About Church of the Dunes

Church of the Dunes is a family of faith which seeks to

grow in God’s grace and love

challenge and equip all members to be faithful disciples

share the Good News

demonstrate and reflect the love of God

Meaningful worship and faith-inspired music

Worship includes approachable teaching and preaching; artistic and visual elements; and music provided by choirs, vocalists, and instrumentalists. These all come together around a theme or message for the day.

Mission, service, and life-long learning

Mission

Mission and service are a focus at Church of the Dunes. The church and its members and friends provide financial support and volunteer assistance for local and global organizations that serve people in need.

Learning

Church of the Dunes offers are Bible and book studies, discussion groups, faith-focused creative arts activities for adults, support groups for caregivers and the bereaved, Sunday school for children, and successful aging seminars for older adults.

A beautiful building blended into the landscape

The current church building opened for worship in 1962. It was designed by Alden B. Dow and is recognized as an important piece of mid-century architecture. One of Dow’s early internships was with renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Dow’s goal was to create a structure that incorporated faith-focused symbolism and blended in with the scenic dune setting.

Accessble and connected with the community

Entrances

On Sunday mornings, you are invited to enter the building through any of the entrances across the front (east) side of the building. During the week, please use the doors marked “weekday entrance.”

Accessible

There are many accessible parking spots near two entrances with power-assisted doors. Entrances are on the same level of the sidewalk; there are no stairs to navigate. There is an elevator to the lower level where some classes and groups meet.

Connected With The Community

The church building is used by craft guilds, literacy training organizations, and others. On a spring or summer day, you may see a school marching band practicing in the parking lot. Each July, a bagpipe band uses the parking lot for pre-parade practices. The outdoor grounds are also used as a staging area for walk-a-thons and other community events. A prayer labyrinth is nestled in the woods behind the church building, and is open to the community for quiet meditation and prayer.

Part of The United Methodist Church

Church of the Dunes is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. You can learn more here.

A Place to Gather, Celebrate, and Remember

Building use guidelines and availability are subject to change.

Meetings and Events

Based on availability, Church of the Dunes has spaces that can be used for family gatherings, meetings, presentations, classes, and special events. Please contact the church office for information about available dates and spaces, fees, and policies regarding building use.

Weddings

Church of the Dunes is a beautiful place for your special day. Please contact the church office for information about available dates, fees, connecting with the pastor to prepare for your wedding, and partnering with the church’s wedding planner.

Funerals

Please contact the pastor or the church office at the earliest opportunity if there has been a death of a member or friend of Church of the Dunes. The church is also here to assist members of the community who have experienced the death of a loved one. The pastor and staff can guide you as you prepare a funeral at the church.

Church Office

Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

office@umcdunes.org

(616) 842-7980