About Grace United Church of Christ

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Past

What is now Grace United Church of Christ was birthed on June 24, 1894 in a humble schoolhouse in Avon, PA. This new church, Grace Reformed Church, was growth of Tabor and St. Jacobs Kimmerlings Reformed Churches. Grace flourished in this time period; through the merger of the Evangelical and Reformed Churches it became Grace E&R and built its first permanent sanctuary along the Berks-Dauphin Turnpike (Rt. 422) where the congregation was nurtured in Christian faith and fellowship for the next 75 years. In 1957 the name of the church was officially changed to Grace United Church of Christ, a young denomination with historic legacies. The United Church of Christ celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2007. Progress continued in the life of the church; in 1967, through faithful discernment to God’s call for the church, Grace moved to South Fifth Avenue in Lebanon, dedicating their new church building under the direction of Harry R. Lenker, Architect, and Ira R. Stickler & Son, General Contractors. The architectural style of the new worship space is reminiscent of an upside-down Ark, prompting worshipers to recall God’s covenant with Noah; that forgiveness and grace are central to our faith; and that God’s love will always triumph over anger.

Present

Grace UCC continues to be an active and vibrant community of faith, rooted in its purpose as written in the preamble of its constitution: “The avowed purpose of this organization shall be the worship of the Triune God, the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the practice of loving service towards the needy, the building of the kingdom of righteousness, the furtherance of Christian unity, and the promotion of Christian fellowship among the membership.”

In keeping with the purpose of Grace UCC, members support various mission programs, i.e. Habitat for Humanity, Heifer International, The Samaritan Counseling Center, Lebanon Rescue Mission, Lebanon County Christian Ministries and Noon Meal, Adopt-A-Family at Christmas (5 local families in need enjoyed gifts and dinners in 2007), Halcyon, Souper Bowl of Caring, contributing towards the building of new churches, and other mission projects whenever the need arises. Grace UCC has also sponsored and supported refugee families, one from Viet Nam and one from Africa, who have become productive citizens of the U.S.

Grace UCC, in partnership with Quentin UCC, has hired a youth director to enhance the faith journeys and fellowship of the youth in our congregations. Grace UCC currently has both youth and senior choirs. Vacation Bible School is well attended by the Sunday School members, as well as their friends and children from the neighborhood. The youth are actively involved in the Sunday School and the worship service as they serve as acolytes, lectors, and preparing and conducting the worship service on “Youth Sunday” by writing the prayers, presenting the message, providing special music, and enhancing the church bulletin with their art work.

The Women’s Guild of the church gather together regularly for fellowship, lunch, and to sew bed pads for nursing homes. Once a month the ladies perform sewing duties at Cedar Haven. A weekly Bible Study group meets on Wednesday evenings for prayer and learning to know and understand God’s word. Grace has also placed a renewed emphasis on raising up Young Adult leadership in our midst and strives to provide open and welcoming spaces for those 18-30 to explore their faith and role in the church.

Grace UCC’s Ways and Means committee is busy throughout the year by sponsoring a Ham and Turkey Dinner the first Saturday in May, a Chicken Barbecue the last Saturday in August, and a Spaghetti Dinner the first Saturday in October. Our dinners are widely known for their delicious offerings and reasonable prices (quality and quantity go hand in hand here). Net proceeds are used for special projects of the church or a mission project as the need arises.

The Good Ship Grace Puppeteers began their puppet ministry in 2005 under the direction of Ms. Karen Mann. In 2006 we were blessed with the installation of The Reverend Holly L. MillerShank as pastor.

The worship service at 10:15 a.m. on Sundays is enhanced with the music of the senior choir under the direction of Mrs. Jeanette Beck, and the accomplished organist Mrs. Susan Snyder, and occasionally the youth choir under the direction of Ms. Karen Mann. (Nursery care is provided during the worship service.) Everyone is invited to start their Sunday at Grace UCC at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School classes are available for all ages. We offer valet parking for persons with physical limitations attending the worship service, large print bulletins, and a Telex system is available for the hearing impaired.

Future

The future of Grace United Church of Christ will be shaped by attentive listening to God’s continued call for our individual lives and communal ministry. God’s call, inviting us into Christian fellowship and faithful discipleship to Jesus Christ is not limited to us the members of Grace UCC but also includes you, our neighbors and friends. Please, come, join us as we continue to grow as a community of faith nurturing one another and living out Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor.

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Jesus Knocking at the Door has been a symbol of Christ’s desire to be present in the lives of members of Grace UCC for generations. The painting initially hung behind the altar in the original church and was transported to its current location by a member of the congregation to earn his Eagle Scout award in 1967.