From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Grace Community,

Does Grace Presbyterian prioritize faith formation and disciple-making?  What do you think?

This question comes from the PCUSA Vital Congregations tool-kit.  Back in September I mentioned in a sermon that the Session was going to explore this resource.  As I said then, I absolutely think we are a vital congregation, and I also think we constantly need to reexamine how it is that we follow Jesus together. This resource is a good way to do this.

The Vital Congregations toolkit ...

Dear Grace Community,

You’ve heard a lot from me recently about the Deep Roots Capital Campaign.  I’m excited about the ways it will strengthen our ministries and our facilities.

Seventy years ago, we dedicated our current sanctuary.  Much has changed in the world since then.  What hasn’t changed is the opportunity to share God’s love with others.

Children, youth, and adults still light up when they hear Bible Stories and come to know Jesus.  People in need still appreciate compassion in the form ...

Dear Grace Community,

This summer our congregation was blessed to have Christina Sledd serve as our intern.  During June and July she participated in and led many ministries. At the end of July she wrote about her experiences with us, and for this edition of “From the Pastor’s Desk,” I share her note.

In Christ,
Catherine

My name is Christina Sledd, and this summer I have had the pleasure and privilege of working as the summer intern at Grace Presbyterian Church. Through ...

Dear Grace Community,

In June I attended a Worship and Music Conference in Montreat, North Carolina.  It’s an annual event, but I had not attended in ten years. I’m glad I made it a priority this year.  Montreat is one of my favorite places in the world, and in addition to the conference I was able to spend time with family and to connect with friends and ministry colleagues.

The conference is put on by the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and the ...

In June there were high profile stories in our country and community about suicide. These tragedies cause an uptick in conversations about mental health, conversations that need to be had, but this is not the way we want to get to them.

In these conversations I’m reminded that there are some Christian Communities where the answer to all mental health problems is to pray. And not only that, there are some Christian Communities where anything other than prayer is considered a ...