Life With Grace | July 4
- Grace Episcopal Church
- Jul 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Dear friends,
In the Gospel for Independence Day, Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus tells us to love our enemies (from the old french an-ami - not a friend). The first reading from Deuteronomy 10:17-21 uses the term stranger (outsider) instead of enemy to express a similar sentiment - Love the stranger because God loves the stranger, as God demonstrated by loving the people who were outsiders in Egypt.
The truth is, God does not know a stranger, people of every language and nation are equally known and loved by God. And the people of Israel were called to be witnesses, through their own experience, to this truth.
In this Sunday's Gospel, Luke 10:1-11, Jesus sends 70 disciples out to various villages. He commands them, wayfaring strangers, to enter into one of the houses of the village they enter with the greeting, "Peace to this house, and if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person." Jesus wanted his disciples to experience the truth that most people welcome strangers, and to bear witness to the universal and normative truth of God's peace.
May the people of this great nation always remember that our greatness is founded on our capacity to share in peace, to welcome and offer hospitality to strangers, to treat them as friends, and to receive their blessing, which is the blessing of God.
With Gratitude, Tuck Bowerfind (he/him)
Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Worship Services | Fourth Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 9 | Sunday, July 6th
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | In-Person and on Zoom
This Sunday, July 6, at 9:15 am, our Delaney Center Interns, Julie Charles and Jessie Zhang, will meet us in the Parish Hall to introduce themselves and the work they have been doing this summer. Please take some time to meet Julie and Jessie, welcome them, and take an interest in their work.
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Ceiling fans in the nave: Questions have been asked about using the ceiling fans in the nave during the summer months. Because they force the warm air that collects near the top of the nave downward, it negatively impacts the effectiveness of the air conditioning. Accordingly, the recommendation has been made to leave them off.
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
The Saint John's Bible Returns
It was such a wonderful experience having The Gospels and Book of Acts with us.
In mid-September, The Pentateuch volume of the Saint John's Bible will be arriving and staying with us up until Christmas.
We are hoping that some of our parishioners might like to be involved with this second "visit". Please let Joanne Robblee know if you want to volunteer and attend an initial planning meeting.
If you have questions, please contact Joanne Robblee at joannerobblee@gmail.com.
Renewing Grace Capital Campaign
At the amazing Kick-Off Celebration in late May, it was so exciting to hear that during the "quiet phase" of the Renewing Grace Capital Campaign that $1.517.331 had been raised. Tremendous thanks go to those members who made such generous pledges to support this endeavor.
The goal for the campaign is to raise $2.25 million dollars that will go towards much needed repairs and renovations to the Parish House. The priorities for this project are improved accessibility to the Parish House, handicap accessible bathrooms, energy efficient windows, HVAC, and lighting. We are also planning on refurbishing the Parish Hall, to make it more up to date.
Officially, we are now in the Public Phase, which truly involves everyone in the Grace community. On Sunday, July 6th, packets will be available with your names on them for you to pick up at both services. We ask that you look over the information in the packet and prayerfully consider what pledge you can make. We realize that individuals have different resources and means. Our hope is that every member will pledge something based on their ability to support the campaign.
It is easy to think that this church is the responsibility of the rector, the Vestry, the Wardens, or different committees. The reality is that this church is the responsibility of each and every one of us. Please make the choice to support this campaign in whatever way you can.
Renewing Grace Capital Campaign House Parties
The Renewing Grace Capital Campaign committee has come up with themed parties to celebrate our fellowship and on-going commitment to God and community. If you were unable to attend our kick-off party to sign up to attend one of these fun parties, you can sign up by clicking the link below. Please choose and sign up for one party only. Thank you!
Casual Brunch - hosted by Gail & John Dickerson
Sunday for Sundaes - hosted by Joanne & Paul Robblee
Family Backyard BBQ - hosted by Phyllis & Pat Hugg, Sarah & Scott Centorino.
3rd Annual White Street Block Party
Independence Day Festival
July 4th 5–8:30 p.m. White St. between Jefferson St. & Jackson Ave.
Community Party & Cookout & Live Music & Fun!
Burgers & Hot Dogs for all (or bring items for us to cook)
BYOB (or wine/drinks) - ice & water provided
Side Dishes, open tables & chairs (bring folding chairs)
Bakers Wanted for the Community Table
Please contact Virginia Cooke at 348-5367 if interested!
Clothes Closet at Christ Episcopal
The Clothes Closet at Christ Church, Buena Vista, continues to need girls' clothing sizes 10-18, winter clothes only. They are not accepting any other items at this time as they are chock full! The Clothes Closet is open every first and third Saturday of the month from 9 am until noon. You may drop your items off then. Alternately, you can bring your items to the Grace Church office and Lisa will ensure your items are conveyed to the Clothes Closet. Thank you for your support of this valuable asset to our community.
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: Pray for Presiding Bishop The Most Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. Pray for the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Pray today for the people of St. John’s, Bedford and their rector, The Rev. Wilson Brown. Pray for Brendon, Timmy, John Perry, Laura Stearns, Lynda deMaria, Polly Lawrence, Betty Cadden, Jeff Mason, Joe Irby, Kent Wilson, Diana Kenney, Jerry & Ann Nay, Paula Cooper, Ned Henneman, Sharon Humphreys, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Mary Etta Randolph, Carl & Rachel Pattison, Grace, Mercedes Aravena-Echaurren, Justin, Rodrigo, Wes O’Dell and family, Virginia Poston (sister of Betsy Carter), Dot Fogo, Roger Baroody, David Austin (friend of the Keanes), Buddy Atkins, George Collier, Rosemary Phillips (sister of Paul Robblee), Patricia Williams, Emily & Luke Child, Rebecca Robblee (daughter-in-law of Joanne & Paul), Andy Wolfe, Mike, Margy & Aaron Haire (Susan Cross’ brother and family), Stan Driver, Chris Clayton Syrrist (cousin of David Sorrells), Cary & Sarah Edgar who are hiking the El Camino, Pat Hugg, Christopher, Reed, Glen Jones, and those we name aloud or in our hearts.
Pray for Scout Troops 29 & 92 as they depart for summer camp at Camp Shenandoah. 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.
In Thanksgiving for July Birthdays
7/5 Tom Vinson, Elise Brooke, Harold Hill
7/6 Jay Crawford, David Wade
7/7 Benjamin Holston, Mark Nelson
7/8 Sue Shultis
7/10 Joe Simcoe
7/11 Elizabeth Grist, Mary Wilson Grist, Mary Wilson
7/13 Jackson Hotchkiss
7/14 Bethany Hull
7/15 Linda Merrick
7/17 Kris Hoolahan
7/18 Carla Henson
7/19 Jeff Mason
7/20 Lisa Tracy
7/21 Catharine Gaylard
7/23 Miss D Penick
7/28 Paul Robblee, Su Minor
7/29 John Brooke, Holly Pickett, Jonathan Eastwood, Woody Hall
7/31 Margaret Haberman
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