About Us
We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
At Grace
We are Christ-centered – in worship, in learning, in service, and in life. We care about one another and our community, both local and global, and we seek to share God’s love with the world. We come together to welcome all people into a community of God’s grace, to nurture disciples who live in faith, to equip witnesses who share the Gospel, and to send people to serve in love.
You are welcome here!
Staff
The Rev. Gregg Hoffman
Email: [email protected]
Pastor Gregg comes from Wheeling, West Virginia. He is a lifelong Lutheran, the denomination that empowered him to explore and grow in faith. During his high school years, he served as his home congregation’s organist. He studied Psychology at West Liberty University, and was an intern for the university’s Protestant Campus Ministry. Pr. Gregg attended Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC, where he met Pr. Rachel – they were married before starting their senior year. During seminary, he served as the Vicar at Lutheran Church of the Nativity in Arden, NC, and after graduation, he was called there as one of their pastors, with a focus on Worship, Pastoral Care, and Administration. In the fall of 2018, Grace Lutheran Church called Pr. Gregg and he began serving here in December of that year. Within the local community, he serves on the planning committee for Race and Reconciliation of Rock Hill, Rock Hill’s Community Healing Initiative, and Affirmation of York County. When he is not occupied with church work, Pr. Gregg enjoys spending time with Pr. Rachel, visiting local breweries, playing the organ (though his skills are a bit rusty), going on walks with their dogs, and exploring Rock Hill – the place that he and Pr. Rachel call home. He currently serves as the Dean of the Upstate Conference of the SC Synod, ELCA.
Pastor Gregg serves Grace Lutheran Church as its Senior Pastor. Working alongside the rest of the staff and the Congregation Council, he functions as the lead pastor for the following:
- Worship and Music Committee
- Nursery Committee
- Property Committee
- Finance Committee
- Place of Grace Committee
- Health and Wellness Committee
- Public Relations Committee
- Safety/Security Committee
- New Member Committee
- Bereavement Committee
- WELCM Committee
- Executive Committee
- Personnel Committee
- Head of Staff
Email: [email protected]
Pastor Rachel is originally from Simpsonville, SC, and was baptized, confirmed, married, and ordained all in the same Lutheran congregation. She earned a degree in Religion at Furman University and then pursued her graduate degree at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. This is where she met Pr. Gregg, and they were married before starting their senior year. During seminary, she was the Vicar at All Saints Lutheran Church in Huntsville, AL. After seminary, she was called to Lutheran Church of the Nativity in Arden, NC, to serve as one of their pastors, responsible for leading Faith Formation, Youth, Outreach, Stewardship, and working closely with the congregation’s Preschool. In the fall of 2018, Grace Lutheran Church called Pr. Rachel and she began serving here in December of that year. Pr. Rachel enjoys exploring new places with Pr. Gregg, time at the beach, Harry Potter movie marathons, and great restaurants. In addition to all she does at Grace, Pr. Rachel also serves as a member of SC Synod Council.
Pastor Rachel serves Grace Lutheran Church as its Pastor. Working alongside the rest of the staff and the Congregation Council, she functions as the lead pastor for the following:
- Learning Committee (includes Confirmation)
- Youth & Family Committee (includes Grace Youth Ministry)
- Stewardship Committee
- Audit Committee
- Technology Committee
- Outreach Committee (includes several groups)
- Parish Life Committee
- Endowment Committee
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Jeremy Mims grew up in Texas and moved to Rock Hill in 2017 for a faculty position in the music department at Winthrop University, where he is the Director of Choral Activities. Jeremy earned his Doctorate in Musical Arts in Conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music & Dance and has served as musical director, chorus master, and accompanist of shows for various professional, collegiate and local theatres and opera companies. A musician of multiple talents and diversity, Jeremy has appeared on national and international concert and opera stages as a conductor, collaborative pianist, violinist, and a tenor chorister. Under Jeremy’s leadership, the music program at Grace is thriving. Jeremy and his husband, Craig, live in Rock Hill.
Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
Email: [email protected]
Our WELCM Campus Minister is Olga-Maria Cruz, who holds the BA in English, the Master of Divinity in Theology, and the PhD in Christian Ethics. In her previous work at Saint Leo University in Florida, Olga-Maria created an ecumenical campus ministry where none existed, led a Bible study for the men’s basketball team and created a vocational discernment retreat in collaboration with the Office of Career Services. She also taught for twelve years at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, creating courses in Ethics, Philosophy, Literature, and Women’s Studies. She is also a writer, musician, and yoga/meditation instructor.
Michelle Cunningham
Parish Administrator
Now Hiring
Click the positions below to learn more about employment opportunities at Grace
Campus Minister – starts this summer
Nursery Attendant – starts immediately
Congregational Leadership
The Council represents the congregation in most areas of decision-making and is responsible for the business affairs of the church. All members are eligible to be elected to serve on the Congregation Council. Council members are elected at the annual meeting held in November and serve staggered three-year terms. Any member of the congregation is welcome to attend Council meetings, which are currently held on the third Sunday of the month.
Martin Luther summarized the foundational principles of Christianity in the Small Cathechism.
Click on this link below to see a digital copy of this work.
We are one of the 154 Lutheran congregations in the South Carolina Synod, one of the 65 synods in the ELCA.
Church History
Grace Lutheran celebrates 100 years of ministry and mission this year! We look ahead with anticipation as we look back at a rich past. Click the button below to read more about our church history.