My theme verse for all forty-three years of my ministry as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is Philippians 1:3-6:
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”
It’s hard to believe that I have started my second year with you as our Interim Pastor. In fact, I’m in my fourteenth month, but who’s counting. God is in our midst and has been so since our chartering in 1909. Let me cite some of our accomplishments in 2024:
- We completed the Five Steps in our Interim Pastor Journey;
- Our worship services brought us into a deeper experience with God;
- Education opportunities strengthened our walk with Jesus;
- Small group experiences for us to give and receive support, encouragement, knowledge about Christianity and one another, prayer, and fellowship in community;
- Service projects;
- Mission trips;
- The Session approved the 2025 Strategic Plan;
- The election of the Pastor Nominating Committee; and
- Grace is a founding church of Justice Together
Your Session on Monday night, February 17, began discussing how Grace can be courageous in addressing the immigration and refugee crisis in America, Kansas, and Sedgwick County. The Session is considering several ways, which will include education opportunities with experts and writing Senators Marshall and Moran as well as Congressman Estes.
In conclusion, I cannot state strongly enough how excited Janet and I are to be a part of the Grace Presbyterian Church family in such a time as this. Yes, Grace is an amazing congregation to serve.
On our Interim Pastor journey with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
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