Welcome to the Fall 2023 Issue of Grace upon Grace. When we announced the theme of Praying Through Change for this issue, we could not know how big of a change would soon take place in the life of our church. Our sanctuary, fellowship hall, and offices were heavily damaged by fire on August 15, 2023. By the grace of God we have been able to meet every week since then for worship, and almost all of the regular activities of the church are taking place in various locations. We’ve even joined a new ministry: an Ecumenical Youth Ministry Project.
In the days after the fire we also launched a new website feature, “Stories of Grace,” inviting members and friends of Grace to tell their stories of church life at the corner of Grove and Tuxedo. Those stories in prose, poetry, and photos are retold here. First, though, please take a few moments to read what’s new in this issue of Grace upon Grace. Thank you for your interest and support for the ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church!
What’s New in This Issue
- Pastoral Search Update Fall 2023
- “Living in Conversation with God” by Pastor Robin Miller Currás
- “Change” by Barbara R. Williams-Hubbard
- New Ministry: Ecumenical Youth Ministry Project
- Friends of Grace Carries On
- The Sunday School Didn’t Miss a Beat
- Meanwhile, Back at the Manse
- Busy Hands, Happy Hearts Fall 2023
- Seasoned with Grace Fall 2023
- Grace Choir Starts a New Season
- Rebuilding Committee Up and Running
- Alison Hurlock is Leaving
Stories of Grace
Days after Grace Presbyterian Church’s building caught fire and our world was turned upside down, Pastor Robin, Victor Peterson, and April Sliwak (once a member, always a good friend of Grace) were together at the church telling and listening to one another’s stories of Grace. This conversation gave birth to the idea of asking people to tell their stories, then sharing those stories available with the church community.
- We Knew Every Corner
- Grace Church Was the Most Beautiful Church
- Wreckage Over Worship
- We Will Ring the Bell Again
- A Story of Grace
- Grace Found Here
- The Gospel Story in Stained Glass
- Church Windows
- Grace Church Amazing Ministry
- Comments related to the fire from social media and other sources
- “A New Thing” by Emy Kamihara
- “A Prayer on Behalf of Grace” from Noroton Presbyterian Church
About Grace upon Grace
Past Issues of Grace upon Grace
- Summer 2020: Grace Responds to COVID-19
- Fall 2020: Social Justice
- Advent 2020: Waiting in Hope
- Spring 2021: Rising
- Summer 2021: Open Doors
- Fall 2021: A Time for Everything
- Advent 2021: Journey
- Spring 2022: Sorrow and Loss
- Summer 2022: Discernment and Growth
- Fall 2022: Storytelling
- Spring 2023: Kindness
- Summer 2023