Life With Grace | September 18
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. The Parish House will still be open for meetings until mid-September. 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.
Worship Services | Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost | September 20
Holy Eucharist Rt I | 8 a.m. | Zoom and In-Person
Christianity and Culture | 9:15 a.m. | Zoom and In-Person
September 20: Christian Discipleship and Democracy — Patrick Hugg & David Partlett — An introduction based on the work of Cross Purposes by Jonathan Rauch
Upcoming Christianity and Culture Classes
September 27: bell hooks — Sarah Moyer — Christian discipleship in democracy
October 4: Democracy in Islam — Drew Sorber — Christian Discipleship in democracy
October 11: Strategic Planning Episcopal Church — Rebecca Wilson
Holy Eucharist Rt II | 10:30 a.m. | YouTube and In-Person
This Sunday the Nursery is only available at the 10:30 a.m. service.
Adults and older youth trained in Safe Church are needed to as sist in the nursery from 9 a.m.–noon. We can pay $15/hour. Volunteers are also welcome. 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
Phase 2 Renovation Update
During Phase 2 of Grace’s renovation, the Parish House will be unavailable. Two restrooms are located in the undercroft, but only the restroom on the far side will be available. It may be reached using the stairs behind the organ. Those for whom stairs present a barrier may take the elevator to the ground floor, cross the driveway, and enter through the green-gray door at the far end of the undercroft. Directional signs will guide parishioners and visitors to the restroom.
Coffee hour following the 8 a.m. service will be held in the undercroft. After the 10:30 a.m. service, coffee hour will be held in the undercroft or, weather permitting, in the courtyard. Because the Parish Hall kitchen will be unavailable, only light refreshments will be offered.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate this season of construction. For pastoral needs, please contact Lisa McGuire or call the Parish Office at 540-463-4981.
Phase 2 Timeline
Design Phase
Design – Architect 4/1 to 6/15
Construction Documents 8/13 to 9/4
Permits Review 9/8 to 9/21
Notice to Proceed 9/21 (expected date)
Submittal & Lead Times
9/8/2026 to 11/30
Split Units & DOAS
Plumbing Fixtures and piping
Panel Boards
Light Fixtures and wiring
Chair Lift
Doors and Hardware
Demolition
Construction Fencing and Signage 9/22 to 9/24
Asbestos Abatement 10/12 to 10/23
Selected Demolition 10 to 11/6
Shooing, Bracing & Steel 10 to 11/13
Demo Slab and Wall for Chair Lift 11/9 to 11/11
Concrete Work – Trench slab 11/12 to 11/18
Water & Sewer lines
Pour Concrete – Repair slab 11/17 TO 12/2
Mechanical & Electrical Phase
Electrical Rough-In 10/22 to 12/16
HVAC Piping (roof to rooms) 11/2 to 2/19
Plumbing – Bathrooms 11/19 to 12/30
Roof Curbs, Rails & Penetrations 2/22 to 3/5
Interior Finishes
Wall studs and Door Frames 2/3 to 12/17
Drywall 12/24 to 1/2
Coffered Ceiling 12/31 to 1/15
Paint Primer 1/7 to 1/13
Tile 1/8 to 1/14
Ceiling Grid 1/15 to1/21
Toilet Partitions & Accessories 1/29 to 2/10
Cabinets, Countertops, Doors & Hardware 2/2 to 2/15
Final Paint 2/25 to 3/1
Ceiling Tiles 3/2 to 3/3
Finish & Trim-out
Toilet Fixtures 1/15 to 1/28
Light Fixtures 1/22 to 1/28
Chair Lift 2/2 to 2/8
Grilles Register, & Diffusers 2/2 to 2/22
Plumbing Fixtures 2/9 to 2/15
Final Acceptance
Electrical Inspection 2/9 to 2/10
Mechanical Inspection 2/23 to 2/24
Building Final Inspection 3/4 to 3/5
Punchlist 3/9 to 3/15
Final Completion – DONE
3-15-2027
Easter
3-28-2027
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.
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.
The choir will first sing during the liturgy on Sunday, October 4, as we celebrate the life of St. Francis, offering “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” The children will sing again on Sunday, November 1, for All Saints’ Day.
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 beginning in October. Members also frequently sing at the 5 p.m. Second Sunday Celtic Service, which resumes in October.
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.
The Rev. Dr. Christopher Beeley Named Rector of St. John’s, Lynchburg
We are glad to share that the Rev. Dr. Christopher A. Beeley has been named the next rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg. Christopher is a 1990 graduate of Washington and Lee University who was very active in our parish during his time in Lexington and remains known to many in the Grace community.
Christopher currently serves as priest-in-charge of Ware Episcopal Church in Gloucester, Virginia, and has previously served in parish ministry and theological education at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Duke Divinity School, and Yale Divinity School. He will begin his ministry at St. John’s on November 1.
We rejoice with Christopher, his family, and the people of St. John’s as they begin this new chapter together.
SVU Chamber Singers
Southern Virginia University’s Chamber Singers, which includes several of our choral scholars, will present a concert of word and music on “The Coming Emmanuel: The Great O Antiphons—Music, Meaning, & the Mystery of Christ,” on Saturday, September 25 at 5 p.m. in the SVU Ballroom. Like the 2025 Lenten program at Grace Church, it is based on the now-published book by David Cox and Michael McLaughlin. Michael and David will introduce each of these ancient texts sung as a chant, a choral anthem, or a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” which draws its inspiration from the antiphons. Copies of the books will be available following the program.
Flower Donations
There are still Sundays available in October on the flower chart. If you would like to donate flowers in memory of or in thanksgiving for someone please sign up. The chart is located on the bridge next to the doorway to the elevator. The suggested donation is $75.00. When you put your name on the chart, please remember to let Lisa McGuire know your dedication.
Wine Tasting Fundraiser for C.A.T.E.
Join your Grace friends for a Wine Tasting & Silent Auction to benefit Children Aspiring to Education (CATE), Grace's ministry to children in Haiti and South Sudan. Saturday, September 19, 5–7 p.m. in the Grace Church undercroft. Main Street Purveyors will offer the wine tasting. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.
$25.00 per person: pay at the door. Sign up to reserve your place.
Rockbridge Pride 2026
Rockbridge Pride Virginia will host Rockbridge Pride on Saturday, October 17, from noon to 5 p.m. at Brewbaker Field Sports Complex, 198 Wallace St., Lexington.
This family-friendly community celebration will feature live entertainment, local vendors, food, and activities, bringing neighbors together to celebrate love, diversity, and community in Rockbridge.
Parish Secretary Needed — Part-Time (15 hours a week)
St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church (2339 Grandin Road SW in Roanoke, Virginia) is seeking a warm, organized, and detail-oriented Parish Secretary to join our parish office on a part-time basis. Working under the direction of the Curate-in-Charge, The Reverend Jake Webb, you'll be the friendly voice and face of the parish office — answering phones, managing the parish email account, and serving as a welcoming presence to everyone who calls or visits. You'll also handle the steady rhythm of office life: preparing weekly bulletins and the church e-newsletter, maintaining the parish calendar and directory, keeping the website up to date, and supporting the Music Director, Bookkeeper, Treasurer, and other lay leaders as needed.
The ideal candidate brings at least three years of clerical experience, including at least one year as an administrative assistant or office manager, along with strong Microsoft Office skills and comfort learning new church-specific software. Just as important are the softer skills: clear, courteous communication; sound judgment and discretion with sensitive parish information; and the collaborative spirit to work well with clergy, staff, and volunteers. Candidates must be willing to pass a criminal background check and complete Safe Church training as a condition of employment.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, values community, and wants their work to support a vibrant parish life. Hours and schedule will be set in consultation with the curate. If you're a self-starter who takes pride in getting the details right and making people feel welcome, we'd love to hear from you — please send your resume and a brief cover letter to Beth Bond, Senior Warden of St. Elizabeth’s.
Volunteers needed for the Neighborhood Grocery at RARA.
Each Thursday afternoon members of Grace, and their friends, staff the Neighborhood Grocery. We normally help between thirty and fifty clients with selecting food and loading groceries in their cars and with restocking shelves. Especially needed are strong backs to help put boxes of groceries in client’s cars. Volunteer shifts are from 2–4:30 p,m. You will be scheduled for one Thursday a month unless you wish to work more often. Please contact Kathy Hill for more information or to volunteer. kathrynchill1@gmail.com, 804-347-1967. Thank you for considering.
Upcoming Documentary Producer Visit
Frederick Murphy has traveled throughout the South for his documentary work and takes his findings to universities and communities all over the region and beyond. His "Indelible Appalachians" was shown at our library in 2025; he will be here in person to introduce us to more of his work on Sept. 29, see below:
Documentary producer Frederick Murphy will present his work "Echoes of the Forks of Cypress," a study in intergenerational racial trauma and the healing process, in two public screenings and discussions on Tuesday, September 29, in Lexington. His visit is sponsored by the DeLaney Center of Washington & Lee University.
The events:
Tuesday 9/29 at 8 to 9 a.m., DeLaney Reading Club Breakfast at the Gin Hotel 1st floor banquet hall, and
Noon- 2 p.m. DeLaney Dialogues at W&L's Watson Galleries.
Mr. Murphy will show excerpts from the documentary, filmed at a former plantation site in northern Alabama. Both events are free and open to the public. The community is invited to come, enjoy a buffet, watch, listen and offer their own perspectives on this important topic.
Mr. Murphy traces part of his own lineage to the area where the filming was done. Based in Charlotte, NC, he has also produced a documentary, "Indelible Appalachians," that features black voices from the Appalachians, dispelling the notion that African Americans were not and are not a vibrant part of the Appalachian community to which we all belong. That work is also definitely of interest.
His work and more information are available on the platform and website historybeforeus.com.
Information on the DeLaney Center is available on the wlu.edu website.
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 new men's briefs and boxer shorts and women's underwear - all sizes, men's collarless tee shirts in all sizes, men's shorts, jeans, pants sizes 30 to 36, and new or gently used men's socks. 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. Pray today for the students and staff of Virginia Episcopal School, their Headmaster, Henry Clarke and their chaplain, the Rev. Adam White. Pray for Brendon, Timmy, Laura Stearns, Lynda deMaria, Kent Wilson, Jerry Nay, Paula Cooper, Sharon Humphreys, Elizabeth Klein, Dot Fogo, Buddy Atkins, Dennis Coughlin, Gerry Locher, Mo Littlefield, Tena Clark, Shay Peters, Meg Moss, Steve Lawrence, Patricia Williams, Peggy Matheson, Michelle Mackie, Gary Steinmiller (cousin of Darlene Keane), Virginia Cooke, Melanie Griffis, Mike and Sue Ellen Jent, Jeff Mason, Katherine Greene, Melissa Wooding, Lake Curry, Glen Jones, Nanalou Sauder, Michael Perry, Waller Wills (son of Ruth Smith), Jacob Chenault, 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, Chauncy Drewry (brother of Ruth Smith).
In Thanksgiving for September Birthdays
9/18 Judy Hotchkiss, Carolyn Kuper
9/19 Julia Littlefield, Nanalou Sauder, Frank Settle
9/20 Keith Gibson, Spencer Tucker, Drew Sorber, Phyllis Hugg
9/21 Chris Howison, Barbara Luton, Austra Burr
9/22 Ann Nay, Elizabeth Oliver
9/24 Graham Centorino
9/25 Darlene Keane
9/26 Page Donkle
9/28 Winifred Hart
9/29 John Maasch
9/30 Mo Littlefield, Lynda DeMaria
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