News of the week

Many, many thanks to all who prepared baked goods, hearty stews, soups, quiches and casseroles for the Valentine’s Day Youth Bake Sale.  And many thanks to all of you who purchased these delicious treats!  Together, we raised $287 which will be used to buy jump ropes and other  small playground items for the “I Read Every Day” Camp in Philadelphia, a camp for children in one of the poorest and most troubled neighborhoods in Philly.

Grace will offer its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Luncheon, a tradition since 1913, on Tuesday February 16.  This year the Luncheon will be held from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the parish hall of the Church.  The event honors the passing of the season of Epiphany into Lent.  Donations will be accepted at the door and help to support our Emergency Food Program at Grace.

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Portland, Oregon will serve as one of nearly 100 partner sites presenting Trinity Institute’s 40^th annual conference, Building an Ethical Economy: Theology and the Marketplace, on January 28-29, 2010 via video web link.  The conference will bring together leading theologians and economists to talk about the relationship between economics and Christian belief and action; understand why financial systems sometimes become belief systems rather than neutral mechanisms for exchange; discuss constructive alternatives to present models of economics and consumerism; and envision ways to build an economy that is both ethical and just.

Scheduled to appear are Rowan Williams, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Anglican Communion; Sir Partha Dasgupta, Professor of Economics, University of Cambridge and Kathryn Tanner, Professor of Theology, University of Chicago Divinity School.

Each guest has a unique viewpoint on this topic:

Archbishop Rowan Williams has spoken candidly about the current financial crisis and published several essays of his conversations with economists.

Sir Partha Dasgupta is a pioneering researcher in sustainable economic development, the influence of beliefs on economies, and the inclusion of the environment in measurements of wealth. He also studies the economics of poverty and nutrition.

Professor Kathryn Tanner’s recent book, Economy of Grace, explores the intersection between theology and economics.

The Most Reverend Bernard Ntahoturi, the Archbishop of Burundi in Central Africa, will preach for the conference’s Opening Eucharist. Bishop Bernard brings a global perspective to issues of Gospel and economics.

Conference participation is open to clergy and laypersons of all faith traditions and can be attended at 1535 NE 17^th Avenue, Portland.  The conference will be held from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on Thursday and Friday, January 28 and 29.  Registration for the conference is $40 for the two days.  Scholarships are available.  Lunches can be reserved for an additional charge of $10 each day.  Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available to those participating in the entire conference.

The Rev. Stephen V. Schneider, Rector of Grace Memorial, said, “Grace Memorial is pleased to be partnering with Trinity Institute in bringing this important discussion to our local community. As clergy and lay leaders we will not only explore the moral perspective that led to this economic morass, but will engage in envisioning a more ethical and sustainable economy for all humanity.”  Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon joins Grace Memorial as a local co-sponsor.

This Sunday, January 17, at 11:45 am Jefftrey T. Baker will give a gallery talk on his art which is currently on view in the Grace Stairwell Gallery.

This Sunday at 9 am we begin a new three-week series which explores the story of Christmas through word and art.  The familiar texts of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany from Matthew and Luke are brought to life through the art of John August Swanson with commentary by members of the faculty of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University.