The Community Center at Grace seeks to enrich the lives of our neighbors through programing for all ages.
If you are interested in learning about ways to get involved, either as an instructor or as participant, please contact our Director of Community Engagement:
Rev. Cassie Heintz ([email protected])
On Thursday, September 25, 2025 the Grace Presbyterian Church, alongside local elected officials, denominational leaders, and congregation members celebrated the official opening of The Community Center at Grace.
Be on the lookout for photos and videos of the celebration coming soon.
Below are remarks from the ribbon cutting ceremony made by the Director of Community Engagement, The Reverend Cassie Heintz.
The cutting of that ribbon officially opened the Community Center at Grace. But as many of you know, this journey began long before today. Years ago, our congregation and community dreamed of creating a space where people could gather, learn, celebrate, and grow together. With God’s help—and through the generosity of so many—we were able to turn that dream into a reality. A state grant of $1.5 million, matched by $1.6 million from our congregation, laid the foundation for what we see around us today.
This center was never intended to be just a building. Our vision is for it to be a heartbeat in the community:
- A place where children can laugh, play, and learn new skills.
- A place where art, music, and creativity are celebrated.
- A place where neighbors who might not otherwise meet find connection and belonging.
- A place where all generations can gather—youth, families, and seniors alike—to share life together.
We hope that every person who walks through these doors feels welcomed, inspired, and reminded that they are part of something bigger than themselves.
Even before today’s official launch, we’ve had a taste of what this vision looks like in real life. Over the summer, during our soft launch, this building has already started to come alive:
- Puppet camp filled our rooms with laughter and imagination.
- Art installations and openings turned our walls into vibrant galleries.
- Community classes in art and mindfulness gave neighbors new ways to grow and connect.
- Partnerships began to take shape—with local organizations, teachers, and leaders—showing us what’s possible when we open our doors wide.
Each event has been a glimpse of the energy, joy, and possibility this center holds.
And this is only the beginning. In the months to come, we’ll welcome artists in residence, host concerts, offer classes for every age, and continue building partnerships with those who share our commitment to community life. We see this as a place that evolves with the needs and dreams of the neighborhood—a place that will keep growing as our community grows.
So while today marks the cutting of a ribbon, it also marks the opening of a story still being written. A story about neighbors gathering, artists creating, young people discovering, and lives being enriched. The Community Center at Grace belongs to all of us, and together we can ensure it becomes a blessing to this community for years and years to come.
Thank you for celebrating with us today—and thank you for being part of this vision.
Upcoming Events at the Community Center
Be sure to check out our full calendar for all events!
National Coming Out Day Concert: Saturday October 11, 7:00 pm
Join us for a powerful evening of music and celebration on National Coming Out Day as the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and the Chancel Choir of Grace Presbyterian Church join voices in song. Together, these ensembles will lift up messages of pride, belonging, and hope through stirring choral music. Come experience the beauty of community, the power of authenticity, and the joy of harmony as we honor the courage of coming out and standing together in love.
Watercolor Essentials for Beginners: Wednesdays, October 29 – November 19, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Learn the basics of painting in watercolor through fun exercises & projects with step-by-step instruction in a relaxed atmosphere. If you’ve been curious about trying watercolor, but don’t know where to start, this four week beginner class is for you!
An Introduction to Mindful Meditation with Julie Goldstein: Thursdays from 10 am – 11:30 am – October 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
Mindfulness is the simple practice of bringing a simple, gentle, and accepting attitude towards the present moment. It is a non-judgmental, non-critical and compassionate awareness of our thoughts and feelings in the present moment.
Over the 4 weeks you will be introduced to the ways in which mindfulness helps to reduce stress, ease chronic pain and improve a general sense of well-being.
To Register click here!
Interested in teaching or holding an event at the Community Center?
Teaching
Are you passionate about teaching, leading workshops, or hosting educational events? Whether you’re an experienced instructor or trying it for the first time, our community center welcomes individuals who want to share their skills, knowledge, and creativity. Reach out to our Director of Community Engagement for more Information.
Room Rentals
Looking for a welcoming, affordable space to host your next event, meeting, or class? Our community center offers flexible rooms for a variety of uses—open to individuals, organizations, and businesses. Click here to fill out a room rental request form.
Artist in Residence
Are you an artist looking for a welcoming space to share your work with the public? We invite local and emerging artists to exhibit their visual art in our gallery and shared spaces. Click here to fill out an application form.