On 19 October 2003  twelve people assembled to celebrate Eucharist at the home of Val Littman and Linda Korolewski, le petit jardin de l’âme in Florensac. This first Eucharist was in response to requests for worship in English made by some people who had attended an English service of Lessons & Carols in Fontès the previous December. Val, an Episcopal priest from Chicago, had come with his wife to the area in 2001 to retire.  He had preached at the Lessons & Carols service, and people asked if English services were possible.

During the years 2003 to 2006, the group celebrated Eucharist in the homes of retirees in the area. The little congregation chose to meet on the 3^rd Sunday of each month, September to June, taking a break in the summer months. From the beginning, worship followed the tradition of the Anglican Communion, used the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church USA as the general order of service, and Common Worship of the Church of England.

The little congregation grew from 11, to 15 then to 20, and then 24 and more.  Educational events were added, provided by Richard Acworth, retired priest from the Church of England. People volunteered to help with the organizing of the services, readers, and fellowship. When funds began to come in to cover expenses, someone volunteered as treasurer.

The Services of Holy Week and Easter were added to the celebrations and we continued to grow.
In 2006, thanks to the generosity of the Roman Catholic Archbishop Thomazeau, local RC clergy, and the family of Domaine Paul Mas, we began celebrating in the 13^th century church of St. Martin in Conas, on Easter Sunday. 

This growing church was made possible due to voluntary services offered by: retired clergy and lay leadership, giving their time and talent; leading song, prayers, hosting fellowship events, and raising funds for outreach to local charity.  Our budget remained small, and the group focused on the identified priorities of Worship, Education & Charity. 

 

In February 2008 the congregation began discussion about becoming more organized., and became a French Association Loi 1901. In April, steps were taken to affiliate with the larger worldwide Anglican Communion

 

No doubt about it, the years of 2008 and 2009 were difficult decision-making years.  We were blessed with continued growth.  Families with children were added to the earlier community of retirees. There were requests for more time to serve growing administration, education and training needs. Now with an average of 37 people on Sundays, the budget of past years was insufficient, money was scarce and demands on clergy time continued to grow.


Deciding to affiliate with the larger Anglican Communion was a challenging time.  The church was no longer a dozen people worshiping in private homes. Its visibility in the community had grown.   We had become the local Anglican Church, and Fr. Littman the local vicar. 

Sunday 18 October 2009 was our sixth anniversary. We were received by The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe as GRACE: Anglican Episcopal Church in the Hérault.