FAQs

We hold services at 8:00 a.m. (without music, in the Sanctuary) and at 10:30 a.m. (with music, in the parish hall).

Holy Communion is a part of nearly all services; however, Grace sometimes holds Morning Prayer services without Communion led by a member of the congregation.

Yes, Holy Communion is open to all baptized people. If you do not wish to partake of the bread and wine you may come forward during Communion to receive a blessing. You would cross your arms across your chest if you are not taking Communion. You may also do this if you wish to receive either the bread or the wine but not the other.

Children (and grandchildren) are always welcomed to participate in church services, and there are small activity bags they may use for quiet activities. A nursery is available in the Parish Hall for children under 4 from 9:00 to 12:00 on Sunday mornings.

Grace has two parking lots—one to the right of the sanctuary (north) off of Pike Road and one behind the parish hall (south) off of Antioch Lane. Handicapped parking is available in both lots.

The sanctuary, built in 1893, is not accessible at this time. For this reason, our 10:30 service, along with most parish wide activities are held in the parish hall, which is fully accessible. All other buildings are moderately accessible: on ground level with small steps into thresholds. There is handicapped access from several parking spaces adjacent to the parish hall from the parking lot on Antioch Lane, a handicapped space directly in front of the sanctuary from the driveway off of Pike Road and a handicap spot in the gravel lot off of this driveway which is the most direct route to the cemetery.

We are hopeful that, once you have visited us, you will decide to make Grace your church home. If you are already an Episcopalian you simply need to move your “letter” by speaking with the Rector. If you have been baptized into certain communions such as Anglican, Roman Catholic, or Evangelical Lutheran, you may be received into the Episcopal Church. Others wishing to join the Episcopal Church for the first time attend a series of classes to learn about the Episcopal faith in preparation for your confirmation into the church. If you are interested in joining Grace, please speak with the Rector to determine what path to take.

You are invited to join us after each service for hospitality/fellowship time in the parish hall so that we may greet you and get to know you over coffee, lemonade and other refreshments. Adult Formation (between the services, from about 9:15 to 10:15) is also a great way to get to know folks!

We believe that children are an important part of our church family and they are fully welcomed to participate at all church events and activities. Intergenerational fellowship, formation and worship are one of the best parts of our life together. For children specifically, Sunday School (using the Godly Play model) is offered at 9:15 in the Parish Hall. Our older children (4th through 6th grades) meet along with the Pike Road United Methodist kids and use a lectionary based curriculum from Spark. Our youth can join the Pike Road United Methodist Youth class. Both of these meet in Keith Hall.

Though not officially Grace activities, we also have Troop 8 (Scouts BSA), Pack 3008, and 2 Girl Scout Troops that meet at Grace and we’d love to get you connected with them!

Grace has a highly participatory tradition. Grace always welcomes people to join in our many activities. We pride ourselves on having a balance of service ministries within the church (such as altar guild and readers), outreach ministries (such as our diaper bank, Diapers with Grace), and community events such as our pancake dinner and annual Creation Care Festival.

The church is governed by the Vestry and the Rector. The Vestry operates according to the Canons of the national Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Alabama, meeting monthly to manage the secular business of the parish; the Rector provides leadership for the congregation. Officers of the Vestry are Senior Warden and Junior Warden; the Treasurer and Clerk for the Vestry may or may not be members of the Vestry.

The Vestry is composed of seven members, who are elected by the parish for three year terms. Two or three members are elected each year, after nomination by members of the parish from members in good standing.