Dear friends,
This Third Sunday of Advent is familiarly called Stir Up Sunday because of the opening words of the Collect -
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
This Collect is addressed to the Son in hope for his second advent in which He will come with great might to help and deliver us.
This hope is grounded in the works already being done: "the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." (Matthew 11)
Works that continue through the power of the Spirit who guides and empowers the members of Christ's body and kingdom.
How fitting that this Sunday we should celebrate the 50th ordination anniversary of our friend R. David Cox whose patient and faithful friendship and service have been so instrumental to the life and work of Grace and the people of Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County since his arrival as Rector of Grace in 1987. Thank you David and Melissa for patiently and persistently and kindly helping us see and know the saving presence and work of God among us for these past 35 years, and for 50 years of faithful service as a priest in this Episcopal Church.
With gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind, Rector, Grace Episcopal Lexington
Worship Services | Third Sunday of Advent | Sunday, December 11
Holy Eucharist | 8AM
In-Person & Zoom
Christianity and Culture| 9:15AM
Parish Hall & Zoom
Holy Eucharist | 10:30AM
In-Person & YouTube
Evening Prayer | 5PM In-person
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 AM
In-Person at Chancel and on Zoom
We're on Twitter!
To stay in the loop with all things Grace Episcopal, give us a follow on our new Twitter! While you're at it, check out our other socials too.
Christianity and Culture | 9:15AM Sunday Forums
December 11: Presented by Sudan Mission Group & Diversity Serves, The Communications Connections Dream Team & Hope House International
“Illuminating Hope House with the Light of Advent: Hope, Faith, Joy, and Peace.” The forum will highlight Grace Episcopal Church's connections with Hope House, and include a Zoom session with the South Sudanese youth themselves, all the way from Africa.
December 18: Samson Mamour
December 25 and January 1: No Forum
January 8 and 15 meet our recently Baptized members: Emily Brookfield and Rose Hein; learn about their spiritual journey and reflect on your own
Rev. Dr. David Cox Ordination Anniversary
On December 11th, the Rev. Dr. David Cox will celebrate and preach at 10:30AM for his 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
Cooperative Youth Group
The Cooperative Youth Group will meet at Grace 5:30–7PM Sunday December 11. All youth in grades 7–12 are invited and welcome. Dinner will be served at 5:30PM.
Stewardship Update
We are pleased that 107 households have pledged a total of $455,233 as of December 8th. The members of the Stewardship Committee appreciate everyone’s prayerful consideration of a pledge to support the parish and its important missions through our relationship with God and Jesus Christ.
Advent Meditations
This Advent season, you're invited to Advent Meditations, a four-week online series offered every Wednesday night in Advent from 7:30–8PM. Our own Samson Mamour is one of the leaders and music on December 14th is from Martha and the choir at Grace! Join us for this half-hour each week to slow down and take time for silence and contemplation as we experience this special season.
Advent Booklet for Children
The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia has a new Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Booklet for children ages 3-10 and their families thanks to Pattie Ames, Canon for Christian Formation
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, and our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas; Pray today for the retired Bishops of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, The Rt. Rev. Heath Light and The Rt. Rev. Neff Powell.
Pray for Bev Wirtz, Bob Glidden, Bill Kozak, Robbie and Brendon (friends of the Brooke family), Michael Murphy, John Thomas, Timmy, Patrick Mayerchak, Katie (daughter-in-law of Connie Bryant), Rick Alexander, Bradley Fairchild and Karen Junkin (friends of the Gibsons), Caroline Parcell, Alice Parcell, Stanard, Rebecca, and Caroline (family of Mary Price), Gloria June Perry (mother of Michael Perry), Glen Jones (friend of the Riethmillers).
Pray for those who have died.
Pray for an end to violence and for those fleeing Ukraine, and we also pray for Episcopal Relief & Development and other ecumenical agencies working to respond to the current crisis.
In Thanksgiving for the 50th Ordination Anniversary of R. David Cox.
Upcoming | O Holy Night | Wednesday, December 14 7PM
A service of remembrance, reflection, & renewal. Recognizing that Advent and Christmastime can be a particular challenge to those suffering from grief, loss, anxiety, and loneliness, we are offering a service of choral music, candlelight, and prayer to make space for those seeking God's healing as we look forward to his coming to restore all things.
Holiday Church Open House
Friday, December 16, 4–6PM Let’s greet visitors with singing. Gather in the chancel and we will sing Christmas carols. You may also tour Lexington’s historic churches decorated for the holidays. Sample refreshments, hear holiday music and learn about the history of these iconic downtown buildings.
Caroling Opportunity
Sunday, December 18: In lieu of community sing on the courtyard, we will gather at Kendal at 4:30PM to carol there and then make our way to Sixty West and possibly other homes time permitting.
Christmas Poinsettias
In celebration of the nativity of our Lord, we adorn our church with poinsettias and greenery. To purchase a poinsettia ($10.00), make your check payable to Grace Episcopal Church, memo “Flower Fund,” and drop it in the offering plate or mail it to the Parish Office. To list a memorial or thanksgiving in the Christmas bulletins, sign the sheet next to the flower chart on the bridge stair landing, call the Parish Office or email Lisa by Monday, December 19.
Paws to Connect
Craving some puppy lovin'? Join us every Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30AM–1:30PM in front of the church!
Have a four-legged friend at home? Bring them by!
Winter Clothing
If you have gently used clothes that might fit a member of the Odemchuk or Stryzhyboroda family please drop it off at the church collection in the stairwell. Clothing sizes are linked below.
Hosting Ukrainian Families
A humanitarian outreach effort organized by citizens of Lexington, Buena Visa, and Rockbridge County, we aim to pave the way for sponsoring temporary re-settlement of families who qualify for entry according to the laws of the United States.
The mission of Hosting Ukrainian Families is based upon love, compassion, and humanitarian concerns for families seeking to live in peace. Accordingly, a call is issued to each person joining in this effort to set aside all political, culturally divisive viewpoints, and all differences which may hinder or defeat these goals. To donate, click the link below.
In Thanksgiving for December Birthdays
12/9: John Knapp
12/10: Sis Warner, Lynn Dent
12/12: M.J. Mayerchak
12/13: Anne Lamont
12/16: James R. Keane, Kay Glore
12/19: Roger Crockett, Merce Brooke
12/20: Ruth Terhune
12/23: Carol Gosse
12/25: Harrison Edgar
12/ 27: Joy Harris
12/30: Maggie Lawrence, Willow Moles
12/31: Grace Frascati, Julianne Grimes
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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