Slideshow image

A warm welcome to Reverend Joyce Gulliford who has been selected by the bishop's office as our new interim pastor while we work through the call process.  Pastor Joyce will start at Grace on May 7th and be in the office or on local visits two weekdays each week.  Her first Sunday service with us will be May 12th.

She tells us a little bit about herself in a brief biography.

"I am a born and bred Lutheran. I grew up in Arizona. George and I married 41 years ago. We have 2 adult daughters Julie and Donna (SIL -Billy Medders, Grandson Brier). I graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1976. Worked for 17 years as a high-risk perinatal nurse. I retired in 1993 to be a stay-at-home Mom. In 2007 I entered seminary at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. I graduated in 2011 with a Master of Divinity degree. While waiting for my first call I did a lot of Pulpit supply, attended the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans in 2012, served as stated supply for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beaufort, South Carolina and was a spiritual director for Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) here in Florida. In 2013 I accepted a call to Hope Lutheran, Satsuma, Florida. For 14 months I also served as the stated supply for Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Welaka, Florida. I retired on June 30, 2019. Since retiring, I have provided pulpit supply in both Northeast Florida and Central Florida. Currently I am a member of Lamb of God in Haines City where I volunteer for the ESL class held there every Saturday.  My hobbies include reading, swimming, cross stitch and travelling. My husband and I cruise frequently and enjoy seeing and exploring new places."