We’re so glad that you’re considering visiting Glade Church.

Glade Church is made up of people who grew up in other faith traditions, people who used to attend church and are giving it another try, as well as people who never attended church before coming to Glade, and people who have gone to church their whole lives.

People from a wide range of backgrounds and many stations of life call Glade their spiritual home. We hope that this information will help you know what to expect when you come. But the best way to get to know us is, well…to get to know us.

When you arrive, if you would like, introduce yourself and talk with anyone there. People are so friendly here that they would love to talk with you about the weather or about what they love about Glade! Also, feel free to fill out a visitor card in the pew and place it in the offering plate or leave it in the pew when you leave, as we’d love to know of your visit.

If you are visiting Glade Church via Sunday morning Zoom worship or after viewing a worship service on our YouTube channel, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email our pastor at pastorsusan@gladeucc.org.

We are a part of the United Church of Christ (UCC) denomination. The denomination believes in the Triune God. We also believe that each person, unique and valuable, is on a spiritual journey. We know that we need to be on that journey to be in relationship with God together. In our denomination, all people are welcome and that radical hospitality extends to the Lord’s table for communion. All people of faith that want to know Jesus more are welcomed at the table. We believe that God calls us to be servants of others and to be good stewards of earth’s resources. We are called to speak truth to power with a prophetic voice, seeking justice and compassion. And we are called to listen to God and to one another because God is still speaking.

Be The Church

Everyone likes to know what to expect. Here are some questions that you might have before your first visit.

During the pandemic, we are currently worshipping via Zoom at 9:00 a.m. For more information, click here.

We have one Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. every week of the year. During certain seasons we also have other special services which will be announced ahead of time at church and on the website.

Glade is located at 1600 Glade Road, approximately 1 mile from University City Boulevard in Blacksburg, Virginia. We are near Virginia Tech.

We have a small gravel parking area in front and to the side of the building. Parking in the grass is fine when needed.

As you enter the church, an usher will greet you and give you a bulletin to guide you through the service. All of our services feature reading, preaching, prayer, and music. At times you will be invited to stand, sing, pray, be in silence, or read responsively.

Children are a vital part of our congregation. They are always welcome in worship services. And there are other options as well. Children ages infant-5 may spend the entire time in the nursery, and children 5 years old-5th grade may leave worship after the Children’s Message to go to Children’s Worship for the remainder of the service.

We have a paid nursery worker along with a member who assists in the nursery each Sunday morning. And two volunteers are always present in Children’s Worship.

All paid staff and volunteers who work with children have had an up to date criminal background check.

We celebrate communion the first Sunday of every month and at other occasional services. Our communion table is open to everyone – baptized or not, sure or not. Everyone is welcome at the table.

We receive an offering during our services to support the church’s ministries and our members strive to live a life marked by generosity. If you are a visitor, your gifts are welcome but please do not feel obligated to put anything in the offering plate.

Following worship, there is a fellowship time where you can meet other Glade members and friends and enjoy coffee, tea, and refreshments. This gathering is located in the fellowship hall in the education wing. You can exit from the door at the front of the sanctuary and head down the hall to your left.

Please wear whatever is comfortable. Most dress casually. You will see everything from “business casual” attire to jeans, sundresses, and shorts in the summer.

Glade is accessible for the disabled via the ramp at the side door. There is also a ramp inside to move between wings. An accessible restroom is also available. In addition, we display everything you need via a projector and the church’s sound system and microphone amplifies the pastor’s voice for those with hearing needs.