Life With Grace | June 20
- Grace Episcopal Church
- Jun 20
- 6 min read
Dear friends,
The cross is the sign of a new community that "Christ purchased" (Gal 3:13) in order to set us free from the violence and injustice that produced the cross. It is not that Jesus wants us all to follow him in suffering persecution and injustice, though he knows that many of us must because the world is so deeply distorted. He wants the cross to help us put an end to the cross.
Jesus gives us positive examples of how to live one either side of the cross: his humble loving service and pastoral care (John 13-17), and his post-resurrection gratuitous forgiveness and the gift of the Spirit (John 20:21-23).
Our readings this Sunday give us examples of people trapped in the cycle of violence and expulsion that we so often rely upon to resolve conflict (1 Kings 19 and Luke 8:26-39).
As with Elijah, terrified by his own actions and their consequences, hiding from the revenge of Jezebel in a cave on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8), when we are most fearful and anxious and convinced there is no way out of the cycle, it can help to find a place apart, and to take a breath, to look at the world, and to recover our ability to listen for the spirit of the Lord, who is always with us and always encouraging us to remember and rely upon the power of forgiveness and humble loving service that makes life new and hopeful again. We can do it. And it always works.
Our Sunday worship is designed to help us take the breath we need, and to remember the truth about God and our lives that will restore hope and healing. In the eloquent words of our Sunday Collect:
O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
With Gratitude, Tuck Bowerfind (he/him)
Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Worship Services | Second Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 7 | Sunday, June 22
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | In-Person and on Zoom
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Jonathan Clawson will be the organist for the next few weeks while Martha is in England. Please welcome him back to Grace!
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.
Through Hikers Dinners
St John's Glasgow welcomes Appalachian Trail through hikers for dinner every Monday night in May and June. On June 16, 33 Appalachian trail through-hikers hailing from 12 different states including Idaho, California, Florida, and Maine enjoyed Gracious hospitality at St. John's Glasgow, including fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, kale salad, ice cream and brownies prepared and served by Kenney's Chicken, Emily King, Diego Millan, Chris Young, Delea Bowerfind and Nellie.
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, June, 29th, 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!
Wine & Cheese - hosted by Su Minor, Peggy Riethmiller & Catherine Harcus
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 - 5:00 PM TO 8:30 PM
COMMUNITY PARTY & COOKOUT & LIVE MUSIC & FUN!
WHERE TO GO? White St. between Jefferson St. & Jackson Ave.
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)
Helping Ukrainian Families
Please consider helping this humanitarian outreach. The group has engaged an immigration attorney to guide the Ukrainian families, that were helped by Hosting Ukrainian Families, through the rules and regulations that could provide a safeguard from deportation. Donate HERE.
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. Paul’s, Bear Mountain. 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), Ellen Fure, 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 the Philmont-bound Scout Crew, for a safe and successful trek. 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 June and July Birthdays
6/20 Susan Lawrence, David Grizzle
6/22 Morgan Roper
6/24 Sandy Harcus
6/29 Lu Dooley, Michael Finnell
7/1 Maria Nava
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
7/12 Otis Mead
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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