Memorial Service for Reverend Grayson Atha
February 13, 2024
Reverend Grayson Atha
Memorial Service Saturday, February 17
Our beloved Pastor Emeritus Grayson Atha died on Sunday, February 11.
Grayson served as the Senior Pastor at King Avenue United Methodist Church from 1994-2006. Grayson was invited to consider the question of whether LGBT persons should be fully included in the life of the church. He taught us that families don’t all look the same, and he expanded our imagination and ministry capacity. The impact and witness of King Avenue opened us wide in ways that we continue to seek to build God’s beloved Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. Grayson, with committed lay leadership, led the way for full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in our church. During Grayson’s tenure at King Avenue, we became a Reconciling Congregation and continue to serve as a beacon of love and acceptance to many.
We expect a full house to celebrate the life and witness of Grayson. Here are the details for Grayson’s service.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 17 in the King Avenue UMC parlor and milling area from 9:30-11:00am. At 11:00am, the Memorial and Celebration Service will be held in the Sanctuary. The family will continue to greet guests in the parlor after the service. Light refreshments will be available.
As on Sunday mornings, you may park in the King Avenue UMC lot or the Pennsylvania lot. We will also provide parking at the Battelle lot with a shuttle running in the Northeast corner to and from the church from 10-11.
As Grayson would have it, if you are able to walk well, please leave room near the building for those who may have mobility challenges. The stairlift is at the west entrance, and the elevator is accessible at the south entrance.
The Memorial Service for Grayson will also be available via livestream at bit.ly/grayson-service. The service video will be available after the service as well.
If you would like to send a card to Wende Atha, her address is 1337 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201.
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