|
Why Visit?
If you are searching for a religious community in Grand Rapids, we would
encourage you to view our website to get a sense of who All Souls Community
Church is, what is stands for, and how it expresses itself in the community.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What is the best way to learn
about All Souls Community Church?
The best way to learn about All souls Community Church is to attend a
worship service, and experience the fellowship of community that is
spiritual in the practice of walking together in relationship that makes our
lives more meaningful and full.
If you are a Facebook user, you can also become a fan, or follow our Twitter
feed.
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attending a Worship Service
Services are held at the
Congregation Ahavas Israel building at 2727 Michigan Street NE.
The Congregation Ahavas building is accessible for individuals with
limited mobility.
which is
about a 1/2 mile west of the East Beltline. If you are coming from out
of town, we suggest you take the East Beltline exit off of I-96 and
drive south on the East Beltline. Turn right on Michigan St. The church
will be on the right side of the road.

Or use this interactive map:
You can also look for the sign along Michigan Street.

Parking is
available in the front of the building. As you enter the building, meet
the smiling volunteers at the
Welcome Table.

There is additional information about this community, and
you can also sign up to receive the
newsletter via
email. Children ages K-12 are welcome to attend the
Religious Education programming planned
for that day.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Expect During the Service
All services at the Ahavas building are served by a
T-coil hearing loop. Users should set their hearing aids to the setting
marked "T" just prior to the service.
The service experience is quite traditional and is in 3
general parts. The first part of the service unites the community through
rituals of singing, a chalice lighting, a recitation of the covenant, and a
closing song. The second part introduces the topic of discussion for the
service, usually through readings from religious texts or literature,
sharing of music from the choir, instrumental ensembles or soloists, a
time for meditation or reflection, and singing hymns. The third part is a
sermon, followed by a closing hymn.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Expect After the Service
After the service, a fellowship time in the lobby follows
with coffee and tea. This is an excellent opportunity to talk with the
minister, a member, or volunteer at the newcomers table about the service
and All Souls Community Church. Prior to departure, stop at the Newcomers table,
as there is additional information about All Souls Community Church,
Unitarian Universalism, and the opportunities that you have to connect and
get more involved in the community.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Expect After You Attend Several Services
If you are interested in deepening your relationship with
All Souls Community Church, you may also want to enroll in our next Roots
© class. Check with the minister or at the newcomers table for
the next scheduled Roots class.
The Roots
© class explains the history of
Unitarian Universalism and All Souls Community Church, using writing, essays and sermons by some of its most
prominent voices. Through studying these foundations, you are
encouraged to formulate and articulate the basis of your own beliefs.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Expect If You Wish to Become a Member
There are only two (2) qualifications for becoming a
member of All Souls Community Church: signing the membership roll, and
making a financial contribution of record for that year. There is not a
pledge, nor is there a statement of belief that you must sign, nor is there
a membership class that you must attend. Express your wish to become a
member to the minister and the volunteers at the newcomers table.
Approximately twice per year, there is a service where, through a short
ceremony, new members sign the membership roll, with a reception following.
You are welcome to choose or not to choose to participate in the ceremony.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Expect If You Become a Member
All Souls Community Church is a non-profit organization
that has expenses related to ministerial staff, staff, building, and
operations. As a member you are encouraged to pledge during the annual fall
pledge drive. As a UUA fair share congregation, All Souls pledges to support
the UUA national and district organizations. This pledge is based on the
membership of the congregation, and as such, in fairness to your fellow
members, you should consider pledging to cover the UUA dues for your
membership. You are also encouraged contribute to fund the ongoing
operations of the church and it's programs. You will be contacted by the
Stewardship committee and the Annual Budget Drive leadership to solicit your
feedback on the church and provide an opportunity to make a pledge for the
next year.
Every fall, usually in November or December after the
pledge drive, a Congregational Meeting is held where the Board of
Trustees presents the proposed budget to the membership for their approval.
This budget will show you how the church organization is funded through
pledges and gifts, and how those resources are expended in fulfilling the
mission of the church.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
You can also send an email message to
info@allsoulscommunity.org
if you wish to learn more.
|