Dear Friends,
We have all been moved with compassion for the victims of floods from hurricane Helene. Many want to help. Some of you have sent funds to various agencies, some have dropped off supplies. All of us can pray. For those who want to contribute supplies, the Raphine Volunteer Fire Department is continuing to receive donations which they will be distributing to Burnsville, NC as their trucks become full. They especially request baby bottles (they have sufficient formula at this time), baby food, rubber boots for adults, medicine for bee stings (benadryl, tylenol, calamine), and stomach settlers like Pepto.
Others have informed me that they are organizing additional efforts and may ask for help from Grace but they are still looking for local partners to help distribute.
Episcopal Relief and Development is channeling resources and funding through trusted partners in the affected regions. You can make cash donations through the hyperlink.
This Sunday our readings address the reality of testing. In the Lord's Prayer we pray, "Save us from the time of trial "(lead us not into temptation). Trial, temptation, testing refer to the same experience. The Book of Job is an extended meditation on this reality. Remarkably, the Book of Job teaches us that God does not will our testing, but God does permit Satan to test Job because God has confidence in Job. God believes in Job!
God believes in humanity. God believes that the bond between God and humanity will prove stronger and more resilient than any test Satan can marshall against us.
When we face testing, as we do personally and collectively over and over, we do experience the depth and resiliency of relationship with the Lord of Life in authentic ways that sometimes evade us in prosperity and comfort.
God does not will our suffering, our testing. But God permits it in confidence that we will come to renewed knowledge and reliance on the Lord of Love who transcends all the power of Satan, the Lord who bears all things, who believes all things, who suffers all things, who endures all things, becomes better known to us through such testing.
To put it another way, testing forces us to reevaluate priorities and to focus on what is truly good. And what is truly good is the help and support and encouragement and kindness we give so generously at times like these.Â
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 | Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost | Proper 22 | Sunday, October 6
Holy Eucharist Rt 1 | 8 a.m. | In Person and Zoom
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | In Person and Zoom
October 6, Anne Hansen will present "Knowing God: Trusting through a glass darkly."
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 13, Martha Burford will discuss knowing God through our hymns.
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
First Sunday Lunch
We will be offering pasta, salad and bread! We would love it if you would bring a dessert to share! We will also be needing some help with set up and clean up. Looking forward to fellowship with you!
Women's Bible Study | 3:30 p.m.
The Women's Bible Study is changing their time to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays
Grace can be part of the NUT AND ACORN COLLECTION success story! The Virginia Department of Forestry is collecting nuts and acorns, nurturing them to seedlings, and planting for the future! And, yes! Walnuts are much needed! Just collect the nuts or acorns--label what kind they are. If you don't know, put a leaf of the tree from which the nuts/acorns dropped. Please bring in paper or burlap bags or baskets or bowls-no plastic. Don't mix nuts or acorns. Bring them to church by Monday, Oct. 7, and Martha Burford will deliver them to the DOF before the Oct. 15 deadline. DOF call for action
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
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
Chamber Music Society of Lexington presents An Evening of Piano Trios, Saturday, October 5, 2024, 7 p.m. Works by Dmitri Shostakovich, Rebecca Clarke, Johannes Brahms. Artists: Jakob Hofer, violin, Lauren Posey, cello, Mark Gallagher, clarinet, Jay DeWire, piano. Grace Episcopal Church, 123 W. Washington Street, Lexington
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!
First Fridays for Kids! Grace Episcopal Church hosts First Friday for Kids Friday, October 4, 5 -7 p.m.. While parents enjoy the galleries and more of First Fridays Downtown, Grace Episcopal, just down the hill at 123 W. Washington Street, offers Art and Music on the Grace Episcopal Church Courtyard. Origami, drumming, singing, and other art projects will be led by teachers, who are certified in Safe Church Education. For details contact Martha Burford martha@gracelexva.org
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 6 team leaders are Cecile West-Settle and Elizabeth Boetsch
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!
The Wall that Heals Program
As you know, The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center. It will be at the Jackson River Sports Complex in Covington, from October 3rd – October 6th, and will be open 24 hours a day. It is free to the public. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.
We are relieved this event has been well funded – we have successfully raised enough to support bringingThe Wall That Heals to our area and to cover needs for supporting the event while it is here. We appreciate your willingness to support this unique opportunity. We are now seeking help spreading the word about The Wall That Heals as we continue to move forward. We would love if you could help spread the word.
The Wall That Heals will be escorted through downtown Lexington on October 1st. We hope our community will come out to cheer as the truck is escorted through downtown Lexington. If you know any community members, schools, or organizations, or church groups that may be interested in a tour, or who would like to volunteer for this event, check out the following website for schedules, contacts and opportunities available:
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, Jane Drewry (sister-in-law of Ruth Smith), 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.
In Thanksgiving for October Birthdays
10/4    Mary Katherine Lawrence, Anne Hansen
10/5    Marguerite Old
10/6    Christine Szarzynski
10/8    Elizabeth Shields
10/9    Jerry Nay, Susan Denson
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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