August 2021

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North The GraceVine

Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. – Psalm 111:1

Dear People of Grace, In June, we received and shared the great news that our Rector Time Certain call was accepted by The Reverend Edward T. Kelaher of All Saints Episcopal Church, Chevy Chase, Maryland. He and his wife Patty have served that parish since 2011. Their last day at All Saints will be September 12th.

By now, we’re sure the burning question on everyone’s mind is:

What’s the latest regarding our new Rector?

Well, a lot of wonderful things have happened since you were informed that Father Kelaher agreed to accept our call in June. And we truly believe the Lord has had his hand in all of them—

In June, the Kelahers’ offer to purchase a home near Sapona was accepted and closing in August;

June 30 (Patty’s birthday), the Kelahers visited with the Staff at church en route to tour the house;

July 19, the Letter of Agreement was completed and distributed for required signatures;

September 15, the date set for the Kelahers to move into their new home;

September 19, the date set for Father Ed’s first day and Sunday Worship Service at Grace.

What a glorious day it will be to see everyone and celebrate! Make plans now to attend on September 19. We want to extend a grand welcome to Father Ed and Patty Kelaher, showing them our appreciation for their call to serve God with us. We are hopeful that all pews will be filled and the balcony overflowing.

Following Father Ed’s first service on Sunday, September 19, the Vestry will host a Reception. Plans are in progress and more details will be provided in the Grace Notes and the next GraceVine.

Ed and Patty are thrilled about starting their new life with us at Grace. We can’t wait for you to meet them both! His enthusiasm and vision are positively contagious. We have felt all along that we were being led by the Holy Spirit. We are ready and excited as we move forward to a new chapter in our life together at Grace Church.

For your faith in us to do the right thing with God’s help for our beloved Grace Church Family, for your patience and trust in us and the clergy transition process,

we and the Vestry thank you with our whole hearts!

We are grateful for your love, prayers, and support of Grace Church.

May the loving, guiding light of Christ be known to us all—

Tommy Black, Senior Warden Pam Harvey, Junior Warden

Grace Episcopal Church 419 S. Main Street Lexington, NC 27292-3234 336.249.7211 phone 336.249.8711 fax gracechurch@lexcominc.net or

gracechurchlexington@gmail.com

https://gracelexingtonnc.org/ Sunday Services COVID-19: 10:00 a.m. on Facebook

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

Page 2 The GraceVine—August 2021

Vestry Update

The Vestry held our July meeting on Tuesday, July 20th at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall with Pam Harvey, Linda Cox and Mark Petruzzi attending via Zoom. A quorum was established and after a moment to center ourselves, Senior Warden, Tommy Black opened with a prayer. The first order of business was to review and amend the minutes from the June meeting. With no recommendations, the minutes were accepted and approved. Treasurer, Miles Cleckley, gave the Treasurer’s Report and review of the June financials. Our cash position is in good shape due in large part to the absence of the budgeted Rector’s salary not being paid out. Pledge receipts were ahead of the year-to-date budget. Our Endowments took a decline due to the market drop this week, but still remain healthy. Miles also reported that First National Bank had approved our application to have our 2021 PPP Loan forgiven, they then forwarded to the SBA for final approval. Jeff Goins Accounting firm should have our financial review completed by August 8th. At the end of Mile’s report, a discussion was held to explore the possibility to utilize Realm E-Giving. It was decided to table the idea and gather more backside data. The Commission reports had previously been submitted and after a brief discussion were approved. Junior Warden, Pam Harvey reported on the need for Transition Teams to be formed to welcome Rev.

Kelaher & Patty to the Grace family. Small group dinners and a reception were discussed and it was decided that a New Ministry reception after his first service on September 19th was the most opportune time. The Vestry would host and send additional information via Grace Notes and next month’s Grace Vine. She also reported that Bishop Sam’s schedule is very full and we need to get on his calendar. Also, Tommy, David & she had attended an EDNC Emergency Preparedness Zoom meeting on 6/17. Senior Warden, Tommy Black, advised the Vestry that our formal Letter of Agreement had been approved and signed by Bishop Rodman, Canon Massey, and Sr. Warden and is now in the hands of Reverend Kelaher. A lengthy discussion was held regarding planning for our Bi-Centennial Celebration. Walter Beeker agreed to chair a committee to prepare an agenda and dates to begin a campaign to broadcast ‘teaser’ information for the celebration and offer plans for the event. Another discussion was held regarding developing a master plan for the Parish Hall renovation, use and refurbishment. And lastly, Tommy reported that Habitat hopes to have Grace Place renovations completed and their family inserted in two months. At that closing, the $85,000.00 lien will be paid off. With no further business, Tommy thanked the Vestry for their steadfast efforts in selecting Reverend Kelaher and then closed with a prayer. Tommy Black

Columbarium Update

Now that the Columbarium Refurbishment project is closing out, the Columbarium Committee has held meetings with Lee Anne Loeblein Designs and Donna Smith, Design Architect, to begin planning Phase II of the Columbarium. The plan is to add additional in-ground niches, another standing brick niche en-

closure and create more “sacred space” enclaves for meditation. This will take the Columbarium to Salisbury Street. Preliminary drawings have been submitted and follow up meetings are planned for August.

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 3

Christian Education

On Sunday, August 15 we will have a Backpack Blessing at the 10:00 service. All students are encouraged to bring your backpack, laptop bag, pencil case, or whatever you use for school to receive a blessing for this coming school year. Teachers are welcome to participate, too! We are asking everyone to bring a donation of hand sanitizer that we can distribute to classrooms for the coming school year.

Also on Sunday, August 15, all rising 6th-12th graders are invited to Lexington Swim Club for a Rite 13 and J2A pool party from 3-5. Snacks will be provided! August 15 - Backpack Blessing and Pool Party

29 - Episcopalooza

September 12 - Christian Formation begins (details to follow in September Grace Vine)

12 - Rite 13 service for Virginia McDonald, Ward Inabinett, Rachel Ingram, and Hadley Briggs celebrated with Rev. Jim Bernacki

12 - Mattress Sale on Sept. 12

Adkins, Mark Parishioner Alexander, Chris Friend Alexander, Cora Friend Amon, Amanda Rick Mack’s sister Asebes, Ella B & W MacKinstry’s granddaughter Biesecker, Scott Beth Burke’s brother Brandon, Alice & family Friends Brown, Baylee Parishioner Burke, Gayle Parishioner Cain, Andrea Friend Cappell, Stella Parishioner Cinque, Russell Friend Cleckley, Lynne Parishioner Clodfelter, Becky Joan’s daughter-in-law Cooper, Richard Friend Curia, Morgan Former Parishioner Davis, Jackie John Taylor’s sister Dixon, Barbara Friend Dresser, Johanna Pam Harvey’s cousin Eller, Suzanne Jane Grime’s Sister-in-law Frye, Mark Friend Gallen, Aubrie Friend Garland, Shana Friend Gaskins, Marlon Friend Gibson, Susan Friend Gray, Holly Friend Greer, Jan Friend Grimes, Jane Parishioner Hanna, George K. Everhart’s brother Hanson, Sally Parishioner Hare, Rob Penny Taylor’s brother Harris, Kristen Friend Harvey, Elizabeth Pam’s Daughter Hinkle, Nance Talmadge’s sister-in-law Hodges, Chris & Mike Parishioner Huff, Jon Friend Hutchins, Nancy Friend Layfield, Lindsay Friend Lee, Cara Friend Lowery, Michael Friend Mack, Lynn Parishioner May, Carol Parishioner Melomo, Nicholas Max & Peggy Walser’s grandson Michael, Molly Talmadge’s cousin Mitchell, Roan Friend Morgan, O’Lema Friend Onorato, Page Parishioner Parsley, Lynn Friend Plott, Gabby Friend Reynolds, Bob Friend Rojas, Jacklynn M&L Cleckley’s granddaughter Sheets, Suzy Parishioner Silversides, Talmadge Parishioner Sink, Robin Parishioner

Prayer List

Page 4 The GraceVine—August 2021

Aug 5 Russ Johnson

Aug 9 Julie Dayvault

Aug 11 Susan Terrell

Aug 12 Walter Beeker

Aug 22 Jack Burke

Aug 22 Kathie Goodman

Aug 25 Henry Surratt

Aug 26 Roy McDonald

Aug 26 Ward Inabinett

Aug 27 Ed Huneycutt

Aug 28 Lynne Cleckley

Aug 28 Chuck Taylor

Aug 30 Sandra Husted

Aug 30 Cole Riggan

August Birthdays

2021 YEAR-TO-DATE FINANCIALS Through June

Budgeted to-date $147,900

Actual Income $143,484

Actual Expenses $107,648

Smith, Amy Burkhart Art’s daughter Smith, Dan Griff Parishioner Smith, Martha Ellen Parishioner Snyder, Louise Cathy Riggans’ mother Surratt, Clarice & Henry Former Parishioners Tilley, Robin Frances Garner’s niece Touchton, Jackie B. MacKinstry’s sister Underwood, Toni Friend Watson, Kathy Friend Welch, Frances Suzy Sheets’ mother Weller, Courtney Friend Whetmore, Susan Friend Williams, Flynn B & B Gilleland’s grandson Young, Charlotte Carolyn Wolfe’s sister

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 5

Welcoming a New Cookbook to Grace

September will see many new arrivals to Grace Church. First and foremost is the arrival of our new priest. And, either right on heels of his arrival, if not before, we can celebrate the appearance in a hard, tangible form, of our Bicentennial Anniversary Cookbook. A sneak peak at the table of contents shows a much requested recipe—Shorty Grimes’ Bloody Mary Mix as well as Barry Wardle’s Bakewell Tart. So, to cut to the chase…

We are ready to go!! Cooking with Grace is ready to go to the printers!! (It will be submitted on 2 August to take advantage of special pricing). We are now

taking pre-orders for the books. The price is $16 and can be ordered from any committee member. We are estimating an arrival date back from the printer around the first week in September, in time to start your holiday shopping.

Cooking with Grace contains 473 recipes!! We have many favorites from past members up through favorites of our church school members. Again, see any committee member to pre-order. Make your check out to Grace Episcopal Church and put “cookbook” on the memo line. All proceeds will go to the church in some form or another.

August Ministries Schedule

Aug 1

Aug 8 Aug 15 Backpack Blessing

Aug 22 Aug 29

Service Leader

Pat Plummer Rev. Tom Carter Rev. Jim Bernacki Neca Johnson

Joe Wallace

Lector/ Intercessor

Tere Wagner Jim Nance Staley Nance

Laurie Briggs Sidney Briggs

Robin Sink Kate Inabinett

Acolyte n/a Kate Inabinett Virginia McDonald n/a

Ushers NEEDED NEEDED

Flowers Staley & Jim Nance

Altar Guild Sandra Husted, Mary Matthews, Pat Plummer, Sandy Reynolds, Marlene Jones

Vestry Person of the Month: Linda Cox

August 2021

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6:00-7:00 pm Lexington Youth Chorus

practice in the Parish Hall

Rite-13 & J2A Pool Party

3:00 - 5:00 pm Lexington Swim Club

10:00 am Holy Eucharist Service with

Rev. Jim Bernacki

BACKPACK BLESSING

6:00 pm UC Food Ministries

Meeting

5:30 pm Finance Comm.

Meeting

7:00 pm Vestry Meeting

10:30 am UC Liturgy & Worship

Committee Meeting

Remember, if you will be conducting a meeting at Grace Church, you need to contact the church office to reserve a space! Email or call

Maureen at (336) 249-7211—gracechurch@lexcominc.net

10:00 am Holy Eucharist Service with

Rev. Tom Carter

6:00-7:00 pm Lexington Youth Chorus

practice in the Parish Hall

6:00-7:00 pm Lexington Youth Chorus

practice in the Parish Hall

6:00-7:00 pm Lexington Youth Chorus

practice in the Parish Hall

6:00-7:00 pm Lexington Youth Chorus

practice in the Parish Hall

6:00-7:00 pm Lexington Youth Chorus

practice in the Parish Hall

6:00-7:00 pm Lexington Youth Chorus

practice in the Parish Hall

6:00-7:00 pm Lexington Youth Chorus

practice in the Parish Hall