Dear Friends,
On Nov 5, 2024 national elections were conducted peacefully and without reported incidents of fraud or abuse. Results have been uncontested and accepted by all candidates. It is difficult to understate how remarkably peaceful and constructive the post election period has been. Despite the fears of many we appear to be a nation that knows and practices the disciplines of democracy, civility and charity. The following weekend we celebrated our Veterans and we now prepare to celebrate our uniquely wonderful national Thanksgiving holiday, the final holiday of our liturgical year. We have so much to be thankful for.
The Apostle Paul, in the fourth chapter of his letter from a Roman prison to his friends in Philippi, encourages them to "4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Do not be anxious about traffic, food, what to wear, or getting along with family. Keep awake to God by prayer and petition for what you need, and in thanksgiving for what God has already done. A long list indeed. Trust in God's provision for your present and future needs. Then peace will guard your heart and your mind in the knowledge that Christ is king, and he will work good in all things for those who trust in him.
The Book of Common Prayer provides a litany for use on Thanksgiving Day in place of the Prayers of the People. I invite you to use it sometime during your gatherings.
Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea.
We thank you, Lord.
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.
For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, andour friends,
We thank you, Lord.
For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,
We thank you, Lord.
For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play,
We thank you, Lord.
For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity,
We thank you, Lord.
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice,
We thank you, Lord.
For the communion of saints, in all times and places,
We thank you, Lord.
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord;
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
With Gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind (he/him) Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Blue Ridge Outdoor School - When entering the church driveway, please be aware that the children are in the churchyard in the morning from 8:45–9:00 a.m.and in the afternoon from approximately 2:50 p.m.–3:15 p.m. There may be a cone in the driveway to prevent cars from coming in to quickly; you may still park in the lot. Thank you!
Worship Services | First Sunday of Advent | Sunday, December 1
Holy Eucharist Rt 1 | 8 a.m. | In Person and YouTube
Note: Our 8 a.m. services are now streamed on YouTube, not Zoom.
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In-Person and Zoom
Rev. Deb Klein will lead a discussion on the season of Advent using hymns and poems that touch the yearning and hope of the four weeks that lead us to Bethlehem.
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Sessions
12/8 Annual Meeting
12/15 is Harvey Markowitz on the Tetragrammaton--the Hebrew name of God--YHWH
12/22 Anne Hansen on "Who is Jesus?"
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
First Sunday Lunch | Immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service
Women's Bible Study | Welles Room/Library | 3:30 p.m.
The Book of Esther
Lisa and Wendy will be back in the office on Tuesday, December 3.
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Light in the Darkness Service
Grace Church is offering a special service on Sunday December 8th at 5:00 p.m.. The holiday season is not always a happy time for everyone. Many are going through emotional turmoil, difficult life transitions, maybe experiencing the pain of loss, and are in need of healing. Light in the Darkness is offered to help people who are dealing with these difficult issues and is open to all.Additionally, perhaps you or someone you know seeks a moment of quiet, contemplative music, and prayer in the midst of the holiday bustle. You will find that this service makes the space for that moment. If you know of someone who might want to attend, please share this message with them, or better, invite them to come to the service with you.
The Winter Star Intergenerational Mini Musical
Join us for this beautiful "mini-musical" telling of the Christmas Story. Dr. Mackenzie Romriell and Martha Jones Burford will lead all ages of shepherds, magi, angels, sheep, and others in this beautiful, easy to learn, story of the star over the manger as it calls the world to the Love Incarnate, the Christ Child. The three Saturday rehearsals will involve singing, movement, and art making (creating costumes, the set, and props). The production will take place as the Pageant during Grace Episcopal Church's 5pm Christmas Eve service. Participants must sign up so we know whom to expect.
For information contact Martha.
Be a Santa to a Senior
The Be a Santa to a Senior program makes the holidays a little brighter for local older adults who may not receive other gifts this year. Community service organizations, social workers, and nursing facilities identify seniors who are financially in-need, homebound, disabled, or socially isolated. A personalized wish list is created for each older adult. The requests are usually for simple items such as warm socks, lap blankets, or new pajamas. We also receive more unique requests for items like art supplies, a harmonica, a special cologne, a Christmas sweater for a dog, or a VCR. Generous people in our community adopt the wish lists and purchase the items. They fulfill the wish lists with so much care and effort. Some families make it an annual tradition to go shopping for their seniors. As an added touch, the presents are delivered to the recipients in festive gift bags that have been hand-decorated by art students at Lexington City Schools. Older adults are often overlooked during the busy holiday season. Be a Santa to a Senior is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to make a difference right here in the Rockbridge community.
For more information, contact Melissa Sayre.
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.
Lexington Presbyterian Music Events
Thursday, December 5
12 noon at Lexington Presbyterian
MUSIC AT NOON
William McCorkle, organist
Music for Advent
Saturday, December 7
7:30 p.m. at Lexington Presbyterian
HOLIDAY CONCERT
Rockbridge Chorus
with Rockbridge Youth Chorale
Audience carols at 7:15 p.m.
Year-End Capital Giving
Friendly update and reminder: In addition to our seasonal stewardship campaign to fund operating expenses of the Parish, Parish Hall improvements will soon be upon us! Grace has established this year a designated capital improvements account as part of funding preparations. If you have achieved the age where you are taking required minimum distributions (RMD’s) from your IRA, and are inspired by generous returns from the stock markets this year, you are reminded that you may make qualified charitable distributions (QCD’s) from your IRA over and above your RMD (up to $100,000) to the church and this capital account, which will not be taxed as ordinary income! Of course, please consult your financial advisor for details.
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 103 households totaling $488,444.
Thanks to our contributing households thus far:
As of November 26
Lori Apgar
John & Cecilia Arpin
Doug Ayer
Anne Blanken
Laurent & Elizabeth Boetsch
Peter Bowerfind
Tucker & Delea Bowerfind
Jane Brooke
Madison & Katharine Brown
Ruth Brunner
Martha Ann Burford
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
Ed & Lu Dooley
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
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
Diana Kenney
Deborah & Bill Klein
John & Beth Knapp
Helen Kostel
Bill & Kathy Kozak
Sharon & Frederick Kurtz
Greg & Janet Lemmer
Buster & Signe Lewis
Mo & Julia Littlefield
Jeff & Meg Mason
William McCorkle
Pat & Lisa McGuire
Jo McMurtry
Susan Mead
Linda Merrick
John & Drusie Milford
Su Minor
Joseph & Abby Moles
Helen Moore
Liz Moss
Grigg & Cindy Mullen
Ann & Jerry Nay
Elaine Nelson
Mark Nelson
David & Nan Partlett
David & Jeanne Passmore
George & Eleanor Penn
Michael Perry
Shay Peters
Henry Porter
Tim & Mary Price
Joanne & Paul Robblee
Cynthia Robertson
Martha & Don Robey
Bill Sayre & Melissa Gladwell-Sayre
Judy Schram
Frank Settle, Jr. & Cecile West-Settle
Ham & AP Smith
Jimbo & Ruth Smith
Sarah Stockton
Paul Strickland
Spencer & Beverly Tucker
David Wade
Harry & Marnie Wheeler
Kent & Mary Wilson
Connor Wolfe
If you are new to pledging and would like guidance here are three basic guidelines:
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.
Vestry Candidates
These are the candidates who have accepted nomination for election to the Vestry at our Annual Meeting, December 8, 9 a.m. in the Parish Hall, followed by a Unitive Service at 10:30 a.m. In recent years Grace Episcopal Church has maintained a 12-member Vestry, plus Rector, Clerk, and Treasurer. Vestry members have a three-year term. The Vestry is allowed to be no fewer than 3 and no greater than 24 at any time.
Vestry nominations remain open until they are closed at the meeting. Vestry nominations may be made known to the Clerk of the Vestry, Lisa McGuire.
Vestry Candidates Bios
Melissa Cox
Baptized in an Episcopal Church, confirmed thirteen years later, I’ve been attending Episcopal churches my entire life. In my 37 years at Grace I’ve served on numerous committees – higher ed, worship, Gadsden, outreach, hospitality, vestry - as both Jr. and Sr. Warden- and fed hundreds of students and cadets. I’ve taken EFM and taught confirmation for eight years. Over the years I’ve been active in the diocese as delegate to Convention and as member and president of the Standing Committee.
I grew up in CT, CA, MA and spent three early years in Sri Lanka, but I’ve lived in VA for more than half of my life, thanks to David’s being called as rector in 1987. Our oldest son is unmarried and lives in DC. The other son and daughter live in Richmond with our six grandchildren.
Retired from Washington and Lee after thirty years, I currently head up the ACTS ministry, serve as trustee of the parish, take minutes for the property committee and assist as chalice bearer and reader.
Carole Elmore
As part of a military family, l traveled around the country and we attended many different Episcopal churches. There was the rather dark, cold one on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; the one in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with its link to an English queen; the one in Washington state with its folding chairs; and the bright, friendly, new one in Georgia. Whatever the individual church was like, we always felt at home with the ritual and welcomed by the parishioners.
If l can give back a little of what the church has given me over the years by serving on the Vestry, it would be an honor to do so.
Sharon Kurtz
I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 1980 as a young adult and have been an active member since, except during the six and one-half years I lived overseas while working for the US State Department. I’ve served in numerous capacities in the Church since 1980, from working in the nursey when my children were toddlers, to Sunday School teacher, lay reader, chalice bearer, and Vestry service at Church of the Incarnation in Highlands NC and Trinity Episcopal in Arlington VA. I was co-senior warden at Trinity. At Grace, I am currently a greeter, chalice bearer, member of the Christian Outreach Committee and have the privilege of taking communion to those who are home-bound.
Rick and I moved to Lexington in November 2021 from Northern Virginia. We started attending Grace the same month and are very grateful to be members of Grace, with its rich fellowship and worship and its strong to commitment to outreach. Tuck married us at Grace, so we feel an additional special connection to Grace.
It would be an honor to serve on the Vestry at Grace. I pledge to work my hardest to support Grace’s mission and in any other way needed.
Donald Robey
Hello, my name is Donald (Don, Donny) Robey. I attend high school in Franklin, VA before coming to Lexington, to attend VMI in fall of 1974. I am a 1978 graduate from VMI and majored in electrical engineering. While at VMI, I met my wife (Martha; aka Biddy), on my 20th birthday, in 1976. We were married at Grace (R.E Lee) Episcopal in August 1978, by the Ex-Bishop of Nebraska, Bob Varley. Shortly after our marriage, I began a 41-year career in the railroad industry. In my career, we moved 8 times in first 12 years (NJ, VA, Ill, VA, OH, TN, NC and FL). Each move was a promotion and more responsibility. Additionally, my career took me to 44 different states in the US, 4 Canadian Providences, Australia and in 2018 an extended stay in the UK.
The last move to Jacksonville, FL, was to the CSXT Headquarters, where I worked on the locomotive engineer staff rising to the position of Chief Mechanical Officer – Engineering. I oversaw a staff of 12 engineers and provided technical support to over 4300 locomotives. In June 2017, I asked to move to VA; otherwise, I was going to retire. We moved and initially attended Christ Church in Buena Vista (where my wife was raised) until COVID. I retired in Feb. 2020 and began to follow my passion in restoring old items (furniture, radios, safe, etc.) and help others with home repairs.
I was raised and baptized in Southern Baptist Church; however, I never quite felt at home. After our first child was born (1982), we became regular attendees in the Episcopal church. In 1985, while living in Ohio, I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. Since that time, church has been a part of our life and we focused on raising our children in the church and giving them that exposure. In 1990, we moved to FL and became members of Grace Episcopal / Grace Anglican Church, for the next 26-1/2 years; until we moved back to VA.
Thank you, Donny Robey
Advent Meditations
This Advent season, you are invited to join our Diocesan Advent Meditations, a three week online series offered live on Zoom Monday nights in Advent at 7:00 p.m. Join us for this series to slow down, take time for silence and contemplation as we experience this special season.
Angel Tree is coming!
Since 2007 the parish Outreach Committee has partnered with Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas ministry. Angel Tree seeks to restore those affected by crime and incarceration by introducing prisoners, victims, and their families to a new hope available through Jesus Christ.
This year our church will receive the names of 50 children to serve in this important ministry. Children being served virtually reside in areas where there is not sufficient local support. Weneed your help!
Early in December you will be provided with a unique code for Grace Church, enabling you to access the virtual Angel Tree site. Each tag corresponds to one child. The sponsorship amount for each child is $30.
Thank you for joining with Angel Tree to be the hands and feet of Jesus as they seek to restore relationships between children and their incarcerated parents.
For any questions, please contact Sharon Kurtz at sswain01@yahoo.com or 828-424-3434.
Shop for a Child Affected by Hurricane Helene
Unity for Kids, Inc. Get the real Christmas spirit by shopping for a child affected by Hurricane Helene in Morganton, NC. Call Tammy Reid (RARA Board Member) 540-784-2659 and she help you pick out a child to shop for. Be sure you complete your purchases and be in touch with Tammy by December 7.
Lanford Mission Emergency Fund Thanksgiving Appeal
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we reflect on God’s love for each of us and allthe blessings and gifts in our lives.
Please consider a donation to the Lanford Mission Emergency Fund (LMEF) to assist our less fortunate neighbors in Rockbridge County. Through mid-November, the LMEF has assisted 134 individuals/family units in Rockbridge County who seek emergency financial support to meet rent, utility, food, medical, or temporary housing expenses.
In most cases, RARA (Rockbridge Area Relief Association) does the vetting to verify need and eligibility and then contacts Grace Episcopal along with Lexington Presbyterian and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic churches to share with RARA in the financial support.
Partial funding for the LMEF comes from Grace’s Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas offerings; and individual gifts. A donation to the LMEF can be made through your Thanksgiving offering in the form of a check made out to Grace Episcopal Church with “Lanford MEF” noted on the memo line as well as on Grace Episcopal Church’s website (www.gracelexva.org).
The Christian Outreach Committee sincerely thanks each of you for your continued, generous support of this long-time Grace Episcopal ministry! May each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Holiday Church Open House
Friday, December 20 4–6 p.m. During the Open House at Grace, visitors are invited to see Nativity sets shared by our members. Martha Burford will play carols and invite all manner of fa-la-la singing, and candy canes will be offered! We look forward to visitors!
Diocesan Update on Hurricane Helene
Many of you have been praying for all those affected by the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, in much of the southeast, especially in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Please continue your thoughts and prayers. I wanted to let you know that most of the high water in this diocese occurred in the Abingdon Convocation and some areas of the New River Convocation.
We are checking in with our parishes in those areas and none are reporting any damage to their facilities. Some lost power, but reports at this hour are that all power has been restored. There are still some cell service outages in the far southwest.
There are many trees down throughout the Grace House property. Luckily, none came into contact with any of the buildings on the campus. We are working with the staff to begin assessment and tree removal in the critical areas that might impede functioning. We will keep you updated on assessment and need. If you or your parish would like to contribute financially to relief work thatEpiscopal Relief & Development is doing in the most affected regions please click the button below.
Please let us know what assistance or resources we can assist you with as your parish addresses possible needs in your community.
I ask that you pray through this week and this coming Sunday for those who have died and their families; for those who are suffering and scared; and for all relief workers who are helping people around the clock. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Peace,
The Rt. Rev. Mark Allen Bourlakas
For updated information on Hurricane Relief, read this newsletter from Episcopal Relief and Development.
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 is back! See you this Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the steps of Grace!
New Coffee Hour Schedule
The following team leaders will host Sunday morning coffee hours. Please thank our Coffee Hour team leaders!
11/24 - Dickerson and Keane
Team leaders would welcome assistance. Please contact team leaders directly if you are available to help!
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 today for the Deacons of The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia and our Archdeacon, The Ven. Linda Ricker. 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, Shelby, Sharon Humphreys, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Cullen Bahr friend of Drusie Milford), Mary Etta Randolph, Carl & Rachel Pattison, Barb Ostrander (cousin of John Milford), Grace, Sue Hill, Frances Harcus, Glenn & Christine Szarzynski, 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, Sandy Harcus, Rebecca Robblee (daughter-in-law of Joanne & Paul Robblee), Virginia Poston (sister of Betsy Carter), 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 the communities that are suffering the effects of Hurricane Helene & Milton.
Pray for those who have died.
In Thanksgiving for November and December Birthdays
11/29 Maurya Schweizer
11/30 Harry Warner
12/2 Laura Lanier, Kristy Hamilton, Brayden Aperauch
12/3 Meg Mason
12/6 Anna Crockett, Joanne Robblee
12/9 John Knapp
12/9 Adelaide Simcoe
12/10 Sis Warner. Lynn Dent
12/13 M.J. Mayerchak
12/13 Anne Lamont
12/16 James R. Keane, Kay Glore
12/18 Robert Hull
12/19 Roger Crockett, Merce Brooke
12/23 Carol Gosse, Julianne Grimes, Betsy Carter
12/24 Jordan Kach
12/25 Harrison Edgar
12/27 Joy Harris
12/30 Maggie Lawrence, Willow Moles, Buddy Carter
12/31 Grace Frascati
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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