Grace Episcopal Church The GraceVine - Amazon S3 · 2018. 10. 31. · November 2018 Grace Episcopal...
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November 2018 Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North The GraceVine Sing on my pao Sunday enjoying some aſternoon sunshine, I was in a moment struck by the paradox. The sun was bright and the sky blue, as it has been all summer, enough to make one believe that it was sll as warm. But down on the ground the chill in the air and over my body – joined by the rustling of dried, fallen leafs from the trees bordering our yard told a different story. The summer is gone. Fall has been and is arriving, revealing its self a lile more boldly each day. Fall is a me of preparaon. The created order – at least in our northern hemisphere -- is transioning from the high-energy months of producon, reproducon, and growth to a me of dormancy and Sabbath. Nature is turning down her lamp and repairing to her bedchamber for a much deserved, restorave rest. When we were more of an agrarian society and culture our lives were more ordered by Nature ’s cues. Harvest was the end of the growing season, and fall the me for gathering and laying up food and supplies in preparaon for the cold winter months that lay ahead. It was also a me for gathering seed in ancipaon for the coming growing season. Winter offered us the me of fallowness in which to reflect upon where growth had taken place, and be rested and ready for new planngs come springme. When we transioned into a more technological and industrial based culture and society – with arficial light, central heang, and the ability to ship anything anywhere, making “fresh” berries and vegetables possible all year round – we gave up following Nature’s ways for the way of the me clock, shiſtwork, and the producon line. We may not all live in New York, New York (or want to) but we all “wake up the city that never sleeps.” Like the bright yellow light and blue hue in the autumn sky that tricks us into thinking its warmer outside than it really is, we’ve been convinced this is what life is -- that we can connually keep going -- living separate from Nature and ourselves, denying (or ignoring) the lessons and blessings that all of our seasons of transion hold for us. This is where the seasons of the Church year become so important for us; to be a reminder of what the world would soon we not remember. This is the season of Harvest and stewardship, when we thankfully gather in thes for the current need and future sustainability of the church. Soon the season of Advent will offer us me to reflect on what has been, and prepare for who and what is coming: the celebraon of Christ ’s birth, and our rebirth in His Love in Christmasde. In Epiphany, we’ll liſt up and celebrate His light filling our lives and the world through us. In Lent and Easterde we’ll contemplate the nature of our humanity and mortality, touched by God ’s mercy and Grace, and the hope of our resurrecon with Christ. Then returning to Pentecost, and the season for learning to live and work as resurrected people, sowing seeds and tending them to growth and maturity in discipleship. Through this ordo, this rhythm of life that mimics the seasons of nature we come to ourselves Grace Episcopal Church 419 S. Main Street Lexington, NC 27292-3234 336.249.7211 phone 336.249.8711 fax [email protected] www.gracechurchlexington.org or http://grace-lexington.dionc.org/ Sunday Services Rite 1 - 9:00 a.m., in the Chapel Rite 2 - 11:00 a.m., in the Church 9:45 a.m., Sunday School Summer - 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel “At the Master’s Bench” by The Rev. M. Alton Plummer
Transcript of Grace Episcopal Church The GraceVine - Amazon S3 · 2018. 10. 31. · November 2018 Grace Episcopal...
November 2018
Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North The GraceVine
Sitting on my patio Sunday enjoying some afternoon sunshine, I was in a moment struck by the paradox.
The sun was bright and the sky blue, as it has been all summer, enough to make one believe that it was still as warm. But down on the ground the chill in the air and over my body – joined by the rustling of dried, fallen leafs from the trees bordering our yard told a different story. The summer is gone. Fall has been and is arriving, revealing its self a little more boldly each day.
Fall is a time of preparation. The created order – at least in our northern hemisphere -- is transitioning from the high-energy months of production, reproduction, and growth to a time of dormancy and Sabbath. Nature is turning down her lamp and repairing to her bedchamber for a much deserved, restorative rest.
When we were more of an agrarian society and culture our lives were more ordered by Nature’s cues. Harvest was the end of the growing season, and fall the time for gathering and laying up food and supplies in preparation for the cold winter months that lay ahead. It was also a time for gathering seed in anticipation for the coming growing season. Winter offered us the time of fallowness in which to reflect upon where growth had taken place, and be rested and ready for new plantings come springtime.
When we transitioned into a more technological and industrial based culture and society – with artificial light, central heating, and the ability to ship anything anywhere, making “fresh” berries and vegetables possible all year round – we gave up following Nature’s ways for the way of the time clock, shiftwork, and the production line. We may not all live in New York, New York (or want to) but we all “wake up the city that never sleeps.”
Like the bright yellow light and blue hue in the autumn sky that tricks us into thinking its warmer outside than it really is, we’ve been convinced this is what life is -- that we can continually keep going -- living separate from Nature and ourselves, denying (or ignoring) the lessons and blessings that all of our seasons of transition hold for us.
This is where the seasons of the Church year become so important for us; to be a reminder of what the world would soon we not remember.
This is the season of Harvest and stewardship, when we thankfully gather in tithes for the current need and future sustainability of the church. Soon the season of Advent will offer us time to reflect on what has been, and prepare for who and what is coming: the celebration of Christ’s birth, and our rebirth in His Love in Christmastide. In Epiphany, we’ll lift up and celebrate His light filling our lives and the world through us. In Lent and Eastertide we’ll contemplate the nature of our humanity and mortality, touched by God’s mercy and Grace, and the hope of our resurrection with Christ. Then returning to Pentecost, and the season for learning to live and work as resurrected people, sowing seeds and tending them to growth and maturity in discipleship. Through this ordo, this rhythm of life that mimics the seasons of nature we come to ourselves
Grace Episcopal Church 419 S. Main Street Lexington, NC 27292-3234 336.249.7211 phone 336.249.8711 fax [email protected]
www.gracechurchlexington.org or http://grace-lexington.dionc.org/ Sunday Services Rite 1 - 9:00 a.m., in the Chapel Rite 2 - 11:00 a.m., in the Church 9:45 a.m., Sunday School Summer - 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel
“At the Master’s Bench” by The Rev. M. Alton Plummer
Page 2 The GraceVine—November 2018
At the Master’s Bench (continued from page 1)
Treasurer Needed
To the people of Grace Episcopal Church
Dear People of Grace, The past year has been a time of transition for Grace Church. Last December, with the resignation of our long-time bookkeeper, Alma Carlton, we began the search for someone new to fill that position. The search ended in March with the hiring Ms. Kelly Zalinsky, who has proven herself highly qualified for the position, and a great addition to our staff. As part of the transition, good business practice recommends that an in-depth audit be completed to provide a fresh slate and to assure all parties that everything in the Church’s books are “according to Hoyle.” Fortunately, this need coincided with the scheduled annual Parish audit required by the Diocese of North Carolina. We contracted with Turlington and Company, LLP and they have been working with
Kelly and our Treasurer, Lynn Meeks, over the past two months. At times it has been a stressful, but fruitful process. The transition and subsequent audit made it possible for us to reorganize and simplify our books, thanks to Kelly’s extensive knowledge of the ACS accounting program. The audit is now complete, all the columns have balanced out, and no deficiencies were found. We now have very clear picture of Grace Church’s finances going forward. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved for all the hard work. In particular, we extend a special thanks to our Treasurer, Lynn Meeks. Lynn gave herself fully to this process, even as pressures and demands of home and family increased for her along the way. Now that she has helped Grace Church reach a better place, Lynn has decided it is time to step down as Treasurer of Grace Church to focus fully on home and family life.
as we truly are – travelers through time and this world – always in transition as we are being swept along toward our final destination and union with God.
Heavenly Father, Lord of our lives, Lead us in your ways. God of the universe, savior of all, Entrust us in your paths. You who have been with us from our beginnings, Stay our companion to the end. You are our light and our Father. Keep us with you forever.
“A Personal Psalm,” by Julia Leonard
We certainly understand, and honor her decision to step down as Parish Treasurer, effective December 31st, 2018. That means, however, our transitions continues, as we now begin the search for that special someone who will become the new Treasurer of Grace Episcopal Church. Is that person you? As Treasurer you will serve by appointment of the Rector, working with our bookkeeper, providing oversight of the finances and monthly reports, under the direction of the Vestry. Prior experience and/or a working knowledge of General Accounting Principles will be given priority consideration. Please contact Fr. Alton Plummer, or our Senior Warden, Tommy Black, if interested or wish more information. Blessings and Peace. Fr. Alton +
Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 3
SAVE THE DATE!
Friday, December 7
Parish Christmas Party
at the home of
Bit & Kim Holton
Poinsettias
for the Season
It is once again time to place your orders for poinsettias to decorate the
church.
These are 6” plants with wrap and bow.
The deadline for orders will be Monday, November 26, 2018
The price is $11.00. Please email the church office or sign up on the sheets provided in the
narthex of the church and chapel.
REMINDER:
Please return your 2019 pledge card by Wednesday, November 14. If you need a pledge card, please call or email the office at
Page 4 The GraceVine—November 2018
Advent Wreaths
Sunday, November 25th we will gather in the evening for an Intergenerational Evening. Bring greenery to share so that we may create Advent Wreaths for our homes. Candles, candleholders, oasis, and platters will be provided, however, if you have any supplies from last year (especially the metal candle ring), please bring them.
We will share a pot-luck meal at 5:30 and create wreaths afterwards. The Rite-13 group will provide meat, so please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
If you are making or wreath or even if you are not, we hope you will join us for fellowship as we continue this annual tradition.
BBQ Festival Parking 2018
Pumpkin Carving
Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 5
Christian Formation for All Ages
ADULT FORUM – 9:45 a.m. Sundays (Commons Rm)
ENOUGH: (REVISED): DISCOVERING
JOY THROUGH SIMPLICITY AND GENEROSITY
Sundays, Oct. 14 thru Nov. 11, 9:45 a.m. (CR)
Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s
wisdom on prudent financial practices. Find the keys to
experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and
discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This
video study features the author presenting:
Introduction: Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis
When Dreams Become Nightmares
Wisdom and Finance
Cultivating Contentment
Defined by Generosity
YOUTH GROUP Rite-13 (Middle School); J2A (High School)
Sunday Evenings at the home of Cathy and Sims Riggan
The youth are having a busy fall. We joined the
GE’s in the Undercroft kitchen and cooked
casseroles to stock the freezer for those in need.
We celebrated the Feast of Grace by visiting Bett
and Bud Hargrave and learning a lot of Grace
Church history. We want to thank the parishioners
who supported us by parking in the church lot for
BBQ Festival. We joined the other uptown church
youth groups to host Trunk or Treat on October
28th. We will serve Sunday lunch to the homeless
in November, and buy groceries to stock the
shelves at Pastor’s Pantry. Christmas tree sales
begin next week; an order form is included in the
Grace Vine and weekly Grace Notes.
CHILDREN/YOUTH FORMATION
Sunday Mornings at 9:45 a.m. (Arts Academy Entrance –
Gather in the new Music Room)
Children in pre-K through 7th grades are learning
the story of Abraham and Sarah. We will meet on
November 4th, 11th, and 18th at 9:45 in the
music room to rehearse music for Christmas Eve
and then go to various rotations of this unit. There
will be no Sunday School on November 25th.
GROWING EPISCOPALIANS (GE) for Children in Grades
3-5 – 1st Wednesdays 5:30-7:00 p.m. (Undercroft)
The Growing Episcopalians joined with Rite 13 in
October to create casseroles under the leadership
of Frances Garner. The group brainstormed members
of our church and our community who could
benefit from these casseroles and delivered
several in the month of October. We still have many
to share in the Undercroft freezer, please let the
church office know if you would like to deliver a
casserole or know of someone who could use one.
Next month the Growing Episcopalians will be
working with the Faith and the Arts Commission to
create a visual arts display for the sanctuary for
the season of Advent. We will meet on
Wednesday, November 7 at 5:30 in the
Undercroft.
CHRISTMAS PARADE Monday, December 3
This year's Christmas Pageant will take place as a
float in the Uptown Lexington Christmas Parade on
Monday, December 3rd. The children will create a
live Nativity Scene in full costume. If your child
would like to participate, please email Carrie
Ingram for more details.
Nov 1 Bennie Wagner
Nov 2 Suzy Sheets
Nov 3 Dan Moore
Nov 3 Evelyn Harris
Nov 4 Walt Lindsey
Nov 5 Gayle Burke
Nov 14 Barbara Beck
Nov 18 Sydney Parker
Nov 19 Julia Leonard
Nov 19 Myra Spilman
Nov 19 Derek Jones
Nov 20 Katherine Everhart
Nov 26 Robert Mack
Nov 27 Tom Johnson
Nov 28 Beth DeLapp
Nov 29 Patricia Wardle
Nov 30 Talmadge Silversides
Nov 30 Jennie McDonald
November Birthdays Adkins, Mark Parishioner Alexander, Cora Friend Alexander, Teresa Carol Jordan’s step-sister Amon, Amanda Rick Mack’s sister Armstrong, Jamie First Methodist Pastor Asebes, Ella B & W MacKinstry’s granddaughter Bralkowski, Mike & Rhonda Parishioners Brown, Baylee Parishioner Burkhart, Dottie Parishioner Burkhart, Jerry Parishioner Burkhart-Smith, Amy Art’s daughter Burr, Chris Former Parishioner Callicutt, Abbie Friend Cooper, Richard Friend Curia, Morgan Former Parishioner Egan, Mike Parishioner Garland, Shana Friend Garner, Frances Parishioner Graves, Elizabeth Friend Hanna, George K. Everhart’s brother Hare, Rob Penny Taylor’s brother Harris, Kristen Friend Hodges, Chris & Mike Parishioner Holbrook, Randy Friend Inabinett, Joyce David’s mother Jones, David Parishioner Jones, Treva S. Husted’s sister-in-law Kesler, Barbara Friend Kepley, Evelyn Lynne Cleckley’s mother King, Anne Former Parishioner Koonts, Sydnie Friend Lang, Sally Parishioner Mack, Lynn Parishioner Marshall, Angela Kathie Goodman’s cousin May, Carol & Bert Parishioners Mewborne, Elizabeth Friend Michael, Molly Talmadge’s cousin Miller, Seth Parishioner Onorato, Page Parishioner Orren, Frank Friend O’Shea, Mike & Fran Glenn’s father & step-mother Plott, Gabby Friend Pollard, Barbara Jo Friend Ratton, Tom Friend Reynolds, Bob Friend Rojas, Jacklynn M&L Cleckley’s granddaughter Sheets, Suzy Parishioner Sherman, Sheryl Kathie Goodman’s cousin Sills, Denise Friend Silversides, Talmadge Parishioner Sink, Robin Parishioner Smith, Martha Ellen Parishioner Stokes, Ellie Kate Friend Tilley, Robin David Garner’s niece Underwood, Toni Friend Welch, Frances Suzy Sheets’ mother Whitehurst, Bill Friend Williams, Jay Parishioner Young, Charlotte Carolyn Wolfe’s sister
Prayer List
Page 6 The GraceVine—November 2018
November Ministries Schedule
Nov 4 All Saints
Nov 11 Nov 18 Nov 25 Dec 2
Lector 9:00 11:00
Walter Beeker Kathie Goodman
Mary Matthews Jim Nance
Sally Dodd Barbara Presnell
Belinda MacKinstry NEEDED
Philip Matthews Steve Harvey
LEM Kathie Goodman Pat Plummer
Karl Bolstad Kathie Goodman Clarice Surratt Pat Plummer
Mary Matthews
Intercessor Robin Petruzzi Diane Huneycutt Kristi Allred Joe Wallace Belvie Gilleland
Acolytes Erik Petruzzi Cooper Petruzzi Anderson Carter
Kate Inabinett Ward Inabinett Charlie Manning
Owen Miller Cooper Petruzzi Charlie Manning
Sidney Briggs Lyndon Briggs Hadley Briggs
Will Burke Virginia McDonald William McDonald
Ushers Sims Riggan John Burke
Joe Wallace Bill Gilleland
Ed Huneycutt Richard Wolfe
Patrick Miller Jay Williams
Henry Surratt Tommy Black
Greeters Ed & Diane Huneycutt
Patrick Miller Patricia Wardle Sandra Husted Barbara Presnell
Nursery Shannon Jones Cameron Miller Carolyn Wolfe Penny Taylor Elizabeth Inabinett
Social Hour Mary-Cameron & Brent Welborn
Bob & Sandra Husted
John & Beth Burke Sims & Cathy Riggan Mary Bolstad Susan Terrell
Sunday Lunch Burke family Patrick M., Beth B., Rite-13
Kate Carey Mike Craver Tere Wagner
Flowers Chris & Mike Hodges
Sims & Cathy Riggan
OPEN—NEEDED Fred McIntyre Bert & Carol May
Altar Guild: Mary Williams, Jane Grimes, Julie Dayvault, Sally Dodd, Kathie Goodman, Lynn Meeks, Libby O’Shea, Patricia Wardle
Crisis Ministry Meal — November—Carol Jordan, Kathy Johnson, Diane Huneycutt (Jeri Burkhart) December—Youth group / Cathy & Sims Riggan January—John & Beth Burke, Penny & John Taylor, MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! February—Sandra & Bob Husted, Belvie & Bill Gilleland, Barry & Patricia Wardle
Vestry Person of the Month: Tommy Black
Grace Pantry Food of the Month: November—Dry Pasta / Pasta Sauce Toothbrush/Toothpaste December—Canned Meat (chicken, ham, beef) Paper Towels January—Macaroni & Cheese / Ramen Bar Soap February—Cans of Soup Toilet Tissue
*If you are unable to serve on the assigned Sunday, please secure a substitute and notify the church office by Wednesday noon prior to the Sunday you are assigned.
Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 7
CR = Commons Room CL1 = Classroom 1, 1st floor CL4 = Classroom 4, 2nd floor Chr = Choir Room UC = Undercroft CL2 = Classroom 2, 1st floor CL5 = Classroom 5, 2nd floor Nsy = Nursery Room CS = Children’s School CL3 = Classroom 3, 2nd floor CL6 = Classroom 6, 2nd floor CH = Church CP = Chapel
November 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
28 29 30 31 1 2 3
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6 7 8
9 10
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14 15 16 17
18 19
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25 26 27 28 29 30 31
7:00 pm UC Dav. Cty. Dem. Women
8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon
Food Pantry Item of the Month: Dry Pasta / Pasta Sauce
Non-Food Item: Toothbrush/Toothpaste
5:30 pm CR AAG Board Mtg
1:00-2:30 CR BWB
1:00-2:30 CR BWB
1:00-2:30 CR BWB
5:30 pm CR Finance Comm. Mtg.
3:30-6:00 pm CL1 Guitar lessons
Church Office Closed
4:00 pm CR Parish Life Meeting
8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon
8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon
8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon
11:45-5:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons
4:00 pm CR Social Concerns
Mtg.
7:00 pm CR Vestry Mtg.
2:30-6:30 pm CS-1 Piano lessons
6:00 pm UC Food Ministries
Meeting 7:15 Choir Practice
7:15 Choir Practice
7:15 Choir Practice
2:45-7:00 am CL1 Violin lessons
11:45-5:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons
11:45-5:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons
2:45-7:00 am CL1 Violin lessons
3:30-5:00 pm Harp Lessons
3:30-5:00 pm Harp Lessons
3:30-5:00 pm Harp Lessons
3:30-6:00 pm CL1 Guitar lessons
3:30-6:00 pm CL1 Guitar lessons
2:30-6:30 pm CS-1 Piano lessons
2:30-6:30 pm CS-1 Piano lessons
2:30-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons
2:30-6:00 pm CS-1 Piano lessons
2:30-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons
4:00 pm UC Stewardship Mtg.
5:30-7:00 pm UC
2:45-7:00 am CL1 Violin lessons
Church Member Private Meeting
UC reserved 1-3 pm
1:00-2:30 CR BWB 7:15 Choir Practice
3:30-6:00 pm CL1 Guitar lessons
2:30-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons
2:30-6:30 pm CS-1 Piano lessons
5:30 pm UC Potluck and Advent
Wreath Making
8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon
11:45-5:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons
Church Office Closed
Michael Conforti Lecture
UC 7:30—9 pm
Michael Conforti Workshop
UC 10 am—1 pm
3:30-5:00 pm Harp Lessons
Weekday
Service
6:00 pm—Chapel
Veterans Day Observed
Diocesan Convention
