November 2017

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North The GraceVine

Religion has a bad reputation, even among church folk. When religion is mentioned it is done so, mostly with a slight edge of distain – as if what we’re doing here now or in worship on Sunday isn’t or shouldn’t be religious.

Spiritual is good. Being identified as “spiritual but not religious” isn’t limited to those folks who do not attend or seek church affiliation. I think there are plenty of good, attending church folk who quietly feel more comfortable with the idea of being spiritual, but not “religious.” We have only our Puritan roots to blame.

When the Calvinists, led by Oliver Cromwell, won their revolt against the English crown, they replaced the earthly King with a theocracy; God, The Bible, and a Commonwealth. Civil laws were made and/or enforced as they aligned with Holy Scripture, including mandatory attendance in worship, and Sabbath or Lord’s Day regulations that would make a Pharisee cringe and say, “that’s way harsh, Dude.” What they created was “rule-igion” … an oppressive system of musts, shoulds, and oughts -- even more oppressive in Protestant hands than the Roman church of the time. It is “rule-igion” that people think of most when religion enters the conversation. That is not to say that religion is anti-rule. Far from it.

The Latin root is “religio” and it is connected to “diligence” – engagement on a regular basis. It has more to do with process than belief … the framework established that allows for our free adoration and honor of the object. My religion – Christianity -- the framework for interpreting, understanding, discovering meaning, and for training and guiding my actions -- is what helps me keep the object of my adoration and praise – God, as revealed in Christ -- at the center of my life, and Sabbath time is an integral part of that framework.

In the Gospel of Matthew the Pharisees ask Jesus, “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath?” It’s a ridiculous question. Sabbath was ordained as a cure … a cure for distraction, for stress, for estrangement – not just in our relationship with God, but with family, friends, and in particular within ourselves. God did not ordain Sabbath to be oppressive … but to provide us with the time and space to let go our anxiety around survival and rest in God’s providence -- and there remember the good things that make the fight for survival and life worthwhile. The Good Book – and a good book; “a closer walk,” and a long walk – ‘our daily bread’ and a good meal and visit with friends. As many ancient rabbinical writings reveal … Sabbath was a day for love-making … yes, in every sense of the phrase (wink-wink; nudge-nudge).

Through the Gospel of Matthew Jesus reminds the Pharisee living within all of us that, “The Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath (12:1-14)— and invites us to give up our “Rule-igion” for the experience true religion: a relationship with him -- and the fulfillment of the promise “I will give you rest.”

Until next time, when once again we’ll gather ‘round The Master’s 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 gracechurch@lexcominc.net

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 - 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel

“At the Master’s Bench” by The Rev. M. Alton Plummer

Page 2 The GraceVine—November 2017

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2017 ACTUAL 2017 ESTIMATED

LEXINGTON, NC Approved To-date 2017 total

Budget (Jan - Sept) (12 mos.)

CONTRIBUTIONS & OTHER REVENUE

Loose Plate Offerings $ 1,500 1,718.40 2,577.60

Pledge Payments 280,000 179,664.28 269,496.42

Non-Pledged Operating 5,000 14,812.41 22,218.62

Sales Tax Refund 600 727.64 727.64

Food Pantry Donations 10,000 1,050.00 1,575.00

Golf Tournament Food Ministries Income - 11.500.00 11,500.00

Sunday Lunch Income 1,500 3,180.92 3,180.92

Office Donations 300 -

Total Income/Revenue 298,900 212,653.65 311,276..20

EXPENSES

Total Worship Ministry 14,668 10,142.34 15,213.51

Total Pastoral Ministry 96,315 62,176.08 93,264.92

Total Educational Ministry 19,150 2,473.62 3,710.43

Total Outreach Ministry 48,600 35,279.01 52,918.52

Total Parish Life Ministry 3,400 1,601.00 3,255.72

Total Administrative Resources 67,870 39,925.07 57,791.11

Total Facilities/Maintenance 76,400 39,122.83 66,206.25

Expense Total 326,403 190,719.95 294,366.44

PROJECTED

Income 298,900 212,653.65 311,276.20

Expenses Total 326,403 190,719.95 294,366.44

Net Gain (Net Loss) (27,503) 21,933.70 16,909.75

Annual Congregational

Meeting

Sunday, November 19, 2017

10:00 am – Undercroft

Breakfast served

(The 9:00 Rite 1 service with Eucharist will be held as usual.)

Please take time to look at where we stand for this current year. We are behind in pledges. We have been very fortunate in the fact, our expenses have been staying below budgeted. Currently the Vestry is working on 2018 budget and different groups within our church has requested increases. This Church needs all of us to pitch in and meet this years budget and be ready to increase our pledges for next year or we could have to cut some programs.

As always, thanks for listening.

Lynn Meeks

From the Treasurer

Confirmation

Come and join with us, and The Rt. Rev. Samuel Rodman, Bishop Diocesan of North Carolina, as we Celebrate All Saints Sunday by remembering the saints of our past, and our present through the holy rite of Confirmation.

Digging up daffodils and tulips? Share your unwanted bulbs (or new ones) with the church and see them bloom anew next spring. Please drop off any bulbs in the church office by November 5. THANKS!

Help Beautify Our Church

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J2A News

The Rite 13 class has met several times to discuss the image of God and how we are made in God’s image. This new class consists of Will Burke, Lyndon Briggs, Sydney Briggs, Kate Inabinett, Owen Miller, and Erik Petruzzi. The Pilgrimage class will complete the confirmation curriculum with Father Alton at the end of this month. Confirmation with Bishop Sam will be held on November 5th, and a dinner celebrating the confirmands and their families will be held that evening in the Undercroft. We hope everyone was able to come out and park in our church lot for the BBQ Festival on Saturday, October 28th. This is always a big fundraiser for our youth.

Church in Lexington. We have two daughters, Ann Rowe(husband Ben, grandchildren Elizabeth, Will, and Luke), and Gail Gordon (husband Scott, grandchildren Alexa and Eric). I am a retired IT Vice President from Global Treasury and Trade Group Bank of America corporate headquarters in Charlotte. I enjoy reading, being a grandmother and spending lots of time with my husband Louie. I have served on the vestry approximately ten years ago and I am proud to be a member of Grace Church.

Vestry Nominees

Thomas H. Black II “Tommy”

I was confirmed at Grace Church in March 1974. I have served on the vestry in the past and as Senior Warden. I am a graduated of the St. Louis Educational Center’s adult course called “The Narrow Ridge” and also the EFM (Education for Ministry). I am retired after 41 years in the furniture industry, and I am a member of the Kiwanis Club. I am married to Pat and have two children: Stephanie B. Wilson and Trey Black, and two grandchildren, Michael and Kate Wilson. My hobbies are golf and golf. Miles Cleckley

I have been an Episcopalian for 45 years. I am also a realtor in Lexington. I am married to Lynne Cleckley and we have two daughters, one who is a member

of Grace. I am a Myers-Briggs personality INFP. I currently sing in the choir and have been on the vestry twice in the past, but would love to be on it again! Linda B. Cox

I was Born and reared in Hendersonville, NC, where I graduated from Hendersonville High School. I attended Mars Hill College and graduated from UNC Asheville. In 1970 I married Louie Cox in Asheville, NC at Beverly Hills Baptist Church by Bob Long, former priest at Grace Episcopal

Page 4 The GraceVine—November 2017

Invite • Welcome • Connect

Evangelism, Demographics and Holidays Workshop.

The Rev Earnest Graham, Canon for Regional Ministry, and the Rev Ken Kroohs will

help us read the demographic reports and

discuss ways to apply it to evangelism and planning ministry in the church. We will also look at the upcoming holiday season and highlight ways to invite people to your church.

This event is open and free to all.

The Wilson Carter Fund

A sincere thank you to Grace Church and everyone that ordered items for the MixedBagDesigns fundraiser for The Children’s

Thank You

School. We had a successful campaign and were able to raise $1,700!

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 5

ADULT FORUM – SUNDAYS @ 9:45 a.m. Sundays thru Nov. 26 (Commons Room)

In this beloved PBS series, mythologist and storyteller Joseph Campbell joins Bill Moyers to explore what

enduring myths can tell us about our lives. In each episode Moyers and Campbell focus on a character or theme found in cultural and religious mythologies. Campbell argues that these timeless archetypes continue to have a powerful influence on the choices we make and the ways we live. Facilitated by David Inabinett, Staley and Jim Nance.

READING BETWEEN THE LINES (BIBLE WORKBENCH) Adult Mid-Week Bible Study Wednesdays 1:30-3:00 p.m. (Commons Room)

Looking for a different kind of Bible study? Looking for a journey into the sacred texts, not just a study of them? Looking for where the study of God may be taking place in your own life? Reading Between the Lines focuses on helping group participants understand the meaning of their own experience, rather than being offered facts and opinions about the text by a teacher. Come and see!

GROWING EPISCOPALINS (GE) for Children in Grades 3-5 – 1st Wednesdays 5:00-6:30 p.m. (Undercroft)

The next Growing Episcopalians will meet Wednesday, November 1st. All 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are invited. In October the children learned about Saints with Lisa Timberlake. (Thanks to Lisa and Ed for providing dinner as well!) We made clay sculptures to represent a saint or to represent themselves (since we all hope to be saints!). In November we will paint our sculptures and get them ready for display on All Saints’ Day. GE is led by Carrie Ingram. Contact her at carrieingram@gmail.com if you would like to provide dinner.

Christian Formation

CHILDREN / YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSAL – following GE first Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7 p.m. with Joan Clodfelter in the choir room. Children and youth K-8 will be practicing November 1st for All Saints Sunday (Nov. 5) also the Bishop’s visit with Confirmation.

GRACE YOUTH THIS MONTH Rite-13 (Middle School) J2A (High School) Part of the Journey to Adulthood program of spiritual formation, we currently have a core Rite-13 group. The

J2A Pilgrims have been attending Confirmation class with Fr. Alton Sundays in September and October. Cathy and Sims Riggan, the Rite-13 leaders, have included J2A in several of the fall youth events this year. Novermber happenings: ► Nov. 5 (Sunday) 11:00 J2A Confirmation

► Nov. 5 (Sunday Evening) 5:30 p.m. Confirmation Dinner in Grace Undercroft. Rite –13 will serve J2A Confirmands/Parents/Mentors.

► Nov. 12 (Sunday Morning) 8:30 a.m. Thanksgiving shopping for Pastor’s Pantry. Rite-13 and J2A meet at Biscuit King Talbert.

► Nov. 18 (Saturday) Time TBA Rite –13 and J2A WF/NC State Tailgate

► Nov. 19 (Sunday) 5:30-7:00 p.m. Rite-13 Dinner and Lesson at the Riggan’s home with Guest: Katherine Everhart.

► Nov. 26 (Sunday Evening) 5:00-7:00 p.m. Rite-13 and J2A attend Advent Wreath Event with Dinner and J2A Pilgrimage Presentation

► Dec. 3 (Sunday) 5:30-7:00 p.m. Rite-13 meet in church undercroft to prepare meal for homeless. Guest Chefs: Belvie and Bill Gilleland.

► Dec. 4 (Monday) 5:15-7:00 p.m. Rite-13 Serve Homeless Shelter meal.

For more information about Adult, Youth and/or Children’s Formation at Grace, contact Kristina Gilbert, gracelexkristina@gmail.com.

Nov 1 Bennie Wagner

Nov 2 Patsy Miller

Nov 2 Suzy Sheets

Nov 3 Dan Moore

Nov 3 Evelyn Harris

Nov 4 Walt Lindsey

Nov 4 William McDonald

Nov 5 Gayle Burke

Nov 8 Ellen Linder

Nov 14 Barbara Beck

Nov 15 Harrison Everhart

Nov 18 Sydney Parker

Nov 19 Myra Spillman

Nov 19 Derek Jones

Nov 20 Katherine Everhart

Nov 26 Robert Mack

Nov 27 Tom Johnson

Nov 28 Beth DeLapp

Nov 29 Patricia Wardle

Nov 30 Talmadge Silversides

Nov 30 Jennie McDonald

November Birthdays

Adkins, Mark Parishioner Alexander, Cora Friend Alexander, Teresa Carol Jordan’s step-sister Amon, Amanda Rick Mack’s sister

Armstrong, Jamie First Methodist Pastor Asebes, Ella B & W MacKinstry’s granddaughter Brown, Baylee Susan Terrell’s granddaughter

Burkhart, Jerry Parishioner Burkhart-Smith, Amy Art’s daughter Burr, Chris Former Parishioner Callicutt, Abbie Friend

Caudle, Mattie Friend Curia, Morgan Former Parishioner DeLapp, Em Parishioner

Egan, Mike Parishioner Garland, Shana Friend Graves, Elizabeth Friend Hanna, George K. Everhart’s brother

Hare, Rob Penny Taylor’s brother Harris, Kristen Friend Hedrick, Ruth Libby’ O’Shea’s mother

Hodges, Chris Parishioner Hodges, Mike Parishioner Hodgin, Sue Parishioner Kepley, Evelyn Lynne Cleckley’s mother

King, Anne Former Parishioner Klass, Cameron Martha Ellen’s granddaughter Lang, Sally Parishioner

Marsh, Polly Jane Grimes’ mother May, Carol Parishioner Michael, Molly Talmadge’s cousin Miller, Matt First Lutheran Pastor

Miller, Seth & Patsy Parishioners O’Shea, Mike & Fran Glenn’s father & step-mother Parsley, Lynn Friend

Plott, Gabby Friend Poole, Blanche Grace Church Housekeeper Ratton, Tom Friend

Reynolds, Bob Friend Rojas, Jacklynn M&L Cleckley’s granddaughter Shearin, Lillian Friend Sheets, Suzy Parishioner

Silversides, Talmadge Parishioner Smith, Martha Ellen Parishioner Stokes, Ellie Kate Friend

Tilley, Robin David Garner’s niece Underwood, Toni Friend Welch, Frances Suzy Sheets’ mother Witt, Elizabeth Friend Young Charlotte Carolyn Wolfe’s sister

Prayer List

Page 6 The GraceVine—November 2017

November Ministries Schedule

Nov 5 Confirmation Bishop Visit

Nov 12 Nov 19 Annual Congregational

Meeting

Nov 26 Dec 3

Lector 9:00 11:00

Mary Matthews Steve Harvey

Philip Matthews Lynn Meeks

Belinda MacKinstry Mary Bolstad

Page Onorato Penny Taylor

Sally Dodd Ed Huneycutt

LEM Karl Bolstad Kathie Goodman Clarice Surratt (If needed)

Mary Matthews Karl Bolstad

Intercessor n/a Joe Wallace Page Onorato Robin Petruzzi Penny Taylor

Acolytes Will B., Kate I., Parker M., Erik P.

Jack Burke Will Burke

Parker Miller Owen Miller

Miles Stoner Erik Petruzzi

Jack Burke Will Burke

Ushers Doug Hartzog Ed Huneycutt

Patrick Miller Henry Surratt

Richard Thomas Jay Williams

Tommy Black Art Burkhart

Dan Moore Barry Wardle

Greeters Ed & Diane Huneycutt

Penny Taylor Patricia Wardle Sandra Husted Patrick Miller

Nursery Penny Taylor Elizabeth Inabinett Mary-Cameron Welborn

Carolyn Wolfe Krista Manning

Social Hour Burke family Welborn family

Cathy & Sims Riggan Pam & Steve Harvey Sandra & Bob Husted

Page Onorato Staley Nance

Sunday Lunch Tammy Absher Lynn Meeks

Welborn family Barry & Patricia Wardle

Miller family Sandra Husted Page Onorato

Flowers Cathy & Sims Riggan n/a Fred McIntyre Bert & Carol May

Altar Guild: Sandra Husted, Dottie Burkhart, Catherine Hoffmann, Mary Matthews, Sandy Reynolds

Crisis Ministry Meal — November—Carol Jordan, Jeri Burkhart, Kathy Johnson, Diane Huneycutt December—J2A January—John & Beth Burke, Penny & John Taylor, MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Vestry Person of the Month: Ed Huneycutt

Grace Pantry Food of the Month: November—Dry Pasta/Pasta Sauce Toothbrush/Toothpaste December—Canned Meat (chicken, ham, etc.) Paper Towels January—Macaroni & Cheese Bar Soap February—Cans of Soup Toilet Tissue

*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 7

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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 = Children’s School CL3 = Classroom 3, 2nd floor CL6 = Classroom 6, 2nd floor CH = Church CP = Chapel

November 2017

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

8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon

Vestry Meeting 7:00 pm

4:00 pm CR Parish Life Mtg

Food Pantry Item of the Month: Dry Pasta / Pasta Sauce

12:10 pm Chapel HE & Healing Svc

3:00-8:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

Non-Food Item: Toothbrush/paste

8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon

8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

10:00 Breakfast

Morning Prayer Service

Meeting In the Undercroft

11:15-5:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

11:00 a.m. Confirmation and

Bishop Visit

6:00 pm CR Grace Food

Ministries Mtg.

2:00-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons

1:30-3:30 CR BWB

1:30-3:30 CR BWB

Advent Wreath-Making

& Pilgrimage

Presentation 5:00 pm

in the Undercroft

Potluck Supper Chicken Provided

Bring side dish!

Church Office Closed Veterans Day observed

11:15-5:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

3:00-8:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

2:00-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons

5:30 pm CR Habitat for Humanity

1:30-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons

2:00-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons

8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon 1:30-3:30 CR BWB

1:30-3:30 CR BWB

12:10 pm Chapel HE & Healing Svc

12:10 pm Chapel HE & Healing Svc

12:10 pm Chapel HE & Healing Svc

4:00-5:15 pm UC Art Class

4:00-5:15 pm UC Art Class

1:30-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons

3:00-8:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

3:00-8:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

11:15-5:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

Growing Episcopalians 5:00-7:00 pm UC

1:30-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons

2:00-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons

4:00 pm CR Social Conc. Mtg

1:30-6:00 pm Chr Piano lessons

11:15-5:00 pm CL1 Violin lessons

4:00-5:15 pm UC Art Class

5:30 pm CR Finance

Committee Mtg

Church Office Closed

1:30-3:30 CR BWB 8:00 pm UC: Al-Anon

Invite Welcome Connect 6:30 pm UC