Associate Rector
The Reverend Matthew Johnson is the Associate Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains, VA. His primary responsibilities involve outreach and children, youth, and young adult ministries. Prior to ordination Matt completed his M.Div. degree at the General Theological Seminary (Episcopal) in Manhattan. During his time in Manhattan, Matt served as a seminarian intern at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Also, between his first and second year of seminary he completed an internship as a hospital chaplain at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, and between his second and third year he worked as an parish intern at St. Catherine’s Church (Church of England) in Stuttgart, Germany.
Matt is native to Virginia, growing up in Alexandria. For undergraduate studies Matt attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, earning a B.A. with a double concentration in English and Music. After graduating from William and Mary, Matt taught middle school English then upper school history at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, VA. While teaching he also coached Cross Country and Track. Matt remains an avid runner and enjoys jogs with this wife Katharina and their yellow Labrador retriever Attie. When not at church or running, Matt enjoys learning the classical guitar, reading, and attending concerts of all sorts.
Matt has two articles on liturgy to be published this fall, one in “Open,” the journal of the Associated Parishes of Liturgy and Mission and one in the Anglican Theological Review. Links will be posted here when available.
Organist & Choir Director
Eric Dombrowski, a native of Cooperstown, NY, received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), studying primary organ with David Higgs and organ improvisation and harpsichord with William Porter. He earned his Masters of Music at the Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University), studying organ with Dr. Larry Smith and harpsichord with Elisabeth Wright.
He has won numerous prizes including first prize in the 2004 Wells Competition for Young Organists in Lubbock, TX, second prize in the 2005 American Guild of Organists Region II competition and second prize in the 2001 Louise de Feo Parillo piano competition, hosted by the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra. In 2004, he participated in the International School of Young Organists at Oundle in the United Kingdom, studying with David Sanger, Hans-Ola Ericsson, and Thomas Trotter. He has given numerous concerts throughout the US, Canada, and the UK including venues such as Guilford and Chester Cathedrals (UK); Slee Hall, SUNY Buffalo; St. James Cathedral, Toronto; St. Philips Cathedral, Atlanta, GA; and Trinity Episcopal Church on Copley Square, Boston, MA.
Mr. Dombrowski served on staff of several churches including Associate Organist at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit and Organist of Northminster Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis. As a teacher he taught on faculty at the Cathedral Choir School of Metropolitan Detroit and Wayne State University, teaching Music Theory and Applied Piano.
Currently, he is the Organist/Choirmaster of Grace Episcopal Church and serves as Artistic Director of the Grace Church Concert Series.
Parish Administrator
Vicky Griffith is the Parish Administrator at Grace Church.
Administrative Assistant to the Rector
Belinda Durney is the Administrative Assistant to the Rector at Grace Church.
Sexton
Sue Carter is the Sexton at Grace Church.Programs & Activities
The programs and activities listed below provide opportunities to participate in the fellowship at Grace Church, to deepen our life in faith and to serve the people of God. The contact person for each activity or program is noted.
Vestry
Governing body of Grace Church. The Rector, the Senior and Junior Warden and ten members elected at the Annual Meeting make up the Vestry. To be eligible to stand for election for the Vestry one must be a Confirmed communicant in good standing and be actively supportive of the ministries of this parish. The Vestry meets the fourth Tuesday of each month.Education and Spiritual Development
Adult Confirmation and Inquirers Class: A class for adults interested in deepening their faith and their understanding of the Episcopal Church’s expression of liturgy, theology and ethics. Confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church may follow. Spring of 2010.
Adult Education Committee: The Adult Education Committee has planned an intellectually stimulating and series of topics for this fall and Advent based on topics requested by parishioners. Please make the time to attend as many of these as you can. If there is a topic that is not on this list and you would like to see covered in a future forum, please contact or Bob Foss – Vestry Liaison)
Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina, Mondays, 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Contemplative Christian spiritual practices from monastic practices of prayer. Centering prayer provides an opportunity to be still and reflect in the silence on God’s presence. Lectio Divina involves three readings of a scripture passage, each followed by directed meditation and brief discussion. No prior experience is necessary and no commitment is required—join us whenever you can. Matt Johnson (540-253-5177 matt@gracechurch.net)
Education for Ministry: EFM is theological education for lay persons, made possible through an extension program of the School of Theology of the University of the South. EFM seminars provide theological reflection and college level instruction in the core curriculum in four academic years: Hebrew and Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testaments), Church History and 20th Century Theologians. EFM at Grace Church meets on Monday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Annual tuition is $340.
Life@Grace: Classes providing opportunity for newcomers to learn more about how the Christian faith is lived out in the Episcopal tradition at Grace Church. See calendar for 2009-210 dates.
Sunday Forums: 10:15 a.m. See “Adult Education Committee”.
Sunday School: A program of Christian education and exploration for children and teenagers using age-appropriate formats. PreK-1st grades use the Godly Play curriculum, focusing on Bible stories. 2nd-3rd grades also use the Godly Play curriculum, but focusing on liturgy and lives of the Saints. 4th-6th grades use a curriculum developed by Habitat for Humanity that emphasizes outreach ministry. The 7th-12th grade class meets with the Assistant Rector to discuss the gospel lesson of the day. Becki Ryder (703-754-1380 becki.ryder@gmail.com)
Sunday Evening Bible Study: 6:15 p.m. This new series will begin with an Introduction to the Bible led by the clergy.
Tuesday Bible Study and Book Discussion: An exploration of Scripture using contemporary scholarship and personal experience. Book selected for September 2009 is The Great Emergence by Phillis Tickle. Scheduled at 10:30 a.m. in the Library. Marjorie Turner (540-347-4122 ectmst01@comcast.net)
Vacation Bible School A summer camp of Christian education for children ages 3 and up. 2010 date July 23th (3pm-7pm), July 24th (10am-3pm), July 25th (9:30am-2pm). Sandy Donovan (540-349-5879 sandydonovan@verizon.net)
Worship Leaders
Acolytes: Young people ages 5 and above for the 9 a.m. service and 10 and above for the 11 a.m. service, who serve at the altar and assist with leadership of the liturgy. This valuable ministry is a powerful means whereby young people can explore the liturgical life of the church. Matt Johnson (540-253-5177 matt@gracechurch.net)
Altar Guild: Provides an opportunity for adults to share in the responsibility of preparing for services, maintaining the Eucharistic vessels, ornaments and vestments of the sanctuary and supporting the liturgical life of the parish. Marcia Markey (540-253-5146 mmarkey@earthlink.net).
Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Lay persons trained and licensed to serve as readers and to administer the bread and wine at the congregation’s liturgy. Please contact the rector if you are interested in exploring the possibility of serving in this ministry.
Parish Choir: Provides leadership and music for the 11 a.m. service and at other special liturgies. Members of the Parish Choir are expected to commit to regular attendance at weekly rehearsals and Sunday worship. Eric Dombrowski (eric@gracechurch.net).
St. Cecilia Choir: Singers from Pre-K to 8th grade who lead the congregational singing for the 9 a.m. service as well as special family services and services combined with the 11 a.m. service. Eric Dombrowski (eric@gracechurch.net).
Ushers: Usher teams extend a hardy welcome to worshipers on Sunday mornings and are instrumental in enabling the worship of the congregation. Men, women and children are invited to serve on a rotating basis at each service. Ed Kedzierski (540-347-1155 kedz@verizon.net).
Parish Development
Newsletter: The GraceVine is edited and published on a regular basis by the Parish Staff. Contributions, suggestions and assistance are encouraged. Monthly deadline – the 20th of the month. belinda@gracechurch.net
Art Show Committee: Plans and coordinates the annual spring Art Show which provides an opportunity for local artists of all ages to show and sell their art and raises funds for Grace Church and its outreach programs. Dana Westring (540-364-3681 wetpaint@hotmail.com)
Music Concert Committee: Plans the concert series made possible by an endowment provide by the generosity of Ms. Jacqueline Mars. Lena Scott Lundh (540-364-3311 LScott@dcsdesign.com) or Eric Dombrowski (eric@gracechurch.net).
Men’s Group: The Men of Grace gather on the 1st and 4th Saturdays for Bible Study and the 3rd Saturday for breakfast fellowship. All meetings are from 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Ed Kedzierski (540-347-1155 edemkedz@verizon.net) and Sam Weatherford (540-341-4143 samw32@verizon.net)
Parish Greeters: Plans and seeks to welcome and support gracious atmosphere for newcomers to Grace Church. Donna Caudill (571-261-2437 dcaudill@comcast.net)
Annual Parish Pledge Campaign: Stewardship is all that we do with all that we have after we say “I believe.” At Grace one way we express that is to make a financial pledge to the annual operating budget. A pledge can be made at any time during the year online at www.gracechurch.net
TnT/20s & 30s Group: A gathering of 20 and 30 year olds who meet for social functions and for discussions of theological topics pertinent to adults in this age range. Matt Johnson (540-253-5177 matt@gracechurch.net)
Youth Group: A group of teenagers who gather once a month for a fun fellowship activity such as hiking, bowling, and volunteering. The group also meets for discussions each Sunday at 10:15 a.m. The focus is on building community and exploring the faith rather than on traditional instruction. Bob Dryden (703-753-4940 rdryden4@comcast.net
Outreach Ministries
Regular and seasonal/occasional activities (local, national, and international) that focus on living into Christ’s command to serve as he serves. Sue Smith (703-753-4947 sue@paulandsuesmith.net)
Grace Food Pantry: Everyday the food pantry is open from 1pm-4pm. Also, the 2nd Saturday of each month the pantry is open from 9am-12pm and volunteers are always needed. Please leave donations in the back of the church Ed Kedzierski (540-347-1155 edemkedz@verizon.net).
Second Hand Graces: Each month the church collects specific items to give at the Warrenton Food Distribution. Distribution is on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 8:30am-12pm at the Warrenton United Methodist Church. Help is always needed. Please leave donations in the green bins outside the entrance to the parish office. Matt Johnson (540-253-5177 matt@gracechurch.net)
Community Lunch: Please join us on the 4th Saturday of each month from 11am to 1pm in the Grace Parish Hall. The lunch is open to all and is a great time for conversation and fellowship between parishioners, members of the community, and others. Volunteers are needed to assist at the lunch or to supply a food dish. Sue Smith (703-753-4947 sue@paulandsuesmith.net).
Good Shepherd Mission Partnership: Grace has formed a partnership with Good Shepherd Mission in Navajoland. As partners, we hold each other in our prayers, and our relationship with them provides opportunities for cultural interaction through mission trips and other activities. Meg Dalton (meg.dalton@hotmail.com) and Keith Stroud (shekeith@earthlink.net)
Seasonal Ministries: Throughout the year Grace sponsors and participates in several seasonal ministries including the Giving Tree (provides Christmas gifts to needy families in the area), the Wood Ministry (collects and distributes wood to those who need it to heat their homes), and the F.I.S.H. Backpack Collection (a ministry Grace participates in to provide backpacks complete with required supplies to local school children). Matt Johnson (540-253-5177 matt@gracechurch.net).
Music
MUSIC AT GRACE CHURCH
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
2009-2010
Grace Episcopal Church The Plains, Virginia
Sunday, September 20 at 10 am
Sunday, October 4 at 11 am BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS In honor of St. Francis, join us for the grand procession of pets and pet lovers for the blessing of the animals. We welcome “All Creatures of our God and King”, all creeds and all breeds! An animal cracker, kibbles and bits reception follows on the lawn, weather permitting.
Sunday, October 18 at 5 pm GRACE CHURCH CONCERT SERIES TIME FOR THREE TICKETED EVENT
Sunday, November 1 at 9 and 11 am ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY We celebrate the communion of saints with joyous hymns highlighted by a festival children’s procession. DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS~ SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR.
Sunday, November 8 at 9 and 11 am This service will include a superb collection of works by the American composers, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Craig Phillips to commemorate the service of those who fought for peace.
Sunday, November 15 at 5 pm GRACE CHURCH CONCERT SERIES FAMILY CONCERT TICKETED EVENT
Sunday, November 22 at 9 and 11 am HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICE We give thanks for the fruit of all creation at this service which features music of the season and our Annual Fund In-Gathering.
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Sunday, November 29 at 10 am THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT We await Christ’s birth with music and readings to begin the season of Advent at this combined service.
Sunday, December 6 at 11 am The Grace Church Choir and soloists sing excerpts from George Frederic Handel’s beloved masterpiece, Messiah.
Sunday, December 13 at 5 pm
Thursday, December 24 at 10:30 pm CHRISTMAS EVE This Festival Eucharist is preceded by seasonal music and caroling beginning thirty minutes before the announced service time. Come and sing traditional carols arranged by Rutter and Willcocks.
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MUSIC AT GRACE CHURCH
2009-2010
Thursday, December 31 at 5 pm NEW YEAR’S EVE We end the year with a peaceful and contemplative service of Celtic Evensong and Holy Eucharist.
Sunday, January 3 at 10 am The solemnity of the Feast Of the Epiphany Liturgy, drama, music and pageantry vividly depict the journey of the Wise Men to the Christ Child at this combined service.
Sunday, January 31 at 5 pm CHORAL EVENSONG You're invited to explore the mystery of faith, quiet serenity, sacred space and ancient tradition in one of the most beautiful liturgies of the Anglican tradition. Sung in the beauty of radiant candlelight.
Sunday, February 14 at 10 am
Sunday, February 14 at 5 pm A BROADWAY VALENTINE with ROSA LAMOREAUX & FRIENDS TICKETED EVENT
Sunday, March 21 at 11 am |
Sunday, March 28 at 9 and 11 am Holy Week commences with the liturgy and solemn procession of palms, a moving and dramatic presentation of the Passion Gospel and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Friday, April 2 at 7 pm The Grace Church Choir and soloists present A Meditation on the Passion of Christ with Carols, a mystical service of medieval chants, hymns and carols accompanied by cello and organ.
Saturday, April 3 at 8 pm At this dramatic ervice on the night of Holy Saturday, we celebrate Christ’s passage from death with the lighting of the Paschal Candle, the chanting of the Exsultet and singing the first Easter alleluias accompanied by bells.
Sunday, April 4 at 9 and 11 am On this Feast of the Resurrection, we rejoice with glorious music and hymns for Choir, Organ and Brass.
Sunday, April 18 at 5 pm CHANTICLEER TICKETED EVENT
Sunday, May 16 at 9 and 11 am FESTIVAL EUCHARIST We honor the St. Cecilia and Grace Church Choirs as we recognize their commitment to music at Grace.
Sunday, May 23 at 9 and 11 am Celebrating the birthday of the church and the gift of the Holy Spirit to the apostles, the choirs sing music from many cultures.
Sunday, May 30 at 9 and 11 am TRINITY SUNDAY We rejoice together with angels and archangels as we sing one of the favorite hymns of the church, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” |
