As many of you know, two of my children are graduating high school this year. I am keenly aware of the power of this transformational moment in their lives. Watching children grow and become young adults is a gift like no other. For me, I am blessed that they both have a church family who has loved and nurtured them over the years. I am sure it's not the easiest thing in the world having a parent in the pulpit but each week I saw their eyes light up as they walked through the sanctuary doors. (Well, as bright eyed as a teenager can be on a Sunday morning).

They lit up because they were greeted with warm hugs and big smiles from people old and young who valued them just for who they are. It didn't matter if they came with wrinkled shirts or untied shoes or messy hair. It didn't matter if they sang on key or dozed off during the sermon. What mattered is that they were here and they were loved.

Here's the thing...you all show that same kind of love to each and every person who walks in our doors at Grace. That kind of love creates transformational moments, not just at big life milestones but each and every day in the simple, small moments of life.

Haven't we all been craving that kind of community? Haven't we all been craving that kind of unconditional love and acceptance? Jesus reminds us that we are loved just as we are. He opens his arms wide and welcomes us in week after week, day after day. So come as you are. You are welcome here.

Emily

Our new Summer Worship Schedule is as follows:

We are still looking for volunteers to help keep coffee hour going after the 10 am service!

Please consider signing up to host a Sunday. Here is a sign up genius link to make it easy.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

As we move to one worship service this summer at 10 am, we would like to schedule needed lay leaders for each service in a more organized format. To make it as easy as possible, we have created a sign up link here so you can choose which dates work best for you.

If you have not served as a Reader, Usher or Acolyte before, let us know and Emily or Brian can teach you everything you need to know. All are invited to consider how you feel called to participate.

Ever wonder why we say certain prayers each week during worship or why we kneel at various times in the service? Ever wonder what's really going on behind the altar? Curious about how we choose the readings for each week?

Well...this summer is for you! We are embarking on a simple way to learn more about our liturgy and worship at Grace. On select weeks throughout the summer, we will highlight a different aspect of worship during the service and have a short teaching moment about the ins and outs of why we do what we do as Episcopalians.

We will be using the book Gifts of God for the People of God: Exploring Worship in the Episcopal Church by Furman L. Buchanan as our guide. You may purchase your own copy if you would like to do additional reading on each part of our service.