Parking Lot Party August 16th at 5PM

Sacraments

The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills. – Outline of the Faith, Book of Common Prayer 1979

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. Candidates for baptism are sponsored by one or more baptized persons and we baptize infants, children, and adults. Since we affirm that there is one baptism, we do not practice re-baptism. If you are interested in being baptized, please reach out to Fr. Joe.  

Holy Eucharist

Most of our worship services include the Holy Eucharist, the “great thanksgiving dinner” of the Church. Jesus told His disciples to take and eat bread, take and drink wine, in remembrance of Him. We do that regularly. All baptized Christians, regardless of your age of baptism, or the amount of water, are welcomed to join us in that memorial.

Confirmation

In the Prayer Book’s Catechism, confirmation is the sacrament “in which a person makes a mature commitment to Christ and receives strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” Since a bishop must be present for confirmation, they are held once a year during the bishop’s visit. Grace offers an Episcopal 101 class for those who intend to be confirmed before the bishop’s visit. Reach out to Fr. Joe for more information or to discern this further.  

Reconciliation

Reconciliation of a Penitent, or Penance, commonly called confession, is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. This is a confidential conversation. Only an ordained Episcopal Priest or Bishop may exercise this sacrament. If you are seeking reconciliation, please reach out to Fr. Joe, Fr. Collin, or Fr. Jose to meet with them.  

Marriage

Marriage is a spiritual act in which two people enter into a life-long union, and by God’s grace, become one. Those who wish to be married at Grace must complete pre-marital counseling either with Father Joe or with someone approved by him. We want to help you start off as strong as possible and develop skills for when tough times come. Graces Nave is not a venue space available for rental. Father Joe or an Episcopal priest must preside at the wedding and the liturgy from the 1979 Prayer Book must be used.  

Death and Funerals 

  1. At the Time of Death – Prior to or at the time of death, please notify Father Joe or call the church office at (417) 358-4631. Father Joe will meet with you to assist with funeral arrangements and to provide encouragement and support. 
  2. Funeral Services – The most meaningful funeral services are those planned in part by the person who is remembered. Following the outline of the Book of Common Prayer, we have a worksheet in which you can choose Scripture readings, music, who speaks and other ways to make your service special. Father Joe is also glad to meet with you and assist in completing the funeral preparations. Grace Church is not a for-rent funeral venue. If you are part of the Grace Church community and need to discuss having a funeral, please contact the church office. 
  3. Columbarium – Grace Church has an outdoor columbarium for cremated remains located off our parking lot at the north end of Spencer Hall. To learn more about the columbarium, contact the church office at (417) 358-4631. 
  4. Funeral Reception – Following a funeral service, you may want to host a funeral reception in our Parish House. The Funeral Guild can provide refreshments and food as well as assist in setup and take down. Please contact Sandy Swingle or the church office for further information.

Ordination

Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops. Those who believe they are being called by God to ordained ministry should first reach out to Fr. Joe and begin a discussion with him about this call in your life.