Dear friends,
It was just three years ago on December 1, 2019 that Delea and I arrived in this Parish, three happy years to her and me. Thank you for your companionship in the life and work we share in this wonderful parish.
As I recall my first sermon to you on Advent 2 December 8, 2019 was based on the final line of the Epistle, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
While some Advent lessons do issue dire warnings (be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour) and foreboding premonitions (the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire), the purpose of God in Advent, and every season, is to restore our hope and joy by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Christian hope and joy are not rooted in the fantasy that God will make every problem work out in our favor. Christian hope and joy are rooted in a relationship with God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. It is God's hope and joy, God's love poured into us by the Holy Spirit that is our strength. God's hope is reconciliation between enemies (the lion and the lamb), and the flourishing of compassion and justice, love in action. God's joy is the abundant life that comes when we are freed from the power of sin and death to do the work of love.
Regardless of the problems we must face or the outcomes we must endure, God is with us, for us. With God's help we can keep working together for peace and justice with compassion and respect. Hold fast to God's hope and joy. Carry them with you in your heart and you will bear good fruit and be ready in the unexpected hour.
With gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind, Rector, Grace Episcopal Lexington
Worship Services | Second Sunday of Advent | Sunday, December 4
Holy Eucharist | 8AM
In-Person & ZOOM
Annual Meeting | 9:15AM
Parish Hall & ZOOM
Holy Eucharist | 10:30AM
In-Person & YouTube
First Sunday Lunch | Noon
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 4: The Annual Meeting of Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington, convenes at 9:15AM Sunday in the Parish Hall & ZOOM. All Communicants in Good Standing are asked to attend either in person or by Zoom and participate in the election of new members of the Vestry.
December 11 Susan Mead will present about Hope House in Kigali, Kenya
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.
Rockbridge Chorus Holiday Concert
Tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, at 7:30PM, at Lexington Presbyterian Church. Audience Caroling will be at 7:15PM. Tickets available at the door or save 15% using the button below.
Stewardship Update
We are pleased that 104 households have pledged a total of $449,533 as of December 2nd. 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).
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.
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.
Caroling Opportunity
Stay tuned for details on caroling on December 18th at 4:30PM!
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!
Black Law Student Association Holiday Donation Drive
Collections have been extended to Monday, December 5. This Sunday, Fr. Tuck will present the donations at the 8am and 10:30 am services. Please bring a donation to help RARA and Project Horizon serve families in our community. Thank you!
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.
EfM Update
Education for Ministry (EfM) continues to attract parishioners who want to engage in focused discussion about the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and church history or to explore theological philosophy. The current class meets each Tuesday from 1-3PM (sometimes later if discussion warrants it). We have numerous graduates in the congregation who agree the experience is life-changing. Our most recent graduate is Michelle Greene Mackie. She joined the EfM group at Grace after moving here from Northern Virginia. This past May Michelle completed the course and now joins the dozens of EfM graduates at Grace. Congratulations to Michelle on this significant accomplishment. If you're interested in joining, or for more information, contact James Keane or Lisa McGuire.
In Thanksgiving for December Birthdays
12/2: Kristy Hamilton
12/3: Meg Mason
12/6: Anna Crockett, Joanne Robblee
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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