Our Pastor:
Grace Church has welcomed Pastor Gary Atkinson and his wife, Ginger.
July 2015
Ginger and I are native Pennsylvanian’s, born and raised in Beaver Falls (Beaver County). Following graduation from High School, I entered the US Air Force where I was trained to repair Huey helicopters. Upon my discharge, I joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard located in Pittsburgh where I learned to become a Personnel Technician. During my time with the PaANG, I also worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation, located in Vanport, PA. After four years there, due to reduction in force, I lost my job. It was during this time that I answered God’s call to ministry. In 1984, ten years after graduating High School, I began college. In 1988, I graduated from Geneva College with a BA degree in Biblical Studies. From there, I enrolled in the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (METHESCO). While there, I served three small country churches in southern Ohio. Upon my return to PA, I was appointed to the Pleasant Unity United Methodist Charge in the Greensburg District. There I was ordained both Deacon and Elder in the Western PA Conference of the UM Church. Shortly after my ordination to Elder, I became a Chaplain in the United States Navy. During my 8 ½ years there, I served at NAS (Naval Air Station) Cecil Field, located in Jacksonville, FL. From there I was assigned for two years to the USS Sacramento, home ported in Bremerton, Washington. From there I was sent to Camp Pendleton, CA to serve with the Marines for 2 ½ years. After my tour with the Marines, I went to Panama City, FL for about 9 months. Upon my release from active duty, God called me back to Western Pennsylvania UM Conference where I served churches in Emporium and Mount Pleasant. I am unsure of the journey that is before us. What I am sure of is our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Let’s go make disciples!
See you in church!
Pastor Gary
July 2015
Ginger and I are native Pennsylvanian’s, born and raised in Beaver Falls (Beaver County). Following graduation from High School, I entered the US Air Force where I was trained to repair Huey helicopters. Upon my discharge, I joined the Pennsylvania Air National Guard located in Pittsburgh where I learned to become a Personnel Technician. During my time with the PaANG, I also worked for Westinghouse Electric Corporation, located in Vanport, PA. After four years there, due to reduction in force, I lost my job. It was during this time that I answered God’s call to ministry. In 1984, ten years after graduating High School, I began college. In 1988, I graduated from Geneva College with a BA degree in Biblical Studies. From there, I enrolled in the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (METHESCO). While there, I served three small country churches in southern Ohio. Upon my return to PA, I was appointed to the Pleasant Unity United Methodist Charge in the Greensburg District. There I was ordained both Deacon and Elder in the Western PA Conference of the UM Church. Shortly after my ordination to Elder, I became a Chaplain in the United States Navy. During my 8 ½ years there, I served at NAS (Naval Air Station) Cecil Field, located in Jacksonville, FL. From there I was assigned for two years to the USS Sacramento, home ported in Bremerton, Washington. From there I was sent to Camp Pendleton, CA to serve with the Marines for 2 ½ years. After my tour with the Marines, I went to Panama City, FL for about 9 months. Upon my release from active duty, God called me back to Western Pennsylvania UM Conference where I served churches in Emporium and Mount Pleasant. I am unsure of the journey that is before us. What I am sure of is our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Let’s go make disciples!
See you in church!
Pastor Gary
Our Staff
Gary Atkinson - Pastor
Robyn Shields - Administrative Assistant
Linda Smith - Financial Secretary
LynLyn Brenan- Custodian
Jeff Brenan - Pianist
Robyn Shields - Administrative Assistant
Linda Smith - Financial Secretary
LynLyn Brenan- Custodian
Jeff Brenan - Pianist
Our Roots
Grace Church was founded many years ago as an Evangelical United Brethren Church. Grace moved some 30 years ago from our original home on Parker Ave. in the heart of Rocky Grove to our current location on the east edge of town. In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren church merged with the United Methodist Church and Grace UMC was added to the UMC family.
Grace UMC is known as a church with caring, loving, accepting members and who actively participates and supports mission work locally, regionally and abroad.
Grace UMC supports spiritual growth with no less than 16 pastors having come from our congregation through the years.
Grace United Methodist Church of Rocky Grove is a member of the United Methodist Church family. Find out more about what it means to be a part of the United Methodist people at www.umc.org.
Grace UMC supports spiritual growth with no less than 16 pastors having come from our congregation through the years.
Grace United Methodist Church of Rocky Grove is a member of the United Methodist Church family. Find out more about what it means to be a part of the United Methodist people at www.umc.org.
