Parish News For the week of November 14, 2021

November 14 Christianity and Culture

Parish Hall, 9:15

Christian Values and Climate Change: Reflections on COP 26

With Glenn Shive, PhD , Visiting Professor in International Studies at VMI   

Over 30,000 people have gathered in Glasgow Scotland for two weeks to work out a common global response to climate change. Government delegates have negotiated new commitments to reduce greenhouse gases, and corporations and NGOs have held a grand jamboree of seminars and advocacy activities to promote solutions to the dramatic heating of our planet. All the tensions of our world - rich and poor, young and old, urban and rural - have converged on one place and time to map out a united approach to keeping our world from ecological disaster later this century.

Called to be good stewards of God's creation, Christians of all kinds have come to Glasgow to participate in its proceedings and to pray for a united, positive outcome. Climate scientists are new prophets calling our attention to the dangers ahead for our children and their children. How can we sustain our ways of life while also respecting the natural world that God has entrusted into our care for the next generation?  

Below are statements of Christian Theology and Climate change provided by Dr. Shive to read, think and pray about before our class on Sunday.

The Wild Patience of God

Van den Brink Theology of Climate Change

Eichen Christian Ecology

Grace Episcopal Interfaith COP 26

Music Notes

Sunday’s Prelude highlights the flutes, cornet, and tremulant on the organ. “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ,” is the only trio in J.S. Bach’s_Orgelbuchlein. This description moved me deeply-so I share it from the Netherlands Bach Society: 

Still waters run deep. There is far more happening in this simple chorale prelude than would appear at first hearing. The slow, gentle melody of Agricola’s 16th-century hymn ‘Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ’ is supported by the pedal in a calmly progressing accompaniment. But appearances are deceptive, as the tenor writhes submissively in despair in the background. The words of the chorale sketch a picture of a doubting man who clings to Christ, while wondering whether he is equal to the task of living in accordance with Christ’s word. Bach combines the various ingredients of this trio – into a three-dimensional whole. Never before was Jesus called on so movingly, thought the Dutch author Maarten ‘t Hart. And we can hardly argue with that.

Our first in a series of Organ Recitals features William McCorkle on Casavant Opus 3941, 4 pm Sunday, November 21! Mark your calendars! 

Sunday, December 5: Community Readings and Carols at Grace

Organ Recital featuring Ted Bickish, 4 pm Saturday, January 22

Blessings, 

Martha

Stewardship Campaign

Ninety-one parish households have pledged $417,714 to the Every Perfect Gift Stewardship Campaign towards a goal of $550,000. The amount pledged increased $20,417 this week. Last year, 132 households supported the Stewardship Campaign by the beginning of the new calendar year. Since the parish normally receives pledges through December, the Stewardship Committee will begin following up with parishioners who have not yet pledged. We appreciate your prayerful consideration.

We are thankful to parishioners for their unwavering commitment and support of Grace Episcopal Church

Members of the Stewardship Committee – Dennis Cross, Susan Cross, Carol Dent, Carole Elmore, Dave Hansen, Rob Minor, John Milford

Candidates for the Vestry Class of 2024

This year's Vestry Nominating Committee Punky Dod, Liz Moss, Judy Schram and Cecile West-Settle is pleased to present this slate of candidates for the

2020 election of new Vestry members.



The election will be held at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 5.

Matt Fogo

I am honored to be under consideration to serve as a member of the vestry for Grace Episcopal. My family have been parishioners of Grace for nearly forty-five years. While I was away from Lexington for many years (college, career, etc.), I always considered Grace “my church”. I also feel I have a special relationship with Grace as I and my husband, Kevin, were the first same-sex couple to be married within Grace, and for that we are forever grateful. Kevin and I live a mile out of town with our two dogs, Conrad, and Frederick. We enjoy time with family, friends, time at our home on Cape Cod, travel, and supporting charities we are passionate about. Kevin has worked at the Veterans Administration for nearly 30 years and has a doctorate in Physical Therapy. I work in the technology industry where I run Sales and Marketing for a Private Equity firm headquartered in Chicago and Northern Virginia and have a master’s degree from The George Washington University in Federal Government Contracting. I would be thrilled and honored to be member of the vestry at Grace Episcopal church. 

Pat Gibson

I am so pleased to be asked to serve on the Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church. From the moment Keith and I walked through the great front doors we knew immediately we had found someplace special. That was almost 30 years ago and it was one of the best decisions we have made. At that time we were both divorced and had three children ages 6-12 between us. All five of us were welcomed, and there were classes and activities for all. Our marriage was celebrated and supported; we had found our church home.

Keith and I have made it a point to always serve Grace Church in any way we can to support the various missions vital to the parish. I feel my serving on the vestry at this time is the best way I can support our church at this time.

A little about me - I was born in Baltimore, spent most of my time on a horse, and when I wasn't riding, I was sailing at Wrightsville Beach NC. I came to Southern Sem at the recommendation of my riding coach and loved every minute of it. I didn't meet Keith at that time. I married and had two children, continued my education, and moved often. My music education at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore gave me many opportunities, but my children came first. I returned to the finest place I had ever lived to raise my children and I met Keith when we both worked at VMI and the time was right. Thanks be to God.

Rissie Murphy

I grew up in a small town in southern West Virginia. I moved to Lexington in 2005, where I met my husband, Nick Murphy. We will be celebrating 14 years of marriage this coming year. We have three handsome boys, Colin (12), Jasper (7), and Liam (3), whom we are very proud of. The boys keep us running most days with their various activities – most recently soccer for Colin. In our spare time, our family enjoys exploring the outdoors and cooking and trying new foods together. 

After attending other area churches, our family began calling Grace Episcopal Church “home” in 2015. All three of our sons were baptized at Grace. Colin, our oldest son enjoys learning ukulele with Martha and Judy, and Jasper, our middle son enjoys Godly Play with Sharon. 

Without God leading me through many troubled times in my youth, I know I would not be where I am today. I have a calling to help others and I am eager to give back as I am able.

I work at Washington and Lee University as an executive assistant to the Dean of the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics. Prior to working at Washington and Lee, I worked for Wayne Heslep as a paralegal and Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and its real estate subsidiary, Fifth Point Properties, LLC, as Operations Coordinator.

Joanne Hicks Robblee

Paul and I moved to Lexington six years ago from Marietta, Georgia. During our twenty-five years living in Georgia, we were members of St. James Episcopal Church.

Since arriving in Lexington and joining Grace Church, I served as Clerk on the Vestry and am currently chair of the Worship Committee, serve on the Christian Education Committee, the Altar Guild, the ACTS ministry. I also volunteer as a lay reader, usher, and help with receptions following funeral services of church members.

I have also taught classes on the Parables, Prayer, the Jesus Seminar, the Sistine Chapel, Seven Last words of Christ, and Labyrinths for the Christianity and Culture series. I recently completed the 4-year program of Education for Ministry and participated in the on-line class on Pastoral Care.

My career was spent in education beginning as a third grade teacher at Enderly Heights in Buena Vista, while Paul, my husband, attended Washington and Lee Law School. Later, I earned my Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees in counseling and administration and worked as a school counselor and elementary school principal prior to retiring in 2012.

After six years at Grace, I realize that this is a strong, caring community with a rich history of outreach in the community. With the arrival of our new Rector, I am excited and hopeful about taking a leadership role during this critical and dynamic time. 

Community Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, November 21

Trinity United Methodist will be hosting a Community Thanksgiving Worship at Trinity UMC (147 South Main Street, Lexington) on Sunday, November 21   at 6:00 pm.

Acolytes, Chalice Ministers, Greeters, Readers, and Ushers Needed!

Please contact Lisa (lisa@graceepiscopallexington.org) or Sharon (sharon@graceepiscopallexington.org) if you are able to acolyte, chalice, greet, read or usher once or twice a month. The pay is low but the benefits are everlasting!

Angel Tree 2021

Since 2007 the parish Outreach Committee has partnered with Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas ministry. Angel Tree seeks to restore those affected by crime and incarceration by introducing prisoners, victims, and their families to a new hope available through Jesus Christ.  

This year our church will receive the names of 50 children to serve in this important ministry. Children being served virtually reside in areas where there is not sufficient local support and we need your help.

Beginning in mid-November you will be provided with a unique code for Grace Church, enabling you to access the virtual Angel Tree site. Each tag corresponds to one child and the sponsorship amount for each is $25.  



Thank you for joining with Angel Tree to be the hands and feet of Jesus as they seek to restore relationships between children and their incarcerated parents.  

Happy Birthday

Margaret Branner (11/1), Bettie Cadden (11/1), Peggy Riethmiller (11/4), Pam Adams (11/7), Owen Gertz (11/7), Melanie Griffis-Hooper (11/7), Evan Atkins (11/8), Grace Simcoe (11/8), Richard Jones (11/10), Brooks McCabe (11/11), Doug Ayer (11/13), Julie Grover (11/13), Jim Farrar (11/14), Tim Price (11/15), René Glidden (11/15), Amy Holston (11/15), Samson Mamour (11/15), Sis Harcus (11/18), Hank Humphries (11/19), Steve Lawrence (11/19), Tim Gaylard (11/21) Ryan Holston (11/21), Liam Murphy (11/21), Will McClung (11/22), Jeanette McKeever (11/22), Bill Kozak (11/23), Kristi Finnell (11/23), Michael McCabe (11/26), Jack Hershbell (11/27), Anne Blanken (11/27), Avery Hess (11/27), Bob Glidden (11/29), Henry Warner (11/30), Brant Hellwig (11/30)