Dear Grace Family: As we continue our journey through COVID-19 and its effects on everyone, it is important that we all develop routine prayer practices. You may have specific, personal prayer needs to share. Please send those to Pat Harrison at path.gumc@gmail.com. Pat will forward those requests to me and Pastor Beth and our prayer team. If you have a need that…

Dear Grace Community: The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and this year Ash Wednesday was February 26. We had excellent attendance for the Ash Wednesday service. The 40 days of Lent include the days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, excluding Sundays. Every year, I hear comments and questions about Lent, ranging from “What should I give up for Lent” to…

Hello Grace Family! Have you ever had a day where everything feels the same even looks the same but you know deep in your heart that something significant has changed? This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. It is a threshold day. It is a day that marks a change from one reality into another. Threshold days leave us feeling a little like we…

Dear Grace Community: What’s in a name? Shakespeare made this phrase famous in Romeo and Juliet. He used this rhetorical question to communicate the idea that external labels or titles given to us do not change our essence.  “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet…..”, or so said the Bard. However, names that offer insight into identity are very important…

Dear Grace Community: A few years ago I had a friend who led a praise band called “Fools for Christ.” With that band title, my friend was able to remind people that part of the joy and freedom of Christian discipleship is that we never have to take ourselves too seriously. I have been reflecting on this idea in preparation for the…

Dear Grace Community:I have been thinking about bridges lately. As you know, our vision statement at Grace is “Building bridges between Christ and our community.” I think it is a very dynamic, exciting vision statement. It emphasizes the outward focus of our ministry, so that we avoid thinking of ourselves as a social club that just cares for its members. As we…

Dear Grace Community:Pay attention! We often hear this when someone is warning us to avoid a collision or accident. But what if paying attention is the best advice for maintaining a deep and meaningful walk with Jesus? Only by looking for evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives will we be able to witness God’s miracles and…

Dear Grace Community: Have you ever noticed how creative we human beings can be at finding excuses for inaction? We may say that we don’t have time, or that we are not smart enough or talented enough, or that we just do not believe in our ability to succeed in navigating the challenges of our lives. We have all, at times, leaned…

As we begin a new year, it is a great time to get involved in the life of your church. If you have ever considered starting a small group or Bible study, we have a great resource in Right Now Media. Every church member can get access to this Netflix style library of educational, inspiring, Biblical videos. If you have not ever…