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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. Quiet Mornings, Confirmation, book study/discussion groups, Bible Study, Education for Ministry, and Vacation Bible School all offer additional growth opportunities. Sharon Massie (570-5408 or sharon@releechurch.org ) Pastoral Care —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, but also are available to help with longer-term assistance by providing transportation to church or by visiting a homebound parishioner and supporting the caregiver.
Judy Glick (463-4344 or
judyglick@embarqmail.com) Mission and 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.
Lynda Bassett-DeMaria (463-7403 or
bassett-demarial@wlu.edu) ECW—An organization to which all women in the parish belong 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. Suzanne Carmichael, (463-1651 or carmike@rockbridge.net) Higher Education Ministries—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. The Rev. Dr. Robert Crewdson, Chaplain (464-1543 or athiker@embarqmail.com) Parish Life Guild—These 10 teams form a ministry of hospitality for numerous events held at R. E. Lee Memorial Church, 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. Sharon Massie (463-4981 or sharon@releechurch.org ) 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 7 members: 1 trustee of the church, 1 Vestry member, 2 members appointed by the Trustees, 3 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.
Myra Brush (463-9330) Welcome 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 or
noellharbor@earthlink.net)
Chairperson--
Mary Doyle (463-9285
or mandjdoyle@comcast.net )
The Parish Choir sings for the 10:30 service and special services
throughout the 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—Susan
Cross (463-5154 or crossx5@embarqmail.com) Altar Guild—is composed of approximately 30 members of the church who are 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 or rcgordon@comcast.net) |