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FAQ
How do I go about getting married at Grove Church?
Basically, if you are a member of Grove, contact pastor. If you are not a member of Grove, come and worship a while before you ask the pastor to perform your wedding. Call the pastor at 275-1965 with plenty of advance notice. We need to be more than a wedding chapel. In wanting a Christian ceremony (which is a worship service), we presume you are or intend to be actively involved in a Christian church. Further information can be found by checking the FileDrawer page.
Baptism is a right belonging to all members of the church. We will, on occasion, baptize the children of parents with a special connection to Grove Church, provided we act on behalf of the congregation in which they are active. Except for the rarest of situations, baptism always happens during the Sunday morning worship.
Do you rent the facilities?
If the church facilities or equipment are not otherwise needed for church functions, they are available for use by church members for special functions (such as showers or birthday parties) and for use by non-profit organizations or civic clubs. We do not participate in for-profit enterprises. Forms with the rules and fee schedule can be obtained from the church office. once the form is submitted, the Property committee will consider the application.
How do I become a member?
You need to first meet with Session (the church’s ruling board) and tell us how you wish to be received: by reaffirmation of faith, profession of faith (first time belonging to a church), or letter of transfer. During a worship service we will invite you to come forward, affirm that Jesus is your Lord, and we then welcome you. We don’t require attendance at a new members class. Jesus never made his disciples go to class to become disciples. They said, “Yes,” and then he showed them what that commitment meant.
Our table is open to all regardless of denomination, so long as you understand communion as a renewal of your commitment to Christ Jesus. Children are welcome to commune, so long as they have been taught its meaning by their parents.
Do you have a safe church policy?
We seek to insure a safe church and safe campus for all. Having a strong connection with the Women’s Center as well as many teachers in our congregation, we have been able to develop good guidelines. Further information can be found by checking the FileDrawer Page.
Which version of the Bible do you prefer?
We will occasionally dip into a Spanish, Hebrew, or Greek text to better discern the meaning of Scripture, as well as explore the variety of English translations. The Bibles in our pews are the New Revised Standard Version. We give all Third Graders copies of the Today's English Version, Good News Bible. Pastor Andrews' preferred scholarly text is the New Oxford Annotated Bible, New Revised Standard Version.
What kind of Presbyterian are you?The question implies you know there are different Presbyterian denominations reflecting a variety of Reformed traditions. We belong to the Presbyterian Church (USA). We value and affirm the Westminster Confession of Faith but group it with other more modern confessions to guide us in our understanding of Scripture. We fully affirm that Christ calls both men and women to ministry through the ordained offices of Elder, Deacon, Minister of Word and Sacrament.
How many ministers are there at Grove?
There are as many ministers as there are followers of Jesus. When Christians are baptized, that is when they are ordained to ministry.
Who governs the church?Well, Jesus is the only Head of the church, but we try to help him out through our Board of Elders (‘presbyterian’ comes from the Greek word for elders) who make all decisions, and the Board of Deacons who are the care-givers. The pastor moderates the meetings, but the pastor serves as the Teaching Elder.
