For almost one hundred years, the churches of McIlhany parish, Good Shepherd and Grace, have welcomed different types of people from various parts of the Charlotteville area.  Likewise, McIlhany parish has served the community.  Thanks to a generous bequest specifically for outreach, the parish continues to give about $14,000 annually to local agencies, such as the Jefferson Area Board of Aging.  This ongoing attention to out reach reflects the fact that Good Shepherd and Grace churches were originally founded as missions, part of the Diocese of Virginia's broader, turn-of-the century effort to strengthen the presence of the Episcopal Church in the foot hills of the Blue Ridge.

With outreach, McIlhany parish has historically emphasized Christian education.  In fact, the Good Shepherd sanctuary was originally constructed as a school, in 1898, on land donated by Matthew Fontaine Maury.  Today, parishioners enjoy meeting for fellowship and directed Bible study on Sunday morning (10:30, Grace Church), and Tuesday (11:00 am, Good Shepherd Church).  

Worship at both churches is friendly, informal, and traditional, following the Book of Common Prayer.  Holy Communion is celebrated at each church, every other Sunday.  All services include music.  Children are encouraged to attend worship with their parents, and children eight years and older are encouraged to help lead worship as acolytes.  Otherwise, parishioners may participate in worship serving as lay readers and lay Eucharistic ministers.  In addition to these opportunities for lay ministry, parishioners may choose to serve on the altar guild, to provide flowers for worship, or to serve as greeters and ushers. 

Because they are small churches, Good Shepherd and Grace each provide members with a sense of community, a sense reflected by the fact that a meal follows each service on the first Sunday of the month.  Additionally, because they are small, the churches offer many opportunities for leadership, whether for a single person or a young family. 

Please join us for worship, fellowship and study.  We look forward to meeting you!