About us
Mission Statement
Elk Grove United Methodist is an inclusive, intergenerational Christian community committed to social justice, diversity, service, spiritual growth and integrity. Our faith and work reflect God’s unconditional love and Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are called to invite others to walk with us in the way of Jesus.
A reconciling congregation in the heart of the community
Welcome
Pastor April Sousa
April Sousa started her pastoral ministry journey in 2015, saying yes to a nudge that had been present for a while. She started by becoming a Certified Lay Minister (CLM) and serving the Church of the Joyful Healer from 2016-2023, first as a CLM for 4 years followed as a Licensed Local Pastor for 3 years. Pastor April attended Claremont School of Theology from August 2019-December 2022 and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in May 2023. In June of 2023 she was commissioned toward ordination in the United Methodist Church.
While at the Church of the Joyful Healer, she began the Saturday Gathering, an outreach ministry for the unhoused. As an advocate and ally, she walked with the Joyful Healer Church to become a reconciling ministry church in 2018.
In 2022, Pastor April served the California-Nevada Annual Conference as the Interim Associate Director of Certified Lay Ministry and Lay Church Planting. She continues to serve the Department of Leadership Development for the Ca-Nv Annual Conference as a member of the CLM Advisory Committee and the Lay Leadership Development Board. She fully believes that the laity are the lifeblood and future of the church, and chooses to invest her time in empowering and mentoring laity leaders.
Pastor April began her appointment with Elk Grove United Methodist Church on July 1, 2023. She and her spouse Justin have two adult children, Quinn and Xavier, and a menagerie of pets (as of her 2023 appointment, this includes 1 dog, 3 cats, and 2 bunnies).
Diversity & Inclusion
We welcome and include everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, age, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Through our actions, we encourage the community to do the same. Our doors are open. Our love is unconditional.
Spiritual Growth
We minister to the whole person to nurture a faith that works in real life through worship, education, fellowship, service and justice. We walk with each other on our journeys with God and in following the way of Jesus.
Community
We create a spirit of belonging through Christian care giving, fellowship and service. We foster collaboration both within our congrecation and throughout our greater community.
Justice & Advocacy
We work, educate and advocate for social justice locally and globally through our actions prayers and financial resources.
Service
We use our time, labor and other resources to respond to the needs of our local, national and global community. We encourage everyone to serve.
What to expect
when you arrive on sunday
Accessability
The elevator provides access to all levels of the sanctuary building. The elevator is located on the east side of the sanctuary building (it looks like a bell tower) and may be reached from the South, West, or North entrances to the center of the property.
Parking
Parking is available on the street, in the parking lots to the east of the campus, and in our parking lot behind the Church.
Hearing Aid Units
Individual sound amplification units may be obtained from the Sound Board Operator at the back of the Sanctuary.
Safe Sanctuary
As a Christian community, we strive to provide an environment of safety for all persons. We have adopted a safe sanctuary policy.
Restrooms
The restrooms are located near the east door of the sanctuary, inside Bartholomew Hall on the east side, and at the north end of the education building.
Phone
See an usher/greeter for use of a phone. The phone in the office is a direct dial line (no need to press “9” first).
First Aid
See an usher/greeter. A first aid kit is located on the counter in the front office.
Drinking Water
Bottled water is available in the Santuary. Water is available from faucets in the beverage bar in Bartholomew Hall and the sink in the library. There are also sinks in the Education Building.
Our History
1876
Established
Elk Grove District Methodist-Episcopal Church was organized in 1858. The church and Parsonage were built in 1876 on Elk Grove Blvd. opposite Derr Street, at a cost of $3,400.
1877
Organized
The Elk Grove Presbyterian church was organized on February 12, 1877, although the first services were held as early as 1856. Many years’ later members of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, realizing the need for united strength, decided to combine.In the early 1900’s the Bruceville Methodist–Episcopal Church was built. It was dedicated on August 31, 1902. L.P. Walker was pastor. As the years went by families moved away and the little church was no longer used.
1920
Joining & Moving
In 1920 the Methodists and Presbyterians joined together to form the Federated Community Church of Elk Grove. The Bruceville Methodist–Episcopal church was sold and the monies invested in the Federated Community Church of Elk Grove.
1923
Current Chruch Location Estblished
A new church building was erected on the present site where the Presbyterian Church had been (8986 Elk Grove Boulevard) and was dedicated on February 4, 1923, for $18,400.00 minus the plumbing, heating and electrical work. It is a theatre like auditorium and movies were shown on Friday nights. In 1925, a Pipe Oregon was purchased from the First Methodist Church of Sacramento located at 6th and L streets in Sacramento, and was installed. In 1938, the church was remodeled again to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
1951
Seperation & Building
The Methodists and Presbyterians voted to separate in 1951, and the Elk Grove Community Church (Methodist) was born. The Presbyterians moved to the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church in Fair Oaks. In 1952, the church was remodeled again and in 1957, the Education Building was constructed.
1976, 2002-2010
Expansion of Property
In 1976, the 100th Anniversary of the church was celebrated. The “Frame” property was bought to become a parking lot (property behind/south of the church). In 1988, the church decided to remain in “Old Town” Elk Grove and began to plan for expansion at the current site. In 2001, building began and the parking lot was started and completed. From 2002-2010, Capital Campaigns funded many more projects.
2010
The Beginning of the Meal Ministry
In 2010, a “Get-to-Know-Your-Neighbor” Saturday breakfast was initiated which has the dual purpose of building community in our part of Elk Grove and helping any who may be hungry. In 2012, a “Get-to-Know-Your-Neighbor” Sunday lunch was added.
2014
Beginning of Winter Shelter
In 2014, we joined with other church and community groups to provide winter shelter to the homeless in a program known as EGWINS and we serve as the Intake Site. In 2021 we partnered and partcipated in first year of the City of Elk Grove’s O.W.L – Overnight Warming Location program. We were the overnight shelter for the month of December.
The United Methodist Church
Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors.
The Elk Grove United Methdist Church is part of The California-Nevada Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
We’re connected to churches around the world through our denomination, The United Methodist Church.
