Welcome to the Fall 2020 Issue of Grace upon Grace, and thank you for the enthusiastic response to the inaugural issue. Shortly after that issue was published, the world witnessed the brutal killing of George Floyd. Demonstrations, protests, marches, vigils, sit-ins, and many other calls for an end to racial injustice have continued since that event. This issue of Grace upon Grace continues the work that was begun at Grace Presbyterian Church in late spring to educate ourselves and take a stand against racial injustice. COVID-19 is still with us, though, and will be for a while to come, so this issue also includes further responses to COVID-19 by members of the Grace community. May God bless, challenge, and encourage you as you read, watch, and listen.
Pastoral Staff Columns
- Pastor Paul Leggett: “Can ‘White’ People Be Saved?”
- Pastor Margo Walter: “Don’t Fire Me and I Won’t Fire You”
- Director of Faith Formation Nick Wallwork: “Racist Confessions”
Kids Korner
Director of Faith Formation Nick Wallwork and the GROW team share resources for helping children worship and grow in their faith in the present moment.
- Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi, read by Nick Wallwork
Grace Church and Social Justice
- Grace Presbyterian Church Session Statement about Black Lives Matter
- A Social Justice Resource List
- “How Great Thou Art” by Emy Kamihara
- The Obama Foundation’s Anguish and Action by Lisa Cuffari
- “Who Can’t Breathe” by John Ashbrook
- “Buying Power as a Form of Social Justice” by Elizabeth Moulthrop
- “Lift Every Voice and Sing” sung by members of the Grace Church Gospel Choir
Missions
- Testimony from Joanne Acevedo, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Campus Minister
- Grace Church donations to Eva’s Village and Oasis
Poetry and Prose
In this issue of Grace upon Grace members of the Grace Church community respond to the themes of social justice and COVID-19 and to other promptings of the spirit. Each issue will include creative writing and visual art by the members and friends of Grace. Visit “About Grace upon Grace” below to learn about submitting for future issues.
- “Come, Dear Dove” by Laura-Anne Macmillan
- “Facing Reality” by Laura-Anne Macmillan
- “COVID-411” by Ruth and Raymond Liang
- “Where We Lived” by Sandra Duguid Gerstman
- “Road to Emmaus” by Sandra Duguid Gerstman
Taste of Grace
Each issue of Grace upon Grace will feature recipes submitted by members and friends of Grace Church. In this issue we feature a late summer recipe and a cookie recipe with a storied past.
Milestones
- Pastor Leggett is retiring.
- Help a very special Grace Church member celebrate her ninety-fifth birthday this October.
- Grace LaCorte is home with the Lord.
- Elizabeth Moulthrop and Raul Huaman unite in marriage.
- Melissa Hebberd and Andrew Cunningham unite in marriage.
World Communion Sunday
World Communion Sunday is October 4 this year. What is the significance of this celebration in the present moment?