Dear friends,
On these final days of our Christmas season we might take a moment to reflect on what we want to keep and treasure from Christmas as we move into the new year. For me, one thing I want to keep and treasure is my precocious, preadolescent 12 year old grandson, who still snuggles with his parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, and who increasingly challenges, critiques, and competes with us as a peer.
Our gospel this Sunday gives us a glimpse of Jesus as a precocious preadolescent 12 year old. It is a reminder to us that God didn't come among us to be born, die, and return to heaven. God grew up through all the stages and tensions of human development including the tension between discovering and creating his identity. Identity discovery and creation is a lifelong process including varying levels of exploration and commitment.
We may think of Jesus' identity as fixed, but as a human being he had to discover who he was and create his own unique expression of the various aspects of his identity - social, familial, religious, gender, sexual, vocational, racial, political, to name a few. With the support of his parents and cultural institutions, including the Father and the Holy Spirit and the institutions of Judaism, he became the unique loving and challenging person who continues to help shape our identities.
Exploration and commitment to various aspects of our identity is lifelong work. Even once we reach a sense of who we are, of who we are called to be, we are working out, discovering and creating, the ramifications and consequences of our commitment.
Adolescents and adolescence is often referred to as an uncomfortable stage of development. One to get through or survive. But I want to treasure it as a gift of Christmas, a wonderful stage of exploration and growing commitment. I hope we all come to a deeper appreciation for and admiration of the adolescents among us, for who they are now and the work they are doing to discover and create, explore and commit to various aspects of God given portions of their identity as well as those portions of identity God gives them to create and shape for themselves. We can learn and grow and explore with our adolescent members what it means to be about Father's business in our Father's house.
With Gratitude, Tuck Bowerfind (he/him)
Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Worship Services | Second Sunday After Christmas | Sunday, January 5
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | In-Person and on Zoom
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In-Person and Zoom
Anne Hansen will be talking on the collect for the day: O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever.
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Sessions
Jan 19 - St. John's Bible, Brad Neary and Liz Moss presenting
Jan 26 - One holy, catholic, apostolic, David Cox presenting
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Women's Bible Study
Women's Bible Study will resume on January 5th
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
The Saint John's Bible
The Saint John’s Bible Presentation (RSVP Required)
Saturday, January 18, 2025
10 am to 1:30 pm (lunch provided)
Plan to attend a special presentation on The Saint John’s Bible, the first illuminated, handwritten Bible to be commissioned by a Benedictine Abbey in more than 500 years. This special training is especially for those interested in learning more in depth about the Saint John’s Bible and/or for those considering a role in helping to share the Bible with our parish and in the community during our 3 month “season” with the volume of Gospels & Acts. The training session will be from 10 am to 1:30 pm and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP here by January 7th if you are planning to attend.
Brad Neary, Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program, will share the story of how Saint John’s Abbey & University (Collegeville, MN), in 1998 commissioned this unique work of Scripture and sacred art as a gift to the world for the new Millennium. The 1,150-page manuscript was created by Donald Jackson, former Senior Scribe to Her Royal Majesty The Late Queen Elizabeth II Crown Office, along with a small collaborative team of scribes and artists. Traditional materials were used, including vellum, ancient inks, precious metals and quill pens fashioned from goose, turkey and swan feathers.
In an effort to fully realize the mission of The Saint John’s Bible – to ignite the spiritual imagination of people around the world on all faith journeys – a full-sized, fine art printed Heritage Edition was produced using cutting-edge 21st-century technology. This limited Edition is bound in Italian leather and features the exquisite calligraphy, vibrant imagery and stunning embossed illuminations inspired by the original; only 299 of these 7-volume sets were crafted. Neary will share the story of the Heritage Edition’s creation and will recount how this work is profoundly inspiring individuals and communities around the world. Neary will have the Gospels & Acts volume of the Heritage Edition available for attendees to experience following his presentation.
Brad Neary's Bio
Brad Neary serves as Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. The Heritage Program is an international initiative for individuals and institutions to explore the artistic and spiritual beauty of The Saint John’s Bible—the first hand-written, hand-illuminated monumental Bible in 500 years.
Neary is a 1981 graduate of Saint John’s University and served as the University’s Assistant to the President from 1981 to 1984. Neary earned his master’s degree in Human Resources & Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management in 1987 and held senior positions at TRW, KeyCorp, and Medtronic over the course of his 20-year career as a human resources professional.
Neary returned to Saint John’s in 2008 and began serving as Senior Development Officer (major gifts) on the University’s Institutional Advancement team. In 2013, Neary combined his fundraising work with a half-time Director role on The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program team. As of May 1, 2022, Neary transitioned to his current full-time role with the Heritage Program.
Neary resides in and works from Seattle where he is an active member of his Episcopal church, Epiphany Parish, and an even more active father to his teenage daughter, Moira.
Saint John’s Bible Welcome Event
Saturday, January 18, 2025
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Grace Episcopal Church
123 W. Washington St, Lexington, Virginia
Please join us as we welcome Volume 7 (Gospels & Acts) of the Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible. The Saint John’s Bible is the first illuminated, handwritten Bible to be commissioned by a Benedictine Abbey in more than 500 years.
Saint John’s Abbey & University (Collegeville, MN), in 1998 commissioned this unique work of Scripture and sacred art as a gift to the world for the new Millennium. The 1,150-page manuscript was created by Donald Jackson, former Senior Scribe to Her Royal Majesty The Late Queen Elizabeth II Crown Office, along with a small collaborative team of scribes and artists. Traditional materials were used, including vellum, ancient inks, precious metals and quill pens fashioned from goose, turkey and swan feathers.
In an effort to fully realize the mission of The Saint John’s Bible – to ignite the spiritual imagination of people around the world on all faith journeys – a full-sized, fine art printed Heritage Edition was produced using cutting-edge 21st-century technology. This limited Edition is bound in Italian leather and features the exquisite calligraphy, vibrant imagery and stunning embossed illuminations inspired by the original; only 299 of these 7-volume sets were crafted.
The volume will be hosted by Grace Episcopal Church during February, March, and April and during that time it will be inspiring us in our worship and study of scripture. We also desire to share it within our community. Please contact the church office ( 540-463-4981) or Liz Moss (540-233-1048) if you would like to engage with the Bible.
Youth at Convention
Get ready for our biggest event of the year with youth from across Southwestern Virginia. Registration is open for Youth@Convention 2025! All middle and high school youth are invited to join us for a weekend of live music, small groups, and youth centered worship. We are excited to announce that our service project will be making beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. January 24–26, 2025 | St. John's Roanoke. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 15. We can't wait to see you!
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 Episcopal in Buena Vista is in urgent need of jackets/coats for boys and girls both in childhood and in their teenage years. If your child/grandchild has outgrown last year's coat, please consider donating it to the Clothes Closet, which is open the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9-12 noon. Alternatively you may leave the jacket with Lisa in our church office and she will see that it gets to Christ Episcopal. Update: They are also in need of everyday silverware. Thank you!
Walk in Love Stewardship Campaign
This Sunday we are handing out pledge cards. Monday we will mail cards to parishioners who were not at church. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged to the Walk in Love pledge campaign to fund the 2025 operating budget of Grace Episcopal Church. Every pledge helps us with our planning for the year to come. We will list the names of those who have made a pledge every week, as well as the total pledged to date in the Parish News Life with Grace. Our goal is between 120-130 pledges totaling $540,000. To date we have received pledges from 122 households totaling $536,184.
Thanks to our contributing households thus far!
Pam & Jim Adams
Lori Apgar
John & Cecilia Arpin
Doug Ayer
Anne Blanken
Laurent & Elizabeth Boetsch
Peter Bowerfind
Tucker & Delea Bowerfind
Jane Brooke
Jim & Toni Brown
Madison & Katharine Brown
Ruth Brunner
Martha Ann Burford
Catharine Burns
Bettie Cadden
Betsy & Buddy Carter
David & Marjorie Connolly
Virginia Cooke
R. David & Melissa Cox
Ed & Marlys Craun
Jay & Joan Crawford
Roger & Anna Crockett
Dennis & Susan Cross
Susan Denson
Lynn & Carol Dent
Barton & Gail Dick
John & Gail Dickerson
Punky Dod
Langston & Page Donkle
Ed & Lu Dooley
Jonathan Eastwood & Maria Nava
Will & Cary Edgar
Don & Claudia Ellis
Carole Elmore
Matthew Fogo & Kevin Manning
Patrick France
Tim & Catharine Gaylard
Keith & Pat Gibson
Rene' Glidden
Rose Gordon
Tom & Carol Gosse
Melanie Griffis
Julianne Grimes
David & Anne F Grizzle
Peter & Julia Grover
Margaret Haberman
Woody & Becky Hall
David & Anne Hansen
Sandy & Catherine Harcus
Elizabeth Harralson
Diana Harris
Winifred Hart
Helen Head
Jack & Anne Hershbell
Drew & Megan Hess
Harold & Kathryn Hill
Kay Horner
Judy Hotchkiss
David & Chris Howison
Benjamin & Laurie Huger
Patrick & Phyllis Hugg
Gini Jardim
James & Darlene Keane
Suzanne Keen
Diana Kenney
Deborah & Bill Klein
John & Beth Knapp
Helen Kostel
Bill & Kathy Kozak
Sharon & Frederick Kurtz
Steve & Susan Lawrence
Greg & Janet Lemmer
Buster & Signe Lewis
Mo & Julia Littlefield
Jeff & Meg Mason
M.J. Mayerchak
William McCorkle
Pat & Lisa McGuire
Jo McMurtry
Susan Mead
John & Drusie Milford
Su Minor
Joseph & Abby Moles
Helen Moore
Liz Moss
Grigg & Cindy Mullen
Ann & Jerry Nay
Elaine Nelson
Mark Nelson
David O'Connor & Linda Merrick
David & Nan Partlett
David & Jeanne Passmore
George & Eleanor Penn
Michael Perry
Shay Peters
Henry Porter
Tim & Mary Price
MaryEtta Randolph
Colin Reid
Steve & Peggy Riethmiller
Joanne & Paul Robblee
Cynthia Robertson
Martha & Don Robey
Woody & Lori Sadler
Nanalou Sauder
Bill Sayre & Melissa Gladwell-Sayre
Judy Schram
Frank Settle, Jr. & Cecile West-Settle
Sue & Steve Shultis
Clark & Raeanna Simcoe
Ham & AP Smith
Jimbo & Ruth Smith
Sarah Stockton
Paul Strickland
Lisa Tracy
Spencer & Beverly Tucker
David Wade
Harry & Marnie Wheeler
Kent & Mary Wilson
Michael & Beverly Wirtz
Connor Wolfe
Christina Young
Pledge something. You are a valuable member of the body of Christ. Most of your contribution to Christ's work is through the works of love you do for others every day in your work and personal life. You also share in the responsibility for maintaining and operating our facilities and ministries. Some members give $1/week, some give $400/week. Some give nothing. Whatever you commit and fulfill will be gratefully received and faithfully used for God's mission through Grace. Whether you give something or not, you are a beloved member of the parish and the body of Christ.
Consider pledging proportionally. As your income or net worth change, continue to give proportionally. For example - you can base your giving on a proportion of your gross annual income. Or if you have a positive net worth, you might consider basing your giving on a proportion of your net worth.
Consider tithing your income or net worth. Traditionally, tithing is ten percent of gross household income. Muslims have a different standard that you might consider. They give 2.4% of their gross positive net worth. If they have zero or negative net worth, they are not expected to give anything except time and talent.
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
Thanks for a great semester of Paws to Connect! We'll see you after break!
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: Pray for Presiding Bishop The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. Pray for Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, and our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas. Pray for Brendon, Timmy, John Perry, Glen Jones, Jack Hershbell, 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, Nick Penn, Danny Anson (friend of Pat & Keith Gibson), Bill Cannon, Rebecca Robblee (daughter-in-law of Joanne & Paul Robblee), Tom Strickland, Virginia Poston (sister of Betsy Carter), Dot Fogo, Roger Baroody, Henry Porter, Buster Lewis, Joe Moles, Mo Littlefield, Michelle & John Evola (cousins of Darlene Keane), 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, Penelope Henneman and Frances Harcus.
In Thanksgiving for January Birthdays
1/4 Colin Murphy
1/5 Elizabeth Branner, Martha Ann Burford
1/8 Laurent Boetsch, Kitty Farrar, Helen Moore, Connor Wolfe
1/10 Janet Lemmer, Peter Grover
1/ 11 Signe Lewis, Marnie Wheeler
1/14 Liz Moss
1/16 Gabrielle Frascati
1/18 Lee Sayre, Laurie Huger
1/19 Elizabeth Boetsch
1/20 Paul Strickland
1/21 Sarah Edgar
1/23 Virginia Cooke
1/26 Maille Carrington
1/27 Sean Carrington, Joseph Moles
1/29 Jane Brooke, Nan Partlett
1/30 Melissa Gladwell-Sayre, Cary Edgar
1/31 Tom Gosse
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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