Dear friends,
Our readings this Sunday present us with Simon's disorienting encounter with God. His reaction is fear and self deprecation. But Jesus shows no interest in Simon's shortcomings. Jesus hasn't called Simon because of his qualifications, character, or potential. God's call to become catchers of people, disciples, followers of Jesus soon becomes as broad and indiscriminate as the fish that flow into the nets of the fisherfolk at Jesus' command to set out into deep water and let down their nets. God wants all of us.
Few if any are qualified for the work God calls us to do in the name of Christ. Proclaiming the gospel, loving our neighbors, striving for justice and peace seem better delegated to professionals. The attached article from an alumni magazine is a reminder that we have a tremendous amount to learn about the challenges faced by students and young adults, and we have a crucial role to play.
Dr. Iarovici presents a vision of a caring campus culture where everyone actively encourages mental health as a facet of overall health. What is Grace's role? What is your role? What is the role of the wider church, our ecumenical and interfaith collaborators?
Perhaps facing the call to be part of creating a culture of caring in the midst of rapidly evolving changes in our culture seems daunting. Likely you would prefer to delegate it to Michael McLaughlin. Or to others with more expertise. But we each have a role to play in campus ministry and in creating a culture of caring. And that includes figuring out how to proclaim the gospel, love our neighbors, and strive for justice and peace in a rapidly changing culture.
With Gratitude, Tuck Bowerfind (he/him)
Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Worship Services | Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany | Sunday, February 9
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | In-Person and on Zoom
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In-Person and Zoom
February 9: What's going on in the Eucharist? Tuck Bowerfind
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Sessions
February 16: Rachel Levit Ades, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, Mudd Center for Ethics, Washington and Lee University Discusses disability accessibility; What does it take for everyone to participate in the world? Rachel is a philosopher who studies disability accessibility; she is really curious about what it takes for everyone to participate in the world. She tries to learn more about this, create opportunities for others to discuss this, and make the things she is passionate about accessible. Rachel came to this project after working in special education and deaf education. She teaches philosophy classes both for university students and in community settings for adults with disabilities; she also has some fun with creative accessibility projects. Rachel will finish her postdoc at W&L’s Mudd Center for Ethics this spring. Her future plans are open at the moment, though she will leave beautiful Lexington to be closer to family. In some form, she aims to continue to do work, which is interesting, creative, and hopefully helpful.
February 23: Saint John's Bible Art Joanne Robblee
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Women's Bible Study | Welles Room/Library | 3:30 p.m.
Taize Eucharist | 5 p.m.
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Beer and Hymns | Sky Bar | Thursday, February 27, 6 p.m.
Join us for an evening of music, fellowship, and fun at Sky Bar on Thursday, February 27th, at 6 PM. Hosted by Grace Episcopal Church, this event will feature lively hymns led by emcees Martha Burford, David Mayersky, and Michael McLaughlin. Bring your friends and your singing voice as we come together to share in community and song. Stay tuned for more details soon! Save the date, and we hope to see you there!
Mardi Gras Spaghetti and Bingo Night
Sign up now for an evening of good food and good fun on March 4 to support our ministries to children in Haiti and South Sudan! The evening features drinks and hors d'oeuvres, a spaghetti dinner, bingo and fun together as we raise funds for St. Marc's School in Haiti and Kelly Academy of Hope in South Sudan. The cost is $50 per person and the sign up sheet will displayed during church coffee hours and located in the church vestibule during the week.
Bakers Wanted for the Community Table
Please contact Virginia Cooke at 348-5367 if interested!
Finance Committee Seeking New Members
The Finance Committee is looking for members of the Parish to join us in monitoring the finances of the church. Time involved: about 1 ½ hours per month. We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. somewhere in the Parish Hall. Be willing to serve your church to the best of your ability. Benefits: Joy and Gladness in helping the church spend pledges and donations wisely.
If interested, please contact Margaret Haberman on her cell phone at 703-608-8695, or her home phone at 540-463-0950.
ACTS Call for Members
What is Grace Actively Caring Through Sharing (ACTS)?
How can I be a part of it?
Grace ACTS is an important ministry to the parishioners and the community of our church. Our four teams consist of over 20 people or family units that volunteer for the Grace ACTS ministry. Each team has about 6 members and is on duty every 4 weeks. Grace ACTS members select two or more needs from the list when their team is on duty. Team members pray for, call, visit or send a card to those on the list that are ill, have had a death in their family or are celebrating a new baby or a birthday. Please continue to pray for this vital ministry to our parish. If you have a pastoral concern or know of someone who does please contact Fr. Tuck, Melissa Cox or the Parish Office. If you would like to serve on a team, please contact Melissa.
Clothes Closet at Christ Episcopal
The Clothes Closet at Christ Church, Buena Vista, continues to need girls' winter coats, girls' clothing size 10-18, and silverware. The Clothes Closet is open every first and third Saturday of the month from 9 am until noon. You may drop your items off then. Alternately, you can bring your items to the Grace Church office and Lisa will ensure your items are conveyed to the Clothes Closet. Thank you for your support of this valuable asset to our community.
Greeter Team and Usher Team at Grace
Greeters take turns welcoming worshipers as they enter the churchyard to attend the service. They identify visiting guests, visitors, new members and extend a warm greeting. Greeter schedules are flexible to work with your availability. A great way to meet others at Grace. Contact Cecile West-Settle at West-SettleC@wlu.edu, 540-570-3256.
Ushers help the service run smoothly by welcoming worshipers to the service and assisting them as needed. They distribute the service bulletin and help with the offering collection, communion and more. Schedules are flexible to work with your availability. Email or call Lisa McGuire at 540-463-4981.
Training provided, many benefits! Join TODAY
Paws to Connect
Paws to Connect will be back soon!
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: Pray for Presiding Bishop The Most Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. Pray for Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, and our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas. Pray for the people of Ascension, Amherst. Pray for Brendon, Timmy, John Perry, Glen Jones, Laura Stearns, Lynda deMaria, Polly Lawrence, Betty Cadden, Jeff Mason, Joe Irby, Kent Wilson, Diana Kenney, Jerry & Ann Nay, Paula Cooper, Ned Henneman, Barbara Bova, Sharon Humphreys, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Cullen Bahr (friend of Drusie Milford), Mary Etta Randolph, Carl & Rachel Pattison, Grace, Palmer Stickley and his family, Mercedes Aravena-Echaurren, Patricia Williams, Justin, Rodrigo, Wes O’Dell and family, Peggy DePasquale, Danny Anson friend of Pat & Keith Gibson), Bill Cannon, Tom Strickland, Virginia Poston (sister of Betsy Carter), Dot Fogo, Roger Baroody, Buster Lewis, Joe Moles, Mo Littlefield, Michelle & John Evola (cousins of Darlene Keane), Kelly Strickland (brother of Paul), For the family of Doug, Shelley and Jennifer in their loss of their gifted son, Tyler (friends of the Passmores), Carol Dent, David Austin (friend of the Keanes), and those we name aloud or in our hearts. Pray for the people of Israel, Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, Ukraine, and pray for cessation of violence, and for reconciliation, and peace. Pray for those who have died.
In Thanksgiving for February Birthdays
2/9 Benjamin Huger
2/10 Glenn Szarzynski
2/12 Rowan Moles
2/19 Rose Hein
2/20 Sammy Eastwood
2/21 Steve Riethmiller
2/23 Beverly Tucker, Graham Hess, Becky Hall
2/24 Holt Merchant
2/25 Jeanne Passmore
2/27 Joseph Henson
2/28 Caitie Carrington, Erin Carrington
We're so glad you're here! If you or someone you know is new to Grace and would like more information about Parish life, follow the link below.
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