August 2026

It is a question that would have seemed unnecessary just a generation ago. For many people, the church was the heart of the community. It was where families
gathered for worship, celebrated weddings and baptisms, mourned at funerals, and found comfort during life’s hardest seasons. During times of crisis, people instinctively turned to the church because they believed it would be a place of refuge, wisdom, and
hope.

That was often true.

But it wasn’t always true for everyone.

The painful reality is that some people experienced judgment instead of grace, silence instead of protection, manipulation instead of truth, and abuse instead of care. In recent years, stories from churches across many denominations have reminded us that simply being a church does not automatically make us a safe place.

That truth is difficult to admit.

Yet acknowledging it is the first step toward becoming the kind of church Christ calls us to be.

So today, I believe this is one of the most important questions any person can ask:
Is this church a safe place?

Not simply safe physically—but emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and ethically.
Can children learn here without fear?
Can vulnerable people find protection?
Can questions be asked without shame?
Can mistakes be confessed without condemnation?
Can people grow without manipulation?
These are not signs of a weak church. They are marks of a healthy one.

When you are considering any church—including Grace—these are worthwhile questions to ask:
Is leadership transparent in its decisions and stewardship?
Are pastors and leaders accountable to others?
Can difficult questions be asked respectfully?
Are children and vulnerable adults protected through intentional policies and training?
Does the church value people for who they are, not simply for what they contribute?
How are people spoken about when they disagree or leave?
Does generosity feel like joyful worship rather than pressure?
Are leaders open to feedback and willing to learn?
Healthy churches are never afraid of these questions. In fact, they welcome them.

At Grace, we are committed to continually growing into that kind of church.

What We’re Doing at Grace
Accountability
Accountability is not a burden—it is a blessing. The United Methodist Church has established structures that provide ongoing oversight and support for pastors and congregations. Becoming a pastor involves years of theological education, mentoring, interviews, background checks, psychological assessments, and continuing accountability through district and conference leadership.
At the local level, our elected leadership works together to ensure that decisions are made faithfully, ethically, and collaboratively.

Safe Gatherings
One of the most important commitments we have made is implementing the Safe Gatherings program. Every volunteer and leader working with children and youth completes background checks and specialized training focused on protecting children, recognizing abuse, healthy boundaries, and creating environments where every person is respected and valued. This isn’t simply a policy. It is part of our culture.

Our hope is that every person—whether five years old or ninety-five—immediately senses that Grace is a place where they are welcomed, protected, and loved.

Transparency
Trust grows where transparency exists. You deserve to know how church resources are used. You deserve clear communication about important decisions.
You deserve opportunities to ask questions, share ideas, and participate in the life of our congregation.

As your pastor, I want you to know that my door is open.
If something concerns you…
If something doesn’t make sense…
If you disagree with something I’ve preached or taught…
Please come talk with me.

Healthy churches aren’t built by avoiding difficult conversations. They are built by having them with grace, humility, and mutual respect. We won’t always agree. But we can always love one another. The Church Christ Envisions Scripture paints a beautiful picture of what the church should be.
A refuge for the weary. (Psalm 9:9–10)
A community that carries one another’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2).
A people clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12–14)
A place where confession leads to healing rather than shame. (James 5:16)
A community rooted in truth, protected from deception, and continually growing in Christ. (Acts 20–28)
That is the church I believe God is calling Grace to become more fully every day.
Will we be perfect?
No.
Because the church is made up of imperfect people who are still being transformed by the perfect love of Christ.
But we are not called to perfection. We are called to faithfulness. Every day, God continues shaping us into the Body of Christ so that we may become
“glorious, holy, and blameless” (Ephesians 5:27).

That journey is lifelong.
And we take it together.
Each Sunday, we pray the Lord’s Prayer.
Those familiar words remind us that God’s Kingdom is not just something we hope for someday—it is something we are called to live today.
Every act of forgiveness…
Every conversation marked by grace…
Every child protected…
Every neighbor welcomed…
Every burden shared…
These are signs that God’s Kingdom is already breaking into our world.
As we continue that journey together, I’d love to hear from you.
Where have you experienced God’s grace at Grace Church?
How can we become an even safer and healthier church?
Where have we fallen short?
How can we bring healing where hurt has occurred?
Your voice matters.

If you are willing to share openly with me and our leadership, we will continue working together to make Grace a church where every person can encounter the love, truth, and transforming grace of Jesus Christ.
I truly believe that what God has begun here, God will faithfully continue.
Grace for the journey,

Pastor Tammy