Dear Grace Family:
Transitions are both exciting and challenging. Here at Grace, we are in the process of an upcoming pastoral change. It is very important that we embrace this transition with acceptance and confidence that God is involved in this process. Personally, I am filled with a mixture of joy and some nostalgia as I think about the past nine years. I am grateful to all of you for your support and encouragement of me and my family. Grace UMC is a great church, and I know that the Merritt Island community benefits greatly because of the good work of Grace UMC.
I hope you will catch the excitement that goes with welcoming a new pastor. Pastor Michelle Shrader will bring new leadership skills and a variety of educational and life experiences to Grace. God’s Holy Spirit has a way of connecting us with new spiritual leadership. It will be fun to see how Pastor Michelle’s life experiences and theological perspectives coincide with our lives here on Merritt Island.
This Sunday, April 21, the scripture passage is Mark 16:1-8. Pastor Gary is working on a message entitled “Cross The Line.” This passage from Mark is the short, abrupt telling of the Easter story. I like this version because it captures the sense of awe and wonder that is an appropriate response to a miraculous resurrection. Even now, more than 2000 years after his earthly ministry, Jesus is offering surprises and occasions to celebrate His presence in our world. All we have to do is pay attention!
When you come to worship Sunday, invite a friend or neighbor. Remember that the primary way that people get connected to any church is by personal invitation. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Steve Hart