A closer look: One Hillsborough church

By SHANNON BREEN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published November 3, 2001

The Word Of His Grace Christian Fellowship

LOCATION: 121 Kings Ave. N, Brandon. (813) 685-9772

LEADERSHIP: Pastor Samuel L. Phillips Sr., 48, founded the church in 1994. Previously he was associate pastor at True Vine -- True Holiness Church in Tampa. He attended Beacon Bible College and Saint Leo College, where he studied pastoral studies. He has been married to Velma for 24 years. They have three adult children. Velma is on the praise and worship team and is an ordained minister at the church.

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS: The church offers a 7:45 a.m. Sunday school program for children and adults followed by Sunday worship and children's ministry (ages 5 to 13) at 9 a.m. Children's ministry and Bible study for adults are offered at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Those interested in serving God further can attend a Ministerial Training program at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

HISTORY: The church started in August 1994 with 13 members in Phillips' home. A quick growth forced the services to be moved to Kenley Recreation Center in September 1994. The group moved into the current location in March 1995. In 1998, the church bought 8.25 acres on S Parsons Avenue in Seffner with a five-year plan to build a new church.

RECENT SERMON, TOPIC OR THEME: Series on four levels of ministry and living.

OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY: The church Healing Center deals with parishioners who need help resolving personal issues.

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