Weekly Reflection, August 7, 2013
Dear Grace,
What does “home” mean to you? As Christians, no matter where we reside, we can be confident that
our ultimate home is in Jesus Christ. Grace UMC is a place where many have found their true home in
God’s kingdom, and for this we give thanks. And we look forward to hosting a family reunion in
September!
Grace Homecoming Celebration
Sunday September 29th
Worship 11am, Potluck lunch in Fellowship Hall to follow
Special Guest Preacher: Dr. Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology
Dr. Long's research interests are contemporary homiletical theory, biblical hermeneutics and preaching.
His most recent book, What Shall We Say? Evil, Suffering, and the Crisis of Faith, explores questions of
God and human suffering, and was named “2011 Book of the Year” by the Academy of Parish Clergy.
Long’s 1989 book The Witness of Preaching—now in its second edition—is one of the most widely used
texts on preaching, appearing on class reading lists in seminaries across the country and world. In 2010,
Preaching magazine named The Witness of Preaching one of the 25 most influential books in preaching
for the last 25 years. Long’s Preaching from Memory to Hope was named as one of the “top ten books for
parish ministry published in 2009” by the Academy of Parish Clergy.
The author of 20 books to date, Long is a frequent contributor to The Christian Century and the Journal
for Preachers, and a popular presenter at preaching conferences worldwide. He is an ordained minister in
the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Please mark this special date on your calendar and spread the word! We have been trying to reach
people for whom Grace is “home” over the summer and will continue to do so. We have more postcards
in the office, so feel free to pick them up and send them out, or e-mail: office@graceonponce.org with
information and we will send out invitations. Sue and Andy are putting together a reunion choir, so if
you or someone you know would like to be part of it please e-mail: a_singletary@msn.com.
Hope you’ll come to the HELP outing on Saturday (meet at 9am in the fellowship hall) to serve our
community. See you for worship on Sunday at 11am and think about who you can bring with you!
Grace and peace,
Kate