Grace Notes – October 8, 2025

New Beginnings: Serving in Faith

When I was a young teenager, one of the most exciting things about being confirmed and becoming a member of my home church was receiving my very own box of offering envelopes. I remember feeling proud to hold that little box—it meant I belonged. Each Sunday, I’d slip a few coins or a dollar into one of those envelopes and drop it in the plate. I didn’t have much to give, but I gave something. It was a small act of commitment, a habit of faith. At the time, I didn’t think much about gratitude; I simply wanted to participate in the life of the church.

Looking back, I realize that small acts like those are what sustain a community of faith. Every offering—no matter the size—represents both trust and thanksgiving. It’s not just about supporting a budget; it’s about strengthening the shared life and ministry of the church. Each time we give, we express our gratitude for God’s goodness and join in God’s ongoing work in and through our community.

As we begin this Stewardship Season at Grace, I hope you’ll take time to reflect on how you are called to serve in faith. How can you offer your time, your talents, and your resources to strengthen this community and its ministry? Every gift, every act of generosity, helps us live out God’s call together in new and faithful ways.

See you in church,
Pastor Kevin

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Grace Notes – October 1

Dear Grace Family,

This Sunday we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate World Communion Sunday. I hope you will join us at either 9 am or 11 am as we share in this holy feast that binds us together across every boundary of nation, language, and culture.

World Communion Sunday has always been close to my heart. When I was growing up, our family was often spread across the world, and my mother made a point of reaching out this week to remind us to go to church, wherever we were, and share in Communion. And even if we couldn’t make it to worship, she encouraged us to remember at whatever table we found ourselves that the meal we celebrate is shared at tables everywhere. That simple act reminded us that no matter the distance, we were connected through Christ.

This day is a powerful reminder that we are bonded by bread – one bread, one body, one in Christ. Especially in a time when our country and communities feel so divided, World Communion Sunday proclaims a deeper truth: that in Christ we are united, and that connection is stronger than any force that seeks to pull us apart.

I hope you will be with us this Sunday as we celebrate the breadth, depth, and diversity of our faith family. And if you’re a baker, it’s not too late to join in! Bring a loaf of your favorite bread to share—at both 9 am and 11 am—as a sign of our uniqueness and our unity in Christ.

See you Sunday at the Table,

Pastor Kevin

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Pastoral Letter – September 28

Dear Friends,

I am so enjoying the chance to get to know folks here at Grace and to begin settling into the weekly rhythms of church life. It has been a joy to share meals, desserts, and good conversation, along with stories, laughter, and dreams for the future. Rachel and I are deeply grateful for your hospitality, and for the leftovers that have made their way home with us!
In just these first weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with longtime members who have faithfully served this congregation for decades, with young adults who grew up here and are now beginning families of their own, with newcomers still searching for a faith family, and with teens who know Grace as a safe and welcoming place. Each of these conversations has reminded me of the richness of this church community.
Three themes have stood out again and again. First, Grace is a special place with a strong tradition of discipleship and service, rooted here in Wichita and extending to ministries around the world. Second, there is a deep passion for worship, a willingness to share time, talent, energy, and creativity to make our worship vibrant, meaningful, and spirit-filled in both contemporary and traditional settings. And third, I hear from many of you the desire to grow: how can we attract, invite, and welcome more folks into our worship, our mission, and our faith family? One simple way, is to tell others why you love Grace, just as you told me. Invite them to come and see for themselves. Introduce them to your friends and family, and to me. Share how God is at work here at Grace and in your lives. These small acts of invitation can open wide the doors of welcome and help others find their place at the table.
I look forward to sharing more meals, desserts, or just a cup of coffee with you in the weeks ahead. Together, I trust we will continue to build on this strong foundation, seeking the Spirit’s guidance as we live into God’s call for us as the people of Grace.

See you in church.

Peace, Love, and Grace,
Pastor Kevin

 

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Pastoral Letter – September 21

Dear Friends,

One of the many things that drew me to Grace Presbyterian Church was your passion for mission and service. This week, I saw that commitment in action as bags of groceries arrived for our September Yellow Bag donations to the food pantry at Covenant Presbyterian Church. I had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Joe as Kirk, Tricia, and I loaded the first round of food into his truck. He shared that the need at the pantry has grown, and he expressed gratitude for the partnership with Grace. What a beautiful example of people joining together to care for those in need. We will continue collecting food throughout September, and you can find a list of needed items in the newsletter and in the worship bulletin.

Next week, September 21 to 28, we have the opportunity to support Family Promise in partnership with East Heights UMC. Family Promise helps families experiencing homelessness find stability and a path toward permanent housing. While families are in the program, churches provide safe spaces for meals and overnight stays, along with a supportive community. Volunteers can bring supplies, help set up living areas, serve meals, stay as trained hosts, and help with clean up at the end of the week.

If you would like to help, please call, text, or email Kimberley Adam McDarty at 316-204-1230 or Arnp48@gmail.com. She can share the current needs and help you find a way to serve.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God is “a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat.” (Is 25:4) When we open our hearts and extend care to others, we share in this kingdom work.

I am excited for all that we will continue to do together, caring for one another, reaching out to our neighbors, and offering our time and talents in gratitude for God’s abundant grace.

See you in church.

Peace, Love, and Grace,
Pastor Kevin

 

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Pastor’s Letter September 10, 2025

Dear Grace Family,

It has been a joy for Rachel and me to begin our journey with you here at Grace Presbyterian. In just a short time, we have been blessed by your warmth, kindness, and the stories you have shared about what makes this community of faith so special. Thank you for the gracious welcome last Sunday and for the lovely luncheon following worship. We are deeply grateful.

At home, we are still living among boxes and slowly making progress. We have reached the stage of searching for those little odds and ends, such as my favorite grilling apron, the 100-foot extension cord, or the warm comforter we never needed in Texas. I know they are here somewhere, waiting to be found, and I will celebrate when I uncover them.

This Sunday in worship, we will hear two parables from Jesus about things that were lost and then found, the lost sheep and the lost coin. These stories remind us not only of God’s relentless love but also of our call to notice those who may be feeling lost. I would like to invite you to think of someone you have not seen at church in a while, or perhaps a friend who could use encouragement, and reach out with an invitation to worship, a note, or even a cup of coffee.

And if you are feeling lost in this season, please know that my door is always open. We are all held in God’s love, and together we can help one another find our way.

Peace, Grace, and Love,
Pastor Kevin

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