06/08/2026
Friends, we received notice that beloved former FPC pastor, Rev. Grant Sharp, has died.
Today we give thanks for all the saints who from their labor rest. Today we give thanks for Grant Sharp who has heard these words from Jesus, “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Many in Dunn and FPC remember Grant as a dear minister, friend, and neighbor. May the God of all comfort, hope, and peace accompany all who love Grant in these days.
Our Pastor emeritus, the Reverend Grant McGuffin Sharp has died.
I (Pastor Jeremy) write this to you the way he and I discussed several years ago. Grant told me he didn’t want us to use the phrase, “He passed away,” when communicating this moment. In his words: “I lived. I died. I had a good life.”
Of the many titles one may earn, “Pastor” is perhaps one of the most honorable. Pastors earn their titles not by the learning and education they have achieved, nor does the title come simply because of an ordination. It arrives to a special individual when the congregation they serve recognizes the unique bond and relationship that unites a congregant to the one called by God to serve. No number of accolades merits this title to God’s servant; it comes simply from each one who has felt and received love from the person whose role it is to shepherd a community and family.
Grant was our Pastor. Now, God has given him rest and peace after many years of ministry, decades of being father to Emily and Dan, and a lifetime of loving his wife, Carolyn. He was surrounded by them in his own home, as had been his wish.
A minister of Christ Jesus, a mentor to those entrusted to him, and a friend of all, the Rev. Sharp completed his baptism in the Lord and now—we pray—resides in the promise toward which his life and ministry faithfully pointed. May God receive his spirit into eternal love.
We welcome you to come to the church 9am-3pm this week to sign a book and leave your sentiments, condolences, and memories.
At this time, the family deserves our prayers and time to rest. I ask that we give them that time, as we are able.
I will always remind us that because of the work God has done for humanity in Christ, love never ends. Please pray for Carolyn, Emily, Dan, and all of Grant’s family. But I must also end with the assurance Grant has poured into our hearts across his ministry: “We are an Easter people.”
Today, by God’s will, our Pastor has become one of Easter’s newest and eternal residents.
God loves you, and so do I.
