A Profile of parish life at Grace
Grace Episcopal Church parishioners and clergy consider themselves called to be part of a welcoming community in which visitors are personally recognized and valued. Relationships with other parishioners are an essential part of everyday lives. Friendships tend to be made and sustained at Grace.
Parishioners understand how important fellowship is and respond by organizing opportunities throughout the year for people to meet, get acquainted, and to catch up and sustain relationships. These include the annual Newcomer Sunday brunch, Hope College Theater Night, baseball and hockey games, the annual picnic, fall family hay rides, intergenerational activities, and Lenten suppers. Church members can also participate in Holy Chow which is a dinner group arranged through Fellowship Commission. An active Stephen Ministry program is one of the ways some of the church's parishioners reach out to fellow members of the church family.
The sense of hospitality and community extends beyond the parish circle. Grace Church serves as host for the meetings of several local organizations including PFLAG and AAUW, as well as housing the Grace Christian Child Care Center.
Grace is home to longtime or "cradle" Episcopalians and those whose spiritual journeys have brought them through the church's red doors at other stages of their lives. Since we are the only Episcopal church in Holland, we understand our responsibility to represent the worldwide Anglican Communion locally.This commitment to Anglican tradition provides a solid center from which we reach out to connect with other religious traditions. An important part of Grace's commitment to the ecumenical movement is regular participation in cooperative services with area Lutheran and Presbyterian congregations. An ecumenical study group composed of members of different faith communities meets regularly at Grace to promote understanding. Our Education for Ministry group has been active since the early 1980's and provides a place for inquirers to look deeply into our Christian tradition. An active Cadre of Lay Eucharistic Ministers provides an important link between ordained clergy and laity.
Parishioners say the celebration of the Eucharist is the central event in their spiritual lives. Many Grace Church members say "the liturgy" is one of the most significant reasons they worship at Grace. As literally "the work of the people", the Episcopal liturgy reaches beyond the congregation's formal worship into the social relationships within the parish. Parish and family traditions intersect in baptisms, as well as Stepping Up observances, which mark the beginning of the journey from youth into adulthood for parish teens.
Challenging and thought-provoking sermons that prompt dialog and personal growth are a central part of the parish's tradition. Parishioners expect to be challenged to cultivate open minds and open hearts. Two Eucharistic services are offered on Sunday mornings: Rite I at 8:15 and Rite II with full music at 10:30. Having an open communion, ALL are welcome to receive communion at Grace. A Wednesday morning Eucharist is offered at 9:30 and a meditative Taize service is offered on the first Sunday of each month.
Music is an essential ministry that is thoughtfully integrated with other liturgical elements. Choir members of all ages are music ministers. Our parish has an active and talent membership with many opportunities to work within the music ministry.
With regard to community, acceptance of the diversity that differing backgrounds, viewpoints, and thinking provide is one of the highly valued characteristics of Grace. Many Grace church members report that openness to diversity and an inclusive spirit is one of the main reasons they come to Grace. "Grace church... respects our intelligence, it allows us to have differences of opinion and still respect each other." one parishioner said. Another grace member said of the church: "In 2003 Gene Robinson was elected to Bishop and I came to Grace to see if any church could rise above the love to law to [a] law of love. I stayed."
Programming at Grace includes active Education programs for parishioners of all ages. Sunday morning Education Hour consists of Sunday School for all children aged Preschool through Middle School. Sunday Forum is an educational opportunity for High School through adults and is centered on a series of discussions and presentations. In addition, Youth group activities are available for Middle School and High School youth. Throughout the year, families of Preschoolers are encouraged to gather on the first Sunday of each month, after the late service for a time of food and fellowship. Several activities are scheduled throughout the summer for Elementary aged children.
How best to plan for the physical needs of the parish is an important concern for parishioners. Grace owns two homes adjacent to the church, as well as two adjacent vacant lots subject to residential neighborhood building and use restrictions. A plan approved in early 2006 includes partnering with the Good Samaritan Ministries and Community Action House to manage one home as part of their Community Housing Partnership. A related concern is the need for more parking, particularly on Sunday mornings. Parishioners also express a desire to be responsive to the maintenance needs and upkeep of the church building itself so that the church is a positive representation of the Episcopal Community in Holland.
