HISTORY OF GRACE CHURCH

Grace Church began officialy in 1984

Conversations at Sky Valley Park in the Spring of 1984 led to several informal meetings which resulted in the establishment of a Bible study under the leadership of Wally Norling, the EFCA Southwest District Superintendent. Mr. Norling traveled from Costa Mesa each week to teach the class. The Bible study was held in the home of Kim Zschaechner in Desert Hot Springs on Tuesday evenings, beginning in October of 1984.

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Those present at the initial sessions were : Tim & Pam Manthei, Walt &Sharon Nelson, Jerry & Sheri Felix and Kim Zschaechner.  Others among the early attendees were: Gene & Jane Ann Hight, Norm & Anabelle Thompson, Edythe Goundry Schneider, Lee & Jane Lord, Jim & Beverly Sutter, Don & Jane Miller, George and Ethel Gustafson.

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First Worship Service of Grace Church was held on Easter Sunday (April 7, 1985) at the Julius Corsini Elementary School, with fifty (50) persons in attendance.  Jim Harmeling, a student at Talbot Theological Seminary conducted the service. 

While Jim Harmeling served a summer mission in the Philippines, Doug Bannister conducted services.  Tim & Pam Manthai served in New Guinea.

Jim Harmeling was called as part time pastor by the organizing board.  The organizing board wrote the church constitution and established the first membership roster.  The church’s name and first Elder board was approved by the congregation.