About Us

WHO WE ARE

Groves Ministry is great ministry with two churches – Union Grove UMC

and Willow Grove UMC – located in Pittsgrove, NJ.

Groves Ministry has been ministering in this area for over 200 years

with deep roots and thriving.

We have a deep and abiding commitment to sharing the Gospel and to promoting

positive social change through our missions in Pittsgrove area. We are always

looking forward providing transformational opportunities for worship,

offering powerful programs in Christian education and spiritual formation,

and participating in catalytic practices of social justice within the measurable future,

and we believe our ministry to be.

Our Leadership

Pastor Alan Darby

Alan S. Darby is a South Jersey native, born in Ocean City and raised in Haddon Heights. He is a graduate of Westminster College (New Wilmington, Pa) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. After seminary Alan served as campus ministries staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and has served UM churches in Sharptown, Collingswood, Elmer, Sicklerville and Brick NJ. He and his wife, Beverly, have 3 grown children: Chris, Andy, and Bethany. Chris and Jill have 1 daughter, Andi Jane and one son, Casey Scott. Personal interests include music, sports, reading and spending time with grandkids. Alan’s passions for the church include dynamic worship, nurturing Bible Studies in small groups, developing leadership (especially with youth and young adults), effective evangelism, world missions, and vital service of Christ and His church through Spirit-gifted ministry.

WHAT WILL WE ACHIEVE

| EXPERIENCING JESUS

| DEVELOPING DISCIPLES

| ABIDING IN RELATIONSHIP OF LOVE

| SERVING OTHERS

Each ministry and responsibility we participate in is an opportunity for each of us

to ask if we have experienced Jesus, developed disciples, served others,

and abode in relationship of love in our daily lives. At the same time,

on the communal level, these four visions describe what it means for a wider ministry,

and the parish as a whole, to be fully alive in our faith. Here, the activities bring us

face to face with what it means to participate collectively in a way

that is powerful and life-changing.

WHAT WE VALUE

JOYFUL | Celebrate in our vibrant fellowship in the life we share.

ROOTED | Encourage a spiritual life that makes time for prayer & worship

FAITHFUL | Offer opportunities for education, transformation and ministry to all age groups

LOVING | Engage in abundant and meaningful mission and outreach

COLLABORATIVE | Work together and include others

RECONCILING | Work for justice and peace among all people

TRANSPARENT | Be open about what we are doing and what is happening

WELCOMING | Providing inclusive hospitality and loving pastoral care

EMPOWERING | Lift up diverse ministries and courageous Christian leadership

GENEROUS | Advance our mission by practicing Christ-centered stewardship & giving

Groves Ministries

ABOUT US

WHO WE ARE

Our Leadership

Pastor Alan Darby

WHY WE EXIST

WHAT WILL WE ACHIEVE

WHAT WE VALUE

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