Life With Grace | October 3
- Grace Episcopal Church
- Oct 3, 2025
- 13 min read
Dear friends,
In this Sunday's Gospel we hear Jesus tell his disciples - If you had faith the size of a mustard seed (which you don't) you could say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea", and it would obey you (which it won't). (My italics)
This kind of teaching really feeds into my heightened superstitious thinking now that my hometeam, the Cleveland Guardians, have somehow gotten into the Major League Baseball post-season.
A family member on my Guardians-watch text thread took responsibility for our one run loss to the Detroit Tigers in game 1 of the AL Wild Card playoff because he "told a colleague that it would be hard for us not to score after a lead-off triple." (It's well known that this kind of hubris proves disastrous to Cleveland teams even when it isn't spoken out loud to a live person.)
That kind of thinking, of course, has nothing to do with faith. Faith would be better exemplified by the Tigers ace, pitcher Tarik Skubal, paying a hospital visit last week to David Fry, whose face had been fractured by one of Skubal's signature 100 mph fastballs when it caromed off Fry's bat earlier that day.
Faith has nothing to do with magical thinking, transplanting trees without shovels, or willing your team to victory. Faith is about obeying God's command to live in love and charity with your neighbor. That's the work. When it happens it can seem miraculous. But it is a miracle of obedience, not magic.
Faith recognizes it is far less important to be obeyed by mulberry trees than to obey the Lord who tells us to trust that by forgiving everyone who repents, and loving one another as God loves us, we will realize the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus shows us the extent of faith not by walking on water or rising from the dead but by truly forgiving those who sought his destruction and opening to them the gates of his Father's house. He calls us to follow him into the house, and put even a fraction of the energy and resources we expend rooting for our teams into seeking reconciliation with our enemies, not their destruction. And striving for the justice and peace that restores welfare of the victims of our conflicts.
With Gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind
Worship Services | Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost | Proper 22 | Sunday, October Fifth
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | In-Person and on YouTube
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In-Person and on Zoom
October 5 - Traditional Techniques Used in SJB - Joanne Robblee - The Saint John’s Bible is the only modern day illuminated Bible. One unique aspect of this Bible is that traditional methods were used to create it. Come learn mor about the complex techniques that make this Bible so special.
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Sessions
October 12 - Rewriting the Script - Drew Sorber - Drew will share information about how writing systems were used to preserve the Bible. He will look into the development of the various scripts used in the early and medieval Biblical manuscripts.
October 19 - Balaam and his Dilemma w/ Moabite King's Orders - Harvey Markowitz - At the beginning of Numbers 22, we are introduced to the Moabite King, Balak, who has just decided to commission the Aramean prophet Balaam to curse the wandering Hebrew people who will soon be amassing on his borders. Though a non-Hebrew, Balaam prays to Adonai to seek His approval for this undertaking. God’s response to the prophet’s request sets off a rich chain of events that has puzzled and intrigued Biblical theologians and historians for centuries. It is the goal of this presentation to identify some of these points of interest and the associated areas of contention.
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.
First Sunday Lunch | Following the 10:30 a.m. Service
First Sunday Lunch in the Parish Hall. Come for delicious food and fellowship! Free will offerings gratefully accepted.
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. starting October 7 in the Canterbury room for a ten-week 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!
Bulb Planting at Boxerwood
In the spirit of the Season of Creation we have arranged for members of Grace Episcopal Church to partner with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints to plant bulbs at Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden on Saturday morning, October 11th, 10-12 noon, followed by a bring-your-own-lunch picnic in the garden. We will plant bulbs and perform some other group projects to prepare for the Pumpkin Walk event two weeks later. This project can accommodate up to 30 volunteers, so please sign up if interested. All ages welcome. Anyone can join the picnic lunch which might be a lovely way to express solidarity with our JCLDS neighbors.
STEPS Apartment Available
The apartment we have secured for our S.T.E.P.S. returning citizens is ready to go! Unfortunately they will not be here until the end of the year. So we are offering short term rentals of the apartment and encouraging families of W&L and VMI students to take advantage of the central location and parking space of this sweet apartment. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested - VMI & W&L Alum: please pass along to your class agents! Click on the link below for more information.
Two-bedroom Apartment Rental in Downtown Lexington
(as of October 2, available for W&L Parents Weekend and other dates until early-November)
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Lexington, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom fully furnished apartment is the perfect place for your next visit to Lexington. The home is steps from Washington and Lee University, and a 10-minute walk to Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The apartment includes a spacious living/dining area and washer and dryer, in addition to an open kitchen with a refrigerator, oven/range, microwave and dishwasher. Parking for one vehicle is included. The large windows allow natural light to flood the rooms. This unit is a rare find, close to everything historic Lexington and its universities have to offer.
Pictures are posted here: STEPS apartment pictures
Daily, weekend and weekly rentals are offered until early November. The rate is $225-$300/night with a two-night minimum. Proceeds are used to support STEPS (Supporting Transitions by Engaging in Parolee Sponsorships), a year-long reentry program for Returning Citizens sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington.
Contact STEPS Coordinator Anna Crockett at aennchen3@gmail.com for booking information.
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-November.
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.
The Saint John's Bible Workshops
The Saint John's Bible - Traditional Techniques, Saturday, October 4
This workshop shares fascinating information about the traditional techniques used in the creation of The Saint John's Bible. Why were techniques such as writing with a feather quill, writing on vellum, using century-old ink stick, gently laying on gold leaf so important to this project?
This workshop will be held in the Undercroft (beneath the sanctuary) of Grace Episcopal Church and will begin at 9:30 and go to 11:00. There will be a coffee hour prior to the presentation. This workshop is open to anyone in the community who would like to attend.
Questions: Contact Joanne Robblee (770-714-6206 or joannerobblee@gmail.com)
The Saint John's Bible - Progression from Pentateuch to New Testament, Saturday, October 11
This workshop will share how there is a progression from the Pentateuch and the Old Testament that leads very naturally into the New Testament. The symbols, history, & metaphors of light, deliverance, killing of the Passover lamb and many more find fulfillment in the New Testament. The illuminations shared will focus on so much that is contained in the Penta-teuch. A picture is worth a thousand words!
This workshop will be held in the Undercroft (beneath the sanctuary) of Grace Episcopal Church and will begin at 9:30 and go to 11:00. There will be a coffee hour prior to the presentation. This workshop is open to anyone in the community who would like to attend.
Questions: Contact Joanne Robblee (770-714-6206 or joannerobblee@gmail.com)
The Saint John's Bible - Children's Workshop, Saturday, October 18
In this Season of Creation, we invite children from ages 5-10 years to celebrate God’s Creation of our good earth in a children’s workshop on October 18 from 10am-12noon. We will hear the words of the Creation from The Saint John's Bible and see the illuminated illustration, then create our own tributes to the earth, sea, and sky, and all that has been given to us. Special attention will be given to God's gift of animals through a reflection on the work and ministry of St. Francis. We invite the children to bring their stuffies for a special blessing at the end of the workshop. Parents are invited to stay and participate as well, with or without their stuffies. Refreshments will be served.
Questions: Contact Phyllis Hugg (pjhugg2017@gmail.com)
The Saint John's Bible - The Committee for Illuminations and Texts, Saturday, October 25
This workshop shares fascinating information about this amazing 21st century Bible. During the development of The Saint John’s Bible, the Committee for Illuminations and Texts provided informed, extensive, and valuable information to the illuminators. Learn about this process and participate in an exercise that replicates this process in creating an illumination for Noah’s Ark & the Flood.
This workshop will be held in the Undercroft (beneath the sanctuary) of Grace Episcopal Church and will begin at 9:30 and go to 11:00. There will be a coffee hour prior to the presentation. This workshop is open to anyone in the community who would like to attend.
Questions: Contact Joanne Robblee (770-714-6206 or joannerobblee@gmail.com)
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.
October 12: Celtic Contemplative Eucharist
October 26: Evensong Celebrating the Feast of Alfred the Great
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.
Seed Collection
Calling all acorns, walnuts, buckeyes, hickory nuts, and more!
We will send them to the collaborative project between the Virginia Department of Forestry and and the Extension Service for their seedling and reforestation farms.
Collect in paper bags, not plastic. Bring them to Martha (or leave them outside her office door in the Undercroft). She will take them to the Crimora seedling farm by Oct. 10.
Above: photos from last year's seed collection.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
October 4, 2025, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Maury River Middle School, 600 Waddell St., Lexington
Materials accepted:
Pesticides, Herbicides, Fuels, Used oil, Antifreeze, Mercury (Household Products only), Solvents, Sealants, Cleaners/Bleaches, Oil-based paints only (no latex), Lithium batteries, NiCad batteries.
Contact: Daniel Miear 540-460-7331 or Scott Dameron 540-464-3601 with any questions.
Threshold Choir Seeking New Singers
The Rockbridge Area chapter of the Threshold Choir (https://thresholdchoir.org/) is looking for singers. The Threshold Choir is an international organization, with local chapters, that supports singers in bringing songs of comfort to the dying. Here in Rockbridge County, we partner with ConnectionsPlus Healthcare & Hospice.
We sing elegantly simple, beautiful acapella songs (written by members of the Threshold Choir) in three parts for patients in their final months, weeks, days, and hours.
Recently, we have lost a couple of our Threshold Choir singers (to jobs, moves, etc.) and need to supplement our ranks. Our singers need to:
Be able to hold their part (we sing bedside in groups of 3-4 singers, in 3 parts)
Have a pleasant voice & be able to blend with others
Commit to attending practice regularly (twice a month)
Be available to sing for patients (usually weekly)
Be a generous and kindly soul, and able to stand and sing bedside without shedding tears!
It is very beautiful — music with a purpose. If this sounds like it might be a good fit for you, please contact Laurie Bassi (Lbassi@mcbassi.com or 303-981-1526).
Rockbridge County High School's ESL Program
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Rockbridge County High School has several needs:
1) English speaking volunteer tutors to read books in English and to have conversations in English with ESL students.
2) English Spanish bilingual volunteer tutors to help ESL students with their assignments for English, history, math, science, etc.
3) Individually wrapped snacks for ESL students such as granola bars, protein bars, cheese crackers, peanut butter crackers, etc.
4) New and gently used items to be used as prizes for ESL students such as freebies from hotels or businesses, travel size or full size toiletries, art and craft supplies, food items, t-shirts, or anything else of interest to teens would be very appreciated.
Donations can be dropped off at the church office and placed in the box marked for the RCHS ESL Program. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Ruth Brunner at 540-463-5555.
Renewing Grace Capital Campaign
Many thanks to everyone who has made a pledge or gift to the Renewing Grace Campaign:
Pam & Jim Adams
Lori Apgar
Cecilia & John Arpin
Laurent & Elizabeth Boetsch
Peter Bowerfind
Tucker & Delea Bowerfind
Jane Brooke
Alexandra Brown
Madison & Katharine Brown
Ruth Brunner
Martha Burford
Catharine & Walter Burns
LM & Elizabeth Carter
Jonathan Clawson
David & Marjorie Connolly
Virginia Cooke
R. David & Melissa Cox
Marlys & Ed Craun
Jay & Joan Crawford
Roger & Anna Crockett
Dennis & Susan Cross
Susan Denson
Lynwood & Carol Dent
Gail Dick
John & Gail Dickerson
Langston & Page Donkle
Lu & Ed Dooley
Jonathan Eastwood & Maria Nava
Cary & Will Edgar
Harrison Edgar
Donald & Claudia Ellis
Carole Elmore
James & Katharine Farrar
Matthew Fogo, Kevin Manning & Dot Fogo
Anzolette Pendleton Gadsden Trust
Timothy & Catharine Gaylard
Rene' Glidden
Rose Gordon
Thomas & Carol Gosse
Melanie Griffis
Julianne Grimes
David & Anne F Grizzle
Peter & Julia Grover
Margaret Haberman
Woody & Becky Hall
David & Anne Hansen
Sandy & Catherine Harcus
Winifred Hart
Heather & Hunter Hawley
Helen Head Estate
Anne Hershbell
Megan & Drew Hess
Harold & Kathryn Hill
Judy Hotchkiss
Chris & David Howison
Benjamin & Laurie Huger
Patrick & Phyllis Hugg
Virginia Jardim
James & Darlene Keane
Suzanne Keen
Emily King & Diego Millan
Trudie Kirkland
Deborah & Bill Klein
William & Kathy Kozak
Raymond & Carolyn Kuper
Sharon & Frederick Kurtz
Greg & Janet Lemmer
A.W. “Buster” & Signe Lewis
Maurice & Julia Littlefield
Bill & Barbara Luton
Meg & Jeff Mason
Mary Jane Mayerchak
William McCorkle
Patrick & Lisa McGuire
Josephine McMurtry
John & Drusilla Milford
Susan Minor
Elizabeth Moss
Grigg & Cindy Mullen
Ann & Jerry Nay
Elaine & Mark Nelson
Donna Noyes
David O'Connor & Linda Merrick
Anita Ogard & George Strickland (in honor of Tom & Paul Strickland)
Natalie & Wesley O’Dell
Elizabeth & Bill Oliver
David & Nan Partlett
David & Jeanne Passmore
The Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson, Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust
Eleanor Penn
Michael Perry
Henry Porter
Mary Etta Randolph
Steve & Peggy Riethmiller
Cynthia Robertson
Joanne & Paul Robblee
Martha & Donald Robey
Rose & Connor Rothermel
Woodson & Lori Sadler
Stephanie Sandberg & Doug Huber
William Sayre & Melissa Gladwell-Sayre
Judy Schram
Maurice Seaton
Frank Settle, Jr. & Cecile West-Settle
Thomas F. Shehan III
Marjorie Sherrill
Steve & Susan Shultis
Hampden & Aine Smith
James & Ruth Smith
Andrew & Katherine Squires
Stephen & Janice Straske
Paul Strickland
Eliza Stucki
Elizabeth Tracy
Spencer & Beverly Tucker
David Wade
Catherine Wainwright
Kent & Mary Wilson
Michael & Beverly Wirtz
A special thank you to our friends from AA, Project Horizon, and Sunrise Rotary for donating to our Renewing Grace Capital Campaign. Your generosity and friendship are a true blessing.
To learn more about the Renewing Grace campaign and its priorities, and to make a gift or pledge online, visit www.givingsites.com/renewinggrace/.
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 boy's summer clothing size 10, girl's winter clothing size 10-12, including jackets, forks, and some 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.
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: Pray today for the people of St. Stephen’s, Forest and their rector, the Rev. Matt Rhodes. Pray for Brendon, Timmy, 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, Carl & Rachel Pattison, Wes O’Dell and family, Virginia Poston (sister of Betsy Carter), Dot Fogo, David Austin (friend of the Keanes), Buddy Atkins, Rebecca Robblee (daughter-in-law of Joanne & Paul), 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, Harlan Beckley, Mike Haire, Chuck & Biddy Watson, Rob Fleming, Patricia Williams, 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.
In Thanksgiving for September and October Birthdays
10/2 Donnie McBrayer
10/4 Mary Katherine Lawrence, Anne Hansen
10/6 Christine Szarzynski
10/7 Kay Horner
10/8 Pierson Hotchkiss
10/9 Jerry Nay, Susan Denson
10/11 Heather McBrayer
10/16 Sharon Kurtz
10/19 Lori Apgar
10/20 Drusie Milford
10/23 Claudia Ellis
10/24 Sarah Centorino
10/26 Melissa Cox, Madelyn Stuart, Maggie Leventis
10/27 Connie Loughhead
10/29 Jimbo Smith
10/30 Steve Shultis
10/31 Peggy Hays
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