PASTOR JIM SHIRBROUN
Jim is the spouse of one (Beverly), the parent of three (Mark, Greg and David), the parent-in-law of one (Jenny) and Grandpa of two (Elliot & Callen...Mark and Jenny sons).
Jim received his Bachelor’s degree (in Animal Science and Ag. Journalism) from Iowa State in 1980 and graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1985 with a Masters of Divinity degree. He has served the following United Methodist congregations: Immanuel (Des Moines), First (Ankeny), St. Paul's (Cedar Rapids) and Collegiate/Wesley (Ames). Jim loves to cook (beyond the thousands of omelets he's prepared for students in the last 20 years). He has been collecting and researching antique horse bridle bits since he was a teenager and has one in his collection which is 3,000 years old. Jim claims his hobby is semi-biblical, citing James 1:26 and 3:3. |
I pray you’ll join us for worship* each Sunday throughout Lent as we focus on the truth that each of us is created a precious and holy vessel of embodied love.
We have been through a harrowing year which, for many of us, has shattered our sense of wholeness…body, mind, and spirit…like a glass vessel fractured into pieces. In this Lenten “season of recovery” for our physical, communal, mental, intellectual and environmental health, we’ll explore the healing narratives of Jesus which tell of God’s presence with us even as we suffer. We’ll be reminded that we can begin a journey toward making something beautiful from that which is seemingly broken. |
April 1—Maundy Thursday
· Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10), 11-14 · Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 (UMH 837) · 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 · John 13:1-17, 31b-35 April 2--Good Friday · Isaiah 52:13-53:12 · Psalm 22 (UMH 752) · Hebrews 10:16-25 · John 18:1-19:42 April 4---Easter Sunday · Acts 10:34-43 · Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (UMH 839) · 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 · John 20:1-18 · Mark 16:1-8 Second Sunday of Easter, April 11 · Acts 4:32-35 · Psalm 133 (UMH 850) · 1 John 1:1-2:2 · John 20:19-31 Third Sunday of Easter, April 18 · Acts 3:12-19 · Psalm 4 (UMH 741) · 1 John 3:1-7 · Luke 24:36b-48 Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 25 · Acts 4:5-12 · Psalm 23 (UMH 754 or 137) · 1 John 3:16-24 · John 10:11-18 |
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Staying Connected
We want to be certain we are staying connected with those of you who may not use the internet. Please be sure to contact our church office to let us know how we might better serve you in these challenging days. While the Grace building remains closed, our staff is checking voice messages every day. One way we can stay connected is to make use of alternative ways to share news about our lives. |
We Have TWO Lenten Studies Coming Up
We’re offering TWO Lenten Studies at Grace this year. Choose the one which best fits your interests or schedule…or participate in BOTH!
Our Tuesday evening group will be using a book entitled “The Walk” by Rev. Adam Hamilton. We’ll explore five essential spiritual practices rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God.
This study begins Tues, February 16 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
This is the link for each of the 6 sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88197446725
Don’t use the computer? You may use your cell phone to connect with this or any of our other Zoom gatherings. Contact Pastor Jim for details.
We’re offering TWO Lenten Studies at Grace this year. Choose the one which best fits your interests or schedule…or participate in BOTH!
Our Tuesday evening group will be using a book entitled “The Walk” by Rev. Adam Hamilton. We’ll explore five essential spiritual practices rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God.
This study begins Tues, February 16 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
This is the link for each of the 6 sessions: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88197446725
Don’t use the computer? You may use your cell phone to connect with this or any of our other Zoom gatherings. Contact Pastor Jim for details.