First Steps
Finding your way into a new community can be intimidating. We want to make it easier for you.
Welcome to Grace Presbyterian Church! If we haven’t met in person yet, we hope to get the chance soon. Still, we know that many people—perhaps you—like to get a sense of a church or community before jumping in. That’s the purpose of this page.
As you scroll down, you’ll find information to help you get a sense of Grace. We’ve also included details about ways you can connect and get involved.
A bit about our story
Grace has been in Calgary for well over a hundred years. As a generational congregation, we’ve witnessed the city grow and change. What has made any change significant is how it impacts the people.
People matter, and as a Christian community, how we see, understand and respond to each others’ stories and experiences are shaped by our faith and beliefs.
To learn more about Our mission, vision, values, and beliefs, click here to visit the page About Grace.
Sunday Worship
Our Sunday morning worship service starts at 10:30 a.m. and lasts for about an hour. You can watch an upcoming or past service online by visiting our Worship page or our YouTube Channel.
If you’re planning to attend worship in person, you might have some questions or wonder what to expect. We’ve tried to answer some of the most common questions here.
Where can I park?
Parking is Free on Sunday Morning in the two Indigo parking lots beside Grace.
One lot is immediately south of the building (accessed from 9th Street), and the other is just north of the church across 15th Avenue. You can park in either lot for free during worship on Sunday morning.
Do I need to wear fancy clothes?
No, you don’t. You can if you like—and many in our community do—but many also wear jeans and a t-shirt. Wear whatever clothing is comfortable for you.
Is there anything for kids?
You bet.
There is Nursery care for children age 18 months through three years. The nursery opens at 10:20, before worship.
For children, four years up to high school students, they stay with their families for the first part of our worship service until the Ministers lead a “Conversation with Young Christians.” Kids who feel comfortable can come to the front of the Sanctuary before going out to their Grace Kids and Youth classes.
For more about our children’s programming, visit our page for Families.
Do worship services include music and singing?
Yes! Music has a rich history at Grace. Our choir and pipe organ are common elements of our worship, and sometimes, we bring in guest musicians and singers.
Click here to learn more about our Music Ministry.
Is there any kind of a social time or way I can meet others?
Each Sunday, following worship, we gather for a social time in our family room. It’s a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee, catch up with friends and meet new people. In everything, including church, it’s the people that matter. We hope you’ll grab a coffee with us.
You can also meet others by joining in studies and groups, the choir, volunteering, or through any of our other events.
Do you take an offering during worship?
We pass offering plates after the sermon, and we also provide automatic and online giving options.
Giving is one of the ways members of our community express gratitude for what God has given. It’s also how we support the work and mission of Grace. It’s also intended to be a gesture and expression of our faith, but not an obligation. If you’re visiting with us or just checking us out, don’t feel pressured to put something on the plate before passing it along.
Grace is busy all week
Grace is an active congregation. We offer programs and events that support your faith, seek justice and service, and build community throughout the week. Here are few links to some of our regular programs and events:
More ways to connect
The information above is a quick summary of some key pieces we think are helpful to know, but if you have other questions, please connect with us. Fill out the adjacent contact form to send a note to the Main Office. We can answer your questions or help you connect with a minister or other leaders at Grace.
Meet the Ministers
In addition to the form, please also feel free to introduce yourself to the ministers before or after worship. Rev. Chris Joiner and Rev. Jake Van Pernis (our two ministers) are approachable and open to meeting people.
On Social Media
Grace Facebook Group
In our Private Facebook Group, Grace members and staff post articles, photos, and memes. It’s a great way to connect with members of the community.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter
To receive our monthly newsletter and other congregational emails, please fill out the form below.