About Us

LaGrave Has a Place for You

We focus on a living Savior who provides genuine solutions to the deep needs of a hurting world. We are committed to need-meeting ministry in His name, and we are committed to being real people who enjoy real life and who cry real tears. Because we are a fairly large and diverse group in terms of age, occupation, marital status, lifestyle, and physical ability; our members create many accessible opportunities for community service, Bible study, and small social groups.

Beliefs

The Bible is the inspired Word of God, our only infallible rule for faith and life; and we are committed to “reforming” ourselves according to its truth and authority. As a progressive church, we’re strongly committed to moving ahead with God’s mission to the world; and as a traditional church, we hold firmly to Biblical truth as summarized in the historic Reformed creeds.

Worship

From September through May, we typically celebrate three worship services each Sunday at 8:40 a.m, 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. During Summer months we worship at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. We worship God, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, and we enjoy expressing our vision of His holiness through traditional music and formal liturgy.

Music

Music plays an integral part of our weekly worship gatherings. Congregational singing—of both traditional hymns and newer ones—is typically supported by our pipe organ. Vocal choirs, handbell choirs, small ensembles, instrumentalists, and vocal soloists provide additional music offerings.

Leadership

Led by the Holy Spirit, we seek to worship and serve God in all of life, transforming His world and being transformed to reflect the character of Christ. We are assisted in this task by a staff of Ministers, Administrators, Program Coordinators, and a Council of Deacons and Elders.

History

Founded by 36 Dutch immigrants on February 24, 1887, LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church has always been deeply committed to both this local community and worldwide missions. God has seen fit to guide and bless these commitments with sustained growth, spiritual gifting, and a continual stream of new work for our members.

Strategic Ministry Plan

Administration is a gift of the Spirit. Every 5 years we make prayerful ministry plans that guide our decision making. Here is the latest plan.

Policies

We have many policies to ensure the safety and well-being those walking through our doors. We also hope our policies help operations run smoothly. Below, you can find our Domestic Abuse Response, Inclement Weather, and Wedding Policies.

Abuse and Disability Support

LaGrave church strives to be a church that ministers to the hurting and the marginalized. This basic Christian commitment is embodied in several of our church’s ministries.

You May be Wondering...

  • Have Special Needs?
    It is our goal at LaGrave to accommodate and/or assist persons with disabilities to meaningfully engage in worship and church related activities. Our Sanctuary and Chapel are both equipped with T-coil loop systems for excellent sound quality. We have a variety of aids for mobility, comfort, and sight. Please contact the church office for more information or stop by the Welcome Desk in the Narthex (just outside the Sanctuary) and ask for whatever you need.
  • Is there a Children’s Message? What about a special place for little ones to worship?
    Yes and Yes! All little ones who are not in the nursery or the 2’s&3’s Room (generally 4 years old through 2nd grade) are invited forward near the beginning of the service. The preacher will have a special talk with them, and at the conclusion of this talk, they will be invited to go upstairs to their own age-appropriate worship centers.
  • Is there a Nursery?
    Certainly! As soon as you are comfortable saying goodbye to your peanut, our Infant Nursery is ready to welcome her. When your little guy gets upright and mobile, he’ll graduate to our Toddler Nursery. Believe it or not, at 2 years old, your little one is probably ready for 2’s&3’s Church Time where Bible stories, songs, crafts, and free-play center on a Scriptural theme each week. Give it a try, and enjoy the art and hugs you’ll get at pick-up time after your own worship service in the sanctuary!
  • Is there Security?
    Absolutely. We use a computerized check-in/out process for all our little worshipers, to make sure that yours are delivered and retrieved safely by you alone. And, throughout the morning, we have volunteers keeping an eye on all the doors.
  • What about Parking?
    You’ve got a few choices. There’s a large lot on LaGrave Avenue, directly across from the front door. Another lot on the West side of our building (the corner of Cherry and Sheldon) has a covered drop-off area and accessible parking for people with handicap placards. And, of course you can take advantage of any open spaces on the street.
  • What happens once I walk through the door?
    Door Greeters, Welcome Center Hosts, and Ushers are on duty to answer questions and help you navigate through your morning with us. We’re even wearing name tags to make things a little easier on you. Feel free to call someone by name and ask a question. After each service, you may choose to visit the chapel for personal prayer with a member of the congregation, you may attend an adult education hour (Growing U) at 10:00am, or you may have coffee and mingle in the Multipurpose Room—it’s up to you!