Personally, I have loved seeing the parents and children on our campus this week as school has resumed. We have 108 children, ages 2 through 5, enrolled at Grace United Methodist Preschool this year. Ms. Patti does a great job in leading our preschool, and this is why our reputation in the community is excellent. Friends, I am so grateful that a…

This Sunday, August 8, we will pray for teachers, school administrators, parents, and students as another school year begins. I know many people are anxious and I believe that God offers comfort and courage when we pray together. Please plan to worship this Sunday and to pray specifically for everyone affected by a return to school. Lilly Hibbard has served as Grace’s…

I have become increasingly aware of increases in COVID cases. Please remember that we have a reserved section of the sanctuary for folks who feel safer wearing masks indoors. If you sit on the side of the sanctuary closest to the organ, remember that masks are required in that section. We have plenty of masks available for anyone who forgets to bring…

This week you may receive Grace’s yearly stewardship letter. Our leadership team at Grace is working hard preparing for the coming year. We are so grateful for the faithfulness of all of you in sending in your pledges. Last year we had the best overall total pledge commitments since I started at Grace in 2015. While pledges have never accounted for our…

At our Church Council meeting this week, I shared the vision for the coming year of worship at Grace. The plan that our staff and music leaders have embraced is to offer two worship services on Sunday mornings at 9 am and 11 am. We will avoid labeling the services, but the 11 am service will be a more modern type of…

The summer season is moving fast, and in just a few weeks we will begin another school year. For families with school-age or college-age children, the calendar revolves around the school year. Here at Grace, we are looking forward to supporting MILA Elementary school with a new school year, and we pray that our volunteers will be allowed on the school campus…

I’m back! It has been an excellent renewal leave for me to reflect on what God has in store for the future. The time away included a good mix of relaxation, study, prayer, and reflection. I am so grateful to our great staff and so many of you in the congregation who have served faithfully in my absence. During my leave, I…

As many of you are aware, I am currently spending time on renewal leave. This means that I am taking a few weeks away from my normal preaching and church leadership duties to study, reflect, plan, and relax as I ask for God’s Holy Spirit to recharge my batteries. I am very grateful that our United Methodist Church provides this opportunity for…

Dear Grace Family: I am terribly excited for the opportunity to serve this church and community for a seventh year starting July 1, 2021. Between now and then, I will be involved in study, prayer, and planning. After serving full-time as a United Methodist pastor for the last thirteen years, I am taking my first renewal leave (for May and June). Our…

One of the most significant privileges for pastors and congregations is to affirm and encourage men and women who feel called into ministry. Did you know that we have someone who is exploring a ministry calling? Lilly Hibbard, who currently leads The Five every Sunday, is an exploring candidate for ordained ministry. If you have never attended The Five, come check it…