On October 21, 2007, two years after Hurricane Katrina, two United Methodist congregations less than one mile apart merged to form a new body. The remnant of First UMC, an historically white congregation, and the remnant of Grace UMC, an historically black congregation, merged to form First Grace UMC. In its first year, the worshiping congregation grew from 60 to more than 130. In addition, a missionary for Hispanic/Latino ministries joined the First Grace family and the Latino/a population has been steadily growing. As you can see with your own eyes, our congregation mirrors the diverse wonders of our city. Our mission is to celebrate that wonder as the body of Christ through our commitment of living together in our city and joyfully engaging all city dwellers through our worship and missional ministries, serving meals on Sundays and from our food pantry, sheltering women and children at Hagar's House, having Wednesday night Pot Luck and Community Bible Study, an Organic Community Garden and various other ministries. The church also partners with the New Orleans Faith Health Alliance, the March of Dimes mother/baby bus, Elba Medical and the New Orleans Workers' Center for Racial Justice. These relationships result in health care for the working uninsured, free vaccinations for infants, necessary prenatal care for expectant mothers, and laborers working across race and industry to seek justice in Post-Katrina New Orleans. We want you to feel welcomed and moved by the loving Gospel that lights our path. The sanctuary and building took on over five feet of water from the levee breaks of Katrina. We are still rebuilding.