from time to time. As such we have not needed a routine way to replenish the fund balance. With the economy slowing considerably the demands on the fund have meant that a more reliable means of support is needed.

After discussion, the vestry approved earmarking the loose plate offering on the third Sunday of the month for the discretionary fund. On the third Sunday we will place specially colored and marked envelopes in the pews for this use. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Bill Watson

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FLOWER CHART

There are some openings on the flower chart through the rest of the year. This chart is located just outside the door to the Sacristy. If you would like to put flowers on the altar as a memorial or in thanksgiving, please place your name in any open Sunday. Flowers may be ordered from any florist and usually cost around $40-50. Vonda is happy to assist you.

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DIACONAL DISCERNMENT DAY

TO BE HELD HERE AT GRACE CHURCH

On Saturday, May 3, 2008 the Diocese of Kentucky will hold a day of discernment here for anyone who is feeling a call to the diaconate. Anyone who is interested in exploring the topic is also welcome. There is no cost for the event. Spouses are welcome. The event will be from 10 am until 3 pm. Registration is required and is due in the Diocesan Office by Monday, April 28. Anyone with questions is invited to contact Bill Watson or The Rev. Rose Bogal-Allbritten at 270-293-9490 or rose.bogal@att.net.

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SUMMER CAMP AT ALL SAINTS

“WALKING CHRIST’S ROAD TOGETHER”

June 15-20 Senior High Camp “The Amazing Journey”

(9^th-12^th grade)

June 22-27 Primary Camp “The Chronicles of Narnia”

(2^nd-4^th grade)

June 29-July 3 Adventure Camp

(8^th-12^th grade)

July 6-11 New Horizons Camp “The Chronicles of Narnia”

(5^th& 6^th grade)

July 13-18 Middler Camp “Created in God’s Image”

(7^th& 8^th grade)

Summer camp at All Saints is always a special experience for the youngest members of the diocese. Under the excellent guidance of the camp staff directed by Ben Linder, young people will experience a summer of fun, faith and fellowship. Camp activities include swimming, canoeing, arts & crafts, ropes course, talent shows, cook outs, camp outs, tribe games, drama, hiking, sports, and dances. Enroll your child today. More information is available from the church office or by emailing Ben Linder at benl@episcopalky.org. Scholarship assistance is available.

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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

The Membership Committee under the direction of Sally Brewer and Leesie Carter will meet on Wednesday, April 23 at 5 pm. The Membership Committee oversees our ministry to newcomers as well as members of the armed services. If you are interested we welcome your joining us.

Sally Brewer and Leesie Carter

OUTREACH OUTLOOK

The Outreach Committee met April 9, 2008, and explored future options for helping our neighbors. Habitat for Humanity is not presently building on the house that is under roof in Gracey, KY, but they hope to need our willing hands and strong backs within the next 4-6 weeks, so keep a keen eye on this column and your ear tuned to the phone.

The Salvation Army Soup Kitchen can use our help, so we plan to provide either a Saturday lunch or a monthly dinner at the Shelter beginning sometime this summer. We will seek willing volunteers and eager cooks to help with this worthwhile endeavor.

For those interested in Prison Ministry, there is a resource available at www.episcopalchurch.org, go to the A to Z directory, select "Criminal Justice" and click on "resources". Let us know if this tweaks your conscience or curiosity.

Mystery of the Book Cases in the Gaither Room Why are there 2 bookcases stuffed with previously read books in the Gaither Room? Why do the books have small colored dots on them? Did you know that the books are for purchase for the reasonable price of $1.00 for hardbacks and $0.50 for paperback, and that there is a box on top of one case for leaving your small donation? All proceeds from sale of the books go to Outreach Projects. The dots are a tracking system to see which are read and recycled (please leave a check mark on the dot if you read and re-donate it to be sold again).

Look for Joe Vance's article in this issue about the Playground on North Drive, and how we can help.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, May 14. Please join us for the Noon Service in the Chapel, and afterward for a short meeting and light lunch in the Gaither Room.

Sondra Price

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MORE OUTREACH NEWS

Hopkinsville Recreation Dept. and the community have plans to rebuild the park on North Drive near the former Mrs. Owens Delicatessen (now Livingston’s Butcher Shop and Deli). A call for volunteers to build this children’s park caught the attention of the Outreach Committee.

The Outreach Committee plans a work session on Thursday, May 1 from 5:30-8:30 pm in the evening. We hope to have a group from Grace. We are assured special skills are not required.

There are other work times available, but it is hoped that we could present as a unified happy and exuberant nail driving bunch…please.

Call Vonda or Joe Vance to RSVP, 885-4658.

ECW NEWS

Don Your Aprons!

In response to many requests from our community friends, the ECW is planning to publish a new collection of favorite recipes. The steering committee – Elizabeth McCoy, Anne Noel, Karen Hayes and Ginny Lawson – would like for every member of Grace Church to provide at least five favorite recipes. Categories include: Appetizers and Beverages; Soups; Salads; Vegetables and Side Dishes; Main Dishes; Breads; Desserts; Cookies and Candies. One recipe form is included with this newsletter and additional forms are available in the church office.

So dust off that whisk and get in the cooking mood! We want this cookbook to reflect our reputation for having the best cooks in Christian County! For more information, call any of the steering committee members. We need to have the recipes turned in by May 19^th so that the process of sorting and testing can begin. Thanks so much for your help on this exciting project! Bon Appétit!!

COMMUNITY NEWS

DERBY ARTS FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN

The kindergarten classes are participating in this year’s Derby Arts Festival in Founders Square and Little River Park on Saturday, May 3, 2008. Under the artistic direction of Jenny Maddux, they have produced a five foot tall pillar of art with an interpretation of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” The festival is from 10 to 5 and participants can vote for their favorite pillar. Check out the day’s full schedule of events in the brochure on the bulletin board.

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GRACE CHURCH RESTORATION AND RENOVATION COMMITTEE APRIL UPDATE

From Restoration and Renovation Committee: Taylor Hayes (Committee Chair), Bill Nichol (Senior Warden), Russ Waterman (Junior Warden), Bill Watson (Rector), Jim Coursey, Edwin White, Sally Brewer, and Liz Isele.

During the vestry retreat capital projects were discussed and prioritized based on five criteria …

A) Crucial restoration needs, B) Miscellaneous restoration needs C) Wants and desires of the congregation and the donors which included #1 pay off debt (DONE), #2 – restoration and #3 – renovation D) Timing and E) Financial consideration.

Since the retreat the restoration and renovation committee has further refined projects, compiled detailed information on the scope of projects, given approval for architects to draft spec drawings on new construction and hired a construction manager to oversee the work.

Construction Manager: The committee is pleased to announce that Greg Sandifer with Bradem Construction is our construction manager. Many of you know Greg and the work he is associated with. For those that do not, Greg is a skilled and experienced contractor for both residential and commercial construction. He was the major contractor for First United Methodist Church and is in the process of finishing up work at First Christian Church. The committee is excited about having someone of his caliber working on our projects and looking out for our best interest. One of Greg’s responsibilities will be to provide and maintain a working schedule for all work to be accomplished. The committee’s intention is for the schedule to be posted in the Gaither building for all to see.

So what is on the upcoming agenda?

Exterior Restoration: A contract will be signed in the coming week with Mid Continent Restoration. This company is out of Murfreesboro, TN who came highly recommended by Chris Black Construction out of Paducah who performed the restoration work on Grace Church Paducah. Mid Continent Restoration will be handling much of the exterior restoration to the Sanctuary and Gaither buildings including brick tuck pointing, stone coping and flashing, and miscellaneous jobs to solve our moisture problems. This work could begin as soon as the middle of April and will last upwards of 3 months. Work on the exterior should not affect holding services in the sanctuary but could require the main entrance to be shut off for a period of time. Additional exterior work that has to be completed includes replacing gutters and downspouts, restoring areas behind and below gutters, restoring dormers on the Gaither building, and replace the sidewalk directly in front of Sanctuary.
Interior Restoration: The committee will be seeking guidance from the construction manager to determine scope of work that needs to be done in restoring the narthex that has had extensive moisture damage as well as restoration work on the interior of the bell tower.
Lighting in the sanctuary: The committee is working with a company out of Nashville to refit the existing lights. In addition, the committee is evaluating the need for electrical rewiring and how the ceiling can be cleaned to help with the illumination. This particular work will require services to be moved to All Saints for a period of time which will likely be through the summer months.
Acoustics in All Saints: A sound engineer from Murray State University has evaluated All Saints and provided solutions to include a sound system and tiled carpet. Our architects have also suggested ‘tiled carpet.’ A number of churches use this approach to help with acoustics including Christ Church in Bowling Green. Tiled carpet is easily replaced when wear and / or stains occur without having to replace all of the carpet. Work in All Saints’ will take place after April 19 and before June 14.
Stain Glass Windows: Work on the stain glass windows provided by Architectural Glass out of Louisville falls within the first phases of projects. However, at this time an exact start date has not been confirmed.
Organ Restoration (Includes refurbishment of organ chamber, electrical work and other work by other contractors to support organ restoration): A contract will be signed before the middle of May with Milner Organ Co. Unless something changes on their calendar, it could be 12 to 18 months before work can begin. Once restoration work begins, it will take upwards of 3 months. This work will require services to move to All Saints.
New Construction: The architects have begun drafting detailed plans for work to be bid out on enclosing the back cloister, building the new nursery / toddler rooms and renovating the restrooms in All Saint. It is the goal of the committee for this work to be completed before the end of the year.
Miscellaneous: There are a number of other projects that are being evaluated as well. These include creating better access to the crawl spaces below the Sanctuary and Gaither buildings, installing a steel beam under the alter and chancel area for greater support, lighting the steeple, renovate Gaither building lower level restroom, install smoke / fire alarm, and install two decorative lights in front of church.

These are the major items being discussed routinely at this time. The committee is in conference and communication with the treasurer, Larry Campbell, and the finance committee, to insure all projects and the timing of projects falls within the financial scope of the capital campaign. Furthermore it is the committee’s intention to communicate progress to the entire congregation regularly. At any time should you have a question or comment, please contact Taylor Hayes (Committee Chair), Bill Nichol (Senior Warden), or Russ Waterman (Junior Warden).

ALL SORTS AND CONDITIONS

. . . . . Memorials have been received in memory of Beth Rhone from Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thorndike and Susan and Hill Ferguson; in memory of Trey Lefler from Ann and Ed Poe, Sheridan and Guy Marr and Susan and Hill Ferguson; in memory of Chris Girdner and Robin Moore from Shirley Puls; in memory of Idell Davis from Liz Isele, Superior Graphite, Lee Masonry Products and Mary and Steve Underwood; in memory of Frances Fairleigh from Arthur Burrows, The Robert S. Pearson family, Mr. and Mrs. James J. Keightley, Shirley Youngen, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Polley, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Key and Lori Moyer. A Gift has been given in honor of Susan and George Valentini by Liz Isele. . . . Birthdays-April (20)-Arinze Akpom and Rachel Price Flum; (22)-Ginny Lawson; (24)-Jeanne Jackson and Tyler Stokes; (25)-Lou Stea and George Valentini; (26)-Mary Kirk Fletcher, Edward Johnstone, Elizabeth Mattison, Heather Monteverde, Noble Noel and Christopher Satterwhite; (28)-April Cornett and Floyd Van Booven; May (1)-Bill Jones; (2)-Marlene Dade.