The United Church of Christ has never been very strong in the South but that might be changing. As other denominations – such as the Southern Baptists – become more and more exclusive a need has been created for those seeking a more progressive spiritual home. This morning I had the good fortunate to worship at Garden of Grace United Church of Christ in Columbia, South Carolina (we're back in SC visiting family). This progressive congregation is one of the latest to join the UCC in the South over the past few years. South Carolina now has three UCC congregations. Garden of Grace UCC stands as a beacon of Jesus’ hope that the world be reconciled and justice centered. My thanks to the people of Garden of Grace UCC for their Southern hospitality this morning.