grace episcopal church the...

September 2016

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North The GraceVine

At the Masters Bench by The Rev. M. Alton Plummer

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34).

Okay. I know what youre thinking: Oh-oh. Its stewardship season. The Rectors asking money again. Well, not today. Today I just want to share with you how I became a tither.

Twenty-five years ago I was tradesman, earning an hourly wage of twelve dollars before taxes. After taxes, especially in New York State, there wasnt enough of my earnings for our family to live on, so my wife (the first marriage) also worked. Together we made just enough to get by. Nearly every dollar was spoken for

before it hit the bank. What little extra we were able to carve out went, not to savings, but to entertainment or emergencies, depending on which came first. When it came to our Church and stewardship, it was a good Sunday when we could throw a couple of loose dollars in the plate.

Then the bottom really fell out and we divorced. I was now financially responsible for myself -- housing, food, clothing, auto, etc. -- as well as paying off debts incurred in the marriage, and a non-negotiable, State mandated, 19.5% of my gross income paid in child support each month. The stress and fear of being unable to meet my responsibilities was overwhelming. And of course, there was still the Church, still handing me a pledge card that Fall right after the separation.

Of course, no one expected that I would fill it out. They knew and had compassion for me in my circumstances. But, I felt that I needed to fill it out. I needed to take control of my life and move toward something to take action in one small thing, rather than live in a constant state of reaction to the big things all the time. I dont know why, but filling out that pledge card was where I saw that happening.

I went small at first. Then, as I got adjusted to my new life and was able, I increased it some -- a little more, and a little more -- moving up in increments. I dedicated myself to making out that check each week, and with every one I dropped into the plate, I regained another piece of the dignity that circumstances had stripped away. The act of giving, not so much until it hurt, but even when it hurt, kept me grounded, kept me thankful, and kept me open to life. It was my investment in hope and in my community without whose love and support I would not have been able to stand.

Now, twenty years later, Im in a MUCH better place all round. My cup overflows. But I still need that grounding, and a way to express my thankfulness and remain open to life. That is why, with Gods help, I continue to tithe. My pledge is still an investment in hope and in the community whose love and support continues to help me to stand. My heart and treasure are here. So, it only makes sense that a portion of what God has provided me financially should be here too.

Thats the story of how I became a tither. Whats your story?

Till next time, when once again well gather round The Masters Bench,

I bid you peace.

Fr. Alton+

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 (June 14September 4) Rite 2 - 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel

mailto:[email protected]://grace-lexington.dionc.org/http://grace-lexington.dionc.org/

The GraceVineSeptember 2016

October 2 Pet Blessing

Pet Blessing In honor of The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, actually celebrated on October 4th, we will gather on the steps of the Church at 3:00 PM to give thanks for and bless our animal friends and companions.

Whether feathery, finned, furry, shelled, scaly or slimy all Gods creatures are welcome. All we ask is that everyone is safely leashed, caged, boxed, or bowled, both for their protection, and for the protection of others.

Blessing of Cuddle buddies At the 11:00 AM Sunday Service, Fr. Alton would also like to invite children of all ages to come forward and have their special Cuddle buddies blessed. A cuddle buddy may be a well-loved toy animal, like the Velveteen Rabbit, but it may also be a doll, or simply a blue blanket like Linus from the Peanuts comic strip.

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 3

End of Summer Schedule

On Sunday, September 11, we will return to our regular schedule for worship services.: 9:00 a.m. Rite 1 with Holy Eucharist in the historic chapel and 11:00 a.m. Rite 2 with Holy Eucharist and choir in the church.

Thank you for assistance with our camps. We are truly grateful for your help!

The campers and staff of Arts Discovery Camps 2016

Bishop Visit

Bishop Anne Hodges-Coppel, Bishop Pro Tem of the Diocese of North Carolina, will be with us for the bishops annual visitation. Bishop Anne will meet with the Vestry between the services. A reception will follow the 11:00 AM service.

Help Wanted!!

We are still in need of Acolytes (any age) and also Lay Eucharistic Ministers. If you are interested in volunteering for one of these important Sunday service function, please contact Fr. Alton or Maureen at your earliest convenience.

SAVE THE DATEOctober 9

Other churches with names like St. Johns or St. Swithens are named for patron saints with dedicated feast days. On those days the churches who bear the names celebrate their life together as St. Swithens or St. Johns too.

Grace is a great name for a church, but unfortunately, we have no feast of title, because every day is a day Grace-filled. To remedy this, we declare that Sunday October 9th (or the Sunday closest in years to come)

as THE FEAST OF GRACE to be observed with Worship and the celebration of Holy Eucharist in the morning, followed by a chicken barbeque/picnic in the afternoon.

Details TBA. Be sure to read next months GraceVine.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

Sept 2 Hilary Bowers

Sept 4 Belinda Thomas

Sept 5 Linda Cox

Sept 6 Sue Hodgin

Sept 6 Karl Bolstad

Sept 7 Todd Parker

Sept 7 Beth Burke

Sept 8 Jane Grimes

Sept 9 Vickie Johnson

Sept 10 John Shoemaker

Sept 10 Lynn Meeks

Sept 15 Bud Hargrave

Sept 15 Diane Huneycutt

Sept 16 Pat Black

Sept 16 Doug Hartzog

Sept 16 David Thomas

Sept 29 Cooper Petruzzi

September Birthdays

Adkins, Mark Parishioner

Alexander, Cora Friend

Amon, Amanda Rick Macks sister

Asebes, Ella B & W MacKinstrys granddaughter

Beck, Jan Friend

Bingham, Georganne Staley & Eds mother

Brown, Baylee Susan Terrells granddaughter

Burkhart, Jerry Parishioner

Burkhart-Smith, Amy Arts daughter

Burr, Chris Former Parishioner

Curia, Morgan Former Parishioner

DeLapp, Em Parishioner

DeLapp, William Em;s brother-in-law

Egan, Mike Parishioner

Garland, Shana Friend

Hare, Rob Penny Taylors brother

Hedrick, Ruth Libby OSheas mother

Hodges, Chris Parishioner

Hodgin, Sue Parishioner

Kepley, Evelyn Lynne Cleckleys mother

King, Anne Former Parishioner

Leonard, Julia Parishioner

Linder, Larry Parishioner

Lovell, Jerry Friend

Marsh, Polly Jane Grimes mother

May, Carol Parishioner

Michael, Molly Talmadges cousin

Miller, Seth & Patsy Parishioners

OShea, Mike & Fran Glenns father & step-mother

Ratton, Tom Friend

Reynolds, Bob Friend

Rojas, Jacklynn M&L Cleckleys granddaughter

Sheets, Suzy Parishioner

Smith, Martha Ellen Parishioner

Underwood, Toni Friend

Warren, Randall Friend

Welch, Frances Suzy Sheets mother

Prayer List

Page 4 The GraceVineSeptember 2016

September Ministries Schedule

Sept 4 Sept 11 Return to 2 services

Bishop Visit

Sept 18

Sunday School Kickoff

Sept 25 Oct 2

Lector 9:00 11:00

10:00 Staley Nance Page Onorato Dottie Burkhart

Philip Matthews Kristi Allred

Sally Dodd Kathy Young

Mary Matthews Barbara Presnell

LEM Karl Bolstad Clarice Surratt Kathie Goodman Hugo Hodgin Clarice Surratt

Intercessor Diane Huneycutt Robin Petruzzi Bill Gilleland Penny Taylor Dottie Burkhart

Acolytes Jack Burke

Ushers Bill Gilleland Patrick Miller

Jay Williams Barry Wardle

Doug Hartzog Art Burkhart

Sims Riggan Richard Thomas

Ed Huneycutt Richard Wolfe

Greeters Patrick Miller Richard Thomas Dottie Burkhart Patricia Wardle Ed & Diane Huneycutt

Nursery Beth Burke Shannon Jones Robin Petruzzi Penny Taylor Vickie Johnson

Social Hour Pam & Steve Harvey

Staley Nance Penny Taylor

Sims & Cathy Riggan

Beth & John Burke Ed & Diane Huneycutt

Sunday Lunch Frances Garner

Kate Carey Becky Jo Davis

Tere Wagner Richard Thomas

Burke family Tammy Absher Lynn Meeks

Flowers Jon Eric Thomas Karl & Mary Bolstad Talmadge & Ian Silversides

David & Elizabeth Inabinett

Barbara Beck

Altar Guild: Mary Williams, Jane Grimes, Julie Dayvault, Sally Dodd, Kathie Goodman, Lynn Meeks, Libby OShea, Anne Rives, Patricia Wardle

Crisis Ministry Meal October: Karl & Mary Bolstad, Pam & Steve Harvey, Hugo & Sue Hodgin, Deidre Philpott November: Carol Jordan, Jeri Burkhart, Kathy Johnson, Diane Huneycutt December: J2A & Riggan family

Vestry Person of the Month: Henry Surratt

Pastors Pantry/Grace Pantry Food of the Month: SeptemberDry Beans/White Rice OctoberCanned Pasta (Ravioli, Spaghetti, etc.) NovemberDry Pasta/Pasta Sauce DecemberCanned Meat (Chicken/Ham/Beef)

*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 5

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 = Childrens School CL3 = Classroom 3, 2nd floor CL6 = Classroom 6, 2nd floor CH = Church CP = Chapel

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September 2016

7:00 pm UC Dav. Cty. Dem. Women

2:00-3:30 CR BWB 8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon

Vestry Meeting 7:00 pm CR

4:00 pm CR Social Conc. Mtg

Food Pantry Item of the Month: Dry Beans / White Rice

10:30-7:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

Church Office Closed

Non-Food Item: Paper Towels

8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon

8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon

2:00-3:30 CR BWB

2:00-3:30 CR BWB

2:00-3:30 CR BWB

8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon





8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon

Charity League Meeting

7:00 pm CR

Return to two services: 9:00 am - Rite 1 in the chapel

11:00 am - Rite 2 in the church

Visit from Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple

Sunday School Kickoff 10:00 am

In the courtyard

11:00 am Commissioning and Blessing of Sunday

School Teachers

begins Discussing Mere

Christianity: Exploring the History, Meaning and Relevance of C.S. Lewis Greatest Book

Faith & Arts Comm. Adult/Family

Coloring Night in the Undercroft



Charity League Meeting

7:00 pm CR

2:30-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons







3:30-5:30 pm CL1 Guitar lessons



11:30 am CR Liturgy &

Worship Mtg

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