Natchez — Week after week, many congregations affirm their faith with the declaration of a creed. They say in unison that we believe in the holy Catholic, or universal, church. They acknowledge that the four walls in which people worship are only part of a greater whole of worshippers throughout Christendom.

Two years ago, the Interfaith Task Force of St. Mary Basilica embarked on making this sense of unity a visible reality through the Coming Together program. By inviting churches across Natchez to open their doors to the community, the Coming Together program has provided an opportunity to learn how each local church fits into the greater whole of faith.

Grace United Methodist Church is the 22nd church in the series to accept the program’s invitation. Organized in 1950, the church originally met in the Cold Storage building on Liberty Road. The congregation broke ground on its current facility in 1951. Often referred to as the “red brick church on the hill,” the congregation will welcome the community this Sunday.

At 4 p.m. there will be a short program presented on the history of Grace and its denomination, the United Methodist Church. Included in the program will be an overview of the activities and opportunities that Grace provides — not just for its members but for all of Natchez. Immediately following the program, attendees may tour the facilities and enjoy refreshments in the fellowship hall.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once wrote of Christianity’s Catholic spirit: “For opinions, or terms, let us not ‘destroy the work of God.’ Dost thou love and serve God? It is enough. I give thee the right hand of fellowship.” The people of Grace wish to extend this right hand of fellowship to all of the community as we continue the tradition of Coming Together—learning about the many ways in which we love and serve God throughout our different traditions.