A story about Baby Grace

Baby Grace is the ministry started by a couple younger UMW members at Buckner UMC in my district. In the past two years they have provided baskets that have been given to teen moms in the Fort Osage High school, and beyond. Forty four young moms have been helped both with items they need and with spiritual support.

I am deep into pastoral evaluations right now, and today I had my meeting with Robb Webster and we talked about Baby Grace. He said that one young couple have started attending worship and are planning for their future as a family. He is going to perform their wedding this summer--both parents have been awarded GEDs and the young man is hoping to go to the police academy soon. The young woman is also wanting to attend college. They are feeling loved and accepted at the church. Additionally the women are going to offer at least three classes this spring---a Bible study, a general parenting class, and one of the women who began the program has just found out that her son is autistic, and she is going to teach a class on that.

I think I wrote this before, but at least 4 other churches in our district alone have started their own versions of Baby Grace and I am so grateful how willing the Buckner women are to share their resources. A shout out to Ann and Julie in particular...I am so grateful.

Tomorrow is Gaudete Sunday, pink Advent Sunday, the Sunday for rejoicing in the middle of the watching and waiting. It is also the Sunday, in some traditions at least, where we hear the Magnificat, the song of Mary that proclaims the new age that is being ushered in by the coming birth of her son. Two verses of The Magnificat:

God has scattered the proud in the thoughts the proud in the thoughts of their hearts

God has brought down in the powerful from their thrones,

and lifted up the lowly;

He has filled the hungry with good things,

And sent the rich away empty

I am so proud of the Buckner women for making these words real in the life of many many young women and men and babies in their community, as they lift up, fill and magnify the Lord.