Founders Day Celebration

September is always a special season for the church as the school year begins again. The church kicks into high gear as people return from summer vacations and we celebrate the founders of Grace United Methodist Church! Of course, the church is 158 years old, so we are really celebrating all of our long time members, especially those who have been members for 25+ or 50+ years. This was also the first year we’ve had our longest serving member of the church in attendance on Founder’s Day! It was a delight to have “B” Ramsey and her family with us to celebrate! You can see photos of our gathered members and the butterfly release we held after worship. Our butterfly bush was planted outside of the colonnade so butterflies can have a place at our church all year round.

We are also celebrating our connection to the community. The Bach to Rock organization brought in some young people who performed rock music during the Founders Day lunch. I know one or two people said it was too loud and I agree. The performance was supposed to be outside with tables 30, 50 and 70 feet away, but the rain brought us inside fellowship hall in a much more compact space. Still, others told me it was a delight to have the families there and, even if it wasn’t quite convenient for us, it was exactly what the church should be doing. I also agree with that! Founders Day is about more than just church members who joined years ago. Its also about our present and our future as a church. It takes all of us moving together, pulling in the same direction in order for good, transformative work to be done in our communities. I hope Bach to Rock was a touch of the future possibilities for ministry through Grace. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the day, and don’t miss next year’s event - September 12th, 2027. God bless!

— Pastor Brian Neville