For 25 years, Grosse Pointe Memorial
worships in summer under blue skies

A quarter-century ago some folks at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church – that large Presbyterian edifice next to the War Memorial – had an idea: why not worship in the sunny summer months outside, close to nature, on the grassy knoll overlooking Lake St. Clair?

Thus was born the informal, summer early-bird services at 16 Lakeshore in the Farms. In good weather, as lake freighters sail slowly by, fishermen hustle to a new location and occasional boaters and kayakers tie up to listen in, services dominated by song and a short sermon are held under the sky. Community residents ride bikes, walk and bring their dogs to the 45-minute informal service.

This year the theme for the summer services is "By the Waters."  Preaching each Sunday will be based on a biblical text related to water and the adult education between services will be centered on baptism and environmental stewardship of water. 

Children get their own service and a chance to tend the garden at the foot of the knoll to grow vegetables for Detroit’s food kitchens.

On June 5 the church continues the lakeside tradition for a 25th year with Senior Pastor Peter Henry and Associate Pastor Matt Wrzeszcz holding the 8:30 a.m. service. Local jazz musicians will play. An environmental stewardship fair will follow the service and each child will be given a tomato plant to take and tend to produce fruit for food kitchens. There will be a special Caring for Creation fair after the service, with activities for children and adults to learn about better care of our water sources. 

The day will also feature the “Blessing of the Bikes.” Residents are invited to bring bikes, scooters, strollers, walkers and whatever has wheels to the church for a special blessing.

June 12 will feature the commissioning of Grosse Pointe Memorial’s youths as they depart for a summer service trip to Puerto Rico.  

The Carillon Café will be open between services for members and visitors to have breakfast outside on the circle drive.

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