A. Our regular worship services are scheduled at 8 a.m. (traditional language, no music), 10:30 a.m. (contemporary language, music), and noon (Spanish, music) on Sundays. Weekday services are held Monday and Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m. (Morning Prayer), Wednesday evening (6 p.m., Holy Communion in a “relaxed” family setting), Thursday afternoon (2 p.m. Holy Communion, at St. Luke’s Nursing Center), Friday morning (10 a.m. Holy Communion, traditional language) and on Saturday during the summer (5 p.m., contemporary language, no music).
Q. Is there a nursery?
A. Yes—for 10:30 and noon services on Sunday and following the Wed night service (during Bible study and youth group time). The nursery is located on the east side of the building, near the kitchen.
Q. What programs do you have for youth and children?
A. We have a wonderful Sunday School program (9:15-10:15 weekly) for all ages, with groups divided into K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12. In addition, on Sundays, we offer an acolyte program which enables youngsters 3rd grade and up to assist in the leading of worship. On Wednesday nights, at 5 p.m. a Kid's Choir for grades 4th -8th grade and after the 6 p.m. service and dinner, we offer youth group activities for the K - 12. Great opportunities are also offered through our diocesan youth program, as well as mission trips for high school students.…
Q. What about adult education?
A. We offer Bible Study each Wednesday after Communion (approx. 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.), as well as on Thursdays for seniors at St. Luke’s NursingCenter. Sunday morning adult education is at 9:15 a.m. and tends to be topical—recent discussions have included the Holy Spirit in Old and New Testament, a series of historic liturgies (from the 2nd through the 16th centuries), major heresies of the early Church and how they continue to be with us in psychologically and spiritually dangerous ways, and a "read through" with time lines and maps of the basic stories of the Old Testament. Additional groups, such as EFM, meet at various times weekly.
Q. Is the building handicap accessible?
A. The entrance from the parking lot is ramped, as is the entrance from the parish house into the Church proper. We have a handicap accessible restroom (the best in our Diocese, we are told!) near the nursery. Sunday services are amplified. And large print editions of the Book of Common Prayer are available on request.
HOLY COMMUNION
Q. Why do you have communion so often?
A. Jesus said “do this in remembrance of me,” and despite what some might suggest, never said "do this in remembrance of me only on Sundays, or the first Sunday of the quarter." We believe that frequently taking part in the Lord’s Supper is actually being faithful to our call to remember His death, resurrection and ascension, and also helps us to be re-membered into His Body, the Church.
Q. What do you call communion?
A. The answer varies by the emphasis of the speaker. The Lord’s Supper, the Holy Communion, the Holy Eucharist (“Thanksgiving”), the Mass and the Divine Mysteries are all fairly common names for the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Use whatever feels most comfortable for you.
Q. Can non-Episcopalians take communion?
A. You are welcomed to join us in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper if you are a baptized Christian who takes Communion in your own denomination.
Q. Can I take communion more than once in the same day? A. The clergy certainly do--and why let them have all the fun? If, for some spiritually pressing reason, you join in the community's worship more than once in a 24 hour period, you are welcome at the altar rail.
QUESTIONS PEOPLE DON’T LIKE TO ASK
Q. About the offering…
A. While there is absolutely no fee to attend worship, most people do contribute regularly to the maintenance of the parish’s ministry and mission. This offering comes in several ways—through putting something into the plate on Sundays, to mailing in a check on a regular basis. Most members prefer to “pledge,” which mean committing at least a stated amount of monetary support in the coming year. Pledges help us to budget for ministry and be good stewards of the resources God has given the congregation. Any contribution in check, stock or “marked envelope” will be recorded for your tax deduction purposes. However, no one on staff, including the clergy, know how much, or whether, someone contributes financially.
Q. Are pews reserved?
A. Sit wherever you feel most comfortable. May we suggest that competition is keenest for pews at the rear of the Church, leaving those great “front row seats” easier to spread out in?
Q. How do I dress for worship?
A. You will see the gamut of clothing at Grace. “Casual office Friday” wear is the most common—slacks, polo shirts, skirt sets, sundresses. “Sunday best” suits and dresses are common, as are shorts and jeans (in summer). Sundays are generally more “formal” than weekday services. What matters is that your dress doesn’t interfere with someone else’s prayers. If your tee-shirt’s slogan or stunning physique is attracting more attention than God, consider different attire.
Q. What do I call the clergy? A. “Expletive deleted” is not recommended. There are three kinds of ordained ministersin the Episcopal Church. Bishops (“Right Reverend Sir” in writing, “Bishop Howe” in speech) are charged with worldwide pastoral and teaching functions as well as being incharge of congregations in particular regions (“dioceses”). Our Bishop, the Right Rev. Barry Howe, resides in Kansas City and visits Carthage once a year or so. Priests, also called presbyters (a biblical word meaning “elder”) are in charge of the sacramental life of a congregation. We have two priests, The Rev. Steven Wilson, our rector (“senior pastor”) and the Rev. Jose Palma, our Hispanic missioner. Most people use some variant on “Father” for our priests—Father Steve, Father Wilson, Padre Palma. Just first names, however, are fine, or you can be very formal and call us Mr. Wilson and Senor Palma. Finally, deacons are ordained ministers who work in the world but specialize in social ministry outside the congregation. Our deacons are the Rev. Galen Snodgrass and the Rev. Jeff Bell. “Deacon Galen” and "Deacon Jeff" are the most typical form of address.
MARRIAGE
Q. To whom do I talk to about a wedding?
A. First, to your fiancee...Generally speaking, only members or members of parish families are wed at Grace Church. Any member of the clergy may perform a wedding. However, some aspects of the traditional ceremony (the blessing over the rings, the closing blessing, and communion, for instance) may only be performed by a priest. Contact the office to speak about your wedding. Since marriage only takes place after some sessions of pre-marital counseling with the clergy (3-6, depending on specific needs), we recommend calling no less than 6 months ahead of your planned day.
Q. Can a divorced person be married in the Church? A. Yes, with the permission of the Bishop after counseling with the Rector. In Missouri, no such marriage can take place within the first 6 months of the final decree of divorce by the court.
Q. We ran away to Miami, but I’ve always wanted a Church wedding…
A. The Blessing of a Civil Marriage is a standard part of our worship. The ceremony is much like a shorter, simpler wedding, with the blessing of rings and exchange of vows, but usually without attendants. See the Rector for questions about scheduling such a blessing.
Q. Is there a cost for weddings? A. No. A donation to the congregation and the officiating clergyman’s discretionary fund (“audited but anonymous good works account”) is appreciated. We suggest $100 for each. In addition, it is customary to give an honorarium to musicians, usually in the same amount.
Q. What music is permitted at a wedding?
A. Our parish organist is the primary musician. Assistants, whether instrumental or vocal, can be arranged for after conversation with the Rector. Religious music only is permitted—Church marriages are worship services. All choice of music is subject to the Rector’s oversight. For denominational and technical reasons, the “Wedding March” and taped music are not allowed.
Q. Can I write my vows?
A. The wedding service is flexible; however, the one part which may not be changed is the vows, which are common to all Episcopal marriage ceremonies since the 1500s. You may include some personalizations, but not replace the vows entirely.
BAPTISM
Q. May I schedule a baptism for my child at Grace Church?
A. Since baptism is the beginning and not the end of a faith journey, we ask that baptismal candidates be regular participants in worship, either here or at another congregation (which usually applies to people whose “home town” is Carthage).
Q. At what age do baptisms occur?
A. At any age. For very young infants, we encourage warmer weather. Adults are encouraged to join in group baptisms on major feast days, such as Easter Eve.
Q. How do I schedule a baptism?
A. By speaking to the Rector.
Q. Does it have to be on a Sunday?
A. No. Baptism should be when the family are able to be present, and preferably in the context of Holy Communion. Sunday is the best, but not the only, option.
Q. What if I’d like to be immersed?
A. As long as you are old enough for safe submersion baptism, we encourage it. However, we lack a font large enough to submerge anyone over about 8 days of age. The YMCA or a local creek (in warm weather) can be scheduled with a bit of advance conversation.
Q. How many godparents will I need?
A. Most families choose 2 or 3 (one of each gender, and an extra member of the candidate’s gender). However, there are no hard and fast rules about godparents (or “sponsors”). You may have as many as you wish, or none. However, at least one godparent must be a baptized Christian (denomination is not a consideration).
Q. What does a godparent do?
A. At least one godparent must be a baptized Christian (any denomination). All godparents agree to help the candidate grow into a mature Christian faith, by conversation, example and prayer. No godparent is considered a legal guardian unless the parents make such provision legally. Godparents for children are encouraged to remember the “baptismal birthday” annually with a small gift of a religious nature.
PASTORAL CONCERNS
Q. Who do I contact for information or emergencies? A. Try the office during the day (358-4631). Our clergy are also available at their home numbers, which are published in the phone book, for emergencies any time day or night.
Q. Will you pray for…?
A. Of course. Please fill in the form in your pew and include your name and telephone number, or call us, or email your request. After one month without further information, we remove people from the prayer list—please keep us apprised of progress!
Q. Will you visit…?
A. Please call and speak to the Rector, Deacons or parish nurse (Barbara Mountjoy RN) about a pastoral visit.
Q. I need to speak to a priest. How do I arrange that?
A. Please call and make an appointment.
Q. Will our conversation be confidential?
A. Yes—within limits. Nothing said in a “confession” may legally be disclosed under any circumstance, but a confession is a particular ceremony, not every conversation. If you feel the need to unburden yourself of your sins, schedule a confession with one of our priests. For broader pastoral conversations, common sense dictates the level of confidentiality. Your non-confessional conversation with a clergyman is confidential unless you give cause for concern for either your safety or someone else’s, unless you disclose that you have committed certain crimes, or unless either your or the minister have indicated that the information ought to be shared with someone else.
Q. I have some health concerns that I would like to speak with someone about.
A. Contact our parish nurse, Barbara Mountjoy RN, who is in the office Wed-Fri at the parish. Home health care, basic health information, or concerns about preventative care are some areas in which she has special expertise. Examples might include assistance in making choices about care for elderly family members, conversations about confusing medical instructions, or basic health care matters like your dietary and exercise regimen.
FUNERALS
Q. My family member just died and I need to schedule a funeral... A. Please contact the office or clergy immediately by phone. Funerals are routinely performed for “non-members,” mainly family and close acquaintances of parishioners. Typically, such funerals are in the Church, although "graveside" and funeral chapel services are allowed. Invariably, they follow the forms appointed by the Episcopal Church.
Q. Is cremation allowed?
A. Yes. We actually have a columbarium (a burial space for cremations) on the grounds “in the arms of the Church.”
Q. Is there a cost for funerals?
A. No, although a contribution to the clergy’s discretionary fund and the parish is always appreciated ($100 to each is suggested). In addition, if there is music, an honorarium in the amount of $75 is suggested. Our parish organist will be the primary musician if music is desired.
Q. How do I purchase a columbarium niche? A. A niche for one or two people, with engraving of nameplate included, is currently $700 all inclusive. Members and close family of members are permitted to purchase niches, subject to certain regulations. See the Rector to discuss this option.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Q. How do I learn more about the Episcopal Church?
A. We have yearly classes (“Inquirer’s Classes”) at 9:15 on Sundays for a few weeks before our bishop’s visitation. This coming year, these will be held in the weeks leading up to the Sept 21 2008 visit of our bishop.
Q. What does "Episcopal" mean?
A. It is the Greek word “with bishops,” which describes our basic organization. We are a denomination in which bishops have pastoral oversight over areas (“dioceses”, usually a state, or in our case, the western half of Missouri) within which individual congregations exercise broad autonomy in local ministry.
Q. What relationship does the Episcopal Church have to the Anglican Communion? A. We are the sole American branch of the Anglican Communion, the only Church in the USA which is in full communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England. There are approximately 80 million Anglicans worldwide, 2 ½ million of them in this country.
Q. What relationship does the Episcopal Church have to other denominations?
A. We consider ourselves a distinctive tradition within Christianity, but we are not the only Christian Church. All Christian traditions have their place in God’s kingdom. Regardless of where you may have been baptized, at what age, with how much water, we recognize your basic identity as a Christian, a member of the household of God.
Q. How do I remember how to spell Episcopal?
A. Take “Pepsi Cola” and shake it up…
Q. Is this a High Church or a Low Church? A. Those words are a bit 19th century. Basically, our worship is rather traditional and we use incense on major occasions, so we're more High Church than anything else. But what matters is that our worship is heart-felt and authentic, not what the style might be.
Q. I see in the news that there are very liberal and very conservative Episcopalians who are having a disagreement about policy. Which kind of parish is Grace Church?
A. Grace Church is a community congregation, in which Episcopalians of all shades of opinion are free to grow into deeper relationship with the Risen Christ. We teach the undivided Christian message as found in Scripture, enlightened by reason and the traditions of the Church. However, our expectation is that all Christians will strive to formulate for themselves exactly how they understand that undivided and common truth, and how they apply it in their daily lives, while at the same time allowing their neighbors room for their own spiritual development. There is room in God’s arms for all parts of the spectrum.
MEMBERSHIP
Q. How do I become a member of Grace Church? A. If you have been baptized, by transfer from another congregation. See the Rector to begin that process. If you have not been baptized, by baptism. To hold certain offices or responsibilities, confirmation is a necessary additional step, and is encouraged for all members. Confirmation is the public confession before our bishop that one accepts the undivided catholic or “universal” teaching of Christianity and seeks to live that faith in the Anglican tradition. Confirmation is held at the bishop’s annual visitation.
Q. Can I take communion if not a confirmed member?
A. We welcome you to do so. It is the Lord’s Supper, and all His flock are welcome.
MINISTRY
Q. What ministry opportunities do you offer?
A. For a mid-sized congregation, Grace Church is astonishingly active. St. Luke’s NursingCenter is an Episcopal institution. The CarthageLiteracyCenter, CrossLines, Community Clinic, and Crisis Center are all organizations which were founded by and significantly assisted by Grace Church. We deliver meals on wheels for the Over 60 Center four weeks each year, and we support two mission schools in Haiti. A Spanish speaking congregation meets weekly. Nearly New Episcopal Shop, our consignment clothing store, relies on volunteer efforts to fund much of this ministry. Narcotics Anonymous meets weekly in our building. Classes in English and Anglo culture for Spanish speakers are held after Spanish services on Sunday.
Q. Can I volunteer?
A. Absolutely! See Fr. Dan Erdman to volunteer for St. Luke’s, Sandy Swingle for the Literacy Center, Carolyn Cole or Shirley Stigall for Nearly New, Steve & Sue Friede for Meals on Wheels, Deacon Galen Snodgrass for our Haiti partnership, and the Rector for other opportunities. All of them can be reached through contacting the office.
MUSIC
Q. Tell me about your music program.
A. We have a wonderful organ, part pipe and part electronic, and the finest organist in the Four States. Dr. Mary Anne Andrews provides regular accompaniment to all Sunday 10:30 services and major feast days. In addition, we have a choir which welcomes all singers. The St. Gregory Choir, directed by Dr. Andrews, meets at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays and 9:15 on Sundays for practice and leads the worship music at 10:30 services. Occasionally, we offer bell choir and youth choir for special occasions. Traditional music rather than contemporary seems more “authentic” in our lovely, but very formal, Gothic building.
WORDS
Q. Is it true that Episcopalians use a lot of peculiar words for things? A. Anything worth doing is worth describing in biblical Greek or medieval Latin….Don’t worry about the vocabulary. Should something seem impossible to grasp (like “sanctuary,” which means “the part of the Church building nearest the altar”) we have handy vocabulary sheets available. No tests are taken, however…
