Dear Friends,
This Sunday our gospel lesson includes the much studied encounter between Jesus and a man who asks how to inherit eternal life. Jesus recounts the commandments to him - don't murder, or commit adultery, or steal, or bear false witness, or defraud, and do honor your father and mother.
The young man says, "I have kept all these since my youth." Jesus looks at him with love and says, "'Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.' When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions."
The way of love is not closed to the wealthy. But the way of wealth may close us off to the way of love. The way of love is the way of sharing all that we are and all that we have, these are the vows we take in marriage. But marriage is itself a reflection of baptism, our relationship with God who gives all that they are and all that they have for us. The way of mutual self giving is not the same as co-dependency. True self-giving comes from a place of full self understanding and health. Jesus does not need the young man to follow him. Jesus wants the young man to discover that goodness and eternal life is an indissoluble gift from God not to be confused with possessions that are passing in value. The life Jesus is drawing us into is grounded in eternal values, not earthly goods. But earthly goods are important to everyone's life.
The problem is that the possessions of the young man have created a boundary between him and his neighbors. The poor to whom Jesus tells the young man to give the proceeds of the sale of his wealth are actually his brothers and sisters in the family of God. This is something that wealth sometimes obscures from us. Wealth does not change our fundamental relationship with God or our neighbors. But sometimes in order to retain wealth we turn a blind eye toward the needs of our brothers and sisters and the demands of God. It is that hardening of our hearts that becomes problematic. Not wealth itself.
With Gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind (he/him) Recotr | Grace Episcopal Church
Blue Ridge Outdoor School - When entering the church driveway, please be aware that the children are in the churchyard in the morning from 8:45–9:00 a.m.and in the afternoon from approximately 2:50 p.m.–3:15 p.m. There may be a cone in the driveway to prevent cars from coming in to quickly; you may still park in the lot. Thank you!
Worship Services | Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 23 | Sunday, October 13
Holy Eucharist Rt 1 | 8 a.m. | In Person and Zoom
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In Person and Zoom
October 13, Martha Burford will discuss knowing God through our hymns.
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Session
Beginning in October and continuing up to Lent, Christianity and Culture will feature a series of explorations of essential Christian beliefs and practices. The first of these, "Who is God?" will explore our beliefs about God as we encounter Him in scripture, hymn, and creed.
October 20, Tuck will discuss what we proclaim about God in our creeds.
Read this Episcopal News Service article on last week's call with St Marc's School in Haiti.
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Women's Bible Study | 3:30 p.m.
The Women's Bible Study is changing their time to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays
Taizé Eucharist | 5 p.m. | In-Person
Our Acorns and Nuts were delivered to the Virginia Department of Forestry! Martha will give a more detailed update in next week's parish news! They were THRILLED to receive our walnuts, acorns, beech nuts, sycamore nuts, buckeyes, and more!
The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, October 14 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Resources for Indigenous Peoples' day may be found here.
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.
In-Person & Zoom
Diocesan Update on Hurricane Helene
Many of you have been praying for all those affected by the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, in much of the southeast, especially in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Please continue your thoughts and prayers. I wanted to let you know that most of the high water in this diocese occurred in the Abingdon Convocation and some areas of the New River Convocation.
We are checking in with our parishes in those areas and none are reporting any damage to their facilities. Some lost power, but reports at this hour are that all power has been restored. There are still some cell service outages in the far southwest.
There are many trees down throughout the Grace House property. Luckily, none came into contact with any of the buildings on the campus. We are working with the staff to begin assessment and tree removal in the critical areas that might impede functioning. We will keep you updated on assessment and need. If you or your parish would like to contribute financially to relief work thatEpiscopal Relief & Development is doing in the most affected regions please click the button below.
Please let us know what assistance or resources we can assist you with as your parish addresses possible needs in your community.
I ask that you pray through this week and this coming Sunday for those who have died and their families; for those who are suffering and scared; and for all relief workers who are helping people around the clock. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Peace,
The Rt. Rev. Mark Allen Bourlakas
Update on the O'Dell Family
Hi all, this is Natalie’s friend Kelsey with a much overdue update on the O’Dell family. I apologize for the delay in updates. A lot has happened for the O'Dell family in the last month!
Wes made incredible progress during his time at the Sheltering Arms Institute in Richmond. The O’Dells are so grateful to all the fantastic doctors and therapists who worked with him there. They are also thankful for everyone's prayers and support as well as the messages and cards Wes received during this time there. They made a difference for him! Unfortunately, insurance declined to cover the full length of stay recommended by his doctors and he was discharged September 24th. Though everyone is thrilled to have the family reunited again in Lexington, it was frustrating to have his treatment plan cut short and the insurance decision meant there was little advance warning to prepare for his discharge.Â
The doctors' goal for Wes was to leave the facility when he no longer needed a wheelchair and had reached what physical therapists call "minimum assist;" however, Wes currently requires a wheelchair and is classified as "moderate assist." This means that he can do 25-50% of basic living tasks (personal hygiene, dressing, eating, etc) independently, but requires assistance with the other 50-75%.Â
Through hard work and determination, Wes has dramatically improved his physical mobility. When he left the ICU in Roanoke, he could scarcely move his right thumb. Now he is able to walk short distances with some assistance, though he is still at a fall risk and requires a wheelchair for any substantial distance. The O’Dells are grateful for his gains in mobility and are optimistic for continued progress.Â
Wes is still suffering from aphasia and apraxia following the stroke. His aphasia is primarily expressive, impacting his ability to communicate with speech, and also to a lesser extent receptive, impacting his ability to understand others. The apraxia impedes his brain's ability to plan and sequence the appropriate movements required for speech.Â
We ask for prayers for Wes's continued recovery, physically with his motor ability, and most especially with speech. Apraxia and aphasia are extremely frustrating to anyone, but especially to someone so used to reading, writing, and speaking at the highest level. I can only imagine how hard it is to have thoughts to convey, but be unable to form the words to communicate.Â
These conditions are also very confusing and sometimes even frightening to the girls. Natalie tells me regularly that their kindness, helpfulness, patience, and maturity continue to impress her, but let’s pray for the girls' continued resilience in the face of this unsettling reality.Â
We also ask for prayers as the family adjusts to a new and extremely challenging caregiving paradigm. After welcoming darling baby Clementine a little over a month ago, the O'Dells are now trying to find a new balance with Wes's recent return home. Natalie is assuming the responsibility of providing Wes's care (the 50-75% of assistance needed for ADLs) and managing, organizing, and actively participating in his continuing therapy journey. This is of course in addition to caring for their four young daughters and working full-time. They are fortunate to have therapists who come to the house a couple times a week and consistent caregiving help for the girls. While Natalie and Wes have devoted family who are able to provide occasional bouts of relief, none of their family members live within a 3 hour drive and so some regular respite would be beneficial to all. If anyone has any experience or recommendations regarding home health aides in the area or other respite care options, please share. I am continuously astounded by the depth of Natalie’s devotion to caring for her family.Â
Finally, while we have focused on Wes's stroke recovery, there is also the unfortunate reality that he was initially diagnosed with advanced heart failure. The family has their first appointment with a cardiologist at UVa's heart failure clinic in November and will have a better insight into what this diagnosis means. Advanced heart failure can encompass a wide range of prognoses and we pray that they receive optimistic news in November.
Lament for a Violent World
A service of Reflection and Prayer | Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6:30 p.m. | Lexington Presbyterian Church
Indigenous Peoples' Day, 2024
ConnectionsPlus
Do you have your Ducks in a Row?
ConnectionsPlus is now offering a 6-session educational group in which the participants support each other through the process of gathering improatnt information such as health, property, finances, and final wishes to make things easier for those who must resolve our affairs.
Beginning Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 9:30 to 11:00 AM and meeting monthly for 6 months. Location: Kendal at Lexington, Sunnyside House, 160 Kendal Drive, Lexington.Â
For more information or to register, please contact our office at 540-463-1848 or info@connectionsplus.care Cost: $20 for materials. Space is limited.Â
Music Announcements
On November 3, the Choir, accompanied by string quartet and continuo will offer Cantata 196, "Der Herr denket an uns" ("The Lord is mindful of us") by J.S. Bach during the 10:30a.m. service. Quite possibly Bach's earliest surviving cantata, the Biblical texts celebrate the blessings of God and our gratitude in return. If you would like to listen to this beautiful piece beforehand, this link is to a fabulous performance of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNjAHgMMsFs
Save the date, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. for "Carry the Flame: The Robert Glidden Music Legacy." Concert conducted by Dr. André Thomas and Dr. Brandon Boyd, hosted by Grace Episcopal Church and featuring Rockbridge Youth Chorale, Choirs of Southern Virginia University, Washington and Lee, and Grace Episcopal Church, and other fabulous local musicians!
Greeter Team and Usher Team at Grace
Greeters take turns welcoming worshipers as they enter the churchyard to attend the service. They identify visiting guests, visitors, new members and extend a warm greeting. Greeter schedules are flexible to work with your availability. A great way to meet others at Grace. Contact Cecile West-Settle at West-SettleC@wlu.edu, 540-570-3256
Ushers help the service run smoothly by welcoming worshipers to the service and assisting them as needed. They distribute the service bulletin and help with the offering collection, communion and more. Schedules are flexible to work with your availability. Email or call Lisa McGuire at 540-463-4981.
Training provided, many benefits! Join TODAY
Fall Youth Event
We are excited to announce that this years, Fall Youth Event will be held at Boys Home of Virginia, located in beautiful Covington. Boys Home, an outreach ministry of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia provides a stable and supportive environment for young men who have faced significant adversities. You can read more about their mission and ministry here.
Several of these young men have attended our Youth@Convention for the past several years and we are excited to hold our fall event on their campus! This year, we will combine service and fun by beginning our day with a small project for Boys Home. After completing our service project, the afternoon will be filled with fun. With a gym, plenty of outdoor space, an indoor and outdoor chapel, dining hall and hiking nearby, the rest of our weekend will be jam packed with games and activities!
Register today for a weekend of service and community as we seek to worship, pray, play and serve! All middle and high school youth are invited to join.
Event Info
WHEN:Â Nov. 16-17, 2024
Check-in: Saturday, Nov. 16, between 9:30-10:00 a.m. (Please eat breakfast prior to arrival).
Check-out: Sunday, Nov. 17, at 1:30 p.m.
Â
WHERE:Â Boys Home of Virginia, 414 Boys Home Rd, Covington, VA 24426
WHO:Â 6th-12th graders & adult chaperones
COST:Â $75 (includes lodging, activities, lunch & dinner on Saturday, and breakfast & lunch on Sunday)Â
TRANSPORTATION:Â Parents will be responsible for Saturday drop-off and Sunday afternoon pick-up at Boys Home. (*Please see registration form if your child will be driving to the event separately.*)
An email will be sent out closer to the event if transportation by convocation is possible.
Paws to Connect
Paws to Connect is back and better than ever! Join us every Tuesday and Wednesday this semester from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the steps of Grace. Our pups can't wait to see you!
1946 Film Screening
In conjunction with Grace Episcopal Church, Lexington Presbyterian Church, Trinity United Methodist Church, Randolph Street United Methodist Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, W&L's Office of Inclusion and Engagement, W&L's Pride Center, and VMI's Chaplain's Office, Project Horizon is bringing the documentary film 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture to Lexington as a compliment to our community's Pride celebrations.  (June is "Pride Month," but October is "LGBTQIA+ History Month.")  This documentary film examines who, how, and potentially how the word "homosexual" first appeared in any translation of the Bible with the release of the Revised Standard Version in 1946 and what the repercussions of that translation decision have been. Here is a link to the official trailer for the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00QOkOE49qM  The film will be shown in the parish hall at Grace Episcopal Church on Friday, October 25 at 7:00 pm with a panel discussion following the film.
The Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet, run by our colleagues at Christ Episcopal Church, Buena Vista, could use some assistance, both with donations for their stock as well as volunteers to help run the operation from 9am till noon each first and third Saturday of the month. Christ Church initially established the closet, and volunteers from our church, as well as some funding provided by our Gadsden Trust, helped expand it into a more robust operation. It is open to all persons and is currently well stocked except for needing these items: children's coats, men's size small shirts and jeans, men's T-shirts of all sizes, bath towels, pots and pans, baking dishes, blankets, queen and full sheets, and women's purses. Please drop any donated items or financial contributions for the Clothes Closet at Christ Church when it’s open.
New Coffee Hour Schedule
The following team leaders will host Sunday morning coffee hours. Please thank our Coffee Hour team leaders!
October 13 team leaders are Lynn Dent and Bill Kozak
October 20 team leaders are Drew Sorber, Madelyn Stuart, Connor Rothermel, and Rose Hein.
Team leaders would welcome assistance. Please contact team leaders directly if you are available to help!
Project Horizon Seeking Volunteers
There will be a training session in October. If you are interested call and get your name on the list for the training session. Project Horizon desires empathetic, thoughtful, and motivated volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to help us accomplish our mission of eradicating domestic, sexual, and dating violence through empowerment of survivors, and by being a sanctuary for victims. We need your help to provide these vital services as Rockbridge County’s only domestic violence shelter and hotline.
Project Horizon was founded in 1982 by a group of women sitting around a kitchen table. Today, we provide a 24-hour crisis hotline, free counseling services, an emergency shelter for victims, outreach to underrepresented communities, and educational programming for kindergarten through college-aged students. Â
Volunteers play an integral role in Project Horizon’s mission by answering hotline calls, providing office support, interacting with shelter residents, working with employees on specific projects, such as translation or art projects, and assisting staff with events.
For information about volunteering and to sign up for our next training, contact volunteer coordinator Janice Burguieres at 540-463-7861or jburguieres@rockbridge.net.
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 people of Christ, Buena Vista.
Pray for Brendon, Timmy, John Perry, Glen Jones, Jack Hershbell, Laura Stearns, Lynda deMaria, Polly Lawrence, Betty Cadden, Jeff Mason, Joe Irby, Kent Wilson, Diana Kenney, Jerry & Ann Nay, Paula Cooper, Penny & Ned Henneman, Barbara Bova, Shelby, Sharon Humphreys, Nancy Mastin, Elizabeth Klein, Cullen Bahr (friend of Drusie Milford), Mary Etta Randolph, Carl & Rachel Pattison, Barb Ostrander (cousin of John Milford), Grace, Sue Hill, Frances Harcus, Glenn & Christine Szarzynski, Palmer Stickley and his family, Mercedes Aravena-Echaurren, Helen Moore, Patricia Williams, Christy Panko, Kitty Farrar, Justin, Rodrigo, Wes O’Dell and family, Peggy DePasquale, Nick Penn, Danny Anson (friend of Pat & Keith Gibson), Bill Cannon, 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 the communities that are suffering the effects of Hurricane Helene. Pray for those who have died, especially Jane Drewry (sister-in-law of Ruth Smith).
In Thanksgiving for October Birthdays
10/11   Heather McBrayer
10/16   Sharon Kurtz
10/19   Lori Apgar, Harry Wheeler
10/20   Drusie Milford
10/23   Claudia Ellis
10/24   Sarah Centorino
10/26   Melissa Cox
10/27   Connie Loughhead
10/29   Jimbo Smith
10/30   Steve Shultis
10/31   Peggy Hays
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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