Dear Friends,
This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, focuses on the purpose of the Incarnation. To gather us into the household, the flock, of the Good Shepherd. To gather and lead us into life in communion with God and one another.
…
Life in communion with God is the point. So often seem eager to move beyond our celebration of communion. We check it off. We celebrate communion and think what now? Communion, companionship, fellowship with God is the continuing what now and what for.
There are many good things we can do alone. But there is not one good thing that any of us can do that is not better done with two or three or more friends gathered in fellowship and communion with Christ.
Companionship with God, breaking Christ's bread together as we share joys and bear sorrows together is the way and the life.
What a blessing to celebrate our communion here and now, together in Lexington and in this remarkable companionship with Christ we call Grace.
With Gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind, Rector, Grace Episcopal Lexington
Worship Services | Fourth Sunday of Easter | Sunday, April 30
Holy Eucharist | 8 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Holy Eucharist | 10:30 a.m.
In-Person & YouTube
Holden Evensong | 5 p.m.
In-Person
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Join Us for Paws to Connect!
Paws to Connect is back and better than ever! Join us this week on Grace's steps from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday!
Rockbridge Area Cleanup
Cleanup Gathering! Sign up by emailing Martha. We will gather at 9:30 a.m. the parking area notes below and pick up along the BV end of the Chessie Trail. Martha will get subs for lunch for all who sign up-in your email, let her know if you have particular food wants, e.g. gluten free, vegetarian, etc. or if you don’t want lunch, let her know in your email. We will find a spot on the trail to picnic. Martha will have bags—and possibly vests, but vests aren’t critical on the trail.
Ministries Opportunities at Grace
Please contact the church office and let us know if you can help 540-463-4981
Coffee/Hospitality Hour: A committee is being formed to schedule and organize 2-3 events each month following the 10:30 service. The responsibilities of this committee would be to schedule hosts for the designated Sundays, ensure that supplies are available for the hosts and follow up and provide instruction for the hosts.
First Sunday Lunch: Help is needed for the upcoming lunch on May 7. Starting in September following a 3-month summer break, Susan Lawrence will graciously resume her first Sunday lunch ministry. Volunteers are needed the first Sunday of each month September-May for set up, some prep and cooking, and clean up.
Youth Summer Mission Trips
Our diocesan youth summer mission trips are back by popular demand for the third year in a row! Registration is open for a week of service, fun, and fellowship. Join us for this unforgettable time of service for our Appalachian neighbors as we also forge a strong bond as a team in the process.
Spectacle Auditions
Calling all creative MS and HS youth for Boxerwood's Fall 23 SPECTACLE, 'A WILD NOTION' -- singers, puppeteers, actors, ensemble makers and performers!!!
WHO: RISING 5th to RISING 11th, no spectacle experience necessary:} Open Call- Spectacle Auditions Th & Fri May 4 & 5, 3:30 - 5:30pm / Grace Episcopal, Undercroft entrance: Everyone gets cast in either an ensemble or a lead part.
HOW to Audition: Walk up or RSVP ahead for audition packet. To see scripts or lyrics ahead,
REQUEST by EMAIL: Contact the director, Stephanie Hodde with request, contact email, and day they'd like to audition.
Building Use Proposals
The Vestry requests your feedback on Building Use Proposals prepared by FGMArchitects to address these priorities for improving our Parish House:
Create modern, accessible restrooms on each floor
Create dedicated, modernized, attractive space for young children infant to 6 years old
Modernized office suite sufficient for two clergy, Parish Administrator, and Bookkeeper (note - Music Director's Office in Undercroft)
Improve building accessibility
Update and potentially resize classrooms and conference rooms
Several presentations of the FGMA proposals are scheduled in the Parish Hall:
1. 9:15 Sunday April 16
2. 11:45 a.m. Sunday, April 23
3. 4 p.m. May 1 at the COC meeting,
Please contact Tuck or one of the wardens, Joanne Robblee and Rob Minor to schedule a presentation at a time convenient for you.
Please plan to join a Town Hall Meeting 11 am Sunday, June 11, 2023 in the Parish Hall for a report on feedback received during these presentations.
Upcoming Music Events
Best Church Coffee in Lexington!
With an upgraded coffee system and local coffee grounds, Grace is taking our Coffee/ Hospitality Hour seriously. In the bible we learn of disciples gathering for prayer and Hospitality with each other and strangers. The coffee/hospitality hour is an extension of our worship where there is opportunity for fellowship, developing relationships, listening to others and being listened to, offering or receiving compassion and kindness. Let’s not underestimate the importance of Coffee/Hospitality hour. Please plan to attend each week
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 for the people of St. John’s, Lynchburg and their rector, The Rev. Chris Roussell. Pray for Brendon (friend of the Brooke family), Michael Murphy, John Thomas, Timmy, Rick Alexander, Bradley Fairchild and Karen Junkin (friends of the Gibsons), Gloria June Perry (mother of Michael Perry), Glen Jones (friend of the Riethmillers), Darlene Travis (sister of Don Ellis), Patricia Brown Boyer (sister of Madison Brown), Dolly Shumate & Betty Gale Anderson (friends of the Lewis’), Carolyn Glenn (friend of Judy Schram), Jack Hershbell, Helen & George Kostel, Laura & Bill Stearns, Carl & Rachel Pattison, Diana Kenney, Tom Strickland, Worth & Katie Burnes (friends of the Smiths), Amelia Dull, Barb, Stephen DeMaria, Farris Hotchkiss, Annie Campbell, Polly Lawrence, Betty Cadden and those we name aloud or in our hearts. Pray for those who have died.
In Thanksgiving for April and May Birthdays
4/28 Sharon Humphreys, Abby Moles, Madison Brown
4/29 David Hansen
5/2 Elizabeth Harralson, Ruth Smith
5/8 Kate Holston
5/12 Anne Hershbell
5/15 Jenny Mastin
5/16 Ren Price, Elaine Price
5/17 John Dickerson, Cynthia Robertson
5/20 Joan Crawford
5/22 Garrett Frascati
5/30 Lyle McClung
5/31 Anne Tyler McCabe, Ellie Mastin
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.
Celebrate RARA’s 50th Anniversary!
Join us for local food: Hors d’oeuvres catered by Ladles & Linens, with desserts provide by Pronto, Beer from Devils Backbone and wine from Sassaia. We will have live music from Datz Us Ramblers, Kid-Friendly Bounce House & Snow Cones, plus view our online auction items, tour the building, and learn about RARA’s programs. Join us! Saturday, April 29, 4–7 p.m. RARA Building, 350 Spotswood Dr., Lexington, VA. Visit raralex.org to purchase tickets, volunteer and check out the on-line auction!
RARA Food Drive Volunteer Opportunity
Stamp Out Hunger, the nation's largest food drive, is back on May 13th! Postal workers from ten post offices throughout Rockbridge County will collect donated canned and dry food items from residents and deliver them to RARA, as well as food pantries in Buena Vista and Glasgow. Last year's drive brought in almost 4,000 pounds of non-perishable food to Rockbridge County. RARA needs your help on May 13th between 12-6pm to process thousands of pounds of Stamp Out Hunger donations. Shifts are two hours long and are a great opportunity for community groups, coworkers, teams, and families to volunteer together!
If you cannot volunteer, please consider participating by leaving your donations by your mailbox on the morning of Saturday, May 13th. We greatly appreciate any and all donations, however this year we are really looking for Breakfast cereal, Dried fruits and nuts, Canned meat or fish, Condiments, marinades, and sauces (preferably no glass), Juice, Cleaning products, Hygiene products, Baby food and diapers
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.
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