History
The Groveland Congregational Church is a member of the United Church of Christ. As such we acknowledge Jesus Christ as the sole head of the Church. We adhere to the belief in the traditional doctrine of the Trinity; God as Father and Creator, Jesus as Son and Savior and the Holy Spirit as Guide and Comforter.
Our long and rich heritage as a church began on June 17, 1726 when a group of men founded the “East Parish” of Bradford. They organized as a church in June of 1727. In 1795 our church bell, the 11th cast by Paul Revere, was dedicated. It still rings today, nearly 300 years later.
We are an Open and Affirming Church, welcoming all as Beloved Children of God.
They know that you Believe IN God, now re-imagine your life when you Believe God.
Worship Services are held each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. There are special additional services held for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter as well as inspirational Taize, Advent and Lenten services. The sacrament of Holy Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month.
We strive to be a welcome place for children to be valued and nurtured in a Christian environment.
The music of our church is a cornerstone to our foundation of faith. The Senior Choir provides inspirational and sacred music. The Chime Choir adds a special flair to our services. Talented musicians and soloist bring joy to our music programs.
Outreach is a vital part of our ministry. The Missions Team, with its dedicated group of volunteers, is responsible for our Thrift Shop. For nearly 45 years the proceeds from Thrift Shop sales have been used for charitable purposes. Emmaus House and Mitch’s Place in Haverhill, Lazarus House in Lawrence, the Groveland Council on Aging, Pettengill Place in Salisbury and several other local agencies are the programs we support. All of the items sold in the Thrift Shop are donated by community members.
and has provided over $500,000 in support to local
area programs focusing on homelessness and hunger.
There are many opportunities for Fellowship at the church. Every Sunday following worship we gather for coffee hour and a time of visiting. Occasionally we are even blessed with piano music courtesy of one of our members!
Throughout the year there are other opportunities to gather as well. In September we hold our Homecoming Brunch. In October church members gather to help support the local Pines Speedway Reunion by serving hamburgers and hotdogs to the attendees. November is when our 2 day church wide fair, the Snowflake Fair, is held. With over 20 local vendors and crafters, as well as our own Country Store table, Cookie Walk, Jewelry table and Good Finds (Thrift Shop) Christmas sale this event is always widely attended.
There is a Prayer Shawl Ministry where a thoughtful group of individuals weave prayer into every stitch These shawls are a warm reminder of the broad mantel of Christian Love and available to anyone in need.
Free Community Lunches are served each month on the second Saturday with homemade meals and friendly faces for everyone!
The church is proud to offer the Perry Park Preschool, an accredited school for young children. It was established in 1977 following thirty years as the Mother’s Club Kindergarten. For more information about programs for 3 and 4 year olds, go to their website at www.perryparkpreschool.com or call Marie McCall, Program Director at 978-374-6678.