GRACE NOTES
Grace Episcopal Church Summer 2019
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A NOTE FROM THE RECTOR...
Do you remember our 2018 Summer Newsletter? Don't worry, you won't be tested on it! Just in case, here is a link to my Rector's Note from last year...
My family has been
captivated by a little wren family for the past two summers. Each year, they have built a nest in one of our pots. And each year, we have protected them, watched them, listened to them. We have waited patiently as the baby birds have hatched and we checked in with anticipation for the day they flew off on their own. The first year, they were timid. Last year, they were welcoming. We started to appreciate one another and I like to think that they enjoyed our company.
Therefore, I thought it quite appropriate to give you an update this year. Just as in the past two years, I faithfully planted geraniums in the pots on our deck. I waited. No wrens. A couple of days past. Still nothing. I was beginning to think that our deck mates had found a new home. And then, a week later, I saw a wren fly to the pot, look in, and fly away. Maybe the deck had become too busy. After all, we had added two bird feeders right above the potted plant. Now we had frequent visits from cardinals, woodpeckers, chickadees, warblers, and goldfinches. And to our annoyance, the squirrels came too. Lots of them. Our deck had become a busy neighborhood.
I kept watching and hoping that our wrens wouldn't be deterred by the chaos. It took a few more days but the nest finally appeared and the eggs soon followed. This year, however, the momma wren lets me look in on her as she sits on her nest. That's a new development, a new familiarity. And, not only has she welcomed me but she has welcomed the dogs....well, sort of. Their new favorite activity is to chase the squirrels from the feeders. In their haste, they often run directly into the pot holding the wrens. The pot jolts to the side...the momma bird flies out...the dogs scare the squirrels...the wren flies back to the nest. This scenario plays out over and over again. Day in and day out.
Yet, our little wren is calm and rarely afraid. She is dedicated, and has adapted well to our craziness. She has reminded me of the importance of returning, time and time again to those we love. She reminds me that life can be messy and noisy at times but in the midst of it all, there is a whole lot of love in community. Because it is in returning that we are able to grow - in our understanding of one another and of ourselves.
This summer, consider what might be calling you to return. Allow God to help you flourish and grow. Allow yourself to enjoy the beauty that is your life.
Grace and Peace,
Emily
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Sunday, September 8th
Mark your calendars!
The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff, Bishop Suffragan and Ecclesiastical Authority, will be visiting Grace Church on Sunday, September 8th at 10 am (this is the last 10 am service for summer).
The Bishop will not only be conducting the service but she will be baptising, confirming or receiving all individuals who have prepared to join the Episcopal faith.
We will host a luncheon afterwards so be on the lookout for more details in August.
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On May 19th, the youth of Grace conducted our worship service. What a beautiful day as we witnessed our young people create the bulletin cover, lector, chalice, acolyte, usher and give 2 reflections.
The day also celebrated our graduating Seniors: Kaylee Eckert, Hollis Cobb, Benjie Slone and Max Macek! We wish them all the best as they begin their next chapter of life.
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This past week, Grace hosted the Goochland Historical Society's program on African American Genealogy. The workshop focused on the challenges people of color encounter finding records before the 1870 census. Experienced genealogist Gloria Gilmore (of One Shared Story) and her team discussed sources here in Goochland for going back further in time to access critical resources to uncover family histories, especially for those individuals who are descendants of slaves from this county.
The program sparked a question...
how can we build on the good work of our local historical society to increase education and reconciliation around race?
The first step is to listen and learn with open hearts and minds, to hear stories that are difficult, and to begin to build trust through thoughtful, respectful dialogue. Therefore, let us commit to growing together.
Beginning in July, we will begin a 3-part video and dialogue series created by Bishop Micheal Curry called
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: GHANA TO AMERICA.
In January 2017, a group of 23 pilgrims traveled to Ghana where they prayed and reflected at several sites critical to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, including the Elmina and Cape Coast slave forts. You are invited to reflect on this important journey and expand your own knowledge of the history of slavery.
Join us on
Thursday July 11, 18, and August 1 at 10 am
in the Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome!
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CHOIR
If you like to sing, please consider joining the choir. We enjoy our rehearsals together and can always use more voices. You do not need to read music. There are no auditions. If you can carry a tune and love to sing, you are welcome to join us. We practice at 9 am Sunday morning in the summer, and again, after the service. Come make a joyful noise with the Grace choir.
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OPEN MIC NIGHT
Join us this summer for our next Open Mic night on
Saturday, July 20th at 6:30 pm
. Haven't joined us before? Come on over. We invite anyone with a musical instrument or tune to be a part of this fun night! If you just want to watch, it's a great time to connect with community folks for a few hours. Hope to see you there.
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Ready, set and go!
For the past few months, we have been working with a web designer, Garza Web Design, to create a new website.
With the help of many, we are ALMOST ready to launch it. Watch for the release date and then go to www.gracegoochland.org and check it out!
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Don't forget - every Sunday throughout the summer
we will have a single worship service at 10:00 am.
JUNE
7th - First Friday Muffin Baking - 9:00 am
5th, 12th, 19th, 26th - Wake Up with Grace; Goochland Restaurant @ 8:30 am
8th - Community Prayer Service at 5:00 pm
13th - Vestry Meeting at 6:30 pm
15th - African American Genealogy Course - 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
23rd - Annual Church Picnic after the 10:00 am service
JULY
4th - 5th - Office Closed for July 4th Holiday
3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st - Wake Up with Grace; Goochland Restaurant @ 8:30 am
11th - Vestry Meeting at 6:30 pm
13th - Community Prayer Service at 5:00 pm
20th - Open Mic Night at 6:30 pm
AUGUST
7th, 14th, 21st, 28th - Wake Up with Grace; Goochland Restaurant @ 8:30 am
8th - Vestry Meeting at 6:30 pm
10th - Community Prayer Service at 5:00 pm
LOOKING AHEAD
September 8th - Bishop's Visit
September 15th - Two Services resume at 9:00 am and 11:00 am
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Grace Episcopal Church
2955 River Road West
Goochland VA 23063
804-556-3051
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