An Unapologetically Jesus-Centered, Inclusive Church for Leland

An Unapologetically
Jesus-Centered,
Inclusive Church

New Church In Leland, NC

Worship at 10am on Sundays
at Town Creek Middle School
Launch Service on October 4th, 2026

You Don’t Have to Know Anyone to Belong Here

A few weeks ago, a group of us sat down for a potluck and went around the room saying where we were from. Maine. New York. Florida. Puerto Rico. New Jersey. Ohio. Virginia. Western North Carolina. Michigan. California. And now, all of us, Leland, NC.

That's who The Grove is. Almost nobody here grew up down the street. We're a room full of people still learning where the good coffee is, still saving restaurants to a list, still figuring out which lane to be in on Village Road. If you're new to Leland, or new to church, or new to the idea that church might be for you again, you're not behind. You're just like the rest of us.

What to Expect Right Now

We don't have a building yet. That's not a gap we're apologizing for, it's just true, and it means church at The Grove doesn't only happen inside four walls on Sunday morning.

Sometimes it looks like worship at Town Creek Middle School at 10am, communion passed hand to hand, kids included in the whole service instead of pulled out to a separate room.

Sometimes it looks like a pop up service at Westgate Nature Park: we meet at the entrance, walk the quarter mile trail together to the outdoor classroom, and hold a short service with music and communion right there. Strollers welcome. Indoor voices optional. Come as you are, we mean it.

And sometimes it looks like a Tuesday morning at the playground, coffee in hand, watching kids climb the same structure while the adults actually talk. No bulletin. No sermon. Just people.

Not sure which one is right for you? Come to either one, or come straight to Sunday worship. Truly, there's no wrong door here.

Where Do We Meet?

We're a church for Leland, and we exist wherever our people are! Weekly worship is held in southwest Leland on Sundays at 10am at Town Creek Middle School.

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 community events and team meetings. In weekly worship, kids are a part of the whole service. 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.

Plan Your Visit Now

Find a Time with Pastor Julia

First Time Here?
A Few Things to Know

You won't be singled out. No standing up, no name tag, no "raise your hand if you're new" moment.
You can just show up. RSVPing helps us plan for kids and snacks, but it's never required.
It's okay to just watch. Come, listen, ask a question if you want to, or just take it in. Nobody's handing you a sign up sheet on visit one.
There's no dress code, now or ever. Jeans, work clothes, whatever you had on an hour ago. We've shown up in all of it.
Kids are part of it, not parked somewhere else. If they're loud, wiggly, or mid meltdown, that's not a problem you need to manage alone, that's just what church with kids looks like here.
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.