Welcome to Garden of Grace Fellowship
Guidance for First-Time Visitors to this Webpage
Welcome to our webpage dedicated to the Blind and persons with low-vision. Within this one page, you will find a text-based, and audio version, of our website.
From top to bottom, each section is presented in the order the webpages appear on the original navigation menu. Their tabs are listed in the navigation bar at the top of your computer screen as follows, from left to right: HOME page, WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE'RE LIKE, PURPOSE & VISION, LOCATION, MEMBERSHIP. The tab for our SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS webpage is listed after these, but is limited to methods of contact.
Each section begins with a description of the overall layout and imagery of its original webpage. Scrolling down, this is followed by the text content belonging to that webpage, which is compatible with screen magnification. An audio version of the same is made available under the last line of that text.
We highly recommend that those who prefer the audio version navigate this page on a computer. If you prefer a cell phone, be sure to click the phrase, "Listen in browser", found in small, white text just below the play button. This will allow you to hear it without leaving our website. A playlist of these audio clips, in proper order, can also be found at soundcloud.com. Simply search by artist and enter: GOGF for Blind/LV .
If questions arise, please don't hesitate to give us a call, or to send a message through our contact form at the very bottom of this page.
Welcome to gardenofgracefellowship.org.
HOME PAGE
Webpage Imagery
The first image seen when landing on our Home page is a decorative archway which leads to a secret garden with tall greenery. A young woman is shown, from behind, entering that garden. White text is displayed on top of this background image.
Scrolling down, a vertical series of four boxes is displayed. Each box is divided into two, equal parts horizontally. One part contains an image. The second part contains decorative, gold text. Underneath that text is a green button. The first and second parts alternate positions, creating a checkerboard-like pattern of the images. (The text and button are in the left side of the top-most box, yet in the right side of the next box down, and so on.)
From top to bottom, the green buttons read as follows: Inspired Living, Faith in Action, United in Love, Get Involved. Each button is linked to a page within our website.
The images of our Home page, from top to bottom, tell a story. It begins with the header image of the young woman entering a secret garden. Scrolling down to the top-most box, that woman is seen again. Having entered the garden, she peeks around a corner, taking in the view of extensive greenery, which appears to be endless. In the next box down, a narrow path is displayed which gently winds through garden and orchard areas. Moss has grown right up to the edge of this cement path. Bamboo fencing lines the orchard, on the right side of the path, along the way.
In the next box down, a brick path is displayed which matches the size and curvature of the first path. On the right side of this path, a concrete, garden bench is displayed among flowers and shrubbery. The image conveys the perspective of someone walking toward this from under a pergola. The path itself leads to a meadow lined with trees typically seen in a backyard. There appears to be farm land, in the distance, beyond the meadow.
Having turned into the meadow, the next box reveals a tunnel made of black, metal, arbor arches. Green plants have grown up the arbors, decorating them and forming a leafy roof in certain spots. The tunnel these arbors create leads to a set of inviting, varnished, wood doors.
A dark blue footer is placed at the bottom of this, and every, page of our website. Bright green text is displayed at the top of this footer, which provides a hyperlink to our webpage dedicated to the Blind and persons with low-vision.
Below this, smaller, white text provides a hyperlink to our TECH SUPPORT page. We recommend, however, that visitors who are blind, or have low-vision, simply call us for assistance. The TECH SUPPORT page offers a direct email address to which screenshots of a suspected issue can be sent.
Text Content
Do you sometimes feel like you're the only Christian whose eyes have been opened? Have you wondered how to connect with others who truly have fellowship in the light (1 John 1:3,5,7)?
Discover Garden of Grace Fellowship: Intentional Community Reimagined — where the narrow path and real life meet, and living fellowship means community — a door into social life that keeps you thriving.
Feel like skipping to another section? The navigation bar below is specific to this webpage.
WHO WE ARE
Webpage Imagery
At the top of the WHO WE ARE webpage, a background image shows an empty, church parking lot on a nice, sunny day. The sky is blue with wispy clouds. Just beyond the pavement is a park-like setting with green grass, trees, and shrubs.
Our logo is displayed in front of this background image, along with the title, "OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH", in gold letters. Our logo consists of a light blue ring which frames an image of a white dove flying over water, from green land, with an olive branch in its beak. Curved text at the top of the blue ring reads, "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP". Curved text at the bottom of the blue ring says, "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY". All text in the ring is white on its blue background. A tiny, white heart, turned on its side (chubby side out), separates "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP" from "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY" on either side.
Beneath the header image is a white background on which our Statement of Faith is explained. Two colors were used for the text in this section. The phrase, "We believe..." is in gold each time. The rest of the text is black.
Our Statement of Faith at Garden of Grace
We believe the Holy Bible to be entirely true, including the gospel message of Jesus Christ. We believe Jesus was biologically the son of God, and is literally the Son of the Holy Trinity. We believe Jesus was born of a virgin, that he died on a cross for our sins, and that, by the power of God, he rose to life again three days later. We believe that salvation is found only in Christ Jesus, and through meaningful relationship with Him, in accordance with His teachings.
Feel like skipping to another section? The navigation bar below is specific to this webpage.
WHAT WE'RE LIKE
Webpage Imagery
Our WHAT WE'RE LIKE page is arranged like a magazine article. The title, "OUR COMMUNITY IN A NUTSHELL", is displayed on a light blue banner at the top. Under the banner, white, article text, on a darker blue background, is shifted to the right to make way for a large picture on the left. Lower down, text then shifts to the left to accommodate a small picture on the right. Underneath the article is a green button which reads, "Discover Our Vision". It links the reader to our PURPOSE & VISION page.
The photograph at the top left of the article is of a wooden, front door opening to a patio, filled with potted plants, at the edge of a thriving garden. The photograph to the lower right of the article is of a dark brown, wooden sign amongst lush greenery. In white, engraved letters it displays, "TO GARDEN", which is preceded by an arrow pointing left (toward the article itself).
Still on a blue background, a preview of our FAQ's is displayed under the article. Each contains a hyperlink which can take the reader to our LOCATION page, where these are answered. This information is distributed across the left and center of three columns. The left-most column is very light blue. The middle column is slightly bluer. Our logo is displayed under the FAQ preview text in this middle column. The right-most column is a darker blue which matches the background color of the webpage. The right-most column contains a contact form which enables users to send us a message from our website.
Our logo consists of a light blue ring which frames an image of a white dove flying over water, from green land, with an olive branch in its beak. Curved text at the top of the blue ring reads, "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP". Curved text at the bottom of the blue ring says, "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY". All text in the ring is white on its blue background. A tiny, white heart, turned on its side (chubby side out), separates "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP" from "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY" on either side.
Our Community in a Nutshell
Our social structure is unique, in that every member experiences a sense of belonging. This is achieved through our multi-layer approach, which addresses both our human needs and spiritual wellness. Social connections, personal interactions, and shared recreation become matters of choice — rather than lack of opportunity. In addition to this, no parent has to go it alone, nor are our elderly forgotten. The unique social and interpersonal needs of singles are also genuinely fulfilled. Gone are the days of filling the void through means which lead to regret. Those making a lifetime commitment to remain single are also brought into families. They, too, get to experience the joys and blessings family life can bring. Members with exceptionalities discover autonomy, and opportunity without predetermined limits. No one falls through the cracks, at Garden of Grace, and no child sits alone on the playground. We are invested in each other, as members of the same body of Christ (1 Peter 1:22).
A personal support network is additionally established for every member, along with opportunities for shared Bible study, prayer partnership, mentorship, and accountability support.
The atmosphere itself is one of extended family. We are households within one Household, which belongs to God Himself (Ephesians 2:19).
Garden of Grace fosters an environment rich in encouragement, acceptance, and friendships. Honesty is made safe, freeing our 'siblings' to confidentially ask for help with spiritual struggles. We also follow a code of conduct, while resolving conflicts. Then we extend each other grace, "bearing with one another," & building each other up "in love" (Ephesians 4:2-3; 4:7,12-13,15-16 NIV).
We respect, honor, and celebrate the uniqueness of every member. We also believe everyone has something of value, within them, to contribute. Therefore, we empower our interested members to use their God-given talents, regardless of disability status or stigma.
The natural innocence of children is valued and protected within our community. Melanin is not a factor in anything we do or decide, beyond selecting an appropriate suncream. Masculinity and femininity are equally respected, neither of them being toxic. (Adam was created in God's image and Eve was crafted by God's hands.) For our native English speakers, the language has been restored to its intended definitions. We have also eliminated bureaucracy, opting for an organized, commonsense approach. As these would indicate, we are just regular people with one thing in common: 1 Peter 2:9-10.
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PURPOSE & VISION
Imagery in the Top Portion of the Webpage
Our PURPOSE & VISION page begins with the title, "UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF OUR INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY", in gold letters. Our logo is displayed just to the left of that. (A description of our logo is provided in the last paragraph.)
Scrolling down, a vertical series of five boxes is displayed, in a manner similar to our Home page. Each box is divided into two, equal parts horizontally. One part contains an image. The second part contains decorative, gold text. The first and second parts alternate positions, creating a checkerboard-like pattern of the images. (The gold text is in the left side of the top-most box, yet in the right side of the next box down, and so on.)
In descending order, the images depict the following:
(1) a teen girl steps through a decorative, stone archway (which seems to be a part of ancient ruins), walking toward a green landscape, complete with trees and a green, grassy hill;
(2) a picturesque, stone bridge over a river flowing between banks rich in greenery;
(3) a woman's hand sprinkling seeds, from a packet, into planting pots filled with soil;
(4) a black, faux leather Bible next to a bunch of freshly cut, pink tulips;
(5) roasting of marshmallows over a campfire.
("Our Vision" is located in the lower portion of the original webpage. It will be described in the next subsection, below the horizontal, green divider.)
Our logo, to the left of the title at the top, consists of a light blue ring which frames an image of a white dove flying over water, from green land, with an olive branch in its beak. Curved text at the top of the blue ring reads, "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP". Curved text at the bottom of the blue ring says, "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY". All text in the ring is white on its blue background. A tiny, white heart, turned on its side (chubby side out), separates "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP" from "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY" on either side.
Understanding the Purpose of Our Intentional Community
To be a safe haven for those ready to live out their faith in Jesus Christ without apology, according to His teachings;
To serve as a unique rally point for the mature-in-Christ who are seeking relationship with others also blessed with understanding;
To combine our various skills and abilities to support self-sufficiency, as a community. In this way, we can do our part to prepare for family needs during world events which impact availability of goods and a Christian's right to purchase them;
To offer a family-friendly, nurturing, supportive environment, appropriate for all stages of development, as we grow in Christ together;
To facilitate a rich, vibrant, engaging social experience for all peer groups within our fellowship, including singles over age 21.
Imagery in the Lower Portion of the Webpage
Just below the box (described above), which contained the image of a campfire, the title, "OUR VISION" is displayed in white text on a light blue banner.
Below this is an article in white text on a darker blue background. Text at the top of this article is shifted to the right, to accommodate a large picture on the left. Below the picture, text is readjusted to extend from one side of the page to the other. The picture on the left is a photograph depicting a man and woman sitting across a table from each other. A bowl of pumpkin seed muffins is beside them. Only the arms and hands of the couple are visible. The woman's sleeve suggests she is wearing a white sweater. Her hands are holding a green mug of coffee. Across from her, the man is holding an open Bible, suggesting they are in study or discussion together.
Below the article is a green button which reads, "Find Out What You've Been Missing". The button links the user to our WHAT WE'RE LIKE page.
Below the green button, a contact form is provided on a white background. Gold text alerts the user a message can be sent to us this way.
Our Vision
The vision for Garden of Grace was conceived in response to a lack of fellowship opportunities for the mature-in-Christ. The modern-day "wheat" stalk ripe for Harvest typically has no way to locate, or reach out to, the others. Interactions with other Christians, therefore, become limited to teaching opportunities. There is no one to partner with the "wheat" in relevant Bible study, or to bounce new questions off of, or to join them in celebrating the latest, amazing discovery found in Scripture (Matthew 13:30 NIV).
Garden of Grace Fellowship creates that inner circle for the mature-in-Christ, allowing them to be nourished as well. Designed to nurture growth in the Lord, at all stages of development, our approach to fellowship keeps the "wheat" moving forward (Matthew 3:11-12 NIV). Feelings of loneliness lift because these believers can finally fully engage in the benefits of community, and be understood. Relationships become balanced because the need to receive, as well as give, is finally met. It becomes a joy to teach the younger-in-the-Lord, and to watch them truly pursuing what Jesus offers.
Like an ecosystem, the "Church" struggles to thrive when the only members it ministers to are new believers in the gospel message (Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV). Garden of Grace supports the environmental needs of the mature, who in turn support the environmental needs of the maturing. Together they create a safe, loving space for the youngest-in-the-Lord to be nurtured as they grow. The letters of the New Testament largely focus on this method.
Feel like skipping to another section? The navigation bar below is specific to this webpage.
OUR LOCATION
Imagery in the Top Subsection of the Webpage
When landing on our LOCATION page, a square photo is seen on the left-hand side. It is partially framed by a blue box positioned diagonally upward and to the left of the photo, which sits on top of it. The photo was taken at an angle, and shows a path of stone steps lined with decorative shrubbery, a flowery, tropical bush, and trees of varying shades of green.
To the right of this image, the title of the webpage, "OUR LOCATION", is displayed in gold letters. Black text, addressing the location of our intentional community, follows. A green button is found under that text. The button reads, "Find Out What You've Been Missing", and links the reader to our WHAT WE'RE LIKE page. This concludes the description of imagery found in Subsection 1 of our LOCATION page.
(Subsection 2 provides our office and contact information. Subsection 3 answers frequently asked questions about membership and our residential community.)
Subsection One: Location of Our Intentional Community
Our intentional community is currently in the development stage, and is still accepting applications. When our founding roster is complete, the precise location of our 'village' will be decided by unanimous vote. It will be chosen from our collection of potential sites within the United States of America.
In the meantime, modern conveniences empower us to come together in fellowship right now, and to support each other in the Faith. From group chats and phone calls to in-person meetups and retreats, our community is built on relationships. For many of our members, these become the first friendships with potential to continue on in eternal life.
Imagery in the Middle Subsection of the Webpage
The middle of our LOCATION page is identified by its headline in gold letters. It states, "Our Planning Headquarters is Located in Sunny Florida, USA".
Below the headline are three long, white, rectangular boxes arranged as columns. Each is partially framed along the sides and at the bottom in blue. A circular image is displayed within the top of each rectangle. Below each image is text, which alternates between gold and black.
The image in the left-most rectangle shows an "OPEN" sign one might see on the door of a small shop or boutique. The middle rectangle displays a photo of a modern, black, office telephone. The image in the right-most rectangle is of a finger pressing the SEND button on a fax machine.
Subsection Two: Our Planning Headquarters
Our planning headquarters is located in sunny Florida, USA.
Our office and mailing address is:
Garden of Grace Fellowship
7901 4th St N #29045
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Our best office email address for members is:
member.inquiry@
gardenofgracefellowship.org
Public inquiries about our ministry can be sent to:
ministry.questions@
gardenofgracefellowship.org
These are not to be used for solicitation.
Call Us Toll-Free:
(855) 4-GOGFIC
(855) 446-4342
or at
Our Local Number:
(727) 428-6464
D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, or non-speaking?
Callers are welcome to text our local number, if preferred.
Need to send us a fax? Transmit your document to:
(855) 446-4342
Please note, we do not accept solicitation communications through any medium.
Imagery in the Bottom Subsection of the Webpage
The third subsection of our LOCATION page is recognized by its heading, "Frequently Asked Questions". This is displayed in white text on the now blue background. Three FAQ's, and their answers, are distributed across the left and center of three columns. The answers to the first and second questions each contain a hyperlink to our MEMBERSHIP page.
Text within all three columns is white. The left-most column is very light blue. The middle column is slightly bluer. Our logo is displayed under the FAQ text in this middle column. The right-most column is a darker blue which matches the background color of the webpage. The right-most column contains a contact form which enables users to send us a message from our website.
Our logo consists of a light blue ring which frames an image of a white dove flying over water, from green land, with an olive branch in its beak. Curved text at the top of the blue ring reads, "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP". Curved text at the bottom of the blue ring says, "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY". All text in the ring is white on its blue background. A tiny, white heart, turned on its side (chubby side out), separates "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP" from "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY" on either side.
Subsection Three: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Are members required to take up residence at your chosen site?
A time is coming, very soon, when believers in the Name of Jesus Christ will gather into small communities, out of necessity. Those not ready to come together this way may apply for one of our other types of membership.
Garden of Grace is a fellowship offered to all who belong to the authentic body of Christ. We will continue to love on our non-local members and engage with them through outreach, for as long as world events permit us to communicate over distances.
Our 'village' site will also serve as an outpost for the weary traveler truly in service to the LORD. Ours will be a place they can come to rest and be refreshed in spirit, mind, and body.
FAQ: Will I need to buy land or a house to become a Founding Member?
There are two schools of thought on this. While many intentional communities do purchase land to build on, others simply choose to relocate, becoming tenants and homeowners of the same neighborhood or town. The best way forward will be decided by unanimous vote, during our site selection process.
FAQ: My disabled child is now an adult able to live
independently/semi-independently. Would he/she be permitted to join
your community, as a Founding Member, without me?
Meaningful inclusion and access to all aspects of community life, for all residents, are core principles upon which our 'village' will be built. From language differences to developmental exceptionalities, potential barriers are addressed with the utmost respect for the dignity of the individual. We anticipate a thriving social community will take shape for that particular population, in our 'village', as a peer group. This amplifies the benefits of fellowship found by them through participation in our 'village' as a whole.
Feel like skipping to another section? The navigation bar below is specific to this webpage.
MEMBERSHIP PAGE
Webpage Imagery
Our MEMBERSHIP page opens to a white background, with the title, "TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP WE OFFER", in gold letters. Our logo is displayed to the left of this title. (A description of our logo is provided in the last paragraph.)
Below these are three rectangles, with no fill color, arranged as columns. A thin, black frame marks the perimeter of each. Within each rectangle, the topic is established in gold text. Black text, below this, provides additional information. A hyperlink is included in the black text of the left-most rectangle. The same occurs in the middle rectangle. Both hyperlinks convert the appearance of their black text to gold with an underline, and link the reader to our LOCATION page.
Below the rectangular columns, the background color of the webpage changes to bright green. A headline is displayed in white text on this new background. The headline states, "In Addition to Our Three Types of Membership, We Offer the Following Special Options".
Below the headline, explanatory, white text is distributed across the left and center of three columns. The left-most column is bright green and matches the new background color of the webpage. The middle column is a lighter green. The right-most column is very light green. It contains a contact form which enables users to send us a message from our website.
Below the green columns, the background color of the webpage changes to dark blue. White text explains how to proceed to our membership application. A green button is included, which links the reader to our online Membership Interest Form. Below the button, "Psalm 133" is referenced in white text. A photo of a medieval-style, door key, lying on green grass, is to the right of the text.
Our logo consists of a light blue ring which frames an image of a white dove flying over water, from green land, with an olive branch in its beak. Curved text at the top of the blue ring reads, "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP". Curved text at the bottom of the blue ring says, "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY". All text in the ring is white on its blue background. A tiny, white heart, turned on its side (chubby side out), separates "GARDEN OF GRACE FELLOWSHIP" from "INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY" on either side.
Types of Membership We Offer
Founding Members intend to become full-time residents of our intentional community site. They demonstrate intent by participating in the planning process. The location of our 'village' will be decided by their unanimous vote.
VIP Members, near and far, intend to continue engaging in our outreach activities after our 'village' site is established. They further agree to take part in our fellowship by maintaining relationships with our residents, going forward.
Global Partners keep in touch with us on an as-needed basis, once membership is established. It is our honor to serve as a hub for our siblings-in-Christ abroad. We offer connection, encouragement, spiritual support, edifying discussion, and opportunity to share your expertise outside your native country.
In Addition to Our Three Types of Membership,
We Offer the Following Special Options:
Missionary Resident: This option is made available to Founding Members who regularly take part in Garden of Grace sponsored mission projects. Once our 'village' is established, they will maintain a residence there to return to between short-term mission trips. Missionary Residents enjoy the same privileges as full-time residents, despite recurring, long absences.
VIP Visitors: A special visit to our residential site may be arranged, on a case-by-case basis, for VIP Members traveling from within the USA.
Commuter Status: VIP Members, who live within driving distance of our residential site, may apply for Commuter Status. If approved, standing arrangements will be made for that member to visit our 'village' regularly.
Ready to Join Us?
Click the green button below the audio version of this text, to reach our
Membership Interest Form.
If an audio version of the form is preferred, give us a call.
A Garden of Grace volunteer would be happy to walk you through our application,
or to answer any questions you might have regarding our ministry.
That's (855) 4-GOGFIC, or (855) 446-4342.
Be sure to include the best way to reach you, if you leave us a voice message.
You're also welcome to reach out through our contact form below, if preferred.
Whatever your mode or method, we are delighted you discovered
our website today, and look forward to getting to know you.
Have a wonderful rest of your day.
(Psalm 133)
You are welcome to send us a message through the form below.
A member of our leadership team will personally respond to your inquiry.
CONTACT FORM INSTRUCTIONS (from top to bottom):
Box #1 (required): Please type in your name.
Box #2 (optional): Please provide your email address, if you would prefer we respond that way.
Box #3 (optional): Please type in the subject heading of your message, if applicable.
Box #4 (required): Please type in the message you would like to send us.
The blue, rectangular SEND button is located under Box #4, and runs the width of it from left to right.