A NOTE FROM THE RECTOR...
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