John 17:1-11

Shades of Grace is unlike any other place I’ve ever identified with. People stream to our doors during all times of day and night seeking answers. A man came in during worship wearing a hospital bracelet. He had suffered a heart attack at his home just inside the Kentucky line.( about 60 miles ) Kingsport has the closest medical center for him. However, he had been released yesterday from the hospital and had no way to get back home. He wandered the streets all night, and discovered our open doors and came in during service. Thank you to a Shades member for driving him back home to Kentucky after church.

Another lady came inside after worship in tears and distressed. A close family member had been found dead from ( her words: a heroin overdose ) and she was devastated and didn’t know where to turn. Thanks to Becky for praying with her while I was attending another emergency in the building. We will be following up with this case Monday.

Ministry at God’s Living Room is a most life changing and rewarding experience. It is at times the most difficult and heart wrenching experiences. Only the Lord knows the true impact on lives of the least of these. There aren’t enough words to describe this storefront house of worship.

The one thing that has never changed in our ever evolving congregation is the acceptance of ALL people. I have said many times if everyone is not welcome, then no one is welcome. It’s all or nothing. I firmly believe this commitment of caring for the least of these is the reason for our miraculous success and growth in the city. I’m thankful to represent Jesus in the United Methodist Church.

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.