That name: Marc Nikkel. You've heard it, haven't you?
It comes up every year about this time as we observe our local feast day celebrating the life of The Rev. Dr. Marc Nikkel, Episcopal missionary to Sudan from 1981 through his death in 2000.
Yes, he was an Episcopal priest. But perhaps you didn't know he began as a Mennonite pastor on California, later ordained a deacon by our own retired Bishop, Heather Light, before entering the priesthood in Sudan.
He was an artist, too. Perhaps you've seen his haunting nativity scene depicting an emaciated Sudanese Mary and babe surrounded by soldiers, provoking us into thinking new ways about divine incarnation. Go to Grace's bridge to the sanctuary and view this poignant piece, created by a man who was himself taken captive during that civil war.
He was an author, too. Perhaps you have heard about Marc's enduring dedication to the spiritual growth of the Sudanese people, and in turn, how his life was absolutely transformed by them. Have you read his book? Why Haven't You Left: Letters from the Sudan is available in Grace's library.
But Marc was also a deep learner and educator. Perhaps you have heard that he dedicated his life to training Sudanese priests. But did you know that he supported young children by sending them to school, as well? One of those children, now grown, met Susan Mead when she was in South Sudan, with tears in his eyes, all because Marc had believed and invested in him. That man, the Rev. James Baak, spoke at our 2016 Marc Nikkel feast day observance at Grace, completing the circle. James was recently elected a Bishop in South Sudan.
It is this last of his legacies, Marc's dedication to education, that we will explore on this year's feast day, Sunday, September 8, starting with Christianity and Culture at 9:15 in the parish hall. Panelists will include the Rev. Dr. Richard J. Jones, who will also will preach at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. service. Rich learned to care about the Sudan after welcoming Marc Nikkel-- and later multiple clergy from Sudan--to Virginia Theological Seminary and to Southwestern Virginia. After Rich himself was welcomed by the Church in Sudan in 1996 and 2005, he helped found the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of the Sudans. The panel will then connect Marc's legacy to Grace's new initiative Children Aspiring to Education (CATE) by hearing from Gabriel Turich Dak, director of Hope House International and headmaster of the brand new Kelly Academy, now serving nearly 200 primary school children in South Sudan. Finally, Susan Mead will tie it all together by showing how Marc Nikkel inspired her and others, at Grace and beyond, to assist South Sudanese children aspiring to education, sharing how some recent success stories--one began a decade ago and miraculously realized just this week--represent the living legacy of Marc Nikkel.
Please join us for our annual celebration of a remarkable saint who once walked among us; it is an opportunity for you, too, to take his name forward as an inspiration in your daily life.
For more on Marc Nikkel, visit
~Susan Virginia Mead
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 | Feast of Marc Nikkel | Sunday, September 8
Holy Eucharist Rt 1 | 8 a.m. | In Person Indoors and Zoom
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In Person and Zoom
Sunday, September 8 - Susan and MJ on Marc Nikkel Day - On September 8, Christianity and Culture is dedicated to helping parishioners connect Grace Episcopal's new initiative Children Aspiring to Education (CATE) to the legacy of the Rev. Marc Nikkel, who committed much of his life to educating South Sudanese youth and adults. Panelists will include the Rev. Dr. Richard J. Jones, member of AFRECS and retired professor from Virginia Theological Seminary, who knew Marc Nikkel and has guided Sudanese and South Sudanese clergy at VTS; Gabriel Turich Dak, director of Hope House International and headmaster of the brand new Kelly Academy in Wau, South Sudan; and Dr. Susan Virginia Mead, member of Grace and President of Diversity Serves, a non-profit organization which has facilitated educational opportunity for South Sudanese youth for over a decade.
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Session
Sunday, September 15 - Zoom with other churches regarding the Haiti Collaboration - Episcopal School, St. Marc's in Cerca-la-Source, Haiti
Sunday, September 22 - Bob Biersack - President of Board, Rockbridge Conservation - Bob will talk about the moral imperative of stewardship in taking care of our much beloved Rockbridge County, Lexington, and the world. We will learn about the important role each one of us plays in protecting the ecosystem and the culture. He will share ways that Rockbridge Conservation tries to support those responsibilities in many different contexts.
Sunday, September 29 - Catherine Siegel - Roots and Shoots
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person on the Patio (Weather Permitting) and on Zoom
The Season of Creation
We will be using the "Season of Creation" liturgy throughout September.
9/15 - 8 a.m. indoors/10:30 a.m. outdoors
9/22 - 8 a.m. indoors/10:30 a.m. outdoors - Celtic Service
9/29 - 8 a.m. indoors/10:30 a.m. outdoors - Blessing of the Animals
The celebration of this Season began in 1989 when Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I established September 1 as a Day of Prayer for Creation for the Orthodox Church. The World Council of Churches extended the celebration to October 4th, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. The yearly themes, logos, and other resources are provided by the ecumenical organization to which we belong as members of the Anglican Communion. The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, Bishop of California, represents the Episcopal Church on the steering committee. More information and resources for various activities and events outside of the primary Sunday morning worship service may be found on the website.
The theme for 2024 is To Hope and Act with Creation. In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures. The times we live in show that we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used. And yet, there is hope and the expectation for a better future. To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles. Just as in childbirth, we go through a period of intense pain, but new life springs forth.
For Creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God, groaning as it suffers together the pains of labor, and not only Creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Selection from Romans 8:19-25
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Student Ministry in Action
Graceful Play
Graceful Play is a program for early childhood and early elementary children. Graceful Play blends curriculum elements from Godly Play and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Marjorie Connolly and Melanie Griffis will offer Graceful Play during the 10:30 service on 9/8, 9/15, 9/22 and 9/29 (there will also be dates in Oct/Nov/Dec). They will lead children out during the hymn before the gospel lesson and bring them back at the Peace. Email Marjorie Connolly with questions.
The Mission and Outreach Committee of the Gadsden Trust
The Mission and Outreach Committee of the Gadsden Trust will convene on September 10, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the third floor Conference Room for its third meeting of 2024. The Committee will review third quarter grant requests that were submitted by the September 1, 2024, deadline and make awards. Gadsden Committee meetings are open to the parish.
Unmasking Racism in Anti-Racism Education
Youth Ministry with Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown | September 18 - October 2 | 12 - 1:30 p.m. Eastern 3 Sessions I Zoom
Project Horizon's Latin Festival
Sunday, September 22, 2024 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM Brewbaker Field, Lexington, VA
What To Expect:
Soccer tournament, dance performances showcasing Salsa, Bachata, Tango, and more, a variety of food vendors offering delicious Latin American dishes (Colombia, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Mexico and more), and fun activities for children and families. Bring your friends and family to experience the lively atmosphere, connect with the community, and enjoy a day filled with cultural enrichment and entertainment.
How to Participate:
Volunteer: We welcome volunteers to help with event setup, activities, and cleanup. If you are interested, please email jburguieres@rockbridge.net.
Spread the Word: Help us spread the word by sharing this email with your friends and on social media using the hashtag #LexingtonvaLatinFest
We look forward to celebrating with you and making this festival a memorable event for everyone. For more information, please visit our website here. En Español | Project Horizon or contact us at afierro@rockbridge.net.
New Coffee Hour Schedule
The following team leaders will host Sunday morning coffee hours. Please thank our Coffee Hour team leaders!
September 8 (Marc Nikkel Day) team leaders are Susan Mead and MJ Mayerchak
September 15 team leaders are Gail Dickerson and James Keane
September 22 team leaders TBD. If you would be willing to help lead coffee hour this day please contact Tuck.
September 29 team leaders are Ruth Smith and Chris Young
October 6 team leaders are Cecile West-Settle and Elizabeth Boetsch
October 13 team leaders are Lynn Dent and Bill Kozak
October 20 team leaders are Drew Sorber, Madelyn Stuart, Connor Rothermel, and Rose Hein.
Team leaders would welcome assistance. Please contact team leaders directly if you are available to help!
Regarding The Winter Star and Extra Events for Young People
The Winter Star will be rehearsed and prepared Saturday mornings 10-11:30 Dec. 7, 14, and 21, and we will offer it as the "Pageant" at the early service on Christmas Eve. We will ask that participants make themselves available to at least two of the three preparations. This still remains open to the community at large, and anyone is welcome, of course, to attend the early service on Christmas Eve.
Summer of 2025 we will go back to last summer's successful formula of a day "Art Expression Camp" 2-5pm the week before public schools start.
We also are going to offer, beginning in October, "Art Expression on the Courtyard" for kids on First Fridays, 5-7pm, during the galleries' "First Fridays" as a way to offer kids an art experience and let their parents enjoy the galleries. Feel free to contact Martha for more details.
The Wall that Heals Program
As you know, The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center. It will be at the Jackson River Sports Complex in Covington, from October 3rd – October 6th, and will be open 24 hours a day. It is free to the public. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
We are relieved this event has been well funded – we have successfully raised enough to support bringingThe Wall That Heals to our area and to cover needs for supporting the event while it is here. We appreciate your willingness to support this unique opportunity. We are now seeking help spreading the word about The Wall That Heals as we continue to move forward. We would love if you could help spread the word.
The Wall That Heals will be escorted through downtown Lexington on October 1st. We hope our community will come out to cheer as the truck is escorted through downtown Lexington. If you know any community members, schools, or organizations, or church groups that may be interested in a tour, or who would like to volunteer for this event, check out the following website for schedules, contacts and opportunities available:
VPAS
Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) offers older adults and their family members a variety of services. Please feel free to use VPAS as a resource, even if we can't help directly, we'll always try to point people in the right direction.
Examples of Services:
Meals on Wheels for homebound adults age 60+
Medicare Options Counseling
VPAS Cafes in Buena Vista, Lexington, and Goshen for socialization and lunch
Senior Transportation to medical appointments
Activities such as Line Dancing, Seated Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pickers Strings Group
Info about financial assistance programs
Caregiver support and training
There is an upcoming workshop called "Prepare to Care: Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis." This is a workshop for family caregivers, care partners, and friends of persons new to dementia. It will be held on Wednesday, August 28 from 9 am-12 pm at Maury River Senior Services, 2137 Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista, VA. Table discussions, role plays and resources to help you in your journey. No cost. To register, call at (540)261-7474 or visit the site.
Music in the Garden
Join us for Music in the Garden on 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.
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!
Please note that we will continue to collect plastic film collected. This is not only plastic bags but includes other plastic films that stretch; bread bags, bubble wrap, drycleaning bags, plastic shipping envelopes, Ziploc food storage bags, shrink wrap, salt bags, wood pellet bags, produce bags, etc... everything just must be clean before going into recycling. There is a blue collection bin for plastic film under the bridge between the Church and Parish Hall for your deposit of plastic films. Thanks again for your participation in this challenge.
Project Horizon Seeking Volunteers
There will be a training session in October. If you are interested call and get your name on the list for the training session. Project Horizon desires empathetic, thoughtful, and motivated volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to help us accomplish our mission of eradicating domestic, sexual, and dating violence through empowerment of survivors, and by being a sanctuary for victims. We need your help to provide these vital services as Rockbridge County’s only domestic violence shelter and hotline.
Project Horizon was founded in 1982 by a group of women sitting around a kitchen table. Today, we provide a 24-hour crisis hotline, free counseling services, an emergency shelter for victims, outreach to underrepresented communities, and educational programming for kindergarten through college-aged students.
Volunteers play an integral role in Project Horizon’s mission by answering hotline calls, providing office support, interacting with shelter residents, working with employees on specific projects, such as translation or art projects, and assisting staff with events.
For information about volunteering and to sign up for our next training, contact volunteer coordinator Janice Burguieres at 540-463-7861or jburguieres@rockbridge.net.
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 for the people of St. Thomas, Bedford Co. 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, Penny & Ned Henneman, Barbara Bova, Shelby, Sharon Humphreys, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Cullen Bahr (friend of Drusie Milford), Mary Etta Randolph, Carl & Rachel Pattison, Jane Drewry (sister-in-law of Ruth Smith), Barb Ostrander (cousin of John Milford), 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, Helen Moore, Patricia Williams, Christy Panko, Kitty Farrar, Justin, Rodrigo, Wes O’Dell and family, Peggy DePasquale, Nick Penn, Danny Anson (friend of Pat & Keith Gibson), 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, especially Eloise Adams.
In Thanksgiving for September Birthdays
9/7 Susan Cross
9/8 Delea Bowerfind, Cecilia Arpin
9/9 Marlys Craun
9/10 Frederick Kurtz
9/11 Ham Smith, MaryEtta Randolph
9/16 Tucker Bowerfind
9/18 Judy Hotchkiss, Carolyn Kuper
9/19 Julia Littlefield, Peter Dyckman Fyfe
9/19 Nanalou Sauder, Frank Settle
9/20 Keith Gibson, Spencer Tucker
9/21 Chris Howison, Barbara Luton
9/22 Ann Nay, Elizabeth Oliver
9/24 Graham Centorino
9/25 Darlene Keane
9/26 Heidi Schweizer, Page Donkle
9/28 Winifred Hart
9/30 Mo Littlefield, Lynda Bassett-DeMaria
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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