UPDATE: Texas Office (cont.)
Grace enthusiastically took the lessons from New Dollars to
heart, gaining a new perspective for the value of its ministry
and outreach, and its ability to use programming, services,
and physical facilities for the community’s well being. In
2007, Partners awarded Grace a $5,000 seed grant for a
comprehensive building assessment, and with this key
document in hand, the church now had a “blueprint” to
prioritize building needs.
Eventually, Grace forged a partnership with one of the largest
churches in the Central Texas Conference of the United
Methodist Church. In June of 2009, Arlington Heights
United Methodist (also a New Dollars graduate) took Grace
under its wing and gave the congregation renewed hope.
Today, Grace has not one but three pastors, attendance has
doubled, and outreach programs are thriving. The church has
new landscaping and fresh paint, and has just installed a new
exterior sign.
Additionally, the building is alive with Daisy Scouts, Vacation
Bible School, neighborhood association meetings, United
Methodist Women’s meetings and Jenna’s Hope of Grace – a
resale and community aid shop. As the future of Grace takes
shape, this small church continues to serve as a model for the
many congregations that face similar challenges.
11 • Sacred Places • www.sacredplaces.org • Fall 2010