About Grace Lutheran Church
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Grace Lutheran Church came into existence in January of 2002 as a result of merging two congregations. Formerly there was Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oneida,NY founded in the 1940s and Good Shepherd in Sylvan Beach, NY founded in the 1960s.
In the Spring of 2002, the Oneida church property and parsonage were sold with the hope of building a new church building.
In April of 2003, Grace Lutheran Church completed the purchase of 10 acres of land on the corner of Route 13 and Carter Road. In 2004, we purchased an additional 5 acres of land adjoining the 10 acres previously purchased. Also in 2004, the Parsonage in Sylvan Beach was sold.
In 2006, the driveway and parking lot were put in along with a retention pond. In October, a Dedication of the parking lot was held.
Ground was broken in 2007, the foundation was laid and a shell was erected. In the Fall, work was stopped until the sale of the property in Sylvan Beach.
In April 2008, the old church building at 7058 Vienna Road in Sylvan Beach was sold. Construction of the new building resumed. On July 25, 2008 we obtained our Certificate of Occupancy. A dedication of the new facilities was held on August 17, 2008 with over 200 in attendance.
Due to our visible location, Grace Lutheran Church has been able to further our ministry. From simply displaying meaningful messages on our sign board for the travelers on Route 13 to opening our doors to the community as a Polling Place and a Blood Drive location. Several individuals in our congregation volunteer at the Canastota Opportunity Shop in addition to supporting a monthly food drive as part of our worship service.
There are well established women and men groups who further support the missions of our community, district, country, and globally.
The Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML)Mary-Martha Society collects mites for mission grants and does many other service projects. LWML is an ancillary arm of the LCMS. More information about LWML can be found at http://www.lwml.org and at http://east-dist-lwml.org.
The Lutheran Layman's League(LLL), now known as Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM)is also an ancillary arm of the LCMS. More information about LHM can be found at http://www.lhm.org.
