Programs and Ministries of Grace

Sunday Worship. Grace's principal ministry is our celebration of Holy Eucharist (Communion) every Sunday at 10:00 am. If you're unfamiliar with the Episcopal style of Christian worship, check out our FAQ page.

Sunday School.  Christian Formation (education) for children of all ages is provided during the first part of the 10:00 am Sunday worship service.

Child Care. Children of all ages are welcome in all of our services.  However, child child care is provided during Sunday worship for those who want it.

Healing Prayer and Laying on of Hands.  We offer healing prayer and laying on of hands at the Peace Chapel altar every Sunday during the administration of Holy Communion at the 10:00 am service.

Community Healing Service:  Grace offers this service to the Greater Cincinnati community the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm.. This service employs both traditional and non-traditional healing methods: African Drumming and Reike, plus the traditional healing prayer and laying on of hands. The service is based on the concept of release of tension through African drumming, restoration of peace through quietness and solitude, and prayer for continued health through the laying on of hands.  Learn more about the power of healing drumming here.

Evening Prayer & Confession Service:  On the 3rd Saturday of each month, we conduct a quiet service of Evening Prayer, followed by the opportunity for people to give their confessions if they so desire. This is a short, meditative service with no music or other embellishments--just a time to quietly sit and meditate, pray and give thanks to God for his goodness.

Hip Hop Service. Grace Church hosted its first Hip Hop Service in November, 2007. (See pictures here.) It continues on the first Saturday of every month at 5:00 pm. The Hip Hop Service is a new initiative at Grace Church aimed at creating a worship service that presents the Gospel in a way that transcends age, gender, race, religious affiliation and socio-economic status. The service employs a worship style that is traditional in order, but employs the language of hip hop to reach individuals who may otherwise not receive the Good News. Our goal is to reach out to young people and others using their language and highlighting their own culture and sensibilities while bringing forth the word of God. (At this time, this service does not include a Eucharist.)

Education for Ministry. Education for Ministry (EfM) is for anyone who is looking for a a safe place to explore and refine their faith. In this group learning experience, participants learn to better articulate their faith and to see new ways to live their faith.   Two EfM groups consisting of seekers drawn from all over the Greater Cincinnati area meet at Grace 36 weeks a year under the mentorship of Hawley Todd. Read more about EfM here,

Prayer Shawl Ministry. Grace has an active Prayer Shawl Ministry, knitting prayer shawls for people who need comforting.

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)  is a unique response to homelessness. It combines volunteers from the religious community with full-time professionals to reintegrate families into the community. Grace members support the IHN program hosted at Christ Church Glendale by supplying overnight volunteers for one evening every two months. If you would like to know more about this aspect of Grace Episcopal Church mission efforts, call Mary McLain or Grace Staples.

Public Use of Grace's Facility.  We offer our physical plant for use for the benefit of the community.  We encourage non-profit groups and others to find creative ways to make use of our nave and educational wing.  Among other uses, we are open to:

• 12-step meetings in our Great Hall,

• Discussion groups in the Parlor,

• Concerts in the Nave, and

• Nonprofit groups that need a place from which to operate.

We have even shared our spaces with another church until they could get a place of their own.

Opportunities to Contribute

The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution is perhaps the most important ministry we offer. Grace welcomes people from everywhere to come and add their contribution to our ministries.  You  don't even have to become a member of Grace; you  can be "on loan" from your home church for whatever time works for you and your home church.

We have many opportunities from which to choose. On our People page, you'll find a list of committees and contact people. We are especially looking for people to:

• Welcome people to Grace by serving as an Usher.  Contact the office.
• Serve on the Mission Council (Vestry). Contact  John Thayer or David Mukasa. 
• Give Grace more Curb Appeal.  Help clean up/spruce up our grounds.  Contact David Mukasa.
• Carry the cross, assist at the altar, etc., as an Acolyte.  Contact John Thayer.
• Sing in the Choir.  Choir practice is each Sunday at 9:00am, except during the summer. Contact Jim Edgy.

If what you're interested in isn't on any list, do discuss your ideas with Ms. Flemister or any member of the Mission Council.