MISSION AND OUTREACH
We have a rich history of serving the community. Grace Hospital, (now Carolinas HealthCare System – Blue Ridge) the first hospital in Burke County, was founded under the guidance of an early rector. Along with the hospital a nursing school was also established, it is now the Nursing School at Lenoir-Rhyne University in nearby Hickory.
Other achievements founded by Grace Church or its members include: the first Red Cross chapter in Burke County, the first Boy Scout troop, the Community Chest (now United Way), Hospice, as well as the first Boy Scout troop for the deaf in the United States.
The work of the church is never done and neither is the need in our community. We strive to engage in our community as individuals and a church as agents of hope and change. Find out below about some ways we are doing that and how to become involved.
GREEN TEAM
The Grace Episcopal Church Green Team believes that God has made us co-creators in the responsibility to hold sacred this good earth. As caretakers, stewards, and educators, we commit to enlightening ourselves and our community in the best ways of preserving God’s natural gifts. We also pledge to communicate and actively engage the world in faith-based solutions to environmental problems.
BACKPACK MINISTRY
The Backpack Ministry is a very important outreach ministry for our church and community. Teachers noticed that the children were not performing as well on Monday as they were during the week when they were receiving a hot breakfast and lunch at the school. In 2010 Grace Episcopal partnered with Hillcrest Elementary School to provide 20 backpacks; each filled with approximately 10 pounds of food on Friday, for the weekend. Since 2012, First Baptist Church has been working with us. Our program has now grown to more than 225 backpacks and 2,000 pounds of food per month.
Contact office@gracemorganton.org to get involved!
GRACE FEEDING HOPE AT BUCM
Many of us at Grace Church noticed that no opportunities existed
within our town where a meal was served on the weekends.
That is when the Feeding Hope Ministry began here at Grace.
It began in February of 2022 with folks gathering on Saturday morning in our parish hall to prepare brown bag lunches. Each bag
contained a sandwich, fruit, chips, cookies, a bottle of water, and much love! We set up a table in the parking
lot and passed out a lunch meal to anyone who stopped by.
That brown bag lunch has transitioned with the help of BUCM and other local churches.
Grace Church now has a 1st of the month Saturday team that serves a brunch meal and a team that serves the lunch meal the 1st Wednesday of the month at BUCM.
There are two opportunities to volunteer with our feeding hope teams: the first Wednesday of each month from 8:30-12:30 or the 1st Saturday from 8:30 to 12:00.
There is no experience needed except the ability to smile. Look for the sign-up link in our weekly email, This Week at Grace.
Contact office@gracemorganton.org with any questions about this important ministry.
TINY PANTRY
In 2017 Grace Church noticed the increasing need for food and other essential supplies among the community. Taking advantage of the church's downtown location, the "Tiny Pantry" was born. Community members are invited to "Take what they need, leave what they can." It is a resource available to all, no questions asked. Since it's conception numerous church's and other organizations in the area and beyond have followed suit creating their own Tiny Pantries.
Grace Church is a partner agency of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM). SHFBM partners and distributes food and essential grocery items to approximately 550 hunger feeding agencies in 19 counties in North and South Carolina. Agencies served include emergency pantries, soup kitchens, senior programs, shelters and low-income daycares.
"...Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."