Dear GMH Members,
It’s that time of year again! In two weeks, we will be hosting our annual GraceDC Joint Worship Service and Network Meeting on Sunday, June 10. This is a special opportunity for us to worship together with our “sibling” congregations, Grace Mosaic and Grace Downtown. Immediately after the service (10:30am), we will hold our annual business meeting (11:45am), during which we will hear ministry and financial reports from all three congregations and our new GraceDC Institute for Cross-Cultural Mission. All, including non-members, are welcome; this event is required for members. Mark you calendars and see you there!
In related news, on behalf of the Elders of Grace Meridian Hill, I’m very excited to present to you two fantastic candidates for the new role of Shepherdess: Anna Fu and Shapri LoMaglio! These dear sisters have completed a rigorous process of training, evaluation, and prayer — and now they will stand before the congregation for confirmation by vote.
A couple of important details about the election of our Shepherdesses:
1. Our Shepherdess candidates will be voted on during a special Grace Meridian Hill members meeting at 10:00am on Sunday, June 10, just prior to the start of worship. Let me explain. Normally, elders, deacons, and deaconesses are elected jointly by members of all three congregations. However, (a) we are the only congregation raising up Shepherdesses at this time, and (b) Grace Downtown and Grace Mosaic members are not yet fully informed about the role. Therefore, the Elders of the GraceDC Network—who enthusiastically support our creation of this role—have decided that our Shepherdess vote should take place at a GMH-only election outside of the Network election on June 10. We also invited the input of our current women leaders (Deaconesses); they supported this approach as the best practical solution. So, we’ll just gather a little earlier than usual on Sunday morning (10:00) for what should be no more than a 10 minute meeting. Thank you for bearing with us as we determine the best Shepherdess election procedures for the Network, particularly in this “pilot” year!
So, in summary, on Sunday, June 10…
10:00 GMH-only Shepherdess Election
10:30 Joint Worship Service
11:45 Network Meeting
12:45 Adjourn
2. Please read the attached document, “What Is a Shepherdess?” This updated explainer provides an overview of the role together with some FAQs.
3. Looking for ways to get to know the Shepherdess candidates? Here are a few options for you: First, you’ll find brief bios for Shapri and Anna on the website. Second, join us for the candidate “meet and greet” at 12:30-1:00pm on Sunday, June 3. Of course, you’re welcome to reach out to these sisters personally at any time as well! Third, get to know Grace Downtown candidates by reading their bios.
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Finally, friends, I want to underscore how encouraged I've been by the servant-leaders the Lord is raising up in our midst. You may have noticed that, after a thorough and fruitful discernment process, we will not have any Diaconate candidates moving forward at this time. Some will continue training and discerning their call; others will wait on the Lord for a better season in which to serve. But they were all incredible. Having spent countless hours with all these candidates over the last 7+ months, together with the Shepherdess sisters, I can tell you that our heavenly Father is forming and equipping many humble, faithful, and gifted servants who love Christ and love you, their church, very much. We are very blessed. Praise God.
Grateful,
Duke
Pastoral Update - Grace DC Joint Worship Service 6/10
