At a special on July 23, Grace Church's Vestry voted to apply to the Diocese for Mission status. Mission status will make available financial aid from the Diocese that would not otherwise be available. This aid, it is believed, will make it possible for Grace to continue on its road back to health. You can read the minutes of the special Vestry meeting here.

The Vesty meeting followed a Congregational Meeting at which parishioners were told about the rationale for seeking Mission status. After some discussion, the sense of those present was to support a Vestry decision for a change in status. Prior to the meeting, parishioners were sent a package containing information on the proposed status change as well as information about vestry actions this year and progress on putting together a strategic plan. You can access the contents of this package of information on the news page of the Grace Church web site here.

Education for Ministry (EfM) provides a safe place for lay people to refine their faith, articulate their faith and live their faith through a structured group learning experience.

EfM is an extension course from the School of Theology of the University of the South at Sewanee and is sponsored by the Diocese of Southern Ohio. EfM seminars consist of 6 to 12 adults led by a trained mentor who meet weekly to reflect theologically and discuss the Bible, church history and theology.

What EfM does better than any other theological education program is to equip people to integrate their faith with their real life experiences in ways that make sense and bring meaning to their lives. EfM graduates attest to being able to live more full and abundant lives. Many discover (or rediscover) their ministries in their daily life and work. Some find themselves called to use their talents in new ways. In all cases, those who complete the program have new confidence in their ability to live their lives as theologically articulate Christians.

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to carry the cross in procession? Light candles? Help the clergy with Eucharist? Now's your chance; you can be an acolyte at Grace Church.

If you're a teen-ager, that's great! But if you're not, don't let that deter you; it's never too late to carry the cross.