After many years of struggling to keep up an old building, The Rector Wardens and Vestry of Grace Church, Inc., with renewed excitement for the future, have merged and consolidated with Nazareth House Apostolate into St. Simeon Skete. Grace Church has been worshipping now for 3 weeks at the new location. Maintaining its own identity, its own Vestry and its own Corporation, Grace Church now benefits from the strength of a joint ministry with the resident ongoing force of prayer of the religious at the Skete.
In recent years, we have attracted a more “national” membership, having people regularly worship at Grace Church from many areas – Several making the effort to attend church weekly from long distances (Breeding, KY; Maysville, KY, Bishop, GA; Hanover, IN; Augusta, GA; Bogart, GA). For some in Louisville, the move means a few more minutes on the road to come to church. As many have agreed, this allows extra time to de-program from the gravitational pull of the world, giving you those added moments to prepare your heart for the Liturgy. The serene scenery leading up to the skete is very conducive to prayer. Time used in this manner hinders that “rush in, rush out” attitude when going to worship which can hamper the purpose of attending any worship service.
Understanding the repairs needed, The Debre Haile Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has purchased the building on Goldsmith Lane. Their congregation is strong, dedicated and vibrant and they are excited to have the opportunity to preserve their faith at the former Grace Church location. In them, Grace Church has found a friend, a sister-church, so to speak. We continue them in our prayers, looking forward to a long relationship with them. We wish them all the best in the ministry and in their new building.
The Rector, Wardens, Vestry and members of Grace Church are thankful for this opportunity to greater serve our Lord in this greater capacity. The new location is one of peacefulness and light. God’s love and warmth abound. We welcome this new beginning to continue to serve Him while maintaining the traditional worship of our ancestors.
