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 specific plans as the date gets closer, and we will continue online worship for those who are not able to attend in person. Online worship is here to stay!
Our Bishop, Ken Carter, has offered a scripture reading plan called “Summer in the Scriptures.” There are details about it on our Florida Conference website, but the plan is quite simple. Starting June 1, read one chapter of each of the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, every day of the summer. If you do so, you will have read all four gospels by August 28. There is a book that serves as a study guide entitled A Beginner’s Guide to Practicing Scriptural Imagination, by Ken Carter. You can purchase the book through Amazon, Kindle, or Upper Room. This will be a great way to stay connected this summer!
This Sunday, May 31, is Pentecost Sunday, and we will have a message based upon Acts 2 shared with us by our district superintendent, Rev. Dionne Hammond. Rev. Hammond is an engaging speaker and preacher, and I think you will enjoy her message.
Friends, the past few months have been a challenge for us all. It is my prayer that we can focus upon what God has taught us during this time, and that we are able to see our faith grow stronger as we move into the future. I know that I am privileged to see the hands and feet of Christ in so many of you every day. You inspire me, and for that I am grateful. Invite friends to join us for online worship Sunday! We can all share the gospel from home, just by sharing our Facebook posts. Blessings, Pastor Steve Hart