Grace United Church
The Urban Partner: Grace United Church: 11 a.m. Service
Grace United Church also has strong roots in Methodism. In 1847, a large frame building was erected on the corner of Chapman and St. George Streets. This building later became the Sunday School Wing of our current church. A new CE Wing was built in its place in 1962. The present Sanctuary will seat over 348. It has many beautiful stained-glass windows and is architecturally pleasing. An impressive electronic pipe organ captures your attention and is a focal point of the sanctuary. Upgrades to the sanctuary in the past five years include: a digital piano, new sound system including devices for the hearing impaired, new lights and the rebuilding of the large stain glass window at the back of the church. A history of the church entitled 150 years of Grace was published in 1996 to celebrate 150 years of service.
Grace also contains a full kitchen, Christian education hall with stage, four smaller meeting/classrooms and the office for the Pastoral Charge. Regular groups using Grace include: Girl Guides, Weight Loss Groups, Alcoholic Anonymous, Dover Uke Heads ukulele group, Tai Chi and an U.C.W unit.
The membership at Grace over the last 5 years has been changing. Fewer families with young children attend. Retirees moving into Port Dover come and go. Approximately 80 people attend the worship service. Grace membership does reflect an urban centre with more of an eclectic resident roll.
Longtime family members are represented along with new retirees to Port Dover and members who are in the community due to employment opportunities.
Sunday school is held during church time. A few children participate and leadership has been increased with a few dedicated adults assisting. The Christian Education committee has started again with new leadership.
A paid music director/organist leads the choir and provides inspirational pieces to compliment the morning worship.
A church board comprised of representatives from committees meets monthly. Subcommittees for finance, stewardship and visioning, buildings and grounds and Christian education are in place. Pastoral charge committees for Mission and Outreach; Finance, Ministry and Personnel, and the Manse are all functioning well.
Other Programs being offered:
• Bible Study in daytime
• Lift Up Your Spirit - women's group/book study
• UCW - 2 units
• Spirit Journey lecture series each fall
Grace members feel one of their strengths is supporting projects that include the entire congregation. Annual events that successfully raise friends and funds include:
• The Fall Affair
• Anniversary Dinner
• Spring Rummage Sale
• Friday 13th food and souvenir sales
Other strengths that were recorded in the congregational survey focus upon inclusion of members and guests that attend worship services; making new members feel welcome and supporting the church when there is a financial need.
The Urban Partner: Grace United Church: 11 a.m. Service
Grace United Church also has strong roots in Methodism. In 1847, a large frame building was erected on the corner of Chapman and St. George Streets. This building later became the Sunday School Wing of our current church. A new CE Wing was built in its place in 1962. The present Sanctuary will seat over 348. It has many beautiful stained-glass windows and is architecturally pleasing. An impressive electronic pipe organ captures your attention and is a focal point of the sanctuary. Upgrades to the sanctuary in the past five years include: a digital piano, new sound system including devices for the hearing impaired, new lights and the rebuilding of the large stain glass window at the back of the church. A history of the church entitled 150 years of Grace was published in 1996 to celebrate 150 years of service.
Grace also contains a full kitchen, Christian education hall with stage, four smaller meeting/classrooms and the office for the Pastoral Charge. Regular groups using Grace include: Girl Guides, Weight Loss Groups, Alcoholic Anonymous, Dover Uke Heads ukulele group, Tai Chi and an U.C.W unit.
The membership at Grace over the last 5 years has been changing. Fewer families with young children attend. Retirees moving into Port Dover come and go. Approximately 80 people attend the worship service. Grace membership does reflect an urban centre with more of an eclectic resident roll.
Longtime family members are represented along with new retirees to Port Dover and members who are in the community due to employment opportunities.
Sunday school is held during church time. A few children participate and leadership has been increased with a few dedicated adults assisting. The Christian Education committee has started again with new leadership.
A paid music director/organist leads the choir and provides inspirational pieces to compliment the morning worship.
A church board comprised of representatives from committees meets monthly. Subcommittees for finance, stewardship and visioning, buildings and grounds and Christian education are in place. Pastoral charge committees for Mission and Outreach; Finance, Ministry and Personnel, and the Manse are all functioning well.
Other Programs being offered:
• Bible Study in daytime
• Lift Up Your Spirit - women's group/book study
• UCW - 2 units
• Spirit Journey lecture series each fall
Grace members feel one of their strengths is supporting projects that include the entire congregation. Annual events that successfully raise friends and funds include:
• The Fall Affair
• Anniversary Dinner
• Spring Rummage Sale
• Friday 13th food and souvenir sales
Other strengths that were recorded in the congregational survey focus upon inclusion of members and guests that attend worship services; making new members feel welcome and supporting the church when there is a financial need.
