I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17-19
Formation
Bible Study
The heart of Christian formation is built upon a strong engagement with Holy Scripture and theological texts. What may seem overwhelming to someone new to exploring Christianity can become a rich source of inspiration and spiritual renewal through committed study of sacred text. Throughout the year, Grace Church hosts in-depth bible studies led by our Rector or Deacon. Conversations are vibrant, and everyone is encouraged to bring their ideas and insights to the table.
Our past studies include: Genesis, The Gospel of John, The Acts of the Apostles,1 Corinthians, The Gospel of Matthew, The Gospel of Luke and Romans: a selection of writings from Black theologians including Emilie Townes, Cornell West, Traci C. West, James Cone and Kelly Brown Douglas; and a study on how to read poetry theologically.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Grace is a small, inter-generational church. We love that about who we are. Therefore, our children and youth are involved alongside the adults, serving in various capacities in our worship services. We teach our younger members the value of participation and that their presence is critical to the life of a vibrant faith community.
In addition to their regular participation in worship, we hold Youth Sunday each year to honor our young people. It is one of our most anticipated services.
Our goal is to guide our young people as they seek to know and serve God in the world today. We honor their questions, share in their joys, support them in their struggles, and, above all, help them know that they are beloved children of God.
Special Studies
Ghana to America - In summer 2019, we spent time studying Bishop Michael Curry's series titled Truth and Reconciliation: Ghana to America to help us reflect on the history of slavery and our role in racial reconciliation today. Learn more about the series here: Truth and Reconciliation
The Way of Love – Designed by our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, the Way of Love is an intentional commitment to practice a Jesus-centered life. You can learn more about the Way of Love here: Way of Love
Book Discussions - We love a good book! Periodically, we will gather to read and discuss books that have inspired members of our congregation. Our common reads include: An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor and Love Wins by Rob Bell, The Soul of America by Jon Meacham and Life Without Lack by Dallas Willard.
Writing your own Spiritual Autobiography – Participants progress step by step through a 4-week inquiry into how their faith has developed, what has inspired them, and where they have felt God's presence in their lives. This workshop serves as a beautiful inquiry into who we are and what we believe.
Inquirer's Class
The Inquirer's Class is an opportunity for newcomers to learn about the Episcopal Church. Instruction typically includes information concerning the beliefs, history, worship, and practices of the Episcopal Church. After attending the class, participants may wish to become members of the Episcopal Church through Confirmation or Reception if they have already been baptized. Inquirers who have not yet been baptized may choose to do so in consultation with the Rector.
If you are interested in learning more about Grace and the Episcopal Church, please email The Rev. Emily Dunevant.
You are also invited to read the following resources on the Episcopal Church that provide an overview of our practices and beliefs:
Episcopal Questions, Episcopal Answers by Ian S. Markham and C.K. Robertson
Unabashedly Episcopalian by Andrew Dole
Faith Rules, An Episcopal Manual by Ian S. Markham
Those Episkopols by Dennis R. Maynard
Men's Group
The Men’s Group is a small group ministry that invites all men into fellowship, study, and service. The group has been paused during COVID but will resume in the fall of 2022.
The purpose of Grace Men’s Group is to provide a means for the men of Grace Church and the larger community to meet regularly for fellowship, spiritual development, mutual encouragement and support, mentoring, outreach, and service.
Most recently, the Men’s Group has completed a study of Anam Cara, hosted the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, church picnic, and led our Adopt-A-Highway cleanup.
Advent/Lenten Lunch Series
During the seasons of Advent and Lent when meeting in person, we offer a weekly lunch series every Thursday at 11:30 AM. Each session begins with prayer and communion followed by lunch and a discussion on the study for the season. These series have become one of our hallmarks and bring together community members from churches of many denominations throughout the county. Our goal is to create an atmosphere of unity and spiritual growth based upon our shared faith. All are welcome to join us!
Our past luncheon series have included:
Light Without Lack by Dallas Willard
Incarnation by Adam Hamilton
Gospel of Luke
Making Sense of the Cross by Dr. David Lose
5 Marks of Love by the Society of St. John the Evangelist
Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John by the Society of St. John the Evangelist
Journeying on the Way of Love by Bishop Michael Curry
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