Our Mission is To be the image of Christ to the world through faithful discipleship and service.
Our Mission is To be the image of Christ to the world through faithful discipleship and service.
Grace United Methodist Church in Iuka, Mississippi, began with a simple but powerful call — to be a light of hope and faith for northern Tishomingo County.
In April 2023, after prayerful conversation at the Conference level, Rev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly, District Superintendent of the New Albany District, reached out to Rev. Steve Kennedy with an invitation: to help start a new Lighthouse Church in Iuka, Mississippi. This church would serve as a beacon for the area stretching from Tishomingo to the Tennessee state line. Rev. Kennedy said yes, and Grace United Methodist Church was born.
The journey began quickly. Meetings were held, a name was chosen, and an Advisory Board was formed — Benny and Dianne McClung, Rich and Virginia Vanatta, Sandra and Scotty Skinner, Emily and Craig Bell, and Kevin and Betsy Harbin joined with Rev. Kennedy and his wife Angie to lead this new congregation. With hearts full of hope and the Spirit guiding every step, plans began to take shape.
Finding a place to worship was the first challenge. After exploring several options, Father Tim at St. Mary’s Catholic Church extended a gracious offer for Grace to use their sanctuary. He shared how a Methodist congregation in Vardaman had once opened their doors to St. Mary’s for three years and said, “We can do no less for you.” With that generosity, Grace had a home.
On July 2, 2023, the first worship service was held at St. Mary’s, with Rev. Kennedy preaching and Catherine Thomas serving as Associate Pastor. Members from Golden Chapel and Tishomingo UMC joined in a joyful service and fellowship meal. Barbara Carpenter played piano, and soon after, Becky Paden graciously agreed to serve as pianist through August.
From that very first Sunday, Grace was alive with energy and purpose. The church’s first “Blessing of the Backpacks” took place on July 30, blessing students, teachers, and school staff for the year ahead. On August 10, the first Charge Conference was held, and twenty-four members officially took their vows of membership, transferring from other churches to become the founding members of Grace UMC.
When Becky stepped down in mid-August, Danny Langston volunteered to play piano and became a member of the church shortly after. As the congregation grew, so did its blessings. Grace received donations of pews, a Communion table, pulpit, pastoral chairs, office furniture, and even a piano — transforming an empty space into a true sanctuary.
After passing city inspections and safety requirements, the congregation gathered on September 10, 2023, for a Service of Consecration in their new worship space. Nine new members were received that day, and the spirit of celebration was unmistakable.
Ministry at Grace quickly expanded. Five Sunday School classes were formed — Grace Kids, Middle School, Youth, Gathering Grace Group for young adults, and a Mixed Adult Class. That adult class immediately put faith into action, covering rent for a young woman in need. A choir was formed under the leadership of Debbie Hamrick, and the church began reaching out to the community through family events, local festivals, and service opportunities.
Grace participated in the Burnsville Waterway Festival, served meals to the Tishomingo County High School volleyball team, and presented Bibles to children during worship — simple but meaningful moments that reflect the heart of who we are.
Grace United Methodist Church continues to grow as a community rooted in faith, shaped by service, and sustained by God’s grace. What began as a small group of believers with a big dream has become a vibrant family of faith, committed to being the image of Christ to the world through discipleship and love.
In July 2025, Rev. Cheryl Farr was appointed as pastor of Grace UMC. With her deep love for Scripture, her heart for discipleship, and her passion for outreach, Grace entered a new season of growth and renewal. Under her leadership, the church continues to live out its mission — to be the image of Christ to the world through faithful service, spiritual formation, and a steadfast commitment to God’s grace for all.