On Thursday, September 25, 2025 the Grace Presbyterian Church, alongside local elected officials, denominational leaders, and congregation members celebrated the official opening of The Community Center at Grace.

Be on the lookout for photos and videos of the celebration coming soon.

Below are remarks from the ribbon cutting ceremony made by the Director of Community Engagement, The Reverend Cassie Heintz.

The cutting of that ribbon officially opened the Community Center at Grace. But as many of you know, this journey began long before today. Years ago, our congregation and community dreamed of creating a space where people could gather, learn, celebrate, and grow together. With God’s help—and through the generosity of so many—we were able to turn that dream into a reality. A state grant of $1.5 million, matched by $1.6 million from our congregation, laid the foundation for what we see around us today.

This center was never intended to be just a building. Our vision is for it to be a heartbeat in the community:

• A place where children can laugh, play, and learn new skills.
• A place where art, music, and creativity are celebrated.
• A place where neighbors who might not otherwise meet find connection and belonging.
• A place where all generations can gather—youth, families, and seniors alike—to share life together.

We hope that every person who walks through these doors feels welcomed, inspired, and reminded that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Even before today’s official launch, we’ve had a taste of what this vision looks like in real life. Over the summer, during our soft launch, this building has already started to come alive:

• Puppet camp filled our rooms with laughter and imagination.
• Art installations and openings turned our walls into vibrant galleries.
• Community classes in art and mindfulness gave neighbors new ways to grow and connect.
• Partnerships began to take shape—with local organizations, teachers, and leaders—showing us what’s possible when we open our doors wide.

Each event has been a glimpse of the energy, joy, and possibility this center holds.

And this is only the beginning. In the months to come, we’ll welcome artists in residence, host concerts, offer classes for every age, and continue building partnerships with those who share our commitment to community life. We see this as a place that evolves with the needs and dreams of the neighborhood—a place that will keep growing as our community grows.

So while today marks the cutting of a ribbon, it also marks the opening of a story still being written. A story about neighbors gathering, artists creating, young people discovering, and lives being enriched. The Community Center at Grace belongs to all of us, and together we can ensure it becomes a blessing to this community for years and years to come.

Thank you for celebrating with us today—and thank you for being part of this vision.

National Coming Out Day Concert: Saturday October 11, 7:00 pm

Watercolor Essentials for Beginners: Wednesdays, October 29 – November 19, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm