Church Information

Have Your Special Event at the College Grove UMC Have a question about holding an event at our church? While our sanctuary is available for weddings, the Fellowship Hall is not only available for receptions, but to the community for a wide variety of events such as class reunions, birthdays, special events, etc. By clicking on the above image, you may view our Wedding Guide and download it along with the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary rental agreements. Church Organization CGUMC, Inc. Charter CGUMC By Laws

From the Pastor's Laptop In writing a "bio," it's tempting to tell the normal (i.e. boring ) story: I was born here, graduated there, moved to that place, and then took a nap. I'll put that dry, boring stuff at the end in case you care to read it. Moving along...I learned to climb out of my crib before I could walk. As I got older, I didn't become any less energetic. I played soccer, wrestled at school, and harassed my two younger sisters constantly. In 2003, two friends and I decided to ride our bicycles across the United States, and so we did-all the way from Charleston to San Francisco. I still cycle but much shorter distances now-a-days. Speaking of travel, I've been unbelievably blessed with opportunities to see the world-like Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Israel, Syria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and even remote Eagleville. For now though, I'm amazingly happy to be settling down in the College Grove community with my wife, as we call this place our "very first home." Speaking of wives, or I should say "wife" singular, I must mention that I met an angel while attending seminary and did the only thing I knew to do-I asked her to marry me! I'm so thankful for the early side-effects of falling in love, which others might classify as "denial." Luckily for me, Cathleen's case of denial was unusually acute, and she said "yes" without hesitation! Grad students at the time, we ended up graduating in May of 2010, moved to Nashville the next week, got married in June, started serving at College Grove UMC later that month, and moved into the parsonage in mid-July! Though a little busy, at least we didn't have time to be bored! A side-note: Our lives witness to the reconciling grace of God. For example, Cathleen is a Florida Gators fan; Justin bleeds orange and cheers on his Volunteers. More deeply embittered, Justin sports dark blue for his Duke Blue Devils; Cathleen wears light blue for her dreaded Carolina Tar Heels. Additionally, Cathleen can't stand annoying noises; sadly, Justin subconsciously makes them all the time. But we love each other anyway. But you might be thinking, "OK, Justin. That tells me nothing of your Christian journey or how in the world you found yourself to be a pastor." If that's not the case you can stop reading now. If by chance it is the case then read on. I'm feeling musical at the moment, I'll use music references in telling that part of the story. Here we go: God's grace has carried me, shaped me, and guided me since the summer of 1999. However, eighteen years preceded that summer of '99. Like Dusty Springfield sang, I'm "the son of a preacher man," and I wasn't of the angelic variety. I was "born to be wild" and ran hard and fast in the rebellious direction. Meanwhile, God had other plans, and during a storm from a self-imposed crisis, I was eventually swallowed by a whale of sorts. Luckily, like Jonah, I was thrown-up on the beach of life and given another chance. I agree with Ginny Owens when she sings, "It may not be the way I would have chosen, but I'll walk through the valley if you want me to." Nonetheless, I experienced valleys and peaks and plateaus and through it all I'll always sing, "I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." And why is that? Because God has transformed and continues to transform (read: sanctifies) me. And praise God for that one! I needed and still need a lot of work. Chris Tomlin is right in asking this God of amazing grace, "How can I keep from singing your praise?!!" I haven't figured out how not to sing; I cannot not sing God's praises, which explains a bit of how I found myself as a pastor. Moreover, I've got to sing praises somewhere. What better place than College Grove United Methodist Church? And with what better people than those among its congregation? Reverend Justin Collett

Our Campus

"Preserving Our Past While Preparing For God's Future"

Historic Building

The current Stick/Eastlake architectural style structure was built in 1888 by T.G. Slate, a church member and local carpenter. The building was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1988.

Much cosmetic work has been completed over the last few years in the form of a new roof, exterior paint, energy efficient replacement windows for classrooms, new paint in the sanctuary, new carpeting throughout the rest of the main floor and remodeling of the Pastor’s office. The historical front steps were repaired and more upgrades and remodeling are in the planning stages.

New Fellowship Hall

A Building Team was appointed in 2003 for the purpose of evaluating the future needs of the church. We asked for God’s guidance and proceeded with deliberation. What a joy it has been to learn to see with our eyes and have a vision in our souls. We saw a real need for a new fellowship hall, classrooms for our children and a youth center for the development of young disciples for Jesus Christ.

Our primary goal from the beginning was to construct a free standing multi-purpose building which will allow us to meet future needs as a result of growth while preserving our historical heritage and remain debt free.

Mindful of good stewardship, the Building Team chose to follow federal ENERGY STAR (ES) recommendations, which can save us about a third on our energy bills. As much as 1/2 of the energy used in a building goes to heating and cooling, therefore, an ES 13 SEER HVAC system was selected, and programmable thermostats for maximum efficiency. Also selected was 100% cellulose insulation and chose to increase the outside wall R factor to R-21 and the ceilings to R-30. Inside air is re-circulated with the use of 6 - 52 inch ES ceiling fans which were chosen because of their maximum rating for air flow.

In addition, we utilized an ES tankless water heater which heats water directly without the use of a storage tank, therefore, avoiding the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. We are also utilizing a water softener in order to protect our water heater, dish washer, ice maker and fixtures from the harmful effects of the extremely hard water prevalent in this area.

OUR GOAL FOR REMAINING DEBT FREE WAS REALIZED! On June 14, 2008, we dedicated the building and opened it to the public by hosting our annual Lawn Festival BBQ and Auction. This multi-purpose building features 3 classrooms, with room for an additional 3 as needed, a state-of-the art commercial kitchen, and a 1500 sq. ft. youth center. In addition, the great hall will seat 200 and features a 12X20 foot stage which was pre-wired for sound and lighting. For more information and pictures click here.

Please Note: Due to the design, type and depth of our new septic system (Modified Low Pressure Pipe System), there can be NO Parking or heavy foot traffic anywhere on the south side lawn.

Parsonage

Our parsonage is a red brick ranch style house built in 1959. The structure features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. A new roof was applied in 2006 and the driveway was relocated in 2007, and the carport & storage building in '08. Major renovation took place in 2010 with new floors, bathroom, master bedroom, appliances and plumbing.

Engineering & Maintenance Program (EMP)

The Trustees have adopted a comprehensive Engineering & Maintenance Program (EMP) which can be viewed here.

Free e-Cards

Send A College Grove United Methodist Church e-Card. These cards are personalized by featuring our church heading and a link to our website. Choose from a comprehensive variety for all occasions: Encouragement | Thinking of You | Condolences | Congratulations | Prayer | Thank You | Out Reach | Children | Friends | Grandparents | Moms and Dads | Sisters and Brothers | Spouse | Teacher | Anniversary | Invitation | Birthdays | Valentines | Easter | Mother's Day | Father's Day | Thanksgiving | Christmas.

Prayer Chain

Our church has a Prayer Chain in which members volunteer to pray for those in need. If you would like to be kept posted of needs or illnesses in our community so you may pray or would like to provide the name of someone who is in need, please contact Pastor Justin Collett at 368-7141 or complete a Prayer Request Card located in each pew.

If you would to submit a name and remain anonymous, we respect your privacy and all requests will remain confidential if you so desire. You may e-Mail Reverend Collett at: justincollett@gmail.com .