A Welcoming Christian Church in Southaven, MS
Looks like a house...Feels like a home!
Welcome to Graceland Christian Church, where everyone is accepted with a smile and open arms. Although we may be a smaller congregation, we have the spirit of a group twice our size. You can hear our love for Jesus Christ in the songs sung by our choir, the words spoken by our pastors, and the lessons taught by our Christian educators. Come join us this Sunday and add your voice to our service.
Here at our Christian church in Southaven, MS, we are dedicated to sharing our adoration of Jesus Christ with all who walk through our doors. Regardless of your past, you’ll find a home among the friendly and compassionate people who worship with us every week. Our dynamic congregation consists of people of all ages and all backgrounds with one shared goal: to promote a lifelong passion for Christian education and devotion.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime with any questions or for more information about our religious and church services. And don’t forget to join one of our weekly classes or worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. Our congregation and pastoral team look forward to meeting and getting to know you.
Contact us today to learn more about our Christian church. We are proud to be located in Southaven, Mississippi.
About Us - Disciples of Christ in Southaven, MS
The Graceland Christian Church (Disciples of Christ in Southaven, MS,) originated on the American Frontier during the early 19th Century. We are often referred to as the most “American” of Christian denominations because the ideals of the “Spirit of ’76” had a major impact on our beginnings. Our first leaders were Barton Stone, Thomas Campbell, and Alexander Campbell; Presbyterians who reacted against sectarian frontier religion and urged a union of all Christians founded upon the restoration of New Testament Christianity. They advocated believer’s baptism by immersion and weekly observance of The Lord’s Supper.
Worship service styles vary from congregation to congregation, but all Disciples congregations observe The Lord’s Supper each Sunday. The symbol of our denomination is a chalice bearing the X shaped cross of St. Andrew. The chalice represents the centrality of the Lord’s Supper and the St. Andrew’s cross symbolizes our Scottish Presbyterian heritage.
Disciples live by the admonition, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things, love.” Creeds may be used in worship and Christian education, but they are not seen as tests of fellowship. We hold that the scriptures witness to all things necessary for salvation, and we encourage each person to study the scriptures and to seek God’s will for their life. The unity of all Christians continues to be held before us as our “polar star.” The Christian Church has always served as a “bridge church” or a common ground for people with diverse denominational backgrounds.
As Disciples of Christ in Southaven, MS, we believe that all people are created by God and therefore entitled to respect and freedom. Freedom to think for ourselves, govern our own congregations, interpret the Bible in our contexts. “Unity with diversity” has long been a motto. We value open discussion, even disagreement, as we seek to interpret and express our understanding of God’s will for ourselves and our society. While we do not confuse unity with uniformity, “Unity for all Christians” is indeed a polar star. We believe God seeks the reconciliation of all divided peoples…whether by age, race, gender, nationality, or any other human division. As Disciples, we also believe in individual responsibility… that every member is a minister, responsible to use their spiritual gifts in the service of God’s mission.
For more information about the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ in Southaven MS, ) visit the Disciples.org website.
OUR MISSION
Find a family at Graceland Christian Church. We are a small but mighty, multi-generational congregation. Our friendly and welcoming faces tell the story of Graceland Christian Church.
OUR MISSION
To be and share the love of Christ to those we meet.
YOUR MISSION
Pastor Ken has been preaching lately about what would Jesus do … We need to consider what we would do...about poverty, about inclusion, about discrimination, about loneliness. Join us for worship and begin becoming what you would like to be.
Bringing Christ To Those Who Need Him in Southaven, MS
Graceland Christian Church was founded in October 1956 as a mission to the Whitehaven area of Memphis. The church began in the community room of the Whitehaven Plaza and moved from there to the home of Mrs. Ruth Brown Moore, who had donated 5 acres of her property on which to build the new church. While plans were being developed for the church building to help bring Christ to those who need him in Southaven, MS, Mrs. Moore sold the house to a rather famous Memphian. With renovations starting on the house the church became a bit nomadic, moving back to the community room and then to a pavilion which they transformed from a Saturday night dance hall to a sanctuary for Sunday worship. It was a welcome day when they could move into the new building. Oh, did we mention that Mrs. Moore’s home had a name which it retains today? That home is known worldwide as Graceland, home and last resting place of Elvis Presley. The home and the church bear the name Graceland to honor Miss Grace Toof, the daughter of the original owner.
For thirty-four years, Graceland Christian Church ministered to folks bring Christ to those who need him in Southaven, MS. When Elvis Presley Enterprises began to expand their facilities, the church building was decommissioned and sold. The members of Whitehaven Presbyterian Church graciously offered their chapel as a meeting place while a new permanent home was sought.
In 1989 the church moved to its present location at 2126 Stateline Road East in Southaven, Mississippi and continued its ministry to those near and far. Two building programs took the church from meeting in the “front room” of the house to meeting in a building designed for multiple activities and then into a sanctuary for Sunday worship. The prayers and hard work of many people continue to sustain the congregation and its ministries. Our history includes stories too numerous to mention here, but just ask someone, and they will be pleased to tell you our stories.
We have been blessed with the talents of eleven gifted Senior Ministers and several very gifted Associate and Student Ministers in the course of our history. These ministers encouraged, and continue to encourage, our mission to bring Christ to those who need him in Southaven, MS. Throughout the history of the church, people from all walks of life have worked together to further this mission. Sixty-six years and counting, the history of Graceland Christian Church is still being written.
Meet the Minister
Ken Sipley
It’s a blessing to be associated with a congregation so committed to serving Christ in this fellowship. Graceland Christian Church is a caring community committed to following Jesus Christ wherever he may lead.
Meet The Staff
Mary Sipley
Since I am the organist/choir director at Tunica United Methodist Church I do not get to attend Graceland Christian with you. Becoming the church secretary at Graceland has given me the opportunity to get to know you all better.
I am grateful for this.
Angie Rose
- I accompany the choir and play on Sundays for the congregation. I have been doing this at Graceland for two years. I had previously worked at a Catholic church of around 1500 families. Graceland’s comparably small congregation has produced a large, talented choir that approaches songs with joy and a big dose of goofiness. They are unconcerned by perfection while at the same time managing to get pretty darn close very often. They are a delight to play for! Previous musical knowledge is not required. If you love singing, join us, things will soak in by musical osmosis.
In addition to church work, I have been teaching piano from my home for nearly twenty years. Feel free to ask me about my brilliant, above-average piano students and my stunning grandchild.
Zak Klinck
I have been the Director of Music since January, 2018. Prior to that I served as pianist for about 5 years. My family has belonged to Graceland since 2003. In that time I have served as a Deacon, Elder, Board Chair and various other capacities. Music has been a part of my life since beginning piano lessons in the 3rd grade. Professionally, I have worked for FedEx Express since April, 2001. My current position is running the fatigue risk management program for the pilots.
MONICA TURNMIRE
I have been with the church since 1998. My current role is Children's Church Leader & Nursery attendant. I love children & I love teaching them about God's love for them, as well as the ways & teachings of Jesus. I consider Graceland my home and I love all of my church family... and our Potlucks are my FAVORITE!
What We Do
Graceland Christian Church
2126 E Stateline Rd, Southaven, MS 38671 / 662-342-6098
Greetings from Graceland Christian Church!
We hope this letter finds you well. We are reaching out to our community to say “Hello!” and to let you know who we are, and about our Community Outreach Ministries.
Graceland Christian Church has brought Christ to the Southaven, MS community for 33 years. Over these years, we have seen many changes in our community. We are responding to our community’s needs with outreach ministries.
1. The 1st Saturday Clothes Closet – Lending a helping hand in our community by providing clothes for those in need. Open 9am until Noon on the 1st Saturday of every month. We have clothes for men, women & children.
2. Graceland’s Superstar Tutoring Program – Free Tutoring sessions for children in grades K-5 held every Saturday from 10-11am. Specialized tutoring is based on the specific needs of each student.
3. Monthly Collection Drive – Collections of food items, school supplies & Christmas gifts for charities like the Olive Branch Food Pantry, The Samaritans, & the Pregnancy Center.
4. Little House Art Project – The ARC Northwest Mississippi sponsors guided Art classes for ages 12 & up, on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10am - Noon. Classes cater to special needs students, as well as non-special needs students. The cost is $20 & all supplies are included. For more information, please visit thearcnwms.org/little-house-art-project
5. Prayer Box– Providing a Prayer Box in front of our marquee for our community. Prayers are collected & shared during Sunday service, then added to our prayer lists. Prayers may be left anonymously, if desired.
6. Wednesday Night Bible Study/Choir Practice – Join us every Wednesday night for Bible Study from 6pm to 7pm, and Choir Practice from 7pm to 8pm.
7. Meeting Facilities – Provided for non-profit organizations such as Girl Scouts, AA/Al-Anon, local dance groups, and a community choir.
Graceland Christian Church is dedicated to sharing our love for Christ with all who walk through our doors. Please reach out to us anytime with questions, or to request information about our ministries.
Graceland Christian Church
Looks like a house, feels like a home!
Join us for worship on Sundays at 11am, in-person, or live online, via Facebook.
Search Facebook for “Graceland Christian Church Disciples of Christ”
Visit our website: gracelandchristianchurch.org
How We Govern Ourselves
We are self-governing. Every month we have a Board Meeting with those who hold office in the congregation. At any time, others may join us. Minutes of our Board meeting will be posted here.
Graceland Christian Church - General Board Meeting 02/11/24
Attendees: Ken Sipley, Jane Alred, Kathryn Purdy, Zak Klinck, Janie Basford, Mike Brower, Carolyn Brower, Barbara Speck, Phyllis Griggs, Tammy Klinck, Linda Wilson, Mary Sipley
Meeting opened with prayer from Zak at 1:20 p.m.
January 2024 meeting minutes pending completion.
January 2024 financial report – pending bank statement processing
Mission to Neighbor (Phyllis)
· Phyllis & D’Arcy Griggs chairing this committee.
· Soups & stews will be delivered to the Samaritans this week.
· March collection is items for Ms. Grace Shower; list posted in Grace Notes and at the church.
Mission to Family (Kathryn)
· No March fellowship dinner on 2nd Sunday; Maundy-Thursday meal and Easter morning breakfast will be done in place of regular dinner.
· April will be regular fellowship dinner on 2nd Sunday.
· May fellowship dinner will be 3rd Sunday (5/19) due to Mother’s Day; we will celebrate our graduates at this dinner.
Property (Andy & Edison)
· Andy turned in several receipts to Mary (~$1,000).
· Projects being completed in the next couple of months:
o Repair new overhang on walkway to sanctuary.
o Repair sanctuary HVAC.
o Replace bulbs in parking lot lights.
· The quote for cleaning the fellowship hall floors increased to $500; we are not interested in that amount; if the company can do it for the original amount of $175, we will have them do it.
Worship (Mike)
· Mike Brower is the new chair for this committee.
· Ash Wednesday service is 2/14; Mike needs 4 volunteers to read.
· Ken will be out (vacation) 4 Sundays (3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14) and we will need pulpit coverage for those days.
· Maundy-Thursday meal/service will be 3/28.
· Sanctuary will be open 12-3 p.m. on Good Friday (3/29) for any that would like to come for prayer.
Elders
· Holding off on filling vacancy currently.
Deacons
· All is going well; new schedule has been sent out and is posted in the communion supply cabinet.
· One vacancy exists and waiting to see if anyone from the congregation is interested.
Men’s Group
· Spent $64.11 to purchase 8 tablecloths to use for more formal events at the church.
Women’s Group
· Met February 11th and discussed Christmas Shoebox Collections; will set up space in one of the Sunday School classrooms for people to bring donations throughout the year.
· Collected $185 at the soup fundraiser today.
Old Business
· Thank you gifts presented to Kathryn, Mike, Zak and Monica for their recent service role terms that concluded.
· Donating one of the old pianos in the fellowship hall and the wood from the Living Nativity manger to Andy Wilson; Ken will contact Andy.
· Women’s group will begin to clean out the prayer closet and Sunday School classroom.
New Business
· Souper Bowl collection raised $150; board voted to donate the funds to the South Baldwin Christian Church Food Pantry; Zak will contact Mike/Barbara Lee to ask who/where to send the check.
· Ken/Mike/Kathryn met with our property insurance representative; received a form to formalize the relationship with the groups that use our building.
· Nominations/elections for board officers:
o Zak Klinck – Chair (elected at January 2024 meeting)
o Open – Vice-Chair
o Janie Basford – Recording Secretary
o Barbara Speck – Treasurer
o Jane Alred – Financial Secretary (continuing term)
Meeting closed with prayer from Mike at 1:57 p.m.
WEEKLY COMMUNICATION
Grace Notes for March 6, 2024
Hello, Everyone
Spring seems to be coming sooner than expected. Let's hope we don't get any of those freakishly cold daysRemember there is a Women's Group meeting at the church on Saturday, March 9th at 10:00 AM. There is a
A NOTE FROM KEN
About the sermon title: Neither of us is computer literate enough to figure out how to draw a line through the wordwrong
, but there will be one in the bulletin Sunday morning. Too many people too often get the gospel wrong. They focus on one word, or one verse, or one part of a verse, then move out from there, interpreting the entire gospel from that one tiny part. Our Bible study book this week tells us we should interpret each passage of the Bible in the light of the entire Bible, not the other way around. The Bible has a definite message for us, and we need to incorporate that message into our lives. But in order to do so we must understand the whole Bible and what it has to say to us. This is why we have adult Sunday school classes and Bible study classes. We invite you to join us for one, or the other, or both. You might just learn something that will change how you look at the world, how you look at other people, or how you look at yourself. It could be a life-changing experience, and we all could use one of those from time to time.praying
about--setting aside time for one or both of these enriching experiences.Words to Ponder
Dear child of mine:
UPCOMING EVENTS AT GRACELAND
Wednesday, 3/6 6:00 PM Bible Study 7:00 PM AA/Alanon meetingDaylight Saving Time Begins - Set your clocks ahead one hour
9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship Service1st Sunday to order Easter Lilies
9:45 AM Sunday School
Palm Sunday
Last Sunday to order Easter Lilies
9:45 AM Sunday School
Easter Sunday
Easter Morning breakfast
MARCH BIRTHDAYSDameron Leonard 3/2Maria Bryant 3/6Sarah Klinck 3/7Abby Grisham 3/15Al Hayes 3/16Callan Bray 3/18Danielle Fisher 3/18Megan Rabanes 3/27Michelle Bray 3/31
Worship Service in Southaven, MS
At Graceland Christian Church our worship service in Southaven, MS, is a blended style. We use the piano for accompaniment, and our choir delivers more than its size might normally. Angie and Zak are gifted musicians, and many of our choir members are gifted singers. We offer communion every week, and all are welcome at the Lord's Table. Children stay in worship until after the children's Sermon when they leave and go to Children's Church. Pastor Ken preaches timely and thoughtful messages. All are welcome to attend our worship service in Southaven, MS, at 11:00 each Sunday.
Christian Education in Southhaven, MS
We believe christian education in Southaven, MS, does not end when a child is a teen. There are many adults who have left the church after they were baptized/confirmed, and that's where their education about faith, the Bible, God, and Jesus ends. As adults, we need opportunities to learn again or relearn those things we were taught at a young age. At Graceland Christian Church, we do not tell you what you MUST believe but encourage you to find your own belief system with the help of others. Our adult class meets each Sunday at 10:00 and another class meets each Wednesday at 6:00 PM.
Our elementary children meet at 10:15 on Sundays and our teens meet at 9:30.
MY PHOTO GALLERY
Church Services In Southaven, MS
Choose Graceland Christian Church for church services in Southaven, MS. Contact us today for more information at (662) 342-6098.