Dear Friends,
Most Episcopal Church clergy were loyalists grieving the outcome of the uprising in the colonies. Mindful that it would have been embarrassing for them to have to lead Holy Day services celebrating Independence, propers for Independence Day were left out of the 1789 Book of Common Prayer. It wasn't until the 1928 Book of Common Prayer that this Church included celebration of Independence Day as a Holy Day!
The gospel lesson for Independence Day includes Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven;" Â
Love in this context is kindness and hospitality - genuine welcome to your house and to your table - not agreement about every matter of doctrine and discipline.
Healthy politics extends basic practices of hospitality and kindness throughout the polity. This culture of friendship and hospitality matters more than even the form of the polity. Governments are established to protect rights, among which are those enumerated in many amendments to the Constitution. But no government can produce healthy politics. That is the work of citizens who follow God's example and extend hospitality, kindness, welcome, provision to their neighbors regardless of what those neighbors think or believe or worship. The culture of loving kindness is what makes our politics healthy and our independence worth celebrating. Â
With Gratitude, Tuck Bowerfind (he/him) Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Read the Official Announcement of our new presiding bishop
Worship Services | Proper Nine | Sunday, July 7
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | In-Person and YouTube
Christianity and Culture
Sunday, July 7 - Independence Day, A brief talk about the signers of the Declaration of Independence and a video about Fort McHenry and our flag. Presented by Joanne Robblee
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Sessions
Sunday, July 14 - Spiritual Growth in the Early Church, presented by Alexandra Brown
Sunday, July 21 - The Role of Music in Spiritual Growth, presented by Martha Burford
Sunday, July 28 - Our first Ministry - College Students, presented by David Cox
Sunday, August 4 - Buddhism, Nature, and Contemplative Practice, presented by Barney Brown
Sunday, August 11 - Evolving into a More Conscious Communion with the Source of All Creation through Sacred Geometry, presented by Antonia Albano
Sunday, August 18 - Russian Orthodox Faith & Iconography symbolism & Spirituality, presented by Madelyn Stuart
Sunday, August 25 - Rat Sunday
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and YouTube
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Photos from Retreat
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our Parish Retreat last weekend!
Monday Music on the Courtyard is Back!
Grace Episcopal Church announces its second season of "Music Mondays on the Courtyard." July 15: Betty and the Hot Flashes; August 12: TBA; September 9: Open Mic Night  All events run 6:30-8:00pm. All are invited to bring food, beverages, lawn chairs, and blankets. In the event of rain, music will move into the Undercroft of the church. Free will donations are accepted. For information contact Martha.
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.
The Community Table
The Community Table serves a hot meal each week to families and individuals in need. Our bakers are getting tired and need some support. Could any of your congregations donate monthly? Mondays, desserts for 150 (cakes, brownies, cookies, seasonal). Once a month or on a quarterly rotation. Or once a year would take a little burden off our current crew. We can set a schedule. Thank you so much. I know many of you already support TCT through donations, volunteers and more. We appreciate your ongoing support to uplift and strengthen those in need in our community.
Intergenerational Summer Camp
Winter Star is a 5 day intergenerational Arts-Music Camp for Adults and Children that culminates in a production of the musical on Friday. We rehearse Monday-Friday, and share The Winter Star Musical performance at 7pm on Friday, Aug. 9. All who want to participate are invited! Roles for Shepherds, Angels, Magi, Stars, Parents and Children. Think "Christmas in August." Each day will include music rehearsal, costume and stage preparation, creative prop making, dinner, stage directions, and fun music warmups. Registration will close Monday, July 29. The registration fee is to cover cost of dinner. Email Martha Burford for details or with questions.
Music in the Garden
Join us for Music in the Garden on July 12 (The Pickup Band), August 2 (Hoss & Soss), August 23 (Caravan of Fools) and 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.
Prayers for Peace in the Holy Land
A Note from Tuck:
I am writing to ask for your prayers for a de-escalation of violence between Israeli and Palestinian people and for return to the challenging work of building a sustainable and lasting peace.
I have reached out to the current student director of Hillel House, the Chaplain at VMI, and the director of Student Services at W&L to express our support of Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish and Muslim students.
I encourage you to reach out to your Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish and Muslim friends in recognition that this crisis creates the conditions for increased anti-semitic and anti-muslim behavior, as well the strong likelihood that they or someone close to them has been impacted by this crisis.
Finally, please read the following statement by the Episcopal Church and the accompanying statement by Churches for Middle East Peace.
Pray for peace.
Boys Home of Virginia Wish List
Efforts continue to collect items for the Boy's Home. A list of what is needed can be found on the table in the stairwell near the parish office. A basket labeled Boy's Home is underneath the table for your contributions. Questions about this effort can be directed to Lisa or to Darlene Keane.
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 ministry of Grace House on the Mountain and their director, Anita Boyd. Pray for Brendon, Michael Murphy, Timmy, Rick Alexander, Bradley Fairchild and Karen Junkin, John Perry, Glen Jones, Patricia Brown Boyer, Jack Hershbell, Laura Stearns, Worth & Katie Burnes & Family, Amelia Dull, Stephen deMaria, Polly Lawrence, Betty Cadden, Jeff Mason, Joe Irby, Kent Wilson, Don Ellis, Diana Kenney, Patrick Bowes, Ann Nay, Paula Cooper, Penny & Ned Henneman, Barbara Bova, Daniel Diener, Shelby, Clay Sadler, Sharon Humphreys, Eloise Adams, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Cullen Bahr (friend of Drusie Milford), Mary Etta Randolph, Amaree Cluff, Jeff Patnaude, Blake, Liz & Cameron (friends of Chris Young), Carl & Rachel Pattison, Brian Powers, Jane Drewry (sister-in-law of Ruth Smith), Barb Ostrander (cousin of John Milford), Carolyn Williams, Jennifer Humphrey, Linda Lanford, Elizabeth Jones (Martha’s mom), 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, 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, Janet Walthour Warn (step-mom of Margaret Haberman).
In Thanksgiving for July Birthdays
7/5Â Â Â Â Tom Vinson, Elise Brooke, Harold Hill
7/6Â Â Â Â Jay Crawford, David Wade, Benjamin Holston
7/7Â Â Â Â Mark Nelson
7/8Â Â Â Â Sue Shultis
7/10Â Â Joe Simcoe
7/11Â Â Elizabeth Grist, Mary Wilson
7/12Â Â Otis Mead
7/13Â Â Jackson Hotchkiss
7/14Â Â Bethany Hull
7/17Â Â Kris Hoolahan
7/18Â Â Carla Henson
7/19Â Â Jeff Mason
7/20Â Â Lisa Tracy
7/21Â Â Catharine Gaylard
7/23Â Â Miss D Penick
7/28Â Â Paul Robblee, Su Minor
7/29Â Â John Brooke, Jonathan Eastwood
7/31Â Â Margaret Haberman
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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