Dear Friends,
The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of Northwest Pennsylvania and bishop provisional of Western New York, was elected and confirmed June 26 at the 81st General Convention to serve as the 28th presiding bishop. His nine-year term as presiding bishop, the face and voice of The Episcopal Church and its chief pastor, begins Nov. 1.
Bishop Rowe stated, “We know that we cannot continue being The Episcopal Church in the same way, no matter where we live. It’s time to reorient our church … to support dioceses and churches on the ground, where ministry happens.”
We are reorienting here at Grace by focusing on spiritual growth as the central work of the church. Spiritual growth may sound mysterious, in part it is, life is mysterious. By spirit we mean the reality of relationship, the power that binds us to others, to God and one another. Spiritual growth is growing in relationship, growing in love with God who showed us the way of self giving love in Jesus Christ as the way to abundant life, the way of beloved community.
One way to grow and deepen our relationship with God is to persistently and consistently ask simple questions of every ministry from Vestry through outreach, education, worship, pastoral care, fellowship and administrative committee and working group, including coffee hour. What does this ministry group do? Why do we do it? How does it contribute to growth in a loving relationship with God and with others? What do we want to do moving forward to orient more toward growing and deepening in the love of God?
Those same questions can be asked about any aspect of your personal life and work.
As you consider moving forward, it may be helpful to think of one degree changes in direction. One degree changes in direction are often manageable, sustainable, and over time can lead to tremendous differences in outcome.
We know the Episcopal Church needs to change in order to be true to Jesus. He is the north star. By staying oriented to his loving, liberating, life giving relationship with the Father we will no doubt find ourselves changing from the world that is oriented toward something else. As we change by keeping our hearts fixed on him, we can proclaim and point to the reality of his beloved community. Challenging and dismantling systems and attitudes of domination and privilege for the sake of the flourishing of every human person and every creature of God.
With Gratitude, Tuck Bowerfind (he/him) Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Read the Official Announcement of our new presiding bishop
Worship Services | Proper Eight | Sunday, June 30
Christianity and Culture
Sunday, June 30 - No Christianity & Culture (Parish Retreat)
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Sessions
Sunday, July 7 - Independence Day, A brief talk about the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a video about Fort McHenry and our flag. Presented by Joanne Robblee
Sunday, July 14 - Spiritual Growth in the Early Church, presented by Alexandra Brown
Sunday, July 21 - The Role of Music in Spiritual Growth, presented by Martha Burford
Sunday, July 28 - Our first Ministry - College Students, presented by David Cox
Sunday, August 4 - Buddhism, Nature, and Contemplative Practice, presented by Barney Brown
Sunday, August 11 - Evolving into a More Conscious Communion with the Source of All Creation through Sacred Geometry, presented by Antonia Albano
Sunday, August 18 - Russian Orthodox Faith & Iconography symbolism & Spirituality, presented by Madelyn Stuart
Sunday, August 25 - Rat Sunday
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and YouTube
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
General Convention Links | Louisville | June 23-28
Independence Day Festival
3RD ANNUAL WHITE STREET BLOCK PARTY | JULY 4TH - 5:00 PM TO 8:30 PM
COMMUNITY PARTY & COOKOUT & LIVE MUSIC & FUN! WHERE TO GO? White St. between Jefferson St. & Jackson Ave. | Burgers & Hot Dogs for all (or bring items for us to cook), BYOB (or wine/drinks) – ice & water provided | Side Dishes, open tables & chairs (bring folding chairs)
Monday Music on the Courtyard is Back!
Grace Episcopal Church announces its second season of "Music Mondays on the Courtyard." July 15: Betty and the Hot Flashes; August 12: TBA; September 9: Open Mic Night All events run 6:30-8:00pm. All are invited to bring food, beverages, lawn chairs, and blankets. In the event of rain, music will move into the Undercroft of the church. Free will donations are accepted. For information contact Martha.
Update on the Trex Challenge
Wonderful news! We have met our goal of 1,000 lbs. of plastic film for the Trex Challenge. Thanks so much to all that helped us meet the goal. I want to give a special thanks to Cindy and Grigg Mullen, Lexington Garden Club, Jefferson Florist, Lexington Prescription Center and ConnectionsPlus for their help in reaching our goal. We will continue to participate in this program!
The Community Table
The Community Table serves a hot meal each week to families and individuals in need. Our bakers are getting tired and need some support. Could any of your congregations donate monthly? Mondays, desserts for 150 (cakes, brownies, cookies, seasonal). Once a month or on a quarterly rotation. Or once a year would take a little burden off our current crew. We can set a schedule. Thank you so much. I know many of you already support TCT through donations, volunteers and more. We appreciate your ongoing support to uplift and strengthen those in need in our community.
Intergenerational Summer Camp
Winter Star is a 5 day intergenerational Arts-Music Camp for Adults and Children that culminates in a production of the musical on Friday. We rehearse Monday-Friday, and share The Winter Star Musical performance at 7pm on Friday, Aug. 9. All who want to participate are invited! Roles for Shepherds, Angels, Magi, Stars, Parents and Children. Think "Christmas in August." Each day will include music rehearsal, costume and stage preparation, creative prop making, dinner, stage directions, and fun music warmups. Registration will close Monday, July 29. The registration fee is to cover cost of dinner. Email Martha Burford for details or with questions.
Music in the Garden
Join us for Music in the Garden on July 12 (The Pickup Band), August 2 (Hoss & Soss), August 23 (Caravan of Fools) and September 6 (The Ruckus Bluegrass Band). Members and kids are free; nonmember adults are $5 cash at the gate. 130 Munger Lane | Gates open at 5:30 pm, music from 6:30-7:30 pm | $5 per adult, kids are free. BYOB, BYO chairs, and pack out your waste. Leashed pets are welcome.
Prayers for Peace in the Holy Land
A Note from Tuck:
I am writing to ask for your prayers for a de-escalation of violence between Israeli and Palestinian people and for return to the challenging work of building a sustainable and lasting peace.
I have reached out to the current student director of Hillel House, the Chaplain at VMI, and the director of Student Services at W&L to express our support of Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish and Muslim students.
I encourage you to reach out to your Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish and Muslim friends in recognition that this crisis creates the conditions for increased anti-semitic and anti-muslim behavior, as well the strong likelihood that they or someone close to them has been impacted by this crisis.
Finally, please read the following statement by the Episcopal Church and the accompanying statement by Churches for Middle East Peace.
Pray for peace.
Boys Home of Virginia Wish List
Efforts continue to collect items for the Boy's Home. A list of what is needed can be found on the table in the stairwell near the parish office. A basket labeled Boy's Home is underneath the table for your contributions. Questions about this effort can be directed to Lisa or to Darlene Keane.
Wanted: Sunday School Teachers
We are looking for youth, college students, and adults to help with Sunday School from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. each Sunday. A stipend is available. Contact Tuck for more information.
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: Pray for Presiding Bishop Curry, for The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop-Elect. Pray for Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, and our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas. Pray today for the staff and residents of Westminster Canterbury and their chaplain, the Rev. William Deal. Pray for Brendon, Michael Murphy, Timmy, Rick Alexander, Bradley Fairchild and Karen Junkin, John Perry, Glen Jones, Patricia Brown Boyer, Jack Hershbell, Laura Stearns, Worth & Katie Burnes & Family, Amelia Dull, Stephen deMaria, Polly Lawrence, Betty Cadden, Jeff Mason, Joe Irby, Kent Wilson, Don Ellis, Diana Kenney, Patrick Bowes, Ann Nay, Paula Cooper, Penny & Ned Henneman, Barbara Bova, Daniel Diener, Shelby, Clay Sadler, Sharon Humphreys, Eloise Adams, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Cullen Bahr (friend of Drusie Milford), Mary Etta Randolph, Amaree Cluff, Jeff Patnaude, Blake, Liz & Cameron (friends of Chris Young), Carl & Rachel Pattison, Brian Powers, Jane Drewry (sister-in-law of Ruth Smith), Barb Ostrander (cousin of John Milford), Carolyn Williams, Jennifer Humphrey, Linda Lanford, Elizabeth Jones (Martha’s mom), Grace, Ashley Swain & Elliot Ohmann (daughter and grandson of Sharon Kurtz), Sue Hill, Frances Harcus, Glenn & Christine Szarzynski, Palmer Stickley and his family, Mercedes Aravena-Echaurren, 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 June and July Birthdays
6/29 Lu Dooley, Michael Finnell
7/1 Maria Nava
7/5 Tom Vinson, Elise Brooke, Harold Hill
7/6 Jay Crawford, David Wade, Benjamin Holston
7/7 Mark Nelson
7/8 Sue Shultis
7/10 Joe Simcoe
7/11 Elizabeth Grist, Mary Wilson
7/12 Otis Mead
7/13 Jackson Hotchkiss
7/14 Bethany Hull
7/17 Kris Hoolahan
7/18 Carla Henson
7/19 Jeff Mason
7/20 Lisa Tracy
7/21 Catharine Gaylard
7/23 Miss D Penick
7/28 Paul Robblee, Su Minor
7/29 John Brooke, Jonathan Eastwood
7/31 Margaret Haberman
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.