St. Andrew's Welcomes The Rev. James M. L. Grace as Rector
/I am pleased to announce that we have extended a call to The Rev. James (Jimmy) Grace and overjoyed that he has graciously accepted. He will begin his ministry as Rector of St. Andrew's on April 1, 2014 and officiate his first Eucharist with us on April 6, 2014.
Throughout the search and interview process, I have been repeatedly struck by two sentiments that have come up in conversation with Jimmy. He truly believes that God has called him to lead St. Andrew's and upon being called, he was, quite simply, speechless. His assured faith in God's plan and humble enthusiasm leading up to this announcement only serve to further reinforce my confidence in our decision.
The Reverend Jimmy Grace
Ministry Statement:
My gift and passion is with ministry in the parish setting. I continue to meet Christ in the people of the parish, the neighborhood it serves, and in administering the resources for which it has been blessed.
Jimmy is a native Houstonian. He graduated from the Episcopal High School in 1994 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Art History at Southwestern University at Georgetown. Jimmy served as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Trinity Episcopal Church, Houston from 1999 until 2002. He then began studies at Virginia Theological Seminary, where he graduated in 2005. He was ordained that same year, and served as Associate Rector at Epiphany, Houston from 2005 to 2010. During this time he was also President of the Board for Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS). He is a member of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and one of the Bishop's Examining Chaplains. Most recently, Jimmy has served at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston as the Canon for Formation and Worship. Jimmy is married to Marla and they have three sons, James, William, and Henry.
In the coming weeks, we will be scheduling a series of gatherings for you to meet Rev. Grace and get to know him and his family. We will communicate details about these events as soon as they are available.
This is incredible news, and naturally you have questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the Search Committee or Vestry.
Cheers,
Greg Caudell, Senior Warden
