Luke 24:13-35

Thirty years ago I had been serving a major Pentecostal denomination as pastor and church planter. I had also ministered in inner city congregations in south Florida, the Caribbean, and greater Miami area. After moving back to Virginia and serving a church pastorate, I entered a season of discernment concerning my future path of ministry. I prayed, “‘Lord, send me wherever you want me to go, and I’ll follow.”

My phone rang and a DS in the local United Methodist District was on the other end. We were not acquainted. He told me he had been observing my congregation and was impressed by the ministry taking place in the former UM building which had been purchased by the Pentecostal denomination for a new church start. I had just competed 4 years of successful ministry there. I had even received the distinction of starting a church that was named one of the fastest growing congregations in that denomination, and received an award in Oklahoma City. The DS asked me if I would consider taking an appointment in the UMC. The rest is history. Next year I will complete 30 years under the Cross and Flame.

I’ve been blessed to receive the Denman Award for Evangelism and member of World Methodist Evangelism Order of the Flame.

Nine years ago I was appointed by the Bishop and Cabinet to “The Streets of Kingsport, Tennessee” to begin a new church start. There was no building or congregation. That humble appointment and subsequent congregation at Shades of Grace stirred up the angst of some of the city officials because of the attention brought regarding homelessness, addiction and mental challenges within our outreach and congregational constituents.

I was told plainly in no uncertain terms by two city officials the only reason Shades survived is the Cross and Flame emblem on my office wall. Their words, “If you were little known and independent, the church would not last more than a few months. But, we know what that emblem stands for. If we come up against it, a firestorm would erupt that could not be extinguished.”

I am a grateful pastor who is so blessed to say, “ I’m staying United Methodist.’ All because, in so many ways,” He Came Looking for Me.”

We formerly live-streamed at 4:00 p.m. Sundays in real time. We continue streaming at that same time by edit\redaction and upload of previous Saturday service. Through it all, no aspect of our outreach and ministry ceased. We remain strong and vibrant as we seek to live into the vision of making disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of our world. We are a safe sanctuary that welcomes and embraces ALL persons in the name of Jesus!

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.

People come to the doors of Shades of Grace at all hours. People come in every size, shape, color, condition, circumstance , and imaginable lifestyle. They come happy, high, hungover, ill, angry, rejected, satisfied, lonely, confused, unloved and feeling unworthy.

When they come, we do not ask them to answer questions or try to determine whether or not they are worthy.They simply come because the word ‘church’ is on our windows. And Jesus says “Come.” We feed them, clothe them, give hot showers, medicines, and pray with those who are open to it. But all is done in Jesus’ name. They know we will meet them where they are and not necessarily where we want them to be. A song we sing simply says “ People need the Lord. At the end of broken dreams, Christ is the open door.”

God loves all people. We are called to love all people. God is love. We’re simply scattering seeds and the Holy Spirit helps them grow. The end result belongs to God. We will continue to welcome, accept and embrace all people in the name of Jesus Christ. We are the church. We are the people of God. This is the kingdom of God. It’s where I desire to be. Grateful for a storefront house of worship called Shades of Grace : A United Methodist Congregation. It is called God’s Living Room.

“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.

Please share this ministry. 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 and walk. 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

Wednesday Bible Studies
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.