Life With Grace | November 13
Dear Friends,
As we approach the end of the liturgical year the lectionary texts focus on the hope for Jesus' return, what is often referred to as the parousia, a Greek term meaning presence, arrival, or coming. In a sense, Pope Leo XIV has made his parousia to Peru. In Christian theology it is used exclusively as a term for Jesus' return in glory. Muslims share our hope for the return of Jesus. Jews share it in their hope for the Messiah. Many first century Christians expected the parousia in their lifetimes. After the Apostles Peter and PAul were executed in 64 AD and Jerusalem was leveled in 70 AD and Jesus still did not return theologians like Matthew recalibrated their message. The parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30, presents the parousia allegorically. A man goes on a journey and entrusts his servant with large sums of money. After a long time the master returns and asks for an accounting. The servants who doubled the master's money through their industry are rewarded. The servant who did nothing with the master's money is condemned.
Of course Jesus doesn't entrust us, the Church, with money. He entrusts us with the Spirit to build communities of refuge for the vulnerable, truth seeking/telling, justice and mercy.
There are no clear instructions about how to do this, but the point is we should certainly not just wait passively for the Lord's return.
The servants in the parable make their decisions without dialogue. Each one makes his one choice. The parable tells us that likewise we will each be held accountable for the way we use our lives - our minds, bodies, and souls. But we don't have to make those decisions secretly or privately.
We believe the judgment of God on our lives, and the necessity for decision and responsible action is real. But that doesn't mean we are on our own. In the Episcopal Church we foster dialogue and discernment and welcome participation in decision making about how to bear effective witness to the reign of God, bring resources into alignment with the real needs of our neighbors, and plan for the long run, for the next generation. Through our active participation in discernment and decision making, complemented by our personal investments of time, talent, and treasure, we share in our master's Spirit until he comes again in glory.
With Gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind (he/him)
Rector | Grace Episcopal Church
Changes in the Parish House: The “new” temporary offices for Lisa and Tuck are now located in the Brooke Room in the undercroft of the church, joining Martha in that space. We ask for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate this period of construction. If you have pastoral needs, please reach out to Lisa or by calling the office. The parking lot will not be available during the week or on Sundays. They have put up fencing behind the Parish House and the area between the two buildings has to be kept open for a fire lane. Please do not pull into the lot.
Worship Services | Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 28 | November 15
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | Zoom and In-Person
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | Zoom and In-Person
Christianity & Culture - November 15, “The Ornament of the World”, Laurent Boetsch
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Classes
Christianity & Culture - November 22, Introduction of Vestry Candidates Tuck
Christianity & Culture - November 29, First Sunday of Advent, Advent workshop/Decorate the Chrismon tree, set Creches out, or proposal for a parish banner, Joanne Robblee
Christianity & Culture - December 6, Annual Meeting, Rev. Tuck Bowerfind
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | YouTube and In-Person
Sung Compline Service | 7 p.m. | In-Person
This Sunday we offer Sung Compline at 7p.m. Derived from the Latin “completorium,” Compline gives us the chance to release the day’s cares, to prepare ourselves, to proclaim our faith, and to ask God’s protection through the night. Shorter and less dependent on the lectionary than Morning and Evening Prayer, it moves us into the liminal space of retiring under God’s watch. Join us in our candlelit space for this beautiful liturgy.
Call for Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers for the Nursery. Please contact James Keane for more information and to offer assistance.
Tech Support Needed at 8 a.m. Service
We are looking for someone to start the Zoom and let people into the service at our 8 a.m. service. We have one person who can do it, but they are not there for every service. We are searching for a couple more folks who would be willing and we can schedule them monthly.
Thank you for your help! Training is available!
Morning Prayer | Monday – Friday | 8:30 a.m.
Zoom and In-Person
Stewardship Campaign: Rooted in Abundance
Rooted in Abundance Campaign to support the operating budget* of Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington
We’re entering the season of harvest; of reaping the benefits of what has been planted. As a parish we are rooted in the abundance of past years, and we offer our gifts in gratitude to God who blesses and sustains us for future yields.
Pledge Cards - If you did not receive a pledge card, contact Lisa in the parish office. You may also pledge online using the link below. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged to the Rooted in Abundance stewardship campaign to fund the 2027 operating budget of Grace Episcopal Church. Every pledge helps us with our planning for the year to come. Our stewardship goal is between 120-130 pledges totaling $540,000. To date we have received pledges from 62 households totaling $355,810.
Rooted in Abundance Campaign October 18–November 15
● Sunday, November 15 Campaign Conclusion a Lay Sermon will be given by Buddy Carter.
● After November 22 those who have not pledged will receive a phone call to invite them to make a pledge over the phone or indicate their intention to pledge at a later date.
*Note –Complete Operating Budget and Actual figures are available from the office.
Basic 2026 operating budget figures:
o 2026 Total Operating Budget $677,000
o 2026 Pledges - $480,000
o 2026 Prior year pledges, next year pledges, and income from Diocese - $70,300
o 2026 Budgeted Transfers from Restricted and Unrestricted Funds - $91,000
o 2026 Budget Deficit - $35,700
o 2027 SS COLA est – 3.2%
o 2027 Est Total Operating Budget - $697,000
Thank you to everyone who has already pledged:
Lori Apgar Rangel
John & Cecilia Arpin
Tucker & Delea Bowerfind
Jane Brooke
Martha Burford
Betsy & Buddy Carter
David & Marjorie Connolly
R. David & Melissa Cox
Ed & Marlys Craun
Roger & Anna Crockett
Dennis & Susan Cross
Gail Dick
John & Gail Dickerson
Langston & Page Donkle
Will & Cary Edgar
Donald & Claudia Ellis
Carole Elmore
Dot Fogo
Matthew Fogo & Kevin Manning
Rene' Glidden
Tom & Carol Gosse
Julianne Grimes
David & Anne F Grizzle
Margaret Haberman
Sandy & Catherine Harcus
Elizabeth Harralson
Anne Hershbell
David & Chris Howison
Benjamin & Laurie Huger
Patrick & Phyllis Hugg
Gini Jardim
Ted Judt
James & Darlene Keane
Emily King & Diego Millan
Trudie Kirkland
George & Helen Kostel
Bill & Kathy Kozak
Sharon & Frederick Kurtz
Greg & Janet Lemmer
Maggie Leventis
Ryan McCoy & Sarah Moyer
Pat & Lisa McGuire
Jo McMurtry
Grigg & Cindy Mullen
Jerry Nay
Elaine Nelson
Mark Nelson
David O'Connor & Linda Merrick
David & Nan Partlett
David & Jeanne Passmore
George & Eleanor Penn
Michael Perry
Tim & Mary Price
William & Jane Rachal
Steve & Peggy Riethmiller
Joanne & Paul Robblee
Martha & Don Robey
Bill Sayre & Melissa Gladwell-Sayre
Ham & AP Smith
Ruth Smith
Paul Strickland
Joshua Walton
Michael & Beverly Wirtz
Phase 2 Renovation Update
Construction is moving along in the Parish House. Thank you to all of you who have made this campaign possible with your time, talent, and treasures!
Vestry Nominations
The Nominating Committee of the Vestry are seeking names of members interested in serving on the Vestry. According to the Canons of our Diocese of Southwestern Virginia,
“Only persons who are confirmed adult communicants of the parish in good standing, as defined in Canon 1.1 of the Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, for at least one year preceding the election shall be eligible for election as Vestry members.” Vestry members are elected to serve a 3-year term.. A weekend vestry retreat is usually held in February, and most vestry members attend at least 2 meetings per month (1 meetings related to the work of the vestry and 1 committee meeting).
Please contact a member of the Nominating Committee (Will Edgar, CC Arpin, Buddy Carter, or contact Lisa in the Parish Office) to submit names for consideration.
Lanford Mission Emergency Fund Thanksgiving Appeal
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we reflect on God’s love for each of us and give thanks for all the blessings and gifts in our lives.
Please consider a donation to the Lanford Mission Emergency Fund (LMEF) to assist our less fortunate neighbors in Rockbridge County. Through mid-November, the LMEF has assisted 139 individuals/family units in Rockbridge County who seek emergency financial support to meet rent, utility, food, medical, or temporary housing expenses.
In most cases, RARA (Rockbridge Area Relief Association) does the vetting to verify need and eligibility and then contacts Grace Episcopal along with Lexington Presbyterian and St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic churches to share with RARA in the financial support.
Partial funding for the LMEF comes from Grace’s Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas offerings; and individual gifts. A donation to the LMEF can be made through your Thanksgiving offering in the form of a check made out to Grace Episcopal Church with “Lanford MEF” noted on the memo line as well as on Grace Episcopal Church’s website.
The Christian Outreach Committee sincerely thanks each of you for your continued, generous support of this long-time Grace Episcopal ministry! May you have a truly blessed Thanksgiving!
Children’s Choir
Children’s Choir will meet during Graceful Play, which takes place during the sermon, throughout the fall. Martha Burford and Melanie Griffis, joined by Music Scholars May Nash and Tatum Wiley, will lead the children in making a joyful noise.
Stay tuned for details about this year’s Christmas Pageant.
Sing with the Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir is full of joy—and has room for new and returning singers and all who wish to make music at Grace. Rehearsals are held Thursdays from 7–8:30 p.m. in the undercroft and Sundays at 9:30 a.m., temporarily in the chancel.
The choir regularly sings at the 10:30 a.m. Eucharist and at monthly Evensongs. Members also frequently sing at the 5 p.m. Second Sunday Celtic Service.
If you are interested in singing only for the monthly afternoon services, or if you play an instrument and would like to share your gifts, please contact Martha Burford.
STEPS Graduation
Please join us for the Graduation Celebration of Robert L. White from STEPS: From Incarceration To Independence on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 12 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church.
Contact Anna Crockett at aennchen3@gmail.com or 540-460-3254 for additional information.
A Letter from Gary Wall
Dear Grace Church Parishioners:
The Holiday season is approaching at a rapid pace so I send my Holiday cheer and greetings.
I also wanted to THANK YOU ALL once again for already giving me hacgreatest BifiAc the season thus far, That gift being the gracious gift of "Acceptance".
I am absolutely excited to establish a beautiful bond with my new-found community, and hopefully I am able to give a gift in return of my positive presence and contributions.
Just like the story of the lame and Jesus, I've sat lame in the constraints of incarceration for over 30 years, but now it's time for me to roll up my mat, stand up, and walk in my light and purpose.
SEE YOU ALL VERY SOON, AND I LOOK FOREWORD TO MEETING EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU ... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
– Gary Wall
Lost and Found
Connie has found these two items this week. The earpod was found after Ann Nay's funeral on Saturday, November 7. The earring was found Wednesday, November 11. If either of these items belongs to you, contact Lisa in the parish office.
Grateful Together Meal
The Rockbridge CAN & FriendsGiving: Grateful Together Meal will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Virginia Horse Center. The event is free and open to everyone in the community.
Thanksgiving Diaper Drive
Hosted by Rockbridge Area Relief Association (RARA) Neighborhood Grocery: RARA finds themselves in urgent need of diapers to replenish their supply for their clients. Although every size is welcome, they are particularly short of diapers in the larger sizes (3-6 month). Any size of diaper donation is welcome - their volunteers will separate large packages into smaller packets for distribution.
The bin will be available in the Narthex on Sunday morning and in the Undercroft during the week. RARA will collect them after November 30. Thank you!
Food for Pets of RARA Clients
We are collecting 8- or 10-pound bags of dry food or packages of wet dog, puppy, cat, and kitten food for pets of RARA clients.
Any brand is welcome, but please choose regular diets.
Donations may be delivered inside the RARA Neighborhood Market at 350 Spotswood Drive, Lexington, during the following drop-off times:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
If these times are not convenient, donations may also be dropped off at the parish office.
For questions, please email Susan Cross.
Clothes Closet at Christ Church
The Clothes Closet at Christ Church, Buena Vista, needs Men's small jeans, waist sizes 30, 32 and 34, and small boys size: 18 months.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 a.m. until noon. You may drop your items off then. Alternately, you can bring your items to the Grace Episcopal 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 Rev. Sean Rowe. Pray today for the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia and our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Karin McPhail and for the people of Trinty Boonsboro, Lynchburg and their rector, the Rev. Gail Goldsmith. Pray for Brendon, Timmy, Laura Stearns, Lynda deMaria, Kent Wilson, Jerry Nay, Paula Cooper, Sharon Humphreys, Elizabeth Klein, Dot Fogo, Buddy Atkins, Gerry Locher, Mo Littlefield, Tena Clark, Shay Peters, Meg Moss, Steve Lawrence, Patricia Williams, Peggy Matheson, Gary Steinmiller (cousin of Darlene Keane), Virginia Cooke, Mike and Sue Ellen Jent, Katherine Greene, Lake Curry, Glen Jones, Jacob Chenault, Susan Cross, Mimi Knight, Carol Gornto, Samantha Moran, Cathy Cocks, Pat Gibson, Elizabeth Harralson, Lori Apgar Rangel, Florence Willis, and those we name aloud or in our hearts. Pray for the people living in war, pray for cessation of violence, and for reconciliation, and peace. Pray for those who have died.
In Thanksgiving for November and December Birthdays
11/13 Julia Grover
11/14 Jim Farrar
11/15 Tim Price, Rene' Glidden
11/18 Alex Eastwood, Diana Harris
11/19 Steven Lawrence, Hank Humphreys, Langston Donkle
11/21 Tim Gaylard
11/23 Bill Kozak, Kristi Finnell
11/27 Anne Blanken, Avery Hess
11/30 Harry Warner, Ruth Brunner
12/2 Laura Lanier, Kristy Hamilton
12/3 Meg Mason
12/6 Anna Crockett, Howard Pickett, Joanne Robblee
12/7 Jo McMurtry
12/9 Adelaide Simcoe
12/10 Sis Warner, Lynn Dent
12/12 M.J. Mayerchak
12/13 Anne Lamont
12/16 James R. Keane, Kay Glore
12/18 Robert Hull
12/19 Roger Crockett, Merce Brooke
12/23 Carol Gosse, Julianne Grimes, Betsy Carter
12/24 Jordan Kach
12/25 Harrison Edgar
12/27 Joy Harris
12/28 Samantha Moran
12/30 Willow Moles, Buddy Carter, Martha Robey
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