Dear Grace Church Family,
July 18th was Nelson Mandela Day. I have had a connection with the country of South Africa for many years. It has almost been 20 years since my first visit, but even before then, I have had a relationship with former Bishop Peter Storey, who was serving as a Bishop in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. My pastor, Rev. James A. Harnish met him at a World Council of Churches gathering and the two of them became friends. Jim invited Peter to Tampa, to Hyde Park Methodist Church, where I was a member. I have always been challenged by the stories of the historical leaders in South Africa, especially Nelson Mandela’s.
Mandela is quoted as saying, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I have witnessed these words to be true in my experience serving in South Africa as a missionary pastor for three years and I have found his words to be true in our country as well. Our congregation is engaged with Bright Brevard, which is a group of faith communities, who come together to make a difference on issues that face our community. Did you know that 44% of the children in Brevard County did not pass the State language arts exam? In addition, 2,000 children were in danger of being held back. To learn more about how the faith community is coming together to make a difference in advocating for our children, reach out to Pastor Beth at beth.gumc@gmail.com.
I am beginning to work on meeting with some of the administration at our surrounding public schools. I am looking forward to meeting some of the leaders who are striving to serve our neighborhood children. Let us be intentional this week about praying for our children in the preschool and our children and youth in our church. You can pray for me as I spend the night with some of our youth next week during their mission week! I’m looking forward to getting to know some of them better but I’m not looking forward to the sleep deprivation!!!
This week we will learn about some women who did not let fear of Pharaoh stop them from serving the children in their midst in Exodus 1:15-21. Give it a read!
My questions for this week are:
1. Where are some off-the-beaten-path locations that you think I should visit? It could be a restaurant, a local business, or anywhere really.
2. Is there anyone who is not already currently working on the parsonage (trying not to overload them), that has capacity to help me hang some pictures? (Theyhave to be hung in a row very precisely!)
3. Who are our people in the church with communication backgrounds? I’m curious to talk with some of you!
So very glad to be…
With you on the journey,
Pastor Michelle