Dear friends,

Easter Grace and peace to you!  I am grateful to bear witness with you to the truth revealed through the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

A year ago we entered into the restrictions of the pandemic.  Many have suffered and continue to suffer because of the virus, the isolation, and the loss of work and productivity in numerous sectors of our economy.   Honoring grief and loss, and continuing to care for on-going trauma, we must also give thanks for the signs of new life emerging everywhere.  God continues to deliver the invisible grace of mercy and love, inspires joy in the work of reconciliation, and leads us forward with patient confidence. 

The standards set for regathering have now been reached in Lexington, Rockbridge County and Buena Vista.  Keeping in mind, vaccinated persons can still contract the virus we will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect others.   On April 18 we may begin regathering indoors in the Parish Hall for 8 am and 10:30 am.  Other parish and community groups may begin in-person gatherings in our Parish House the week of April 18.

This is good news!  As you are able, always prioritizing safety and health, encourage one another to come together and look forward with enthusiasm.  

Note: The following restrictions will continue for all in-person gatherings at Grace:  1. Anyone experiencing active symptoms has to remain home.  2. Masks are required.  3. Social distancing is required inside and outside.  4. Communion will be distributed in bread only.  5. There will be no congregational singing. 6. For groups of 9 or fewer fully-vaccinated persons masks and distancing requirements may be relaxed.

Be assured, all in-person worship will also be live-streamed and recorded.  All groups are encouraged to provide a virtual option for their meetings.  Grace will provide as much technical support as needed to make that possible.

Finally, I want to share exciting news about the progress of the capital campaign to support the renovation of the chancel.  Thanks to the leadership of Rob Minor and his team, and thanks to the generosity of 49 households who have already given and pledged, including all Vestry and Campaign workers, we have in hand $157,512.29 plus pledges for $367,178.00 for a total commitment of $524,690.29 toward our goal of $570,000.  Today, Good Friday, April 2, brochures and pledge cards go in the mail to an additional 120 households.  I hope each household will share great enthusiasm for this exciting project and offer whatever level of generous support seems right to help us exceed the $570,000 stretch goal.  Once we reach the $570,000 goal we will restore the encaustic tile in the narthex into the project.  Any contributions pledged beyond the $570,000 goal will still go to the chancel renovation which will cost $920,000 and will reduce the amount we take from other funds.  Every contribution, no matter the size, will be gratefully received, acknowledged, and faithfully used.   

Please take the opportunity to get excited about the future while honoring the cost in human suffering.  Spring is sprung, mud-licious, puddle-wonderful Spring. Celebrate the empty tomb.  Celebrate the diminishing grip of the virus.  Celebrate the emerging chancel.  Hear the distant strains of the new organ.  And most of all, celebrate the work of reconciliation, this fellowship of love and prayer, this communion we share in the name of the crucified and risen Lord as members of his body at Grace Episcopal, Lexington. In His grace and life and peace all our hope is founded and sure.

Happy Easter.

With gratitude,

Tuck +