Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
At the end of each year, we believe it is imperative to take a look back and remember the ways we have seen God be faithful to our church.
This review represents the growth, struggle, joy, and hope we share in Christ as a family of local congregations. The information presented here is only a brief snapshot—due to the challenges this year presented, much has happened behind the scenes. We particularly want to remember our church members in the medical field, who have sacrificed daily for the well-being of others.
We are grateful for the ways you have served our church body this year, and for the way God, in his mercy and grace, has provided resources for us to continue to disciple, equip, and care for one another.
Discipleship happens all the time—it’s a process that requires active choices to follow God every day. This year, we’re encouraged by the growth we’ve seen in our groups and recovery ministries, as well as the opportunity to launch several studies directed at shepherding our body through culturally relevant issues.
NEW CURRICULUM FOR MEN AND WOMEN
GRACE CHURCH STUDENTS
NATURAL BURIAL
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This year, we purchased a plot of land for natural burial to help support our members during the grieving process. Instead of embalming, vaults, or coffins, natural burial is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative involving a pine box or shroud, allowing us to come alongside our members in a tangible and intimate way.
MOSAIC/MOSAIC INSPIRE
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Recognizing the difficulties adults with disabilities often experience when connecting to church and community, we launched Mosaic Inspire, a weekday ministry with the purpose of discipling these individuals and connecting them to the life of the church. We’re grateful for our five active participants!
ALLENDALE
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This year, we celebrated 12 years of ministry in Allendale County! In addition to our work with Camp Impact, we developed Impact Students, a program extending beyond summer which continues connection and discipleship for students who’ve aged out of Camp Impact.
SENIOR HONOR
In the past two years, Senior Honor—which serves more than a thousand elderly residents, their families, and staff in the Upstate area—has grown to include eldercare community partners at each campus. During the pandemic, Grace volunteers of all ages have served by making cards, delivering care packages, encouraging staff, and leading Bible studies and worship services.
CARE MINISTRIES
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Through our Care & Recovery ministries, we continue to shepherd individuals experiencing crisis, struggle, and trauma. We’re grateful to have 25 of these programs across all our campuses, helping many inside and outside our church walk through difficult seasons with hope.
JUST SERVE 2021
We had over 1,050 volunteers across all campuses register to help with projects throughout the Upstate.
FOSTER & ADOPT
HOUSING
CAMPUS-SPECIFIC LOCAL OUTREACH
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Throughout the year, our campuses helped meet specific community needs by partnering with local groups and organizations across the Upstate. In addition to Just Serve days in the spring, when more than a thousand volunteers showed up to support local projects, each campus championed multiple needs unique to their community.
A PERMANENT BUILDING FOR TRAVELERS REST
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In September, our Travelers Rest campus moved into their new building on Geer Highway. This was our final campus in need of a permanent building, and we celebrate that all our campuses now have a stable home through which they can effectively serve their local communities.
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
