Grace Episcopal Church 130 1st Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960

"I have found a home in Grace Church, and this astounds me, because I left the Christian Church as a teenager. I spent several decades exploring other religious faiths, agnosticism, and atheism. My beliefs now embrace many spiritual traditions, but focus on Christianity because that is the cultural context I am comfortable with. I am astounded, because I do not feel out of place at Grace Church. I find the congregation to be diverse and inclusive, and the guidance of Father Owen is a powerful encouragement to openness and tangible service to all. Grace Church has a beautiful, traditional liturgy, but it isn't used as a bludgeon or theological litmus test; it is a window onto a spiritual life. The church holds itself accountable to the core of Christ's message: love through providing for each other. Not just through charity. But through creating a real charitable community where all are welcome. I see deep wisdom in Father Owen and his approach to leadership. It is Father Owen who initially impressed me so much that I was drawn to the church; now it is the congregation as a whole, in addition, that allows me to see Grace Church as home. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer. And like another parishioner said . . . my teenager loves it at Grace! I've never forced religion on her. She goes because she likes it -- the music, Father Owen's sermons, the coffee hour, the socializing, and the opportunities to be useful."

""Grace is the Place." The congregation is warm and welcoming, Sundays at 8:00, 9:30 - families and kids!, and 11:00 - everybody. The spiritual leadership through Rector Owen Thompson is inspiring and stimulating. The music through the great choir master, Brandon Beachamp, and great choir, is just wonderful. Grace Church nourishes and sustains."

"As a long time member of this parish, I feel like Grace Church is my home. I did "church shop" for a while after leaving my last church and found that Grace was the right fit for me. I will beg to differ about our staff. I have had positive experiences with everyone, and I truly feel God at work within their spirits, otherwise we'd be another struggling church without direction. We have an amazing congregation, provide many community services, host an incredible number of 12 step groups. Our children's service is well attended, church school is full. Our choirs are strong and marvelous. I am saddened that this church didn't work for you, and I hope that you will at some point find your church home."

"It's hard not to be biased when your brother is the rector, however, having grown up the daughter of an Episcopal bishop, I've been to my fair share of churches. I have to openly and honestly say that I feel at home whenever I visit Grace. So much so, that I flew to New York to have my son baptized there. He was baptized during the Easter vigil and the feeling of God's love was truly palpable. The congregation is warm and inviting and it's so wonderful to see Fr. Owen and the congregation embrace each other. It doesn't get any better than being able to leave church feeling spiritually filled and hopeful."

"Twenty-three years ago I found Grace Episcopal Church and knew immediately that I had found a church home and a community that was welcoming, generous in spirit, and committed to living and walking in love. In the years I have been at Grace, I have known and appreciated each of the priests who have served. Despite their different gifts and personalities each one has sustained and grown the community. I just read a negative review of Grace and am sorry for anyone who has ever felt less than fully welcomed in this parish. Each of us must walk a unique journey and find a spiritual path that is fulfilling. I wish the best to this unhappy former parishioner and hope that joy, peace and acceptance will be found."