Grace Episcopal Church 

Weekly Update
November 14, 2023
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

As you may remember, Grace Church sponsored a family this summer through Habitat for Humanity.

We are so excited to announce that the Jackson Family moved into their Habitat for Humanity House on Saturday November 11th. They express their deepest gratitude to Grace Church for the many things donated to decorate the boys' rooms.
IN THIS SEASON OF GRATITUDE

On Sunday, our littlest members created a gratitude tree during Children's Chapel.

If you would like to add to the tree what you are grateful for there are supplies in the sanctuary.

We invite you to take a moment and reflect what this season means to you.
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SERMON

In case you missed it on Sunday, here is Brian's Sermon.
ADVENT LUNCHEON SERIES:
AN INVITATION INTO THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS

We will once again join Jan Richardson in her special Advent Series, Illuminated.

In a chaotic time, the Illuminated retreat will offer a space of elegant simplicity. Intertwining reflection, art, music, and community, this four-week online and in person retreat provides a distinctive opportunity to journey through Advent and Christmas in contemplation and conversation with others along the way.

This retreat is not about adding one more thing to your holiday schedule. It is about helping you find spaces for reflection that draw you deep into a season that shimmers with mystery and possibility.

When:
Thursday, November 30, December 7, 14, 21
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Where:
Parish Hall at Grace

RSVP:
We need an exact count of attendance to register with Jan Richardson and to order food for the luncheons. Please RSVP to Emily NO LATER than November 27.

Everyone is welcome so please invite a friend or two!
More information will be forthcoming in the Advent Newsletter.
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Vestry Meeting
Vestry will meet on Wednesday, November 15th at 6:00 pm.

Grace Church Men's Group
The Men's Group will gather on Thursday, November 16th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall. This weeks topic is the movie "I AM" which should generate some good discussion points! Questions? Contact Martin Rodgers.

2024 Stewardship
To everyone who has made a financial commitment to Grace Church for 2024, thank you! Vestry will be meeting over the next month to finalize the 2024 budget. Pledges help determine priorities for the upcoming year. If you have not had a chance to submit your pledge, it's not too late! You can fill out a form in the Narthex and leave it in the offering basket or you can email Cindy at gracechurch2955@gmail.com with your estimate.

GoochlandCares Food Pantry
Grace Church donated 110 pounds of food to GoochlandCares food pantry this month! It is truly needed as they are serving 40% more clients now than just a few months ago. Thank you for your support.

Thanksgiving Office Hours
Please note that the office will be closed next Wednesday, November 22nd - Friday, November 24th for the Thanksgiving Holiday!

Advent
Mark your calendars! Advent begins Sunday, December 3rd. We will gather together for our Annual Advent Breakfast to kick off the season. Be on the lookout for the Advent Newsletter to get more details.
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This Sunday at a Glance

Morning Prayer Service - 9:00 am
Worship Service with Choir - 10:00 am
Coffee Hour - 11:00 am

Readings for November 19, 2023
Matthew 25:14-30
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11