For information about upcoming classes, small groups, fun events, and more, check out this month's "Tidings of Grace" newsletter.
It is a New Year, full of possibilities and hope. Ecclesiastes and Isaiah remind us that God is always creating something new. It is also a new season in my life and in the life of our church. I have recently shared with the Bishop, the District Superintendent, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee and the staff, that I plan to retire at the end of the Conference year, June 30, 2026. This is a decision I made with prayerful consideration of my upcoming wedding and also in consideration of the needs of our church. A new senior pastor will be appointed effective July 1, by the Bishop, after consultation between our Staff-Parish Relations Committee and our District Superintendent. The new senior pastor will come in with fresh eyes, unique gifts and experience, and will help Grace move into the future.
It has been an honor to serve as a clergy member of the S.C. United Methodist Conference since 1989. I served two churches as an associate pastor, three churches as a senior pastor, and also served as Chaplain of Columbia College and as the Columbia District Superintendent. I have enjoyed every place that I served, including Grace. The people and programs of Grace have been a gift to me. When I look back at my years of ministry, I can see the faces and places, the joys and sorrows, the challenges and accomplishments. All were made possible by God's grace.
Regardless of who is the senior pastor, Christ is the head of the church. Ephesians 1:20-23 states, God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.... And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Continue to be the Body of Christ, with Christ as the head. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Turn your faces to the Son. Turn your hearts toward one another. May the New Year bring grace upon grace to the people of Grace UMC.
In Jesus' Love,
Cathy
"The Roots of Our Family Tree" - Sunday, January 11, 2026
There is no such thing as a perfect family in the Bible. But even in our strained family relationships, God offers the possibility of love and forgiveness. The baptism of Jesus reminds us of our baptism, into the church, not a perfect family, but where we find love and forgiveness.
Prepare for worship by reading the following scripture passages: Romans 6:1-11 and Genesis 32:22-32
**Special Events: Reaffirmation of Baptism
