Evangelism and Communication

The role of this commission is to promote the growth and participation in the life of the parish, inform members and the public about church activities, make newcomers feel welcome, and encourage participation in spiritual life. 

 Cursillo

Cursillo, a Spanish word which translates literally “a short course in Christianity,” now has many members at Grace Church and interest continues to grow. Attending a Cursillo weekend consists of being part of a committed adult group of Christians of our faith who spend a three and one half day weekend in retreat adding spiritual meaning to their lives. The program continues throughout the year with Cursillistas meeting in small groups on a weekly basis and in larger groups on a quarterly basis in a program called Ultreya. Each year the Diocese of Southern Virginia sponsors a men’s, women’s, co-ed, or concurrent weekend in the spring and the fall. To learn more contact our Rector (898-3261) or Jeanne Harvey (868-4407). The web site for Cursillo in the Diocese of Southern Virginia is www.cursillodsv.org.

Bread Ministry

Each visitor who fills out a pew card and places it in the collection plate receives a handwritten note from one our clergy.. We have a team that alternates visiting newcomers and takes them a loaf of bread as a symbol of warmth and love we at Grace Church extend to newcomers. Along with the bread they are given a Newcomer’s Guide which helps them to see the various ministries, studies and other opportunities to be a part of Grace Church.

Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter, Words of Grace, is published to keep everyone informed about the important church news and upcoming events. Members of the congregation contribute information and our editor is Marcia Fox, church secretary. There are many volunteers, known as the folding team, who gather to collate, fold and address the newsletters before they are taken to the post office for bulk mailing.

Literature

Forward Day-By-Day booklets and informational brochures are available to parishioners and guests in the narthex of the Church and Parish Hall entrance.  Copies of The Jamestown Cross are available to all parishioners upon request. Copies of Episcopal Life, our national publication, can be found in the Parish Hall. If you wish to subscribe, information is available in the church office.

Information racks in the narthex of the Church and in front of the Parish Book and Gift Shop are updated with informational brochures from York County on ongoing/planned community activities in the historic district and calendar of events. Copies of the tri-fold brochure on the history of Grace Church are also available.

Bulletin Board

A bulletin board located in the Parish Hall is maintained and updated with information about events at Grace Church and outreach opportunities. It also provides a place for sign-up sheets for the various events at Grace.

Web Site

The Grace Church web site operates under the domain name www.gracechurchyorktown.org. The home page of the web site contains the latest activity updated each day to show the next seven days’ schedule, announcements of upcoming events, recent news items, and links to other sections of the web site

Newcomers Orientation

A reception is held  annually to bring together people who have arrived at Grace Church since the last orientation to meet other newcomers, discuss their experiences as newcomers, and learn more about our parish. After a social time everyone present shares some of their personal experiences at Grace Church.

Phone Directory

A phone directory with name, address and email was published and each family at Grace Church received a copy. In addition to the paper directory an e-mail directory is established and is used to provide information to those with e-mail capability opting for inclusion in this directory.

Labyrinth

This is a growing ministry that has provided both individuals and groups the opportunity to walk the labyrinth. There is a section of the web site specifically dedicated to the labyrinth ministry with detailed information and pictures.

Contact: Jean Kirkham (898-5691) or jhkirkham@widomaker.com