The Formation cluster’s focus is on the spiritual development and Christian education of all adults, youth, and children at Grace Church. The term “spiritual formation” refers to the over-arching hope that all members of Grace Church explore the richness of their faith and grow in a greater awareness of God’s presence in their lives. We do this through study, prayer practices, music, worship, and conversations…many ways! How can we be more intentional with our cultivation of gifts and strengths? How are we being efficient with our time? Our resources? How can we continue to organize our lives in a mindful way, so that we live into God’s dream for us?
Staff Liason: Rev. Dr. Stuart Higginbotham
The Compassion cluster focuses on the ways we embody Christ’s love in the world around us. Through Pastoral Care, we care for our brothers and sisters within the parish, providing support through programs such as the Meals Committee, Funeral Reception Committee, Hospital Visitation, Healing Prayer, and more. The Pastoral Care Committee is the “internal” arm of the parish’s Ministries of Compassion, and it is filled with folks whose particular charism, or gift, is presence, love, and support to those who are in particular need. Through Outreach, we seek out ways to bear witness to God’s love in the world, loving our neighbor as ourselves. Grace Church parishioners are also active in giving time and talent to many community organizations.
Staff Liason: Cynthia Park
The Participation cluster focuses on ways to welcome new members to the Grace Community and encourages involvement in membership, evangelism, and parish life. How is the Spirit of Christ encouraging us to share our gifts and strengths with those around us? When folks explore the community, we welcome them into this space of worship, spiritual growth and prayer. And, for those who have been here for a while (sometimes decades!), we continue to find ways to strengthen our connection to one another. Participation also includes an element of Evangelism, because we realize that we have been given a mandate to share the Gospel in the world, by sharing our gifts and strengths.
Staff Liason: Brenda Morgan
How is the Spirit of Christ encouraging us to explore new ways of celebrating the Incarnation? Within the Anglican tradition, our liturgy is the most creative way we express ourselves. Our time of common prayer grounds us in our daily lives and helps us practice our faith. How can we support and encourage the gift of music within the liturgy? How can we also live into the richness of art, writing, reflection to foster a sense of God’s Presence? The Liturgy and Creative Expression cluster seeks ways in which the entire community can share their gifts in worship, art, drama, music, writing, and other opportunities of spiritual imagination.
Staff Liason: Lynn Swanson
We are blessed with a very strong administrative staff and team leaders at Grace. From the day-to-day operations of the phenomenal staff to the dedication of the Finance Committee, to the work of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, to the focus and invitation of the Stewardship Committee…so many give so much of their time and energy to making this campus run extremely smoothly…and faithfully. Vestry members involved in this cluster monitor the church finances, prepare an operations budget, review or recommend capital purchases, ensure that an outside audit is performed annually, conduct an annual every member canvass that invites the giving of time, talent, and money by all parishioner households, and ensure the maintenance and development of our physical campus. Are we managing our resources effectively? Are we being as transparent as we can be with the way we share God’s gifts within the community?
Staff Liason: Reba Page