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It has been an exciting year at Grace Community United Methodist Church, near FishHawk Ranch, and the future is looking bright.
On July 24, 2005, Grace held its first official worship service in its new facility. The church had no problem making use of its newly-erected building, as overwhelming attendance that first Sunday encouraged the immediate addition of a second service.
The church's pastor, Dr. Robert L. Harding, known as 'Pastor Rob,' holds a doctorate degree of ministry from Southern Methodist University-Dallas. His wife, Sara, a Ph.D. in religion, teaches New Testament at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.
"I was delighted to see not only most of our committed Grace friends that first week, but also many first-time visitors from the community, many of whom are still with us," says Harding. The new 14,000 sq. ft. building, situated on just under 10 acres, is located at 5708 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., adjacent to FishHawk Ranch and across from FishHawk Trails.
Prior to moving into this new location, members of Grace Community UMC worshipped for six years in four different locations including Bevis Elementary and Newsome High schools.
"Quite honestly, we (Rob and Sara Harding) started Grace in our home, having moved here from the middle of the state with a three-day-old son in June of 1999," explains Harding. "We grew to about 20 in our home then launched our first community worship service at Lithia Springs Elementary in February 2000." There are now as many as 550 people in attendance on any given Sunday.
Harding adds, "Our main mission is to help people grow in their faith, but you can't truly do that if you're not willing to love your neighbor."
Services, nursery, and children's church are held every Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For additional information or a sample sermon, visit Grace Community's website at www.gracecommunityumc.org or email: rob@gracecommunityumc.org or call 661-8858.
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