RIVER FALLS – Spirit of Grace United Methodist Church (127 Second St., River Falls) will soon be unveiling its new name as it prepares to install a new sign in front of its building.

Last fall, the church changed its name from River Falls United Methodist Church to Spirit of Grace.

“Our church values being part of the city of River Falls,” said Rev. Andrew G. Church, the congregation’s new pastor. “We want to be a blessing to the community.

“After a time of conversation and prayer, the congregation decided to adopt the name Spirit of Grace. It describes who we believe God calls us to be in our town.”

The congregation hopes that the new name will clarify that their purpose is not simply to represent a denomination, but to actively express love and welcome through their actions and words.

“Spirit of Grace will continue to make a real difference in the community, in the world, and for our members,” Rev. Church said. “Our name aims to reflect that commitment.”

The process of adopting the name includes removing the granite monument in front of the building with the church’s previous name.

“This monument is very special to us,” Rev. Church said. “It is a hard decision to let it go. Yet we need to emphasize the renewed identity and purpose of our congregation._ “We will keep a token of the monument to remind us of our church’s long ministry in River Falls. We have been reaching out in love since 1857._ “Spirit of Grace wants to be a church where newcomers and longtime members find their faith nurtured,” Rev. Church said. “My prayer is we continue to find this place true to its name.”_ For more information, contact Rev. Andrew Church [email protected] spiritofgracerf.org

Submitted by Spirit of Grace Church