Christmas in Leland, NC
This December, Come and See
Christmas has a way of stirring up all kinds of things: nostalgia, hope, grief, exhaustion, wonder, sometimes all in the same afternoon. Wherever you land this year, we'd love for you to spend some of the season with us. No perfect attendance required, no assumptions about where you're starting from. Just an invitation to come and see.
However You're Spending This Season, there’s a place for you at The Grove.
Christmas doesn't look the same for everyone, and that's more than okay here. Whether you're full of joy, running on empty, missing someone this year, or just curious what a church like ours is all about, we'd love to have you with us for any (or all) of it.
Here's everything happening at The Grove this Christmas.
Cookies & Carols
A casual evening of Christmas cheer, Leland-style
Grab your ugly sweater (or don't, we won't judge either way) and join us for an evening built for connection: cookies, hot cocoa, Christmas carols, and good conversation with neighbors who are figuring out this Grove thing right alongside you. Bring the kids, bring a friend who's never been to church a day in their life, bring your favorite cookie recipe if you're feeling competitive.
This is exactly the kind of low-key, no-pressure gathering we love: a chance to be together in the middle of a busy season, not one more thing to check off your list.
[RSVP for Cookies & Carols →]
Christmas Lights & Hot Chocolate Walk
An evening stroll through Leland's best light displays
Some of the best conversations happen when you're walking side by side instead of face to face. Join us for a casual evening walk through one of Leland's favorite neighborhoods for holiday lights, hot chocolate in hand, courtesy of us. It's a simple, easy way to be in community during a season that can get overwhelming fast, and a great one to bring a neighbor or a friend who's curious about The Grove but not quite ready for a "church thing."
[RSVP for the Lights Walk →]
Christmas Worship
Sunday, December 20
The Sunday before Christmas Eve, we're gathering for a service to slow down and make room for the wonder of the season: familiar carols, scripture, and a chance to pause together before the busyness of the week ahead takes over. Whether Christmas is your favorite season or your hardest one this year, there's a seat for you.
Kids are always welcome throughout worship. Come early, stay after, and let's celebrate Christmas together.
Where Do We Meet?
We're a church for Leland, and right now we exist wherever our people are! Interest events and Launch Team meetings happen at different locations around Leland all summer long. Once you RSVP, you'll get the exact time and place.
Starting this fall, weekly worship will be held in southwest Leland — more details coming soon as we get closer to launch.
What Should I Wear?
Whatever makes you feel like you. Jeans, work clothes, pajama pants you changed out of ten minutes before you left the house — we've all been there. There's no dress code at The Grove, now or ever.
What About My Kids?
Bring them! Kids are always welcome at everything we do, including interest events and Launch Team meetings. Once weekly worship launches this fall, kids will be part of the whole service, and we'll also offer a nursery and a dedicated kids' church time for families who want that option. We're figuring this out together, and your feedback along the way is genuinely welcome.
I Have Questions About Faith, the Church, or Whether I'll Fit In
Good. Bring them. At The Grove, questions aren't a phase you have to get through before you belong — they're part of how we grow together. Whether you're new to faith, returning after time away, or just curious, you'll find room here to ask honestly and be met with honesty back.
And if you're wondering whether you specifically are welcome: yes. LGBTQ people are fully and joyfully welcomed into every aspect of church life and leadership here, no exceptions and no asterisks.
First Time Here?
A Few Things to Know
You won't be singled out. No standing up, no name tags required, no awkward "raise your hand if you're new" moment.
You can just show up. RSVPing helps us plan, but it's not a requirement.
It's okay to just watch. Come, listen, ask questions if you want to, or just take it in. There's no pressure to sign up for anything on visit one.
Pastor Julia would love to meet you. Find her after an event, or reach out to grab coffee. She means it when she says she wants to hear your story.
What does The Grove UMC look like?
Worship
We will be launching weekly worship services this fall in southwest Leland! Our worship experience is rooted in tradition but presented with a fresh energy. Join us for inspiring music, preaching that helps you apply Jesus’ teachings in your life today, and Holy Communion every week. Kids are always welcome throughout the service, and we will also offer a nursery and a dedicated kids’ church time.
Interest Events
You don’t have to wait until the fall to get involved! This summer, we’re organizing interest events across Leland. These casual gatherings will provide an opportunity for you to meet others who are interested in a Jesus-centered, inclusive church in Leland and to learn more about the vision of the Grove UMC.
Launch Team
Want to go deeper? Come to a Launch Team meeting! This leadership group will play a crucial role in launching the Grove UMC through attendance, invitations, and hands-on support. Our meetings are two hours: we spend the first hour studying a Bible passage, and the second hour planning and preparing for upcoming events. We invite you to join us and learn about the vision for the church and how you can be part of this exciting journey!
Discover a Welcoming Community and Inspiring Worship at The Grove United Methodist Church
Where are you located?
We are a church for Leland, North Carolina. We do not yet have a building or a permanent location. In the fall, weekly worship will be held in southwest Leland. Right now, the Grove UMC exists wherever our people are!
Are LGBTQ people welcome here?
At the Grove, we celebrate and affirm all aspects of who God created you to be. We believe in transparency—there’s no bait and switch and no limitations on leadership. We fully embrace and celebrate our LGBTQ siblings in all aspects of church life and leadership. We believe our worship and witness is richer and more complete when you are here!
Do you have a weekly worship service?
We will launch weekly public worship in October 2026, but you can get involved now! Join us for interest events across Leland to meet others interested in a Jesus-centered, inclusive church and learn more about the Grove UMC's vision. Want to go deeper? Come to a Launch Team meeting! In these two-hour sessions, we spend the first hour studying a Bible passage and the second hour planning future events. We invite you to join us and be part of this exciting journey!
What does the United Methodist Church believe?
Methodism began on a college campus as a revival movement within the Church of England. At the Grove, we live out that legacy by following Jesus using our hearts, our heads, and our hands. We seek to connect with God through passionate worship that helps us experience God’s grace and love. We will never ask you to check your questions at the door- we believe God gave us our brains for a reason and wants us to use them! Our personal faith motivates us to make a positive impact in the public sphere through acts of service and a commitment to social justice. You can learn more about our beliefs, mission, and organization using this resource.
Follow Along with The Grove on Social Media
Since we're a brand-new church plant without a permanent home yet, social media is where it's all happening right now! We're hosting interest events all over Leland, and the best way to keep up with what's next, where we're meeting, and how to get involved is to follow along online. Give us a follow so you never miss an event, a launch update, or a chance to connect. We can't wait to see you there!