Sacred Places Fall 2010 | Page 12

UPDATE: Texas Office (cont.) Grace enthusiastically took the lessons from New Dollars to heart, gaining a new perspective for the value of its ministry and outreach, and its ability to use programming, services, and physical facilities for the community’s well being. In 2007, Partners awarded Grace a $5,000 seed grant for a comprehensive building assessment, and with this key document in hand, the church now had a “blueprint” to prioritize building needs. Eventually, Grace forged a partnership with one of the largest churches in the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. In June of 2009, Arlington Heights United Methodist (also a New Dollars graduate) took Grace under its wing and gave the congregation renewed hope. Today, Grace has not one but three pastors, attendance has doubled, and outreach programs are thriving. The church has new landscaping and fresh paint, and has just installed a new exterior sign. Additionally, the building is alive with Daisy Scouts, Vacation Bible School, neighborhood association meetings, United Methodist Women’s meetings and Jenna’s Hope of Grace – a resale and community aid shop. As the future of Grace takes shape, this small church continues to serve as a model for the many congregations that face similar challenges. 11 • Sacred Places • www.sacredplaces.org • Fall 2010