Dear Grace Family: This week, we received word from our conference leadership that our United Methodist churches are allowed to hold in-person worship services beginning on June 21. Our team here at Grace is working diligently on safety plans for when we resume in-person worship. Please pray for all of those involved in this process, as it is challenging.  We will release…

Dear Grace Family: As we enter the Memorial Day weekend, I imagine that many of us have loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who died in military service. It is a time to appreciate and to honor their sacrifice. As Jesus taught, “…greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. We honor…

Dear Grace Family: What is a good thing that you have learned about yourself or your family as a result of this pandemic? We have all learned many challenging and unpleasant things, but it is important to ask ourselves about the good things. I have learned that I benefit greatly from more consistent time with my family and more consistent time alone.…

Dear Grace Family: I would never have anticipated when 2020 began that we would not have public worship on Mother’s Day weekend. While circumstances are not as we would prefer, I am grateful that, as far as I am aware, no members of Grace have tested positive for covid-19. We continue to pray for God’s daily guidance in making the best decisions…

Dear Grace Family: Being separated from our routine community life offers an opportunity to reflect upon what our community means to us. Despite the distinctly American emphasis upon individualism and personal freedom, human beings were made to live in community with each other. We need time alone, but too much isolation is not healthy for any of us. Personally, I miss many…