John, Chapter 3

Today was a test for sure. But I truly believe our tests become powerful testimonies when patience has it’s perfect work. It was very obvious that a full moon will be arriving sooner than later. I can always tell.

I love our diverse congregation where rich and poor meet together and both experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am often amazed at the talents and gifts possessed by members of the home insecure friends. They know Shades is a Safe Sanctuary.

It’s not my concern their social status in the community or what their lifestyle or sexual orientation may be, or even who they love. We often have non binary individuals in our midst and I simply preach the living grace and mercy of God in whose image we all are. I just see people who need the Lord. I cannot view them as any less that a soul loved by God.

Our ministry is faithfully scattering seeds and watering the plants. After all, when all is done at end of day, only God can cause the plants to grow. God promises to eventually bring fruit into these lives who feel beaten down and hopeless. It’s not my task to change anyone’s mind. I joyfully and faithfully proclaim the gospel.

An example from today’s service:
A man so mentally confused and talking nonstop to anyone willing to listen heard Landon playing. He walked to the piano and began singing with a beautiful voice and perfect pitch “How Great Thou Art.”

Another lady who was so emotionally distressed and vocal on Friday quietly rested during the service. As she left, she said, “Thank you Mr. Shewey”. I’ll see you on Monday. Tonight both of these are sleeping somewhere under the tender care of our Great Shepherd. It is well. Thy Kingdom continue to come and May your will fully come. Amem

Please share this on the pages of your TriCities friends and share this ministry.

You are invited to worship at the only United Methodist congregation in our area that meets exclusively on Saturday mornings. The service begins at 10:30 a.m. at 313 E Sullivan Street in Kingsport. Shades of Grace is a storefront house of worship where ALL people are welcome and casual dress is ALWAYS acceptable.

“Shades” began in October, 2014 as a new church start of Holston Conference. Due to the nature of ministry with the least of these, there is no membership available. Anyone who claims a place here is accepted and given opportunities to be fully included in ministry. We offer sacrament of holy communion and baptism upon profession of faith. Worship is non traditional in many ways, but solidly grounded in Wesleyan theology. We offer some of the very best music and worship to be found anywhere.

The ministry is active Monday through Saturdays every week, and closed on Sundays. We feed hundreds of meals to our community friends who are homeless and in need each week and provide hot showers for men and women. We furnish a clothing closet. We provide many funerals for homeless unclaimed in partnership with a local funeral home and Immanuel Lutheran Church.

It doesn’t matter where you live, who you love, car you drive (or not), live in a house or cardboard box, attire, piercings or tattoos. God loves ALL.
As Oscar often says, “ Pray for all who deal with addiction and depression. The world needs a lot more love. So, let it go; let it go.”

Challenging all to exercise . . . 44.50 miles, 6.36 miles daily this week. Keeping up my steps. Staying healthy as possible.. – Let’s get it done! Keep moving.

May eternal flames of the CHRIST candle continue to light our path as we walk each other home. My prayer is that not one of God’s little ones will ever be made to stumble because of my sincere efforts to fully follow the LORD. Thy will be done, LORD!

You can now listen to Shades of Grace on the Radio – FM 92.1

Recovery at Shades: Recovery meeting for ALL on Monday at 5:00 p.m. at 313 E. Sullivan St. Meetings will continue each Monday. Led by our Shades of Grace folk.