Hello. I am Pastor Richard Jones.
Pastor Jones
I became pastor of Grace Lutheran Church on September 9, 2000. It did not take me long to realize our congregation lives up to its name. We are a church of grace. Grace Lutheran is a church built on the grace of God. We live out the grace of God toward each other and our community. To make what I mean clearer, I want to define grace. Grace means the unearned favor of God and men. Our church's foundation is not the building or even its people. The foundation is the Inerrant Word of God in the Holy Bible. This foundation reveals to us the grace of God. The grace of God gives us God's approval, acceptance, and benevolence. This grace of God assures us of going to heaven freely. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." This grace assures us of peace with God. According to Romans 5:1, we have God's approval by faith and peace with God. This grace gives us confidence that we will not be condemned. Romans 8:1 states, "Those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned." This grace lets us know God is always on our side. According to Romans 8:32, since God sacrificed His Son for us, He will also give us what we need in life.
Because we teach and live the truth of God's grace in Jesus Christ, Grace Lutheran is a gracious church. We live out benevolence and service to the community in many and various ways, such as: supporting AA meetings, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, All Faith Soccer League, Prison Fellowship, and working with the Thrift Store. We have brought into our community Group Work Camp that worked on over 50 homes in our area.
God's grace moves us to nurture and encourage youth of all ages. Grace Lutheran provides acceptance, consideration, and dignity to the youth in our community. We provide leadership and a place for Bay Manor Nursery School for 3 and 4 year olds. We have Pioneers Clubs for kindergarten through 5th grade on Friday nights. We also have multiple youth groups programs for both Junior and Senior High, and Summer Program and many other youth events through the year.
God's grace develops in us character, of respect, appreciation, and courtesy toward all. This is experienced and shown through many activities at Grace, such as: one of the 13 Bible studies, trips to plays and sporting events, and parties. It does not matter what your size, education, experience, or wealth, we will treat you with grace.
Lastly, one more aspect of grace that makes Grace Lutheran Church a gracious church. Grace not only is unearned favor, but grace is always connected to truth. We live in truth, and bring grace to the situation as God's truth teaches and leads us. Truth is what gives balance to our benevolence and service acceptance and dignity, and respect and courtesy so that we are not foolish or enabled in hurtful and sinful behaviors. It is truth and grace that marks our church. John 1:14 teaches, "….We beheld Jesus' glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." So we are a Church that is in a living active relationship with Jesus.
OFFICE OF THE PASTOR The Pastoral office of this congregation shall be conferred upon such ordained Lutheran ministers or seminary candidates only as profess and adhere to the Confessional standards as set forth in Article III of this constitution and are well qualified for their work. Pastors shall, in the call extended to and accepted by them, be pledged to this confessional standard.
This page was modified: Friday, 01 January 2010 10:13