July 2020

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North The GraceVine

“See, I am making all things new” (Revelation to John 21:5, NRSV)

Generally, we of the mainstream moderate churches nod toward the Revelation to John, acknowledging its place in Holy writ, but (and this is historically accurate for as long as the church has argued over what should be included in the canon of Scripture) ghe fact that we don’t really understand what it’s telling us. The details of this epistle are wild and fanciful. The imagery it projects is at times horrific, and as a people, centuries removed from the historical context in which it was developed, we’re happy with only letting the lectionary break the binding at that particular place a couple of

Sundays a year. It’s a shame, because the Revelation offers an important message for us when we experience our world, whether in the macro/societal sense or the micro/personal sense, in a time of upheaval and change. Thankfully, we do not share the experience of those seven first-century churches to which the epistle was written. We’re not persecuted and oppression under the cruel dominance of the Roman Empire. The members of our parishes are not being thrown into prison or brutally martyred for their profession of Christ. Our upheaval and change is a combination of societal reorganization that has for decades diminished the role of the church, exacerbated by a recent pandemic that has forced church leaders to take on both of these issues at once – church leaders who, like the people in the pews, have come to expect the church to operate in a particular, somewhat unchanging and stable way – church leaders who are now struggling to adapt to this new way of being. Video streaming of worship services – whether pre-recorded and uploaded later, or live-streamed via Facebook or YouTube – were once a luxury ministry engaged in by contemporary worship mega churches – and badge of coolness for those seeking to evangelize and draw in young people through media. Today, thanks to the Corona Virus, learning to video stream is a necessity for us established, “old guard” churches who still operate on “coffee hour/visitor book” evangelism. Physical distancing and the suspension of in-person services in the time of pandemic is forcing us to move away from these, and most all, of our “we’ve always done it this way” practices. Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple says this our “time for lamentation, adaptation, and innovation.” I would add this is also our time of Revelation. As we lament, asking “How long, O Lord?” and struggle to “Keep calm and carry on” we, through a man named John (not the Apostle and gospeler) are asked to remember that God is not deaf to our cries, nor has God abandoned us to make our own way. God is with us. The gates of hell may hurl themselves against us, but they cannot and will not prevail. They are, in fact defeated already, because Christ, ‘The Lamb,” is on the throne, saying, “See, I am making all things new.” Did God create the corona virus as a judgment? No, I don’t believe or think that, however, can and is God use our viral situation to get us unstuck from the places where we’ve become stuck, and draw us, not just toward a renewed church and future, but deeper into God and our reliance upon God’s grace? Yes. Emphatically, “YES!”

“It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift” (22:16,17)

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (22:20b).

Until next time, when again we’ll gather ‘round The Master’s bench, I bid you Peace.

Fr. A +

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

Page 2 The GraceVine—July 2020

From the Rector’s Desk: Update on Corona Virus Status and Reopening

Thursday, June 25th, 2020:

This morning the clergy and bishops of the Diocese of North Carolina met via Zoom, as we have been doing since March – every Tuesday and Thursday – in the ongoing discussion of how we as a church and diocese can, must, and will respond to the covid-19 pandemic that is currently gripping our nation and our world.

At first, it was anticipated that mitigation of the virus’ spread would be affected by staying at home, suspending public gatherings including worship, and optimistically we’d be back in the church again by May 17th. That of course didn’t happen. The date was pushed out to June, and then again to tentatively after July 1st. This week, as the State of NC entered the third to fourth week of Phase 2 of its reopening plan, the number of infections and hospitalizations spiked to an all-time high, Governor Cooper instated a mandatory masking ordinance where masks are to be worn both inside and outside for public gatherings and such for a minimum of three weeks.

With not meeting the original mitigation guidelines that the diocese was using as a guide for reopening, the July 1st date will pass, and we will still be where we have been since March 17th, with general indoor gathering and worship as we knew it suspended.

Worship indoors, for now, remains limited to ten people present (inclusive of the worship team), masked and keeping physically distant in the worship space; communion received only in one kind (bread), wine symbolically blessed but not consumed during the service; the service video recorded or live-streamed for the general population; instrumental music, or recorded music is allowed, but not a choir, congregational singing, or a live soloist; clergy team will be masked – sermons delivered masked, or if unmasked, after the service with only the preacher in the space, or pre-recorded and upload later. Attendees are also responsible for downloading and printing off their own worship bulletins (available online as they have been) and bringing them with them to Church. Worship bulletins will not be provided at the door).

If, and when, we are able to expand the size of the congregation again, all of the above will continue to apply, except – twenty-five people total (inclusive of worship team); participants attending will be registered at the door and the temperature taken (non-touch) for contact tracing purposes; attendees will be responsible for bringing and wearing a mask at all times (if someone forgets a mask will be made available); the wearing of masks will be strictly enforced. Hand sanitizer will be at stations and available; no physical “passing the peace,” greetings (handshaking, hugging, etc.) are heartily discouraged ( unless between persons within your immediate household). Coffee hours and shared meals, etc. will not be offered until stage 4, that is, until there’s a vaccine, there are no more hospitalizations and deaths from Covid-19.

In the event that, weather permitting, we are able in this next phase to hold an outdoor service, all requirements above will remain in force – physical distancing, masks, recording attendance, no singing, etc. —but the number of people permitted to attend increases to thirty-five.

At this present time … from July 1st till ….”stardate: who the heck knows” -- the diocese will entertain allowing outdoor worship, IF attendance is limited to twenty-five people (inclusive of worship team); everyone is masked and kept physically distant, etc., and with bishop’s permission, agrees to follow protocols set by the Diocese. For outdoor worship attendees would also be responsible for their own masks, bringing folding chairs from home, prayer books, and/or downloading and printing off their bulletins, bringing them with them to the service.

To make all this happen will first take discernment as to what we as a congregation are able, wanting, but above all, willing to do as we open. The Bishops and the diocese are giving us guidelines, but we as a parish have a lot of leeway in meeting those guidelines. As a hypothetical, the bishop may say, “Okay, on August 1st we’ll open for limited public worship.” If we as vestry/ parish decide that more time is needed, we can always keep things as they are currently and move together in preparation. This is not the decision of, or in the

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 3

abilities of one, or even a few individuals, to accomplish. It involves all of us helping one another.

Volunteers for a Communications/Audio-Visual Team need to be gathered to work on and be responsible for the livestreaming, recording, and editing of our worship services. Ushers will need to be organized and retrained to keep the attendance records, contact tracing information, and help people remain physically distant. The whole school of how to welcome and usher will have to be re-thought. All the members of our Liturgy and Worship Commission will be called upon take an active role in planning and organizing how we’ll not only worship together in the months to come; all Commissions and ministries are being called upon to follow suit and redesign how we’ll be Church together in the years ahead.

When I’m asked, “when we come out the other side of this, and can go back …” At that point I hold up my hand and say, “I’m sorry, but we’re not going ‘back’. ‘Back’ was yesterday. ‘Back’ is gone. We’re not being called to go ‘back’, only forward. Forward, in time, there may be some similarities to what was ‘back’; familiar things that were once – fade away for a time – and then return. This pandemic has changed us and the way we’ve come to know “church” for ever. When Adam & Eve were escorted out of Eden, the Lord God set an angel with a flaming sword to guard and prevent them from going ‘back’. Their new life was out ahead of them.

So is ours, and like them, we get to choose and work to make it what it will be, with God’s help.

Fr. Alton +

From the Rector’s Desk: Update on Corona Virus Status and Reopening (continued from page 2)

We’ve heard from many folks during this pandemic pause, that they wish they could just go into Grace Chapel to sit, to pray, and reconnect with this holy ground again.

In early June, we also learned that our dear friend, Hugo Hodgin, passed away. A parishioner stepped forward with an idea for a gift to Grace Chapel that would honor Hugo, known to all as man of deep faith and prayer, and the people’s request for time on holy ground together.

Since we won’t be using the choir in the chapel for some time to come, we’ve rearranged some pews (relocating one to the back wall of the chapel and turning one around), resettled a chair and prie-dieu, added a donated area rug, as well as a votive candle stand that was gifted to Grace by the individual who envisioned the project and space.

The project is not quite complete as of yet: the votive glasses and candles are on back order, as is a wooden, Celtic-carved cross that will hang on the wall above the candle holder.

Once all the pieces are gathered and in place, we intend to have the Chapel open for visitation two days a week (Tuesday & Thursday) from 10AM – 2PM, for quiet meditation and personal prayer. As you offer your prayers up, you may also light a candle. Keep looking to your weekly Grace Notes, Grace’s Facebook page, and our website, for the opening dates.

A Project in the Works: Grace Chapel

Adkins, Mark Parishioner Alexander, Chris Friend Alexander, Cora Friend Amon, Amanda Rick Mack’s sister Asebes, Ella B & W MacKinstry’s granddaughter Beck Barbara Parishioner Brown, Baylee Parishioner Cain, Andrea Friend Cinque, Russell Friend Cleckley, Lynne Parishioner Curia, Morgan Former Parishioner Dixon, Barbara Friend Dresser, Johanna Friend Egan, Mike Parishioner Gallen, Aubrie Friend Garland, Shana Friend Garner, Frances Parishioner Gaskins, Marlon Friend Gibson, Susan Friend Grimes, Jane Parishioner Hanna, George K. Everhart’s brother Hare, Rob Penny Taylor’s brother Harris, Kristen Friend Hinkle, Nance Talmadge’s sister-in-law Hodges, Chris & Mike Parishioner Holmes, Will M. Parker’s great nephew Huff, Jon Friend Hutchins, Nancy Friend Johnson, Brinkley Friend Keaton, Jonah Friend King, Anne Former Parishioner Lang, Sally Parishioner Layfield, Lindsay Friend Lowery, Michael Friend Mack, Lynn Parishioner May, Carol Parishioner Melomo, Nicholas Max & Peggy Walser’s grandson Michael, Molly Talmadge’s cousin Miller, Seth Parishioner 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 Sills, Denise Friend Silversides, Talmadge Parishioner Smith, Amy Burkhart Art’s daughter Smith, Dan Griff Parishioner Smith, Martha Ellen Parishioner Snyder, Louise Cathy Riggan’s mother Surratt, Clarice & Henry Parishioners Tilley, Robin Frances Garner’s niece Touchton, Jackie B. MacKinstry’s sister Underwood, Toni Friend Welch, Frances Suzy Sheets’ mother Weller, Courtney Friend Whitehurst, Bill Friend Young, Charlotte Carolyn Wolfe’s sister

Prayer List

Page 4 The GraceVine—July 2020

July 3 Fred McIntyre

July 4 Blake Inabinett

July 5 Allen Ingram

July 6 Frances Garner

July 8 Bright Carter

July 9 Renee Kaley

July 10 Curtis Hodge

July 11 Miles Stoner

July 12 Merritt Carter

July 12 Grayson Carter

July 14 Philip Matthews

July 15 Dan Griff Smith

July 17 Allen Robertson

July 18 Sally Dodd

July 19 Marlene Jones

July 20 Bonnie Duckworth

July 23 Anderson Carter

July 26 Lisa Timberlake

July 29 Mike Hodges

July 30 Ed Jordon

July Birthdays

Grace Episcopal Church Lexington, North Carolina Page 5

Christian Formation during the Summer

Many in our congregation are ready to start having tough discussions, looking for truth, and intentionally helping to end racism, toward The Episcopal Church Becoming a Beloved Community initiative and in response to most unsettling recent events. Earlier, the leadership of Adult Forum planned to offer a few books for us to read over the summer, then begin our 2020-2021 educational year with an 11 part series in Adult Forum on Dismantling Racism. We have decided that instead of waiting, we will start small group discussions this summer. You are invited and encouraged to participate. Informative and insightful resources, book suggestions, and videos have been gathered to share.

I would love to hear from you if you are interested in being a part of a group, if you have any suggestions for books or topics, and if you are interested in learning more, but are not ready to be part of a group at this time. You can contact me at carrieingram@gmail.com or (336)596-2810.

Right now we have three groups available for you to join, but can create another group if we have more interest and a facilitator.

1--How to Raise Anti-Racist Children will meet on Tuesdays at 8:00 and be facilitated by Bright Carter

2--Book Study on Waking Up White by Debby Irving will meet Thursdays at 7:00 and be facilitated by Marilyn Taylor

3--Conversations on Dismantling Racism has not determined a meeting time yet, but will be facilitated by Neca Johnson For those of you who are ready to get started reading, here are some resources:

Waking Up White by Debby Irving

White Fragility: Why it's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo

America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis

Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace, and Healing (Resources for Reconciliation) by Emmanuel Katongole

Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? (King Legacy) by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Radical Welcome by Stephanie Spellers

Becoming an Anti-Racist Church by Joseph Barndt

Living Into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism in America by Catherine Meeks

Witnessing Whiteness: The Need to Talk About Race and How to Do It by Shelly Tochluk

Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives by Howard J. Ross

Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva

Racing to Justice: Transforming Our Conceptions of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society by John A. Powell

Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad

Thank you for your consideration to move forward in this meaningful journey together,

Carrie Ingram Christian Formation and Communications Director

If you are reading this electronically, click on this website for more resources:.

Also, here is a link for information from WXII 12 that has been passed along from our Bishops as a good

resources for taking steps to fight racism.

July 2020

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Pastor’s Pantry food Item of the Month: Grits / Boxes of Cereal

Non-Food Item: Toothbrush/Toothpaste

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

Undercroft Activities

Commons Room Activities

Vestry Update

During the Corona/Covid-19 crisis, the vestry has continued our monthly meetings via Zoom. Our last meeting was on Tuesday, June 16th. Our discussions dealt a lot with concerns regarding the impact the pandemic is having on our lives and specifically our life as Grace Church. The virtual services have been very well received and have served us well. We continue to be sensitive to the needs of our parish and follow the lead of the Diocese. Hopefully, we will soon be able to begin assembling together, but as for now, we must continue as we are. As Alton has stated previously in this newsletter, we have plans underway to begin opening the Chapel for private visitation and meditation. This way people can come to this sacred place and have time to have a spiritual moment. More about this later. Some of the business matters that were handled:

• We received our PPP loan of $31,800 and it is being held in reserve as needed

• We terminated our lawn maintenance contract and John Taylor has assumed those chores

• Sally Hanson has joined the Finance & Administration Committee

• Our Financials through May have slipped and we are $5,792 behind budget YTD

• The undercroft water project is almost finished as replacement tile is not complete I encourage everyone to monitor their tithing and if you are in arears, please make plans to catch up as we go through the summer months. Peace to all. Tommy Black, Sr. Warden