About the Grapevine
People can recognize the way Christians love others. It's different than what is experienced in the world. As a church, we are continuously striving for relationships that build a strong community and help us grow in our love for Jesus. Click on the links to discover our vision, what we believe, and who we are. If you have a question, contact us for more information.
What We Believe
- We believe that the Bible is the Word of God
- We believe that the Word of God must have absolute authority over our lives and His church.
- We believe that there is no greater power than prayer.
- We believe that Christians have a heart for the disconnected and disappointed people in Port Saint Lucie and the world.
- We believe our life mission is to love and serve like Jesus.
- We believe every Christian should go and make new disciples.
- We believe that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life.
Who We Are
We are a new kind of church.
While keeping deep roots in the Christian traditions, the United Methodist Church, and the biblical faith, we're daring to stretch and do church in new and innovative ways. We're committed to communicating timeless biblical truths in new and creative ways through multimedia presentations, drama, contemporary music, and relevant, real-life teaching and preaching. But, we're not forgetting the basics for the sake of innovation, and the most important basic is love! Our vision is to be church that is Reaching Families for God by living R.E.A.L.F.A.I.T.H.
Why did we choose the Grapevine as our name?
Because Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, will bear much fruit, but separate from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Many people are like dried up, dying branches that have fallen off the vine. But Jesus offers another way - a better way. He offers each of us a spiritual relationship with Himself, and a bond, that is as close as a living, healthy branch is to a vine. Jesus offers everyone new, eternal, and abundant life. Why? - Because He loves us - because He loves you! In relationship with Jesus we become new people, and we find ourselves living a new and better life. The Grapevine is where you can get connected to Jesus' love, and receive that new life as your very own.
Core Values
-
RELEVANT biblical preaching and teaching
-
ENCOURAGING worship
-
ACCOUNTABLE friendships
-
LOVING attitudes
-
FAMILY oriented
-
ACTIVE in our community
-
I NVESTING in spiritual maturity
-
TEACHING biblical truths to our children and youth
-
HEALING for the broken and hurting
Our History
The Grapevine began holding worship services informally in an elementary school cafeteria on October 3rd, 1999. We invested in a trailer load of portable equipment with the plan of putting off building for as many years as possible. But, the cafeteria was only available on Sundays, and we immediately knew we needed office, meeting, and program space.
We made plans to move into a small store front - just large enough for an office, nursery, and a large meeting room, but the city codes at that time would not allow churches to use commercial spaces, industrial space, and office buildings weren't suitable for church activities.
Thankfully, the United Methodist Church had already purchased ten acres of land on SW Darwin Blvd., and we began plans for constructing a small office building, assuming we could continue to stay in the school cafeteria long term. Our assumptions were incorrect, and we were notified in July of 2000 that we could only stay in the school for another 12 months. Thankfully the school was very gracious and we were able to stay until the end of 2001.
In the meantime, we made haste raising funds, making plans, selecting an architect, engineers, and a builder. We officially broke ground in September 2001.
Unfortunately, we did run into a number of obstacles along the way, which tested our collective patience. We even worshipped outside in tents January through March of 2002, not able to move into the buildings until Palm Sunday.
But, through it all, God provided, we pulled together, and now we have a great church home. Countless hours of volunteer labor were contributed, as well as prayer and financial gifts. Members or other United Methodist churches provided virtually all of our furnishings. Banners, crosses, and murals were custom made by our own artisans.
It was a challenge that none of us would have chosen to face at this point in our early history. But, we're all glad to have such a beautiful, usable, worshipful church home.
Of course, we are already outgrowing our current facilities. In the future we have plans for a larger auditorium/gymnasium, pavilion, basketball and volleyball courts, additional parking, a children's playground, a memorial and prayer garden, and eventually a beautiful space dedicated solely to worship. We need to purchase five more acres. We may even find a space to grow some grapevines! But those plans are for the future, and future is in God's hands. For now, God has provided, and we are so thankful! |
