Meet Rev. Amanda Groves: Minister at First Christian wants church to be an integral part of the community
The Rev. Amanda Groves, who was recently installed as the new minister of the First Christian Church in Du Quoin, has a story that may be unusual for the area.
"I was ordained in October, but before that I was a music teacher for many years," Groves said.
Groves, 52, who lives in Benton, Kentucky with her husband J.W. and their beagle, Pretzel, taught music and choir at Du Quoin Middle School from 1996 to 2003. She took some time off to care for her husband's parents, then felt it was time for a career change. The church was calling to her, she said.
"I grew up in a more fundamentalist church where women couldn't hold leadership roles," Groves said. "I've always admired preachers, and I believe in the calling of the Holy Spirit."
She entered seminary school in 2015 and graduated in 2021. She felt called to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination, she said, because of its emphasis on "unity, not uniformity," and the way it welcomes everyone to the table.
After her ordination, she learned First Christian Church in Du Quoin had been without a minister for a few years.
"Their minister left at the end of 2019, then COVID hit," she said. Members of the congregation and others filled in until Groves' installation.
Groves is quick to say that although she's the congregation's minister, she doesn't make all the decisions.
"I'm kind of like a manager," she said. "I take care of worship services; I check in with members and their needs; I answer to a board that makes decisions."
Groves estimates the congregation numbers about 30 to 40 people, and she hopes to attract more members. The congregation is multi-generational, according to Grove, and welcomes people from all walks of life.
"We practice open Communion each Sunday," Groves said, noting that visitors do not need to be church members to partake. "Everyone has a part to play. We welcome anyone who is looking to be a part of something bigger than themselves and connect with God."
Groves said she's looking forward to being an integral part of the community and doing outreach.
"This church has an incredible history with Du Quoin," she said. The congregation itself dates back to 1857, she said, and the church was built in 1925. "We're downtown - in a great location, right next to the post office."
Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m., and "Faith and Fun" youth activities are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 20, in the church's fellowship hall.
Weekly services are not livestreamed, but a recording is uploaded to the church's Facebook page afterward. For information, call (618) 542-2153 or email fccduquoin@gmail.com.