FROM THE PASTORAL MINISTER — May 1, 2026

On March 7, five of us from Grace attended a “Church Vitality Event” at a UCC church in Williston, where a wise and experienced church-growth coach, the Reverend Paul Nickerson, shared insights from national research on patterns and practices of congregational life in the 21st century. Reverend Nickerson started some interesting conversations, that day and since, among several of us who care about the Church and about Grace Church.

Rev. Nickerson pointed out that in the United States now, we have basically two generations who have mostly NOT been brought up in church. Meaning that MOST adults today may not even know what goes on inside a building with a steeple on top, or why. This may be hard to even imagine, for those of us who have been churched for some or all of our lives. Are we fully aware that many aspects of church life and culture that we take for granted and in which we find meaning, are foreign and meaningless to so many of our neighbors?

“Coach” Paul went on to describe the “Era of Attraction,” in past decades when most citizens of a local community were looking for a church home as they raised their children and as they sought meaning in their adult lives. All Grace had to do in those days was publicize service schedules and open the doors to the building, and people would stream inside on a regular basis, looking to grow and express their faith, connect with neighbors, and educate their children in the ways and Word of God. All people driving by needed to know was, “Everyone Is Welcome!”

These days, letting people know we are here and that we are good people, is not an effective invitation. Even directly inviting people, without a relationship and connection, is empty most of the time, if the invitee does not have much experiential context for the point and purpose of church life. Two generations, Paul reminds us, have known almost nothing about being an active part of a faith community. Pamphlets and banners won’t change this; only ongoing friendships and loving disciples modeling the compassion and concern of Jesus will make an impact.

So, we are reminded that the Vitality of our church and the abundant life of Grace, is planted in caring relationships, with each other and with people in our neighborhood and in our city. We practice taking our faith out into the world, which is sometimes awkward, messy, and frustrating. We notice that every person we meet is a child of God, who needs their Creator and Savior, and we remember that each person will meet the risen Christ, in us.

Wanting Grace to continue to grow and thrive, we go out, reach out, walk out, and connect with people who have no idea yet. And we pray that God will shine in our vitality, and work healing through our relationships, and build the Church for a new generation.

Our Vitality Team will continue to share, as we meet with Paul and each other in the days and weeks ahead. Talk to a member of Diaconate or to me with questions or for updates.

Blessings, — Terry