For the second time this year, a very special event was celebrated by Grace Family Church.

In April, the church founded by Pastors Sheila and Barry Fredericks formally dedicated its new home at 13 Covered Bridge Road. On October 13, the founding pastors formally passed leadership of their church to son Adam Fredericks during a Passing of the Baton ceremony.

Pastor Adam was elevated that evening from Children & Youth Minister to Lead Pastor of the church founded by his parents in 1984. A crowd of about 250 people celebrated the historic moment during a ceremony and reception.

The church was originally located on Mt Pleasant Road, under the name Grace Christian Fellowship. Its name change came in 2012. Its new address took effect earlier this year.

As Lead Pastor, Adam Fredericks will now oversee the church’s day-to-day business.

“I am also speaking at the weekend services and leading the church in the direction that I feel God would have us to go in,” he said recently. “I’m humbled and honored by the love and encouragement from the members of the church to take the lead.”

Sheila and Barry Fredericks now share the role of Founding and Teaching Pastor.

“They are just taking a step back from leading” the church, according to Adam Fredericks.

“They will continue to work and serve at the Church in a variety of roles,” he said. “They will both be speaking often at our Wednesday evening services. They will also speak once every four to six weeks at the weekend services.”

Pastor Barry will also lead GFC’s Thursday Healing Services, its Tuesday night 12 Step Program, and hospital visitations.

Pastor Sheila will continue mentoring engaged couples and handling most of the counseling requests received by the church office.

The youth and children ministry will be covered by two people who work part-time at the church, according to Adam Fredericks, as well as a team of volunteers.

“We will be looking to hire someone full-time in the near future,” he said.

Grace Family Church remains very much a Fredericks family affair. Barry and Sheila have two additional sons, both of whom are also involved in GFC leadership. Blaine Fredericks serves as GFC’s Junior High Youth Leader, and Seth Fredericks is the church’s Multimedia Coordinator.

Grace Family Church celebrates Sunday worship at 8:30 and 10:15 am, and a Wednesday service at 7 pm. Other regular services and offerings are held regularly; for additional information, call 203-270-1005 or visit gracect.org.