Pastors Points
by Pastor Krais
Have you ever been inside of Grace’s
parsonage? For those of you who have, you know that it is a
beautiful building. It has gorgeous wood floors and woodwork, a
magnificent fireplace, stunning built in bookcases, and a delightful
screened-in porch. For a number of years, it has been used by Sunday
School classes, youth, and various small groups and community groups
for meeting space. There were moments of activity, but for the most
part, the building stood quiet and empty. Was this the best
stewardship of such a remarkable place?
A few weeks ago, the Salvation Army became tenants in the parsonage
as Grace provided this property to them for a group home for
disabled men. (They have been renting our home next to the office on
Church Street for several years now.) I stopped in last Sunday to
say “hello” and to meet residents and staff and I was amazed at what
I saw. This beautiful building had become a wonderful, loving home.
One gentleman told me how much he liked his new home. “I like it
much more than our other house!” he told me with a huge smile on his
face. Another resident has been attending worship at Grace each week
and is so happy that his new church home is right next door! His
entrance each week, waving to people in the congregation as he finds
his seat, clearly shows his joy at being welcomed by you!
Please feel free to stop by and say “welcome” to our new neighbors.
You too, might be amazed at how the joy and gratitude of these new
tenants is a reassuring sign that this building is being well used
as a home of love and care. I trust and believe that God is
delighted with our stewardship of this home and our blossoming
“ministry of welcome” to these men.
Peace,
Pastor Krais