A Special Message for New Visitors

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.
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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 of our Facebook group.

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Attending a Worship Service
Services are held at the Congregation Ahavas Israel building at 2727 Michigan Street NE. 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.

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.
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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 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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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You can also send an email message to info@allsoulscommunity.org if you wish to learn more.

Membership

New members are welcomed in the New Member ceremony in the Spring of 2011. All Souls added 11 new members between December 2010 and June 2011.

Membership Committee

In the Spring and Fall of 2011, the Newcomers committee formed into the Membership committee. The Membership committee provides programs and information to welcome new persons and families into the church community.  The membership committee provides friendly individuals to welcome visitors at the Welcome Table. Stop by on Sunday morning and talk to one of our volunteers!