My way to the church came by way of a call to hospitality answered at an early age. My grandparents owned hotels in Guatemala and West Virginia. After they both graduated from Cornell University’s Hotel School, my parents returned to Guatemala hotel ownership, so that is where I grew up.

I followed in my family footsteps as I too studied hotel management, then for almost 30 years worked at some of the finest hotels in Texas.

One Sunday in 2011, the gospel reading was from Matthew 25:31-46. The reading and sermon that day brought about an epiphany for me. I felt a call to refocus my abounding enthusiasm for hospitality on those who don’t have the benefit of butlers, concierges, housekeepers, chefs, and door-men, for those who are overlooked, or unable to fend for themselves, for the invisible – the “least of these”.

Soon my path veered away from hotels, and I found myself in Galveston helping start a one of a kind marine and aquatic facility with programs where young people and people with disabilities would learn teamwork, leadership skills, confidence, maritime career path-ways and an independence of mind, body, and spirit.

Fast forward to the present day, and here I am as the Community Missioner/Planter at Grace. I bring 30 years spent in the hospitality industry to the church. Hospitality for me now extends to fostering community relationships and partnerships, and serving those living in some form of isolation or poverty in our area. For me, Grace is not the building, but what we extend as we open our arms outside its four walls to all of our neighbors, and especially those in need.

You can contact him at ed.carrette@gracechurchalvin.org.