An Unapologetically Jesus-Centered, Inclusive Church for Leland
An Unapologetically Jesus-Centered, Inclusive Church for Leland
An Unapologetically
Jesus-Centered,
Inclusive Church
Launching Fall 2026 in Leland, NC
You Belong Here Before You Even Walk In
Thinking about checking out The Grove? We're so glad. Here's everything you need to know before you join us, whether that's at a summer interest event, a Launch Team meeting, or our first Sunday this fall.
What to Expect Right Now
The Grove is brand new, which means visiting us looks a little different than visiting most churches. We don't have a building yet, and we won't launch weekly Sunday worship until October 2026. But you don't have to wait until then to get involved!
Right now, the best way to plan your visit is to join us for an interest event or a Launch Team meeting, both happening across Leland this summer and fall.
Interest Events are casual, low-pressure gatherings where you can meet Pastor Julia, connect with others exploring The Grove, and learn more about our vision. Think coffee shop conversations, not church service. Come as you are, ask whatever's on your mind, and see if this might be your people.
Launch Team Meetings are for anyone who wants to go a little deeper. These two-hour gatherings split the time between studying a Bible passage together and planning upcoming events. It's a great way to actually help build something from the ground up and get to know the heart of this church.
Not sure which one is right for you? Come to either one. Truly, there's no wrong door here.
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!