Lenten Newsletter

January 2026

Watercolour lily_ scalable vector graphic

A NOTE FROM OUR RECTOR


I look forward to the Lenten season every year…not because it is full of joy but because it is full of moments to draw closer to my faith. The joy surely comes on Easter Sunday but the preparation leading up to our celebration has become one of my most cherished parts of the church year.


The invitation we read on Ash Wednesday says this:


I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word. And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer.


Lent is meant to change us. That is our commitment as we enter this season. So let us seek open hearts to hear God’s call in our lives that we may deepen our faith and reflect the love of Christ in word and deed.


May this truly be a holy Lent for each and every one of you.


Emily+

WORSHIP

LENTEN SERVICES


Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 18 at Noon


Palm Sunday Services

Sunday, March 29

8:30 am Contemplative Service

10:00 am Worship Service with Choir

11:00 am Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt


Maundy Thursday

Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 pm at Grace Church


***Please consider worshipping at

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, VA

at 5:00 pm if you prefer an earlier Maundy Thursday service.


Good Friday Liturgy

Friday, April 3 at Noon


Easter

Sunday, April 5

6:30 am Sunrise Service

8:00 am Youtube

10:00 am Worship Service with Choir


LEARN

LENTEN LUNCHEON SERIES:

AN UNLIKELY LENT


Hosted by Grace Episcopal Church

and Providence Presbyterian Church


The story of Easter is rightfully centered on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. But the Resurrection was not witnessed in isolation; it unfolded before a crowd. In that crowd were women and men who slipped through the margins of our Bibles, people who stood in the shadows but whose presence still shaped the moment. Might their stories have something to teach us today? 


This Lent, we invite you on an unlikely journey with the often overlooked individuals who have something to teach us about freedom, courage, and connection.


Week 1 – Mary of Bethany (Unlikely Offering)

Week 2 – A servant girl who confronted Peter (Unlikely Opposition)

Week 3 – Barabbas (Unlikely Freedom)

Week 4 – Simon of Cyrene (Unlikely Companionship)

Week 5 – The Women at the cross (Unlikely Courage)

Week 6 – Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus (Unlikely Allies)


When:        Thursdays during Lent...February 19 - March 26

                   11:30 am – 1:00 pm


Where:       Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall

                   2955 River Road West, Goochland, VA


RSVP:        gracechurch2955@gmail.com


Please purchase your own copy of the book An Unlikely Lent: Extraordinary People of the Easter Story by Rachel Billups.


RSVP is required NO LATER THAN Monday, February 16.

Lunch will be provided by The Cafe at Maidens.

Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.


There is no charge for the Lenten Luncheon. However, donations are appreciated.

CONNECT

Pancakes stack with different berries and honey isolated on white background

SHROVE TUESDAY

PANCAKE SUPPER


The Grace Church Men's Group will host Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 17th at 5:30 pm. Shrove Tuesday occurs the night before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday.


Pancakes are the traditional meal because eggs, sugar, and fat, commonly forbidden during the Lenten fast, are used up so they will not go to waste. We hope to see you there! All are invited.


GRACE CHURCH

MEN'S GROUP


Speaking of the Grace Church Men's group, did you know this group of faithful men meet every other Thursday night at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall? Want to learn more about this opportunity, contact Martin Rodgers at mcrpe@fifthmountainengineering.com

PALM SUNDAY BRUNCH & EGG HUNT


Don't forget to bring the kids and grandkids to our annual Easter Egg Hunt during brunch on Palm Sunday March 29th at 11:00 am.


undefined

MISCELLANEOUS

EASTER LILY DEDICATIONS



If you would like to dedicate an Easter Lily, please fill in this form and leave it in Cindy's mailbox by Tuesday, March 31st.

Grace Episcopal Church

2955 River Road West

Goochland VA 23063

804-556-3051 

Facebook