1115 36th Street, Galveston, Texas  77550    (409) 762-9676

  From the Rector ... 

Jesus looked at his disciples said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)

Our Grace Church family was blessed by, and enjoyed, a visit from Bishop Dena Harrison on Sunday, June 6, 2010. A GREAT highlight of Bishop Harrison's visit was her confirmation and reception of new members of Grace, all of whom had participated in our annual Discovery Weekend, April 23-24. Accompanied by the laying on of hands by the Bishop, as well as by members of the Discovery Committee and friends and family, those confirmed were Gabriel Glover, Bob Green, David Barrymore Rawls, and Bryce Steven Willey. Ellen Hanley was received.

Prior to celebrating the Eucharist and the Confirmations and Reception, Bishop Harrison met with, and received reports from, members of the Vestry and other Grace Church committees and Boards, including:
Grace Church Finances- Derek Paget-Clarke
Grace Church Foundation – Camellia St. John
State of the Congregation – Ella Anderson
Local Outreach—Ella Anderson, Carol Ramirez, Nancy Wilkes
Mission Trip – John McCulley
Hospitality/Social – Carol Ramirez
Camp Allen Retreat – Vickie Robertson
Discipleship/Pastoral Care – Vickie Robertson
Rebuilding Update – John McCulley & David Wilkes

Bishop Harrison expressed delight and, I will have to say, more than a little amazement at the amount of progress and growth we have experienced here in the last year…..and not just in the rebuilding and restoration of our physical campus…..but, more importantly, as a congregation…..as a Body of Christ. She was so pleased, as I am sure all of us are, that we have expanded our "family," that we have grown as a "community," and that our outreach into our larger community has continued and has grown. At the same time, she expressed the hope and belief, as I know we all agree, that we not "rest on our laurels," but continue to use the incredible gifts God has blessed us with through this difficult time to continue to reach out to others, sharing those gifts, to further His Kingdom.

One of the ways she enthusiastically suggested we do that is to continue with one Sunday Worship Service, at least for the time being. She observed that the increased sense of community from having the entire Grace family together at one service….expressed to her by many of our members….not only enhances our individual and corporate connection to each other, but also is a major attraction to those who visit with us and are looking for a church home. Fr Paul and the Vestry will continue to address that recommendation.

Following the Eucharist, Bishop Harrison joined us for a lovely lunch in the Parish Hall.

Your servant in Christ,
Ella Anderson, Sr. Warden