Life With Grace | June 27
- Grace Episcopal Church
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
Dear friends,
For freedom Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1
As we approach the annual celebration of national independence, we are always mindful that the freedom we celebrate is only partially realized. The history of our nation may be understood as the ongoing work of the freedom of which our national independence marks an important collective commitment. And we celebrate the opportunity to be part of the ongoing history of liberation of people by the people, for the people.
The history of the church can be understood in a similar way. Christ set us free to be a people who identify primarily as those being led out of the kingdoms of the world and into the kingdom of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Rather than being formed in opposition, like the kingdoms of the world, finding our identity under laws that define borders and protect property against others, disciples of Christ identify with the one who serves all people through giving himself up in love and forgiving the injustice that condemned him to suffering and death.
So our work is not trumpeting the greatness and power of one nation over others. Our work is serving and forgiving and striving for justice and peace among all nations. And doing this through respect for the dignity of every creature. Through serving Christ in all persons, loving others as we love and respect ourselves.
"Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; thou who hast by thy might led us into the light; keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee; lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world we forget thee; shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand, true to our God, true to our native land." James Weldon Johnson
With Gratitude, Tuck Bowerfind (he/him)
Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Worship Services | Third Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 8 | Sunday, June 29
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
This week The Parish Office will be open Monday 6/30 and Wednesday 7/2 from 9am - Noon. Gail Dickerson will be helping out while Lisa is on vacation.
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, 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 5–8:30 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 Trinity, Arrington and their rector, The Rev. Donna L. Steckline.
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 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, especially Marshall Murphy.
In Thanksgiving for June and July Birthdays
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
7/13 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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