Life With Grace | November 7
- Grace Episcopal Church
- Nov 7
- 13 min read
Dear friends,
This Sunday at 10:30am we are thrilled to celebrate the Baptism of Kira Brenaman, VMI '26. Please show up to support and welcome Kira into the household of God.
Our preacher this Sunday is Cecile West-Settle. Cecile was baptized at First Baptist Church, Bemis, Tennessee. She received her B.A. in Romance languages from Agnes Scott College and her Ph.D. in Spanish from Emory University. She joined the department of Romance languages at Washington and Lee in 1987. On the 28th of April 1991 the Rev. R David Cox presented her to Bishop Heath Light for Confirmation. She retired from W&L in 2012 as Professor of Spanish, Emeritus. Cecile completed a three year term on the Vestry in 2021 and currently serves as co-chair of the Christian Outreach Committee and as a member of the Christian Education committee.
At this time of year our lectionary turns our attention toward our hope for the world to come. This hope is always anchored in God's presence with us. We may not always be awake to God's presence and God's call. But there are moments in daily life that sometimes wake us up. The glory of fall foliage. The outcome of an election. The encounter with one of the least of our neighbors that reminds us of God's call to bless the poor, the hungry, the grieving, the oppressed.
Our hope is in God's call to us - to keep our hearts open to Jesus, the Word made flesh, to make choices to follow him, to never fear death or separation from God. Live in the power of a living hope, in alignment with the Kingdom of God. And the God of the living will take care of the rest.
With Gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind
Worship Services | Twenty Second Sunday After Pentecost | Proper 27 | Sunday, November Ninth
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In-Person and on Zoom
November 9 - The Episcopal Church Past and Present - Mary Kostel (Chancellor of the Episcopal Church USA) - How is our beloved Episcopal Church structured, and how does that reflect our origins in the American Revolution? How has the structure changed over time, and is it working today? How do we exercise authority in a way that as we commit in our Baptismal Covenant, “respects the dignity of every human being”?
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Sessions
November 16 - Impact of the Pentateuch on the Old & New Testament - Rich Warkowski - Rich will focus on portrayals of Jesus in the Pentateuch (atonement, priesthood, liturgy, etc. For example, in Genesis 3:15, after the Fall of Adam & Eve, God gives the first promise and gentle “hint” of a rescue by another Adam (Jesus) that is to come. That tiny kernel of information (revelations) is characteristic of Divine Progressive Revelation.
November 23 - Introduction of Vestry Candidates: please meet four candidates for Vestry- Lori Apgar, Patrick Hugg, Maggie Leventis, David Partlett. If you would like to present yourself as a candidate or nominate another communicant in good standing, please contact the Clerk of the Vestry, Lisa McGuire. Nominations for Vestry are open until immediately prior to voting at the Annual Meeting December 7.
November 30 - First Sunday of Advent - Thanksgiving Weekend Chrismons - Joanne Robblee
December 7 - Annual Meeting - Tuck, Bishop
December 14 - Christmas – Messiah - Tim Gaylard - Tim is back to share more about the selected pieces of music and meaning of Handel’s glorious Messiah as we prepare during Advent for the coming of Christ.
December 21 - TBD - Tuck
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
The nursery will be available for both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.
Celtic Contemplative Eucharist | 5 p.m. | In-Person
Nativity Sets
Do you have a special nativity set that you would share with the Church for a few weeks? We will display Nativity sets in the windows of the Nave during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Please bring your set to the Parish Office by November 26. Thank you!
Tell Out My Soul 2026 Stewardship Campaign
If you did not receive your pledge card at church, you should receive it by mail. Let Lisa know if you need one.
Thank you to everyone who has already pledged to the Tell Out My Soul stewardship campaign to fund the 2026 operating budget of Grace Episcopal Church. Every pledge helps us with our planning for the year to come. Our goal is between 120-130 pledges totaling $540,000. To date we have received pledges from 57 households totaling $302,281.
John & Cecilia Arpin, Roger & Cynthia Baroody, Anne Blanken, Peter Bowerfind, Tucker & Delea Bowerfind, Jane Brooke, Betsy & Buddy Carter, David & Marjorie Connolly, Virginia Cooke, David & Melissa Cox, Edwin & Marlys Craun, Dennis & Susan Cross, Susan Denson, Gail Dick, John & Gail Dickerson, Ed & Lu Dooley, Will & Cary Edgar, Carole Elmore, Matthew Fogo & Kevin Manning, Rene' Glidden, Tom & Carol Gosse, Julianne Grimes, Margaret Haberman, Woody & Becky Hall, Sandy & Catherine Harcus, Elizabeth Harralson, Anne Hershbell, Kay Horner,
David & Chris Howison, Benjamin & Laurie Huger, Gini Jardim, James & Darlene Keane, Sharon & Frederick Kurtz, Greg & Janet Lemmer, Buster & Signe Lewis, Bill & Barbara Luton, Pat & Lisa McGuire, Jo McMurtry, John & Drusie Milford, Su Minor, Liz Moss, Grigg & Cindy Mullen, Ann & Jerry Nay, David O'Connor & Linda Merrick, David & Jeanne Passmore, George & Eleanor Penn,
Michael Perry, Tim & Mary Price, Steve & Peggy Riethmiller, Cynthia Robertson, Martha & Don Robey, Woody & Lori Sadler, Marjorie Sherrill, Jimbo & Ruth Smith, Paul Strickland, Spencer & Beverly Tucker, Kent & Mary Wilson.
Annual Meeting
Dear friend,
The Annual Meeting of Grace Episcopal Church is scheduled to convene 9:15am Sunday, December 7, 2025 in the Parish Hall. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is for the members of Grace to elect vestry members who have responsibility for all the temporal affairs of the church. We are grateful to David Passmore, Ruth Smith, and Drusie Milford for their three years of vestry service as well as to Buddy Carter, William Edgar, Cecilia Arpin, Connor Wolfe, Melissa Cox, Carole Elmore, Sharon Kurtz, and Don Robey our continuing Vestry members, and to Lori Apgar Maggie Leventis, Patrick Hugg, and David Partlett who have accepted nomination for election. A quorum of 20% of all adult communicants in good standing is required for an election (41). Please attend and participate.
with gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind, Rector
Patrick Hugg
The Hugg family was active at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans beginning in 1985, participating actively in several Trinity programs. Our three children all attended TrinityChurch and Trinity’s grammar school at various dates through their primary years. We moved to Lexington in 2024 to be with our youngest daughter, husband, and three-year-old grandson. That move, of course, led us to Grace. Trinity is an old and prosperous church in New Orleans, with a history similar to Grace here in Lexington. An early rector of the Church was Civil War General Leonidas Polk, and the primary meeting hall for the church and school was named after him. It was here that the modern leadership of Trinity (3 dedicated clergy in the 1980s and 90s), led Trinity in a forceful direction. Trinity purposefully became a bridge between the traditional Episcopal Church
community and the entrenched low-income housing projects nearby. Phyllis and I supported that direction of Trinity, actively participating in outreach efforts. We served as Loaves and Fishes volunteers every Friday for some years, working with other volunteers packing and distributing food to low-income community centers and homeless shelters. We also led our children to personally serve hot meals at a Baptist church shelter nearby in one of the low-income neighborhoods. I participated in a Trinity program to recruit law students and lead them into public schools for dedicated reading sessions and contributing quality books to their libraries. I was the founding Chair of Trinity Mediation Services, which provided free mediation services to those involved in disputes and litigation, focusing mainly on child custody and other family issues.
I also initiated a legal challenge against the State of Louisiana, along with strong participation with other community leaders and the national ACLU, seeking adequate State funding for the inadequately funded state school system. Unfortunately, the State Constitution was determined to not support our efforts. I was active in the Church’s popular Men’s Prayer Breakfast, and for some time served as its co-director. Finally, I served the on the Board and ultimately as President of the New Orleans Pro Bono Project, which managed numerous programs to provide legal services to those in need in the greater New Orleans area. Phyllis and I look forward to future activity here in Lexington with Grace Episcopal.
Maggie Leventis
Maggie Leventis is a sophomore at Washington and Lee University. She was confirmed at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, South Carolina on October 26, 2022, by Bishop Daniel P. Richards of the Upper Diocese of South Carolina. She is the only child of Ami and James Leventis. She is a member of the Canterbury Leadership Team and the choir here at Grace. As a freshman she found a place here and has appreciated the community that has helped her feel so welcome in Lexington.
David Partlett
Tuck contacted me about joining the Vestry recently. It is an honor to be asked to put my name forward. I understand that the congregation will need some greater background on my experience and skills that might make me a valuable member of the vestry; someone in whom you could place trust as our church faces the challenges in the years ahead.
Nan and I moved back to Lexington 18 months ago after an hiatus in Atlanta of eighteen years. We had been members of the church from 2000 to 20006 when I had been dean of the W&L Law School. During that period, I had served on the vestry when Farris Hodgkiss was so ably the Senior Warden. Nan and I joined All Saints Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta where we worshipped until we rejoined Grace. One of the joys of moving back to Lexington has been that reconnection. Both of us are now retired but still have a strong impetus to help further our Church’s mission in whatever capacity seems most effective. We have reconnected with many of you over the last 18 months. We hope to commit ourselves in the building of Christian community at Grace. We can do so much together guided by the holy spirit of Christ Jesus.
Lori Rangel
My name is Lori Rangel, formerly Lori Apgar and I have called Lexington home since 1997. Shortly after, I moved my parents, grandmother and sister Kris here as well, in order to keep our family together. I raised my children here and watched them turn into adults that I am very proud of. I am sure there are still people at Grace who remember my parents, Doris and George and grandmother Flo. And if you sit close enough you've heard my sister Kris sing our hymns with gusto! As my parents and grandmother got older, I cared for them as well as for my children's grandfather, Harry, who moved to Lexington to be close to his grandchildren. Grace was there with prayers and support that ushered them to their heavenly home. My sister Kris is still an important part of my life and bringing her to Grace every Sunday gives both of us time each week to be involved in our church family. And that is what Grace is to me, a family that I care deeply about. Grace has become increasingly important to me now that my children have moved away to start their own stories. I am truly thankful for all that Grace has given to me. Now it's time for me to give back to Grace. I am honored to serve on the vestry and look forward to giving a small part back to a church family that has given so much to me and my family.
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Women's Bible Study
Join us on Tuesdays from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Canterbury room for an ongoing series on Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
Seeking Volunteers
Looking for Volunteers to serve as Readers, Chalice Ministers, and to run the Zoom for the 8 a.m. service. Please let Lisa know if you would be willing to help or call the Parish Office. Thank you!
Upcoming Music Events
MUSIC AT NOON: William McCorkle, organ: "Now Thank We All Our God." 12 noon at Lexington Presbyterian Church.
Community Sing 5 p.m. Sunday, November 16. Raising funds for Project Horizon in Honor of The International Day of Eliminating Violence Against Women. Sponsored by our Outreach Committee and led by our music minister, Martha Burford--also a practitioner in the organization Music That Makes Community--the event will focus on songs that embrace life, encourage empathy, stir hearts, call for healing, and lift hope. All free will donations will go to Project Horizon.
Advent Meditation Series
This Advent season, you are invited to join our Diocesan Advent Meditations, a three week online series offered live on Zoom Monday nights in Advent, beginning on Dec. 1 at 7:00p.m. Join us for this series to slow down, take time for silence and contemplation as we experience this special season.
We will center ourselves and prepare for the coming of the Christ child with quiet meditations using music, prayer, scripture, and brief reflections. We hope you will find this time to be meaningful and restorative.
Swim Meet Invitation
Carrssa Witte, VMI class of 26+3, and one of our new Rats, is a member of the VMI Swim team. Carissa's home is Ft Worth Texas, and it is unlikely that her parents will be able to make it to any of her swim meets. It would be wonderful if some members of the Grace congregation would attend some of the swim team's home meets to cheer for Carissa.
Her first home meet was October 25 and Carissa took first in the 200M Butterfly and second in the 200M Individual Medly.
The dates for the remaining home meets are:
November 14-16, The Keydet Invitational
January 16, against Howard University
January 24, against W&L
February 18-21, The American East Conference Championships
Please help support Carissa by cheering her on like family.
Tea Party Invitation
You are cordially invited by Chapter BG, P.E.O., to a Tea Party
November 22, 2025, 3:00 PM at Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall
Tickets $35 (Limited number of tickets available)
All proceeds from this Tea and Boutique will benefit scholarships for women, supporting their pursuit of higher education and lifelong learning.
P.E.O. chapters support the educational and charitable funds of the P.E.O. Sisterhood but are not classified as charitable by the IRS. Therefore, donations to individual chapters do not meet the IRS requirements for charitable income tax deduction. P.E.O. shall not be liable in any way for any goods and services supplied by third-party vendors or public establishments.
The Saint John's Bible Returns
The Saint John's Bible volume the Pentateuch has arrived! Tuck has already placed it proudly in its rack in the front of the sanctuary. We are so excited to have this very special book "visiting" us until mid-December.
After the services, if anyone wants to come up and take a look at "Big John," as I lovingly call him, please do so. Sadly, there are only 8 illuminations in this book and most of them are in Genesis. If you want to look through the book, please remember to use the wipes that are there before you touch the pages. We hope to have a docent available to assist you.
Beginning September 14th and going to November 16th, a series of presentations that focus on different aspects of the Pentateuch will be offered during Christianity and Culture (9:15-10:15). Please know that everyone is invited to these sessions that follow a brief coffee hour that begins at 9:00.
Also, on Thursday afternoons in October and up until Thanksgiving, you are invited to bring groups or friends to view "Big John." Docents will be there to share information about the Bible and the illuminations. If you would like to have the Bible visit a group you belong to, please let Lisa or Tuck know. We are more than glad to share "Big John" and do a brief presentation with others in the community.
Paws to Connect
We are back! Join us on Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the patio. Bring your furry friends and connect with students.
5 p.m. Community Services
We are elated to invite you and your friends to our 5 p.m. Community Services. All are welcome.
November 9: Celtic Contemplative Eucharist
November 23: Evensong on Christ the King Sunday
December 14: Contemplative Service of Light in the Darkness
Note: There will be no 5 p.m. Service on December 28.
Grief Support Group
This new support group meeting at Kendal, with a facilitator from Hospice/Caring Plus is open to the whole community.
It meets every 4th Wednesday at 3 pm, normally in Sunnyside, but this month in the Borden Conference Room.
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 winter clothing sizes 10-12, and silverware forks and spoons.. 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.
The Delaney Center 3rd Annual Race and Southern-ness Symposium
Race, Military Service, and the South
Thursday, December 4, 5:30 PM - 7 PM, Stackhouse Theater
Featuring:
Dr. Robert Jefferson, Associate Professor of History, University of New Mexico
Dr. Annette Osborn, President, National Association of Black Military Women
General Cedric Wins, Former Superintendent, Virginia Military Institute
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: Pray for Presiding Bishop The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe. Pray today for the people of Grace Memorial, Lynchburg. Pray for Brendon, Timmy, Laura Stearns, Lynda deMaria, Betty Cadden, Jeff Mason, Joe Irby, Kent Wilson, Jerry & Ann Nay, Paula Cooper, Ned Henneman, Sharon Humphreys, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Carl Pattison, Virginia Poston (sister of Betsy Carter), Dot Fogo, David Austin (friend of the Keanes), Buddy Atkins, Stan Driver, Chris Clayton Syrrist (cousin of David Sorrells), Glen Jones, Charlotte & Mike Murphy, Jean & Mike Walsh, Cullen Bahr, Lane Hewett, Susan Martin, Carolyn, Bill Gibson (brother of Keith Gibson), Nancy Hellwig, Dennis Coughlin, Mike Haire, Chuck & Biddy Watson, Rob Fleming, Patricia Williams, Ed Craun, Richard Hay (nephew of the Partlett’s), Patty Irving Sensabaugh, 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 been affected by Hurricane Melissa. Pray for those who have died, especially Diana Kenney.
In Thanksgiving for October and November Birthdays
11/7 Pam Adams, Melanie Griffis
11/8 Evan Atkins, Grace Simcoe, Donna Noyes
11/10 Richard Jones
11/13 Doug Ayer, 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
11/29 Maurya Schweizer
11/30 Harry Warner
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