Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church
2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV
Pastor Will Shewey – This Week’s Visit to Shades of Grace UMCwith a Link on This Page to Facebook’s Live Streaming of Sunday Services
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Posted by Pastor Will Shewey
Today’s meal is representative of our diverse ministry at God’s Living Room. The food is donated today by Mormon, Baptist and Methodist. A true ecumenical mixture. God’s kingdom among us in a very real presence.
Meal for the Least, Lost, Last and Lonely
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 Posted by Pastor Will Shewey
Several folk have asked why this storefront church is called Shades of Grace. I felt the definite call to this ministry a number of years before it actually began. A year before being appointed to start the church, I was driving through a thunderstorm on I 81 near the airport. Suddenly the sun broke out and I was immersed in a brilliant rainbow. In my spirit, heard the phrase “ Shades of Grace”. I knew immediately this would be the name of the ministry to which I was being called. I knew this would be a place for all God’s children and no one would be discriminated against or turned away. We have always been an inclusive congregation and the Lord daily affirms our call to minister with/ to the last, least, lost and lonely of our community. It’s a beautiful place and the homeless folk named it “ God’s Living Room.” There have been 3 songs written with the title, “ God’s Living Room.”
A young man around thirty has been coming to Shades daily for past couple months. We purchased his ID and gave him a slot in our community mailbox. He is native to TriCities area, and is homeless due to addiction. His family eventually gave up on him and severed contact with him. Today he received a message that was from a bereavement counseling center. He asked us what that meant and Pastor Michele told him that means someone he knows has passed away. To make a long story short, he discovered his mom had died a week or more ago, and no one informed him of her passing. We’ll be spending some extra time this week sharing in this grief process. Offer a prayer for him when you pray.
Monday, March 11, 2019 Posted by Pastor Will Shewey
Received a call today from Tennessee Department of Corrections employee. She is trying to assist a homeless man who is a serious ex-offender. She doesn’t know where to turn, and has heard about Shades of Grace. Reached out to me for a solution. We talked a while and I assured her we can provide some answers she desires. She told me the one thing the young man requested is a hot shower, which he hasn’t had in over 3 months. We’re working on a plan, and have forged another relationship with TD of Corrections. Remember, Lent is a time of introspection and giving alms. Sometimes the little things, like a hot shower, can be the richest blessing.
Received this letter today from a hospice provider who cared for a Shades member. This speaks to the importance of this storefront ministry in the living and dying of homeless folk who have no known family. They often offer my name as ‘next of kin.’ This is an humbling reminder during this season of Lent. From dust we have come; to dust we shall return.
Pastor Will Shewey Listed as “Next of Kin” for Some of the Least, Last, Lost, Lonely and Forgotten, Who Have No One
Monday, March 11, 2019 Posted by Chaka Dorcean
Pastor Will Shewey is a quiet but a wise man FULL OF THE LOVE OF CHRIST! He is quiet until the least, lost and lonely are looked over. So much so he went BEYOND talking about it and did something…he built the vision God gave him..Shades of Grace.
I’ve seen and been a part of wonderful ministries, beautiful edifices and the like. What I find interesting is this ministry is looked over by many who believe it is a burden to our community, doesn’t look like your typical church, doesn’t have all the religious bells and whistles…YET…when I go serve there I can sense and feel God’s Kingdom on earth.
People..who are from all denominations, colors, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc…serving, giving, volunteering, helping without no one looking for a pat on the back or credit…simply to handle and deal with a NEED in our community. A NEED for HOPE!!
I am honored to serve and love being able to come in quiet, be blessed by the beautiful people…EVERYONE OF THEM!! Pastor Will & team…THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!
Tuesday, March 10, 2019 Posted by Pastor Will Shewey
Spoke at Missions celebration Saturday evening and for two services this morning, at First Morristown UMC. A beautiful campus and vital congregation.
Drove through Bean Station and Rogersville on 11 ww back to Shades of Grace UMC. It was a lovely drive on this Springlike day. Crosspoint Church served a delicious meal to our community.
Jeff Melton, Belle Byrd and Oscar Harris provided today’s music.
Our message focused on Jesus’ wilderness temptations as we continue the Lenten journey. Several first time guests attended today.
What if we worked to invite all into the kingdom with the same enthusiasm we use in keeping some out? Do we really believe that Jesus cares for the last, least, lost and lonely? Religious folk found fault with Him being a friend to sinners. Here is one soul that is so thankful Jesus is my friend. ( yes, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. That includes me.) Lord, help me be a friend that loves at all times, unconditionally. Amen
Thanks to CrossPoint Church for serving on this beautiful Sunday, March 10, 2019.
Transportation to Shades of Grace UMC
We All Have the Same Father – We are All Brothers and Sisters in Christ – His Children
Pastor Will Shewey
Shades of Grace congregation currently is ministering to at least five members who are dealing with terminal illnesses. Some are homeless and find relief by sleeping during the days in our building. Just a cold drink of insure or a pack of crackers… and these folk are so grateful.
Our faith community consists of homeless folk, convicted felons, various offenders, single parents, a few professionals, a good crowd of blue collar and regular working folk. There are biracial couples and friends of alternative lifestyles. There are ex-cons and several pastors who are faithful servants for the kingdom. And the rest are just plain ol’ regular folk trying to share Jesus’ message of radical hospitality with a world that so often feels out of place.
God’s Living Room is a place they can all be ‘family’ and discover hope. (read the parable of the fishing net that is cast and draws in every manner of creation.) This is church! Join me at 4 p.m. Sunday for worship, and every M-F for miracles that only can be done by the Divine!
Donations are welcome at Shades of Grace. Many homeless walk miles and walk all night because they are afraid of being robbed or attacked. Some are learning to restructure their lives, back to work . . . so they need new shoes, clothes, educational programs, an ID card, some type of residence and other resources for a foundation to re-join society. Shades of Grace does what Jesus would do, Gives the lost, least, last and lonely that hope and faith, showing them that someone cares. Shades of Grace depends on donations and volunteers.
Happening at Shades of Grace
Struggling with losses in life? Need some hope and comfort? Meet with Pastor Michele and friends who will help guide you on this Journey Thru Grief! Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Need to talk about it? Loss, death, divorce, friendship, job, income?
Meet with Pastor Michele Tuesday from 11-noon at Shades!
HISET, formerly GED, classes will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-noon. Phyllis and Bill are looking for you. Never a cost at Shades. Why not stop by and see how they may be of service to you? Need help with the ABC’s of everyday life? Help reading those applications or completing a job resume’? Meet at Shades of Grace Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am -noon. No cost!
Need Photo ID? Be at Shades of Grace Thursday by 9:00 a.m.
Pastor Will Shewey Prays for Us
As your head rests upon a pillow tonight,
breathe a prayer of intercession and thanksgiving.
Many things about tomorrow we will not understand.
Events of this day can’t be understood.
Rest in knowledge that He who keeps His people
neither slumbers or sleeps,
and secret things belong to Him.
If it be God’s will, we will awaken
to mercies new for the morning.
Though we walk through the waters,
they shall not overflow us.
Lord, forgive those who have fallen so far
from the place of peace and comfort.
Give courage to those making
difficult lifesaving choices.
Be near those dying and with those
preparing to go forth in a new reality.
And bless your holy church,
people called by your name,
that it may always be a light in darkness,
and stand on the side of unconditional love. Amen
Needing to Share and Provide a Multitude of Resources to the last, least, lost, lonely and the forgotten, there is a Donate Button at the Following Link to Shades of Grace United Methodist Church.
Click Here for Their Facebook Page and also the Donate Button for an Opportunity to Give.
