Historical September–October 2013 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Several months ago, many noticed that the 2-family structure that used to house a preschool was coming down. That building held many memories for those with children now in their thirties.
There is now parking, including several handicapped spaces,, at the rear of the church.
The entrance there is open and bright and leads to various public spaces.
The moving process is in its last phase.
The church’s new pastor, the Rev. Yolanda Villa, explained that the church wished to make a greater impact in the community. Redoing the space makes it more inviting and accessible to neighbors and parishioners.
It has been designed to be light and open. Rev. Villa joined the church at the end of June.
She came from the Kansas City metropolitan area where she had lived for over 30 years.
She had attended Kansas Wesleyan University and originated in Oakland California. Rev. Villa has found St. Louis to be a very friendly place. Appointed by the bishop, she makes her home in the church residence in Parkview, joined by her daughter.
She enjoys the neighborhood and watching the generations walk by or ride bikes. Accessibility to the Delmar Loop is a plus.
She has found a lot more individually owned restaurants in St. Louis and the food is excellent.
She feels well-treated here. About 10% of Grace’s parishioners live in the neighborhood.
There is also a pastor who focuses on those of college age. For many years, Grace has run a food pantry that draws from throughout the area.
In any given week, 100 are served.
The church is focused on making disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of the world.
According to Rev. Villa, the church has something to offer people today; it can make Christian tradition loving and relevant.
There is too much dehumanization.
We have to bring out the goodness inherent in who we are.
The church is involved in planning now.
It wants to be more impactful in the community and will have meetings at the church.
Original photograph caption
Rev. Yolanda Villa. Descriptive caption supplied.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2013.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2013_09.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
