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Christian Education—Programs to nurture the spiritual development of all ages are offered throughout the week. On Sundays, Church School classes for K-12 meet while adults may choose to attend either Christianity and Culture, a discussion blending culture, tradition and spirituality or a study of scripture. Disciples of Christ, Quiet Mornings, Confirmation, book study/discussion groups, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School all offer additional growth opportunities.
Frances Grist, 463- 6118,
sandfgrist@rockbridge.net
Christian Nurture—This group provides support to members of the R. E. Lee parish family who have short- or long-term needs due to surgery, injury, declining health or lack of companionship. On a short-term basis, they provide transportation to medical appointments, run errands, send remembrance cards, help assemble gift packages, help with memorial receptions, and also are available to help with longer-term assistance by providing transportation to church or by visiting a homebound parishioner and supporting the caregiver.
Anna Crockett, 463-3792,
CrockettAZ@vmi.edu
Christian Outreach—In response to Christ’s commandment to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” the Christian Outreach Committee supports, coordinates and develops a variety of services to others in need. In doing so, we demonstrate Christ’s love through the efforts and resources of members of our parish to aid neighbors locally, nationally, and internationally. Annually, we assist the parish in directing budgeted financial support to more than 15 regional agencies, including Rockbridge Area Relief Association (RARA) Food Pantry, Project Horizon, Hospice, Boy Scouts, Rockbridge Area Transportation Service (RATS), Meals for Shut-ins, Yellow Brick Road Early Learning Center (YBR), Rockbridge Free Clinic, Episcopal Boys’ Home, and Habitat for Humanity. We encourage numerous parishioners who volunteer with these agencies, we coordinate fundraising for specific projects, and we create new programs within the church in response to emerging needs. We provide on-going aid for people in other communities through missions such as Operation Golden Rule (victims of Hurricane Katrina), the Sudan Mission Group (with special emphasis on the Marc Nikkel School in Bor, Sudan), work with the Sudanese refugees in Roanoke , and foster the link with our companion Diocese of Bradford England. MJ Mayerchak, 463-9457, mchak@rockbridge.net.
ECW—All women who attend an Episcopal Church are members of The Episcopal Church Women (ECW). At R. E. Lee Church the ECW raises funds through its Annual Bazaar, held on the third Wednesday in November. Hand-made items, baked goods, Plum Puddings, white elephants, books, CD’s, videos, and jewelry are donated. Planning for that event is launched at the September “Brown Bag” lunch meeting, although the Fanciwork group meets and works year-round. In December members enjoy the Advent Luncheon which features a musical program. Business meetings are held in December and January to plan the allocation of the funds raised to help meet parish, community, national, and global needs. This past year the group celebrated Mardi Gras and most years entertains its members at a festive tea in May. ECW continues to focus energies on supporting outreach projects in Lexington, Rockbridge County and the Diocese. The annual bazaar monies and those from the sales of plum puddings have allowed us to contribute approximately $10,000 to these entities in recent years. Opportunities to gather include a kick-off luncheon for bazaar planning, an Advent luncheon and an annual springtime tea. Alice Furgerson, 464-1244, johnandalice@rockbridge.net
Higher Education Ministry—We are committed to the spiritual growth of the students and cadets at Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute. We recognize that nurturing spiritual growth is vital to academic and human development. Our mission is to assist students and cadets as they discern their vocation through the discovery and stewardship of their God-given gifts. Through the Canterbury Fellowship we provide opportunities for Christian fellowship, study and worship that foster interaction between W&L students, VMI cadets, and members of the R.E. Lee parish family. Parishioners support our ministry by preparing Sunday night meals and adopting a cadet during the first stressful year at VMI. Melissa Cox, 319-1986, coxm@wlu.edu
Parish Office Volunteers—These dedicated workers answer phone calls, fold bulletins, produce mailings and assist the parish administrator in the daily running of the parish office. Gail Dick, 463-5788, enya@rockbridge.net (for Lynne Lorrier, who is on leave)
Parish Life Guild—These 10 teams form a ministry of hospitality for numerous events, allowing many hands to contribute when an event is scheduled. Over 70 ladies have set tables, brought covered dishes and cleaned up for over 50 receptions, potluck suppers, Diocesan gatherings, staff farewells, and staff arrivals in the past year.
Lisa Bowles, 463-2671,
nbowles966@earthlink.net
The Mission and Outreach Committee of the Gadsden Endowment—Charged to fund activities which spread the Christian Gospel and alleviate human suffering, the committee has seven members: one trustee of the church, one Vestry member, two members appointed by the Trustees, and three members appointed by the Vestry. The committee invites grant proposals, meets quarterly to consider them, and grants funds for Diocesan projects or programs specifically underfunded, for seminarians and continuing education of Diocesan clergy or ministers of our parish, for local needs and concerns, and for Third World Needs, especially in Sudan.
Jean Wolfe, 463-9650,
jeanwolfe@rockbridge.net
Welcoming Committee—Members offer hospitality to parishioners and visitors each Sunday, greeting worshipers as they arrive and depart from the worship service. The Lemonade Brigade provides refreshments following the service, creating a pleasant time of conversation and fellowship. Newcomer follow-up includes a visit, a “welcome” gift, and parish information. Several times a year a newcomer reception is held. Judy Noell, 463-5135, noellharbor@earthlink.net
Worship Committee—A committed group of volunteers review and help plan all special worship services. We are always looking for new and inventive ways of expressing ourselves in worship whether through music or interpretation of scripture. Our members represent all groups that have a part in our worship services: the music, acolytes, lay readers and chalicists, altar guild, and ushers. Doug Cumming, 462-2968, cummingd@wlu.edu
Music—Daniel Brinson, Director of Music, 463-4981, dbrinson@releechurch.org The Parish Choir sings for the 10:30 service and special services throughout the year. The St Francis Choir is for children and youth 2nd grade and older. The Handbell Choir is an intergenerational group that plays several times per year. We are forming an Instruments Guild to play at many of our services. We always need volunteers to help with music at our 5:00 service. Acolytes—Youth ages 11 and up who serve as our candle-lighters, torch bearers, and crucifers. Sharon Massie, 464-5408, sharonmassie@adelphia.com and Suzanne Carmichael, 463-1651, carmike@rockbridge.net Lay Readers and Chalicists—Marnie Wheeler, 261-1947, marnie@rockbridge.net Altar Guild—Involving approximately 30 members, the Altar Guild is responsible for preparations prior to all worship services, i.e., putting the color-of-the-season hangings in place, checking the candles, setting up the chalices and holy elements and cleaning up following the services. Complementing the Altar Guild is the Flower Guild devoted to arranging blossoms and greens which add to the beauty of the altar. Also, while the Altar Guild sets up for marriage ceremonies, the Wedding Guild oversees and directs these gala events. The Altar Guild is sometimes described as those who set the Lord’s table and do the dishes afterwards. New members, both men and women, are welcome. Rose Gordon, 463- 7408, rcgordon@adelphia.net Laura Stearns, 463-3506, las@rockbridge.net Ushers—Peter Fyfe – 463-2425, vapiet@rockbridge.net
Youth Committee—Comprised of parents, youth and other parishioners, this team collaborates with the Youth Minister and Director of Christian Education to plan and facilitate youth programs, to include youth in existing ministries and worship services, in addition to developing intergenerational relationships and activities among the congregation and community. Our ministry includes Senior High Episcopal Youth in Community (EYC), Junior EYC, Acolytes, Youth Sunday, youth mission work and all other youth-related events and activities. Susan Cross, Chair – 463-5154 - crossx5@earthlink.net
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