What a blessing to be able to go home, especially when home is on the shore of the Atlantic. In the early 90’s, at the urging of a great friend, we came to Grace for a visit and found our beloved church home. Liturgy and structure that my Roman Catholic background enjoyed and a love for scripture that my Southern Baptist wife enjoyed. One visit and we were ready to join and have been blessed since by so many wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. Our children were baptized here and I finally heeded God’s calling to Pastoral Ministry. I echo St. Paul’s words to the folks in Thessalonica when he says “We ought always give thanks to God, for you…” I always thank God for calling me to this wonderful Church to Pastor these wonderful saints.
To fulfill God’s Commands of the Great Commission, to Love the Lord our God, to follow Him and to make disciples of and baptize all nations.
Being “Lutheran”
Our congregations accept and preach the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three phases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone.
I am honored and to have the office of President at Grace By-The-Sea. God has blessed Grace by a wonderful team of Christian leaders on both our Council and Board of Deacons. All willingly serve Grace to assure that our members are nurtured and strengthened for Christian service in their daily lives. Our resulting goal is that our members are equipped to share God’s love with the community.
The businesses and affairs of the Congregation are managed by the Church Council. Council members are elected by the Congregation via the Voters Assembly. Church Council is organized to effectively carry out the overall responsibilities of the Congregation, Evangelism and Outreach, Christian Education, Youth, Stewardship, Property, Fellowship, Public Relations and Treasury. Church Council consists of the Pastor, the Officers of the Congregation, the Chairperson of the Deacons and chairpersons of the Boards of the Congregation. The Council President is the executive officer of the Congregation, presiding over Council Meetings, Voters Meetings and oversees all boards and committees.
Grace, Peace and Mercy to all. The Board of Deacons includes Bill Jolly, Rob Lawson,Wilson Shearin, Heidi Francis and Richie Buscemi. Together, we have the role of assisting our Pastor as he serves the congregation. In addition to assisting the Pastor, we also have the role of serving and assisting the members of the congregation.
At times, our role involves praying for individual member’s needs; visiting shut-in or hospitalized members; encouraging spiritual growth; teaching classes or studies; welcoming guests; helping with communion distribution; networking with and giving support to the administrative boards and committees; during times of vacancy, overseeing the filling of the pulpit on Sunday mornings; counseling with our Pastor so that the Word of God is preached in truth and purity; finding God pleasing solutions to spiritual challenges.
As you can see, our role is quite varied; however, there is a theme which runs through all our efforts. We were modeled this behavior by our previous Pastors. It is that of a foot washing servant willing to humbly serve others. May you feel the Lord’s blessing in your life.
Our congregation’s effort is to make disciples by engaging the non-churched people in our community through our ministries and activities in order to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.
The Grace Lutheran Human Care Fund was established many years ago as members recognized that emergencies and hardships often arose in the lives of people around them. Through this fund, various needs could be addressed quickly and lovingly. Donations received are used to aid our Grace family. The fund is administered by the Board of Deacons. While the fund balance is transparent, listed in our standard financial reporting, the assistance provided, as one can understand, must remain highly confidential. If you wish to make a donation, note Human Care on your check or contact one of the Deacons. We pray this ministry, with God’s guidance, can continue for many years.
As Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML), we joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others.
At Grace Lutheran, we follow the LWML mission statement through utilization of the LWML Mite Box. Loose coins are collected that, in turn, are joyfully given to support missions throughout the world.
The LWML Vision Statement
The LWML is the leading group for LCMS women where each woman is welcomed and encouraged to use her unique God-given gifts as she supports global missions and serves the Lord with gladness.
Beliefs
As an auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, our beliefs are in line with the statements found on the LCMS website at lcms.org/about/beliefs
Our objectives are: Mission Education, Mission Inspiration, Mission Service, Financial Grants for Mission Needs. Our Motto is “Serve the LORD with gladness! (Psalm 100:2).”
Primary Focus
Proclaiming Christ Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all peoples! (Psalm 96:3).
Supporting Missions And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15).
Equipping Women Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will (Hebrews 13:20–21).
Serving Others As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10a).
