Pastor Will Shewey, Shades of Grace United Methodist Church
John, Chapter 4
Link to YouTube Video – “Woman at the Well”
From Pastor Will Shewey:
Sunday Story:
We knew him at Shades of Grace. A few years ago he arrived at our doors. The story was hard to believe. He had been sentenced to life in prison while a very young man. He was a self proclaimed professional bank robber. When we met, he was in his seventies and recently paroled. He was frail and had nowhere to go. It was winter. A couple members agreed to open the building so he could spend the night in warmth . We would all try to make better accommodations later. His story checked out. We have official court documents dating back to 1972.
We spent many hours in conversation and some prayer. He was a man without a country. Didn’t understand cell phones, computers, or any other thing most of us simply take for granted. Life had passed him by. We received him as a child of God. Life was confusing for him.
The pandemic came 3 years ago and our ministry protocol drastically changed. He disappeared and no longer came by to receive a bag meal or hot shower. He slipped from my mind and life continued.
He passed away a week ago, in prison at age 79. He had been incarcerated year ago. His family asked for a service to be held at Shades. We will celebrate his homecoming tomorrow, Monday, March 13th at 1:00 p.m. He is now free. His chains are gone. You are invited to join us for his service. You would have liked him. As his sister said, “He never really met a stranger.”
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.
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 . . . 38.50 miles this week 5.5 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
Everyone continue to pray for all who are feeling hopeless and helpless.
Link to YouTube Video – Sow a Seed
It’s amazing how so many wandering souls make their way to our doors every day. Lord, May we be faithful to your call.
Serving the Last, Lost, Least and Lonely:
Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Luke 10:27 “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”
FYI – Coming Events
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.
Would you like to share cards of encouragement with local persons in Recovery? Please write a note inside and drop them off at Shades of Grace at 313 E Sullivan Street anytime this week. Thank you friends!
“Link to YouTube Video – Watch Pastor Michele Beck’s Words of Inspiration
You Can Also Watch the Video of Sunday’s Service on the Shades of Grace UMC Facebook Page
We Have Provided a Donate Button for an Opportunity to Give. You will also be able to add prayer requests
