Grace Notes - Summer 2018

GRACE NOTES

Grace Episcopal Church Summer 2018

Adult male Winter Wren on Branch of fallen tree in woodland

SUMMER EDITION

A NOTE FROM THE RECTOR...

At our home, we have been closely watching a little family of wrens. It all started last year, after I set out a large potted geranium on our deck. Within the first week two wrens started to build a nest. We watched. For days they brought bits of leaves, feathers, and twigs from the woods. They worked hard and never seemed to slow down. But they always seemed thoughtful - as though they were very aware of the importance of their project. Not too long after that 3 eggs appeared. We kept watching and waiting. One day, I happened to look into the nest at just the right moment and saw one of the tiny birds breaking through it's shell. It was clearly tough work and you could see the baby bird take breaks here and there before starting to break away another piece of the egg. Before long, there were three hungry babies to feed.

We stayed off of the deck a lot last summer so that we wouldn't startle the mom and dad bird. They always seemed to be watching us as they brought food to the nest. We couldn't let the dogs get too close either. They were far too curious about the chirping sounds they kept hearing...and not once did I believe that Bailey and Rango just wanted to "peek in". So before long, we changed our entire pattern of going about our day. We tiptoed around the pot and stopped eating meals on the deck. We used the front door to go outside and avoided the sliding doors to the backyard. In no time, those little wrens had taken over! And then, one day, they were gone. After all the weeks of watching and waiting, they had finally grown strong enough to fly. I missed them.

Fast forward to this year. I planted my geranium in early May and put it in the exact same spot on the deck. I was curious to see if they would return. Literally the next day I saw a little wren fly into the pot with an old dried leaf. The process had started all over again. But this summer, something special has happened. Our wrens aren't as scared. They have let me sit beside their nest on more days than I can count. They come and go without much hesitation. The other day, the mother bird even let me come so close that I could look into the geranium as she fed her babies. She looked at me a couple of times and went on about her duties. To be sure, somedays, she still gives me a scolding, sharp chirp if I get too close but most days she just sings. I have learned all of her sounds and she has learned that I won't hurt her or her little family.

It's moments like these that remind me how beautiful our relationships with one another can become if we give them enough time to grow and flourish, if we have patience, and if we are willing to make a few adjustments along the way. My prayer for you is that you find moments of beauty this summer...moments that help you notice the gift of the relationships in your life. Take time to enjoy them and let them grow and flourish into something unexpected.

Grace and Peace,

Emily

CELEBRATION OF NEW MINISTRY

Sunday, September 9th at 4:00 pm

Mark your calendars! On Sunday, September 9th we will have a single service at 4:00 pm in celebration of Emily's calling to be the 26th Rector of Grace Episcopal Church!

Emily began her service at Grace in July of 2016 as Priest-in-Charge and was appointed to serve as Rector on January 1st of this year. Upon the appointment of a Rector, it is customary that the church hosts a special installation service officiated by the Bishop. The service is called The Celebration of New Ministry. At this service, Emily will commit herself to faithfully serve the Grace Church community and the community will commit to uphold and support Emily in her ministry.

The service will be followed by a reception and a special video presentation that you won't want to miss! We hope you can come and be a part of this very special day!

Gold heart paint brush for Valentine on white background. Golden watercolor painting of heart shape for love concept design. Valentine s day card heart template

Grace Cares

Did you know that our Pastoral Care Ministry has been renamed? It's now called Grace Cares . This ministry will continue to support members of our congregation who are sick or going through a difficult time. It will also expand efforts to support important milestones and celebrations, check in on individuals we haven't seen in a while, and help address needs of the community as well. We will be creating goodie bags for folks needing a little pick-me-up and sending cards for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special events. As we like to say...Grace Cares for you!

Get Involved

The Vestry is working to build church-wide involvement for our various projects and ministries. Our goal is to get everyone connected to serve in an outreach, fellowship or worship capacity. Don't have a lot time? Don't worry! There are many ways to participate in the life of Grace from helping with an on-going outreach program to coordinating a one-time event, to assisting in a worship service. By getting involved, you live out your faith in a more tangible way and help us build a stronger community at Grace. If you are contacted about serving, please prayerfully consider the request. Or contact Emily to see how your gifts may best serve the church.

MUSICAL NOTES

If you like to sing, please consider joining the choir. We have lots of fun rehearsing music at 9 am before the 10 am service. After we grab some coffee and chat a bit at the coffee hour, we rehearse a little more. You do not need to read music. All are welcome. Please join us and see how much fun we have every Sunday. If you have any questions please contact Dee Kysor at 804-356-0200 or via email at deevmom@comcast.net .

2018 SUMMER SCHEDULE

Don't forget - every Sunday throughout the summer

we will have a single worship service at 10:00 am.

JUNE

13th, 20th, 27th - Wake Up with Grace at Goochland Restaurant at 8:30 am

15th - Relay for Life Event

20th - Senior Wardens' Dinner at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall (for any past Senior Wardens)

24th - Annual Church Picnic after the 10 am service

JULY

4th - 6th - Office Closed

11th, 18th, 25th - Wake Up with Grace at Goochland Restaurant at 8:30 am

15th - July Vestry Meeting

AUGUST

1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th - Wake Up with Grace at Goochland Restaurant at 8:30 am

19th - August Vestry Meeting

LOOKING AHEAD

September 9th - Celebration of New Ministry at 4:00 pm

Se[tember 16th - Two worship services resume

Grace Episcopal Church

2955 River Road West

Goochland VA 23063

804-556-3051