A year ago, my family and I were still newbies to Grace and to the Episcopal Church overall. When the call to confirmation classes came Jannah startled me with letting me know she wanted to attend. Then Jeb, my fiancé, said the same. The pull of the Episcopal Church was strong. I saw being a part of Jesus through Grace as the natural progression of my faith, so I said yes to confirmation as well. Jeb and I volunteered to be a part of the RenewalWorks process. It was an eye opening process. But it was encouraging to us to see that Grace walks its talk. As a church, we desire to serve the community through the outreach of our various programs and partnerships. Then I became sick. I barreled through RenewalWorks and confirmation classes, but it was becoming clear something was really wrong with my health. Then I experienced firsthand the beauty and love of the Grace family. Pat Zupka, Robin Marsan, and Wendy Davis went out their way to drive me to doctor’s appointments when I couldn't drive. Other members of the congregation offered their help if we needed it. Robin rescued me from being stir crazy with lunch at her house. When I would listen to the service on YouTube at home and heard the prayers of the people, I was comforted to know my church family was praying for me. Confirmation was an emotional and spiritual high when Bishop Sutton came to Grace. I pushed my health to its limit because I wanted to be an official part of the church. When Dawn Reid and Jeb held me up while being blessed by the Bishop, it was affirming that I was in the right place at the right time. Simply put, my family and I could not have gone through this health and spiritual journey without Grace, my church family. As mysteriously as my illness came, it slowly went away. I took full advantage and put my energy back to Grace. When an opening became available to serve on the Vestry, I asked to be considered and the answer was a full yes. It's been a new level of serving. I recently went to a conference this week on discipleship on behalf of the Vestry. It was a wonderful experience learning practical ways the church can be disciple of Christ. Just as wonderful is learning that Grace in some ways is already doing this. We read this Scripture at the conference and I thought of Grace. Romans 12:10, 13: 10: “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” Through the Food Forest and Farmer’s Market, our formation classes, Bible study during the week, Grace is showing what it means to follow Christ. And it made me so thankful to be a part of this church. So I want to say thank you to each of you. For every prayer, kindness, fellowship, and love you have shown and continue to show. I am so thankful and blessed to be a part of Grace. Comments are closed.
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Ministry MinutesEach year during our Annual Giving Campaign, members of Grace Church tell their stories about why they love Grace Church and why they are involved. Each story is different in details but all reflect the love of Christ which is found in this community of faith. Archives
October 2017
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