WELCOME | Greece Baptist Church

Welcome

A Voice & Home for Progressive Christians

Thanks for checking us out!

Our church is a voice and home for progressive Christians in the Town of Greece and the greater Rochester area. If you are looking for a huge church where everyone is expected to think alike — we are not it!

But if you want to find a church:

where people honestly try to follow the teaching of Jesus,
where we love and serve our neighbors, and try to live the Golden Rule
where differences are not just tolerated, but valued
where our faith is centered on grace, not guilt or shame

then we just might be the place for you!

What should I expect on my first visit?

Just inside the front door is a table where we welcome visitors and answer any questions you may have. You’ll be handed a program containing the order of worship, announcements, our church calendar, and other information. We also have a large monitor in the sanctuary to help you follow along with worship. Most services last about an hour, and we offer communion on the first Sunday of each month.

What time do I arrive?

Worship begins at 10:00 am. If you’d like a cup of coffee after service, it is served in our parlor from 11:00 am until 11:30 am.

Where should I park?

Parking spaces for visitors are reserved near the front entrance (Door #1). We have a huge parking lot on two sides of the building, so there is plenty of parking.

Where do I enter the building?

For worship, enter through the front door (Door #1). This brings you right to our narthex and welcome table. The sanctuary is to the right. Restrooms are down the hallway to the left.

Is your church handicap accessible?

Yes! There are sidewalk ramps by the front door (#1) and near the back door (#8). The sanctuary, offices, classrooms, and restrooms are all on the ground floor. We removed the fixed pews in our sanctuary in 2015, so it is easy to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. There is also a wheelchair lift to the lower level, where our kitchen and hall are located.
How big is your church?

We have approximately 250 members. We like to say that our church is big enough to make a difference and small enough to feel like a family.
Who goes to your church?

Progressive Christians looking for the tools (and the freedom) to think for themselves! We started out as a local community church, but over the years have become a regional church as second and third generation members from all over Monroe County continue to participate.
What should I wear?

Come as you are or as you feel comfortable. You’ll find folks wearing everything from dress suits to sweat suits.
What is the worship style?

Our worship is a marriage of traditional liturgy and creative contemporary styles. Our music blends genres from classical to contemporary to jazz to bluegrass. Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds, so we try to incorporate variety in everything we do.
May a visitor take communion?

Yes! We have an open communion table. It isn’t Our Table, it is The Lord’s Table—and Jesus said whoever came to him would not be cast out.
What is the preaching style like at your church?

It is awesome! 😊 Our sermons are biblically-based and socially relevant. We don’t shy away from controversial topics but respect different opinions when we address them. Sermons are aimed at getting people to think and make compassionate decisions for themselves.
Who can be baptized in your church?

Anyone who would like to make a public profession of faith is welcome to be baptized after consultation with one of the pastors.
Are small children welcome?

Yes! We welcome children of all ages!
Is childcare available?

Yes! We have qualified volunteers on hand to provide care for children during worship and Sunday School, and for other children’s activities as scheduled.
What is an American Baptist Church?

We belong to the American Baptist Churches/USA. Our denomination champions the traditional Baptist values of Soul Liberty, Freedom of Conscience, the Autonomy of Local Congregations, and the Separation of Church and State. Historically we separated from Southern Baptists before the Civil War (we were originally known as Northern Baptists) over the issue of slavery. Our churches celebrate diversity and inclusion.
May I get married at GBC?

Yes! Just speak to one of the pastors. You don’t have to be a member to be married here. Pre-marital counseling is offered (but not required).
What do I do if I have more questions?

You can reach our church office by emailing office@greecebaptistchurch.org or by calling (585) 225-6160.
How do I join the church?

You don’t have to be a member to participate in all our services and activities! We offer opportunities throughout the year for any who do want to join. Traditionally people become members by one of three ways: being baptized in the church transferring membership from another church making a profession of faith. Either pastor would be happy to discuss this with you!