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Grace on Race Street: Reimaging Ministry in Over-the-Rhine
Rooted in History
Methodists have served Over-the-Rhine since 1835, when Rev. William Nast began ministry among German immigrants in Cincinnati. In 1880, the congregation built Nast Trinity United Methodist Church at 1310 Race Street, designed by renowned Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford, also known for Music Hall. Over nearly two centuries, the church and neighborhood have continually evolved—welcoming immigrants, neighbors in need, and anyone seeking hope and belonging. Through all the changes, one truth has remained constant: God has been faithful, working through the people who gather here.
A Call to Reimagine Ministry
In 2024, Hyde Park Community UMC sensed God’s calling to reimagine ministry at their Over-the-Rhine Campus. In response, the church embarked on a months-long discernment process rooted in prayer, listening, and neighborhood feedback. Out of that process, Grace on Race Street was born—a vibrant hub of connection, innovation, and care, guided by the church’s values of curiosity, courage, and connection.
Emerging Ministries Take Shape
The discernment process led to both immediate and future-focused ministry initiatives:
At the church building (1310 Race Street): Emerging ministries such as the monthly Community Breakfast, Grace on Race St. Market, yoga, retreats, and workshops invite people to grow in faith and purpose.
Next door (1314 Race Street): Plans are underway to transform the 2nd and 3rd floor into transitional housing for eight families in partnership with Found House Interfaith Housing Network, alongside a community laundromat on the 1st floor. HPCUMC is preparing to launch a capital campaign to bring this vision to life.
Once complete, the renovated building will meet everyday neighborhood needs with dignity and care, creating new ministry opportunities as people gather while doing laundry and as families in transitional housing experience stability and support.
Our hope is that each person who engages with Grace on Race Street experiences a tangible form of God’s grace—through connection, support, and the everyday ministries offered.
Grace on Race Street is where faith takes shape in daily life—bringing hope, care, and transformation to the heart of Over-the-Rhine.
Elevate Cincinnati
2026 dates to be announced soon
Elevate Cincinnati is a one-day retreat designed to help participants slow down, let go, and realign with their purpose—body, mind, and spirit. Held at Grace on Race Street in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the retreat offers intentional movement, breathwork, reflection, a nourishing meal, and guided rest to foster clarity, renewal, and a deeper connection to oneself.
More than a personal experience, Elevate Cincinnati is rooted in community impact—retreat fees support the development of a community laundromat next door. Each gathering invites participants to step away from the noise of daily life, reconnect with their divine spark, and contribute to the wellbeing of the wider community—because when one person rises, everyone rises.
As a way to support what’s happening at the OTR Campus, we invite you to join us in prayer. By praying daily for the OTR ministries, you are already being a big support!
OTR Campus General Prayer
Creator God, keep us ever mindful of and curious to your presence, thankful for what has been and excited for what is to come in Over-the-Rhine. May we walk in humility as we work to connect with your beloved community. Open our ears so that we would always hear you. Break our hearts for what breaks yours. Holy Spirit lead us always to where you need us to be. Equip us to be a courageous movement embodying hope and love as we proclaim and practice in fresh ways, the Good News to all we encounter. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
You are invited to pray this prayer daily at 1:45
Laundry Ministry Prayer
Dear God, we pray that as we work to provide fresh perspective to a community please allow us to follow your example of humility and service. Remind us to constantly put the needs of others above our own desires. Help cleanse the souls of all those this ministry will reach and allow us to clean more hearts than clothes. Amen.
You are invited to pray this prayer daily at 1:14
Emerging Ministry Prayer
Almighty God, thrill us to your possibilities. Reveal important pathways. While it may be daunting, empower us to know and do your will. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
You are invited to pray this prayer daily at 1:10
Temporary Housing Ministry Prayer
Creator God, Help our church develop a plan that serves Your will. A plan that allows us to dream exciting big dreams for Your people. A plan that provides our team a THRILLING energy that keeps us motivated. But also one that is grounded and practical so that the plan is achievable. Help us to continue to move forward pushing through the DAUNTING tasks at hand, to be able to do Your IMPORTANT work. Amen.
You are invited to pray this prayer daily at 1:14
Emerging Ministries Team
Amy Greene Tinsley
Austin Tinsley
Elisabeth Kuhlman
Andrea Slone
Elwood Jones
Katie Whitlock
Ben Owen
Drea Osterbur
Temporary Housing Team
Mary Wheeler
John Fillion
Clif Miller
Bev Connelly
Mike Hickerson
Laundromat
Team
Jill Colaw
Jack English
Melody Riggs
Mission & Outreach
and Over-the-Rhine Campus Team
If you are interested in participating in our community outreach efforts, please contact Rev. Kate Smith, Pastor of Mission and Outreach, Young Adults, & OTR Campus or Christina Cotrone, Mission and Outreach & Young Adult Ministries Coordinator.