The Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Dear friends,
The Christ whose return we await has been with us since his first coming through the Spirit that continues to call and direct the Church. He visits us daily. Stay awake. There may be a knock on the door from a neighbor looking for help. Opportunity for simple service may appear. Seek and serve him in the people you meet. Keep striving for justice and peace. Keep proclaiming by word and example the good news about Jesus. Good news that came to Joseph in a dream. Good news that Joseph allowed to shape his life by doing what the angel told him. So may we act on the dream of God and by word and example proclaim the good news of Christ with us.
With gratitude,
Tuck Bowerfind, Rector, Grace Episcopal Lexington
Worship Services | Fourth Sunday of Advent | Sunday, December 18
Holy Eucharist | 8AM
In-Person & Zoom
Christianity and Culture| 9:15AM
Parish Hall & Zoom
Holy Eucharist | 10:30AM
In-Person & YouTube
Caroling | 4:30PM at Kendal In-Person
Morning Prayer | Monday–Friday 8:30 AM
In-Person at Chancel and on Zoom
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Upcoming Services and Office Closure
December 24
Holy Eucharist 5PM to include sermon, prayers, communion, organ and guitar instrumentalists, and congregational singing
Choral Prelude 10:30PM to include works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sir David Willcocks, Jessica Nelson, Ian Higginson, and others
Holy Eucharist 11PM to include prayers and sermon begins, and will close with congregational singing of Silent Night, accompanied historically appropriately by guitar
December 25
Holy Eucharist 10:30AM with music
January 1: The Holy Name, 10:30AM Holy Eucharist
January 5: Eve of Epiphany 6PM, Holy Eucharist
January 7: Ordination to Priesthood, Trinity Staunton (time to be determined)
Parish Offices will be closed the week between Christmas and New Years. Staff will be back in the offices on Tuesday, January 3.
Christianity and Culture | 9:15AM Sunday Forums
December 18: Samson Mamour "Incarnation"
December 25 and January 1: No Forum
January 8 and 15 meet our recently Baptized members: Emily Brookfield and Rose Hein; learn about their spiritual journey and reflect on your own
A Note of Thanks
The winter clothing drive, concluded in mid-December was a huge success. Mothers Olha and Rymma give a “Thumbs Up” in thanks to a caring community for the many, many donations of winter clothing shared with them and their family; wishing all a Blessed Christmas and Happiest New Year and sincerest thanks for receiving all of us so warmly in peace and love.
Thanks from the Cox Family
Sunday’s observance of David’s 50th anniversary as a priest is a celebration we will always cherish. Though we regretted Tuck’s and Samson’s absence for understandable reasons, the congregation, filled with members of our parish family, David’s SVU family, friends from the wider community, and all of our own family (with our daughter-in-law Kristin joining by YouTube), was in itself a tremendous tribute and joy. Then came the sublime music, the kind words both formal and informal, the wonderful reception, and above all our worship together: Absolutely wondrous.
Special thanks to Fr. Tuck for his constant support; to Deacon Samson; to Lisa McGuire for coordinating this and so much else our parish does; to Connie Bryant who for longer than we’ve been here has faithfully cared for our church; to the endlessly creative Martha Burford and our superb choir, and guest instrumentalists Jakob Hofer and Mark Gallagher; to Senior Warden John Milford; to our altar and flower guild; to all who participated, all who came, and all who sent greetings.
Stewardship Update
We are pleased that 108 households have pledged a total of $460,033 as of December 15th. The members of the Stewardship Committee appreciate everyone’s prayerful consideration of a pledge to support the parish and its important missions through our relationship with God and Jesus Christ.
Advent Meditations
This Advent season, you're invited to Advent Meditations, a four-week online series offered every Wednesday night in Advent from 7:30–8PM. Our own Samson Mamour is one of the leaders and music on December 14th is from Martha and the choir at Grace! Join us for this half-hour each week to slow down and take time for silence and contemplation as we experience this special season. To see the past recorded meditations, click here.
Advent Booklet for Children
The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia has a new Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Booklet for children ages 3-10 and their families thanks to Pattie Ames, Canon for Christian Formation
Prayer List
Please pray for the wider Church and intercessions requested by our Congregants: The Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, and our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas; Pray today for the retired Bishops of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, The Rt. Rev. Heath Light and The Rt. Rev. Neff Powell.
Pray for Bev Wirtz, Bill Kozak, Robbie and Brendon (friends of the Brooke family), Michael Murphy, John Thomas, Timmy, Patrick Mayerchak, Katie (daughter-in-law of Connie Bryant), Rick Alexander, Bradley Fairchild and Karen Junkin (friends of the Gibsons), Caroline Parcell, Alice Parcell, Stanard, Rebecca, and Caroline (family of Mary Price), Gloria June Perry (mother of Michael Perry), Glen Jones (friend of the Riethmillers), Darlene Travis (sister of Don Ellis).
Pray for those who have died, especially Ronnie Campbell and Charles Ivy.
Pray for an end to violence and for those fleeing Ukraine, and we also pray for Episcopal Relief & Development and other ecumenical agencies working to respond to the current crisis.
Upcoming | O Holy Night | Wednesday, December 14 7PM
A service of remembrance, reflection, & renewal. Recognizing that Advent and Christmastime can be a particular challenge to those suffering from grief, loss, anxiety, and loneliness, we are offering a service of choral music, candlelight, and prayer to make space for those seeking God's healing as we look forward to his coming to restore all things.
Caroling Opportunity
Sunday, December 18: In lieu of community sing on the courtyard, we will gather at Kendal at 4:30PM to carol there and then make our way to Sixty West and possibly other homes time permitting.
Christmas Poinsettias
In celebration of the nativity of our Lord, we adorn our church with poinsettias and greenery. To purchase a poinsettia ($10.00), make your check payable to Grace Episcopal Church, memo “Flower Fund,” and drop it in the offering plate or mail it to the Parish Office. To list a memorial or thanksgiving in the Christmas bulletins, sign the sheet next to the flower chart on the bridge stair landing, call the Parish Office or email Lisa by Monday, December 19.
Paws to Connect
Craving some puppy lovin'? Join us every Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:30AM–1:30PM in front of the church!
Have a four-legged friend at home? Bring them by!
Hosting Ukrainian Families
A humanitarian outreach effort organized by citizens of Lexington, Buena Visa, and Rockbridge County, we aim to pave the way for sponsoring temporary re-settlement of families who qualify for entry according to the laws of the United States.
The mission of Hosting Ukrainian Families is based upon love, compassion, and humanitarian concerns for families seeking to live in peace. Accordingly, a call is issued to each person joining in this effort to set aside all political, culturally divisive viewpoints, and all differences which may hinder or defeat these goals. To donate, click the link below.
In Thanksgiving for December Birthdays
12/16: James R. Keane, Kay Glore
12/19: Roger Crockett, Merce Brooke
12/20: Ruth Terhune
12/23: Carol Gosse
12/25: Harrison Edgar
12/ 27: Joy Harris
12/30: Maggie Lawrence, Willow Moles
12/31: Grace Frascati, Julianne Grimes
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.
Exciting Things Coming
We are excited to announce that we are in the process of updating and revamping our church website! As we work to improve the site, you may notice that some pages are under construction or temporarily unavailable.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we assure you that the updates we are making will be worth the wait. Our new website will be more user-friendly and easier to navigate, with a fresh, modern design and new features to enhance your experience.
We appreciate your patience as we work to bring you a better online presence for our church. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or need any information.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing our new website with you soon!