I was honored by the invitation to sing at the Farewell Celebration for Rev. Grace Imathiu as she ends her call as Senior Pastor for the First United Methodist Church of Evanston this April 2026. The song above is one that I very seriously considered sharing for the occasion. Instead, I rightly chose to present the setting of "This Little of Light of Mine" by my teacher and a friend to both Pastor Grace and I, Dr. Robert A. Harris.
A week before the farewell celebration my friend, Alexander Kirillov and I prepared this organ Anthem, "God Shall Wipe All Tears from their Eyes" in the sanctuary of First UMC Evanston. The words seemed very fitting for the situation. Thank you to the congregation and staff of First UMC Evanston for allowing us to honor Pastor Grace in that magnificent space with it's magnificent instrument.
In 2018, I became a member of the First United Methodist Church and Rev. Grace Imathiu, officially became my Pastor. But I had met her before, and she had used me as musical partner in worship many times prior to my becoming a member of the church in Evanston. I plan to post more about her impact on me over the years, but this video link below is from my first time meeting and working with Pastor Grace.
She had been asked to provide the message as a guest preacher and I was asked to provide the music at a noontime lenten service for First United Methodist Church Chicago.
Pastor Grace has taught me valuable lessons about why I matter as God's child, how I can make a difference and why these things are important. I'm so thankful to have been a member of the church she has served over the past years and for the many friendships and kindnesses that have resulted from this connection.
I'm thankful for God's grace in sending Pastor Grace to us and our time together in this time and place doing God's work.
With Love,
God's servant and yours,
Henry