Grace United Methodist Church

Dayton, Ohio

I love learning the scriptures by heart. It helps me to understand each one so well, and they are all then a part of me forever, even if I later forget some words. As a layperson, being a storyteller brings a whole new dimension to my faith and gives me a much deeper understanding of the Bible.

Effie Sue Kemerley

“Grace by Heart” formed at Grace United Methodist Church after Tom Boomershine led a Fall 2007 series of classes on learning scripture by heart. Starting that Advent, the scriptures have been told every Sunday in worship for 11 years.

Download a PDF with Grace by Heart testimonies from 2018.

In the video below Grace by Heart members talk about their experience of telling the scriptures in worship after the first year.

Grace by Heart has also performed mini-epics including:

  • Passion and death of Jesus (Good Friday)
  • Birth narrative from Luke (Advent)
  • Sermon on the Mount
  • Joseph (evening program)

Grace by Heart tellers for Joseph mini-epic (Genesis 37-49)

Larry Ramey leading workshop on “Scripture by Heart in Weekly Worship” Aug. 4, 2018 at the Festival Gathering of NBSI

At the 2018 Festival Gathering of the Network of Biblical Storytellers Larry Ramey led a workshop on “Scripture by Heart in Weekly Worship” with assistance from a number of Grace by Heart members. Larry and his wife Lois helped organize a storytelling ministry in Trinity Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. They also led biblical storytelling workshops at the New Wilmington Missionary Conference, New Wilmington, PA.

Larry Ramey leading workshop on “Scripture by Heart in Weekly Worship” Aug. 4, 2018 at the Festival Gathering of NBSI

For information about Grace by Heart, contact Barbara Blacklock. For help in starting or expanding scripture by heart in your congregation, contact Larry Ramey.

Grace United Methodist Church
1001 Harvard Boulevard
Dayton, Ohio 45406-5098
937-278-4731

Print Friendly, PDF & Email