Parish Life - Fellowship Opportunities
There are many parish life activities that bring members together at Grace Memorial. We have Sunday School for children of all ages. Adult Forum is held every Sunday at 9:30 between the 8:00 and 10:30 services. Adult Forum is conducted by parishioners, the rector, or special guests and covers a variety of topics, from church history to current events. Once a month, to help members be aware of their health, someone takes blood pressures after each service. Each Sunday altar flowers are donated by members in memory of loved ones. After the 10:30 service, volunteers provide food for a coffee hour. It is a wonderful time to catch up and visit with each other. On fifth Sundays we have a brunch instead of the coffee hour. Everyone brings a dish to share.
Parish members take meals to people who are in need and also serve as drivers for Meals on Wheels. The Parish Life Commission offers receptions after funerals and provides food to the families of those parishioners who have passed away. Whenever the Parish Life Commission sends out a call for food, it is always generously answered.
During the Christmas season, parishioners go Christmas caroling through our church neighborhood. After caroling, they return to the church for hot chocolate and cookies. There is a men's group that meets occasionally for breakfast. This group also does much of the yard work and cleanup on the church grounds. The parish sponsors a movie night on occasion, featuring a movie which provides food for thought. Members and the neighborhood are invited. After the movie there is a discussion time which allows attendees the opportunity to discuss the salient points of the movie. Once a month, there is Ladies Night Out. This is a ladies group which meets at church members' homes. There is food and lots of fellowship. Our rector has traditionally taken part in the Blessing of the Animals and an All Saints service at the Lynchburg Old City Cemetery.
Communion is taken to shut-ins. Parish members also visit shut-ins and those members living in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Birthday cards are sent to members each year. Also, there is a Craft Faire in the fall and members display their handiwork and raise money for the Outreach Commission. Our building is also used by AA and the Queen Bees, a quilting club.
Grace Memorial parishioners are very generous, friendly, and welcoming people. There is an obvious feeling of community, acceptance, and love that is apparent to everyone.