As we come into this month of Valentine’s love and many focus on their dearest loved one for a day, let us open ourselves up to the love which God has for us every moment of every day. Only a few days after Valentine’s Day, we will enter the season of Lent and begin to look toward Easter. We come to Lent looking for that certain something, that “Lenten discipline” that will help us to grow and learn and change for the better. For some it’s giving up something, for others it’s taking on something and for some it’s both – give one thing up and replace it with something else. Whatever you choose, may it bring good to you and others. I hope that you will reflect on the following words and enact them in your life so that you will grow and learn and change and bring good to others.

“ The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers – wider freeways but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families – more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense;

more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom¼”

You may be surprised to learn that these are the words of one George Carlin – that coarse and sometimes vulgar comedian who also served as a commentator on life in our time. And though he may have been crude, he was often right in his assessment of things. Comedians often are since they tend to be very astute in their understanding of human nature and its inconsistencies. In fact, that’s where much of their humor comes from. This particular piece by Carlin, has been floating around the internet for a while. It was apparently written shortly after the death of his wife, which could explain the nature of some of his insights and why they are worthy of reflection.

The best part of what he wrote comes in the second half as he reflects on relationships. We were made for relationships –

with other people as well as with God. Yet the busyness of our lives, individually and collectively, often keeps us from really connecting in meaningful ways with others and seeing the gift we have in them. Until it’s too late. The recent passing of former Rector, the Rev. Jim Chipps, drives this point home. With that in mind, Carlin’s words become not just a good thought for reflection but very personal. Let his words which follow be a reminder, rather than a painful reminder, to invest in those we love while we can. Who knows when the words just spoken will be the last we ever speak to one we love! So this Lent (and beyond):

“Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent. Remember to say, ‘I love you’ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all ‘mean it.’ A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And always remember: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” (George Carlin)

So let us have that special day of celebration of love but let love be something we focus on every day. And let us use this Lent as a time to begin that with others, ourselves and with our God who loves us so much that He gave His life for us.

In the warmth of His love,

Jim +

Bishop Johnston Visits Grace

Our new diocesan bishop will be visiting Grace on the afternoon of Sunday February 7. In light of it being an afternoon visit, we will not hold our regular service or Sunday School that morning. We will have the service at 2 pm, followed by a reception at the Parish Hall. Please come out in force and meet Bishop Johnston that afternoon.

Shrove Tuesday

The Shrove Tuesday willl be held in the Parish Hall on Tuesday from 5-7 PM on Feb. 16. Additional information will be furnished later.

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Ash Wed. is Feb 17 and we will hold services with the imposition of ashes at 10 am in the Parish

Hall and 7:30 pm in the Church. The following Wednesdays of Lent (2/24 through 3/24) we will join with the good people of St. James, Warrenton for dinner, evening prayer and a time of teaching at St. James. The schedule will be as follows:

Lenten Supper at 5:30

Evening Prayer at 6:15

Study at 7pm – Bob Seiple – former President of World Vision International

St. James Episcopal Church

73 Culpeper St., Warrenton,

Folks who wish to carpool can plan to meet at the Parish Hall and travel together.

Vestry Meeting Synopsis

January 11, 2010

Highlights:

The following were elected to office for this year: Senior Warden – Bobbie Gouldthorpe; Junior Warden – Art Payne; Register – Carol Goshorn; Treasurer – Judy Ball; Asst. Treasurer – Doris Pearson. The Diocesan /Deanery Delegate – Betsy Anderson with Madell Day as the alternate.

The Treasurer reported that there were unpaid obligations for 2009 which include the rector’s pension plan premium for the 4^th quarter ($2,932.62) and his mileage reimbursement for the year ($2,526.30). Fr. Jim has offered to waive payment of the latter and attribute it to his giving for 2009. We were reminded that the loose plate offering on the 1^st Sunday of each month is specified

for the rector’s discretionary fund. 2009 pledges revealed a deficit of $5,721.

The Junior Warden reported on pending repairs at Redlands and the stove at the Parish Hall.

The death of Jean Goad and our former rector, Jim Chipps, was acknowledged.

Carol Grove will be having surgery on her thumb and wrist on Jan 15 which is the same day Fr. Jim will have a screw removed from his foot. Jane Childs has stabilized since her recent hospitalization. Becky Warren is doing well at Blue Ridge Christian Home. Doris Pearson has postponed her knee surgery till the spring.

All who attended Fr. Jim Chipps’ memorial service commented on the wonderful spiritually uplifting event and we could hear voice in the beautiful music of the service. Contributions in his memory have been designated to Grace Church.

The Bishop’s visitation with Bishop Shannon Johnston will be at 2 pm the afternoon of February 7 followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Madell will be asked to coordinate the reception.

The Vestry will meet to review goals from 2009 and set goals for 2010 on the afternoon of February 28 in the Family Center.

Submitted by

Bobbie Gouldthorpe

Senior Warden

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CASANOVA, VIRGINIA

YEARLY TREASURER’S REPORT – DECEMBER 31, 2009

January through December 2009

Revenue Expenses Net Income(Loss)

Operating Accounts $135,127 $136,515 $ [1,388]

Restricted Accounts $ 4,953 $ 3,272 $ 1,226

Total YTD $140,080 $140,242 $ [ 162]

Pledge Campaign:

2010 2009

Number Amount Number Amount

Operating Pledges 26 $72,860 24 $80,940

Building Pledges 10 10,300 10 8,820

Total 35 $83,060 34 $89,760

New 5 $8,740 1

Increased 12 6

Decreased 6 8

Unchanged 13 19

Outstanding 7 $11,960

Unpaid Obligations at year-end - Fr. Jim Cirillo’s 4^th Quarter Pension Premium of $2,932.62

Fr. Jim Cirillo’s Mileage Reimbursement for the year of $2,526.30

Total of $5,458.92

OUTREACH PROGRAMS – 2009

Completed Pledges to Diocese - $1068.00

Region XIII - $540.00

Mardi Gras Benefit – Raised $967 for benefit of Habitat Women’s Build

Project Logan – Pillows for Troops – raised $521.00

SPECIAL PROJECT:

Labyrinth Garden – Raised $2,570.00; $768 remains in account to purchase shrubs and benches

Grace Church February 2010

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Charlotte Perry*

Anne Bryant*

Louie & Pat Warren#

Ray & Martha

Graham#

Worship

2:00 PM

with Bishop Johnston

Reception follows in Family Center

7:00 Vestry Meeting

11:00 AM Senior Center

Worship

9:00 AM

Rick & Betsy Anderson#

Grace Notes deadline

Chase Perreault*

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

5-7 PM Parish Hall

11:00 AM Senior Center

Ash Wed. Services

10:30 AM Parish Hall

7:30 PM Church

Worship

9:00 AM

Brandon Payne*

Jessica Warren Rhodes*

Senior Center 11:30 a.m.

Lenten Study meeting at St. James 5 :30 PM

Paige Payne*

Jeannie

Leonard*

Worship

9:00 AM

Vestry Goals meeting - PM in Family Center

Healing Service 5:00 PM

* = Birthday #Anniversary

Grace Church Serving Schedule -- February 2010

DATE

SVC

DAY

LESSONS

LECTOR

ACOLYTE

ALTAR

COFFEE

Feb 7

2 PM

Epiph 5

Psalm: 138

Isaiah 6:1-13

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Luke 5:1-11

Pam Ruffner

Jack Perry

Betsy Anderson

Reception following service

Feb 14

2 PM

Epiph Last

Psalm: 99

Exodus 34:29-35

1 Corinthians 3:12—4:2

Luke 9:28-43a

Betsy

Anderson

Madell Day

Carol Goshorn

Charlotte & Jack Perry

Feb 17

10:30 AM

7:30

Ash

Wed.

Psalm: 103:8-14

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Carol Goshorn

Feb 21

9 AM

Lent 1

Psalm: 91:1-2, 9-16

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Romans 10:8b-13

Luke 4:1-13

B. Gould-thorpe

Jack Perry

Barbara

Jacobs

Barbara & Greg McLeod

Feb 28

9 AM

Lent 2

Psalm: 27

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Philippians 3:17—4:1

Luke 13:31-35

Linda Swann

Madell Day

Pam Ruffner

Judy Shipe & Sharon Woodward

Mar 7

9 AM

Lent 3

Psalm: 63:1-8

Exodus 3:1-15

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Luke 13:1-9

Dee Garrett

Jack Perry

Charlotte

Perry

Judy Ball & Barbara Whitbred

Non Profit Organization

U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

Casanova, VA 20139

Permit No. 1

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Rev. James Cirillo, Rector

P.O. Box 18

Casanova, VA 20139

(540) 788-4419

Website: gracechurchcasanova.org