October 21, 2009 by Stephen Schneider

What’s in a name?

One hundred years ago, our visionary foundress, Angeline Berry helped us to find our name, Grace.  Grace Memorial to be more precise, but often just Grace will suffice.

The Dance of Grace

I know nothing except what everyone knows—if there when Grace dances, I should dance. -W.H. Auden

What’s in a name?

One hundred years ago, our visionary foundress, Angeline Berry helped us to find our name, Grace.  Grace Memorial to be more precise, but often just Grace will suffice.

Unlike many Episcopal congregations who look to the Gospel evangelists or saints for their inspiration and their name, we were given one of the most compelling words in the entire Christian vocabulary. Many words in this lexicon have lost their luster and even their meaning over time, but not grace.

Those who find themselves to be spiritual but not religious, are drawn to the name. Even the most jaded soul can still be moved by the words to John Newton’s hymn, Amazing Grace.

Through many dangers toils and snares I have already come tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

Even popular culture understands the haunting power of grace.  Bono, the lead singer of the rock band U2, once wrote a song called, “Grace.”  He understood that grace is “the name for a girl” but  “It’s also a thought that changed the world.”  He captures some of the meaning of grace with his words:

What once was hurt
What once was friction
What left a mark, no longer stings
Because Grace makes beauty out of ugly things

Grace finds beauty in everything
Grace finds goodness in everything

As we conclude our centennial, let us give thanks that for these past 100 years we have been held in the arms of God’s most amazing grace.  W. H. Auden understands that grace naturally calls us into the dance—the love driven movement of God.  So to paraphrase Auden ever so slightly for these final days of our celebration:

if there when Grace dances, we should dance.

Stephen Schneider

October 21, 2009

In: Grace 

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