In Our Community

Mission & Ministry

In Our Community​

HEAL A Broken World

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)  “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”.

Open Door Coat Rack

Over 15 years ago, our church began an outreach program to bring warmth to those in need. Held each fall at GRUMC, the goal is to provide warm winter coats, boots, mittens, scarves, and hats to those in need – particularly children. We are joined in this mission by many local churches and volunteers. Each year we have distributed these items – free of charge – to well over 1000 people. To learn how you can help, please contact the church office 218-327-2216.

Sharon’s Free Wig Closet

UMCGR has hosted this FREE service since March of 2022. We offer  Free Wigs & Head Coverings for women undergoing medical hair loss. By appointment only please contact: Sharon Rasmussen at 218-244-7596.  

DivorceCare

UMCGR runs sessions a couple times per year. Each session is 13 weeks long. For more information and to register, please click below.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Within our Missions program, we support our local Second Harvest Food Bank which serves over 100 food relief agencies in a 7 county area of North Central Minnesota. Donations are received weekly.

Stuff the Bus – United Way School Supply Drive

UMCGR is a collection site. We also have a group that participates in filling backpacks and we also support the program financially though monitary donations.  

UMCGR Preschool

Established in 1990, our preschool program is an outreach program touching around 24 families annually. Classes begin in the fall and sessions are 2 or 3 days a week. For more information about enrollment, please contact Mary at readysetgrow@umcgrmn.org.

Community Connections & Groups:

One of the goals of UMCGR is to welcome each and all into our midst. Our building is known in the community to be a host site for many organizations.

Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts

UMCGR hosts a Boy Scout Troop on Monday evenings and a Cub Scout Troop on Thursday evenings.

12 Step Programs

UMCGR hosts numerous 12 step recovery programs throughout the week. There is at least 1 AA, NA, or Al-Aanon meeting each day Monday through Friday.

Tax Aide

UMCGR is the host location for the local AARP Tax Aide during tax season. By Appointment ONLY – you must call 218-245-9202 for appointments. Sorry, but UMCGR Church staff CAN NOT assist you with your taxes.

Toys for Tots

UMCGR is the host location for the Itasca County Toys for Tots program in Grand Rapids. We open our building for storage of the toys and for the annual distribution in mid-December.

Annual Events

REACH New People

Join us in reaching new people and building disciples of Jesus Christ!

Fat Tuesday Event

This is a family friendly community event held on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday each year. A light dinner is provided along with games, activities, and square dancing. Be sure to wear your Mardi Gras gear!

Frightfully Delightful Halloween

Held on Halloween from 4:30-6:30pm. Join us for an evening of fun, food, games, prizes, treats, tricks, music, and a little bit of spookiness! All Activities Are Indoors.

Summer Concert Series

Local musicians perform Tuesday afternoons during the summer. UMCGR is a host site for one concert per summer.

Rummage Sale

Our annual rummage sale is held in mid-July each year. Items are Free-Will offering unless marked.

Plant Sale

Our annual Plant Sale is held the end of May; this is a great opportunity to purchase your garden and yard plants & flowers for the summer.

Special Services

Each and All are welcome!

The Longest Night Service

is held annually on December 21st at 7pm. A contemplative service of healing and hope for those that are hurting during the Christmas season.

Christmas Eve Service

is held annually on December 24th at 4pm. All are welcome. As part of our traditional service, we will create the Nativity scene. Costumes will be available to join in as you wish.

Ash Wednesday Service

held annually at 6:30pm on Ash Wednesday. This service features the imposition of ashes. 

Maundy Thursday Service

held annually at 6:30pm on Maundy Thursday. This service features the Lord’s Supper.

Good Friday Service​

held annually at 6:30pm on Good Friday. This is a Tenebrae service, which focus on Scripture readings from the Passion, extinguishing candles sequentially to symbolize growing darkness, and ending in complete darkness after the Strepitus.

Easter Sunday Service

held annually on Easter Sunday at our normal worship time of 9:45am. 

Children’s Sabbath

this service is held annually during the fall at our normal Sunday worship time. The entire service is geared toward the youngest in our Faith Family. 

Blessing of the Animals

bring your family pets to worship with you. Household pets are brought up to the alter during the service to receive a special blessing, large outdoor animals receive a blessing in the yard following the service. This service is typically held in the fall.

Blessing of the Bikes

this service is typically held in Spring or early Summer. Bring you motorcycle or bicycle to receive a special blessing of protection for the biking season in Minnesota.