Dear Grace Church Family, As we prepare for the book study and sermon series looking at the Multiplying Love, resource by Paul Chilcote, I wanted to be sure to communicate an openness on my part and Pastor Beth’s part to make ourselves available to those of you who might have questions.   Some of you have already purchased the book and started reading…

Dear Grace Church Family, I attended my first Church Council meeting this week.  It was great to look out at all the faces and recognize that most of the people in the room had participated in an onboarding process with me.  This means we had spent a couple hours together for the purpose of leadership getting to know me and how I lead.  I…

All on Board! Dear Grace Church Family, This past week, I had the opportunity to participate in an onboarding experience with some of the lay leaders at the church.  The onboarding was facilitated by Rev. Tim Smiley.  Tim has served as both a pastor and a District Superintendent.  He is also a very good friend of both Pastor Steve and Pastor Gary.  It was a deeply…

Dear Grace United Methodist Church Family, What a beautiful Sunday afternoon we had last week!  It was so great to eat hotdogs and hamburgers, watch the kids on the water slide, and celebrate the beginning of a new school year!  We are preparing for family promise and all things pumpkin!  By the time you read this, I will have completed the “onboarding” process with…

Dear Grace UMC Church Family, What a powerful week this has been for me this past week.  As many of you know, I have been away on a Civil Rights Pilgrimage. We have traveled to Birmingham, Selma, and Atlanta.  I always say that “if we really believe that the image of God lives in all of us, then spending time with each other…

Dear Grace United Methodist Church Family, I will be away this week attending the wedding of Rev. Dr. Cynthia Weems.  She is getting married in Kansas City this weekend.  After attending her wedding, I fly to complete an elective course for my doctoral work through Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC (the elective worktakes place in Birmingham, AL).  The doctoral program I am a part of is cohort based,…

Greetings Grace United Methodist Church Family, First, I am very disappointed that no one made me a ‘I survived an overnight with the Youth” t-shirt!  Just kidding!  Friends, what a wonderful group of young people we have at this church.  I am grateful for the time spent with them and grateful for the work that they are doing this week during their…

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…

Greetings Grace UMC Church Family! We are about to embark on a wonderful adventure!  This Sunday will be my first Sunday in the pulpit and I am looking forward to sharing in worship with all of you!  I am also looking forward to the welcome reception following worship!  I am grateful to all of you for your willingness to combine worship services for my…

Greetings Grace UMC Church Family! Gracie and I are very excited to be in Merritt Island and looking forward to the journey ahead with all of you!  I am so grateful for the Staff Parrish Committee that welcomed us with a beautiful basket full of goodies!  I am also grateful for Charlie Hoyt and his team for all the work they have…