Grace Lutheran is the new mission partner of Prince of Peace.  It is indeed an ethnic, social and economic reflection of the community in which it serves: its membership includes 118 African-Americans, 65 Latinos, and 3 Anglo-Americans.  The size of the congregation's facility is more than adequate for the needs of the ministry.  However, it needs many repairs, and some upgrading, to meet accessibility requirements, and to attract and to welcome newcomers.

Grace is an active partner in the Camden Parish and New Visions social ministry outreach.  Pastor Margaret Herz-Lane provides leadership within the serious limitations of their financial and human resources.  She constantly struggles to train and equip leaders, moving them beyond dependence toward an ability to take responsibility for ministry ventures.  The pastor has done Spanish language training and uses it in a regular Spanish worship service.  Because of the nature of the membership, it is very pastor-centered.   Many members are lovingly included and very loyal to their faith community, which functions much like a family.  They have deep needs for healing and wholeness and they look to their church family to walk with them in their need.

The ministry of Grace Lutheran Church is an essential ministry to, and among, people living in poverty -- a ministry that will continue to need substantial partnership support from the ELCA Division for Outreach, and from other partners, in the foreseeable future.