Our world is changing. We are too…
His Growing Grove was launched in 1987 as a mission and ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward. In the years since, we have invested love into this community through the care of our children and families.
To keep our “grove” growing, we know some intentional investment is needed to discern who and how we will be in the decades ahead. With gratitude for the work that has been, and in deep hope for the new things the Spirit and this community are calling us towards, we are marking this next year as one of discernment, transition, and new vision.
Check back here for updates and opportunities to engage with us in the process ahead. We can’t wait to “Grow our Grove” along with you.
Transitional Co-Directors
We welcome our new Transitional Co-Directors, to lead us in this season!
Lauren Gibbs-Beadle
Lauren has been our FirstPres Director of Children and Youth Ministry since 2019, and is the creator of the Friday night Storytimes, Playtimes, and Date Nights that you already know and love. She has a Master’s Degree in Education, years of teaching and curriculum development experience, and is an author of one of the most well-known children’s ministry publishers in the nation. She has raised two of her four children at HGG, carries a deep passion for our school, and has a strong vision for all we can be
Chizu Buckalew
Chizu has been a Commissioned Pastor with FirstPres since 2016 in a variety of ministry roles. She helped to launch our Outreach Ministry, and currently leads our congregational programming. Chizu’s educational background is in Early Childhood Education, and she was a preschool teacher before being called to ministry. She has raised her two children at HGG, as well as two additional foster children. She loves this school, and brings a deep well of care for our staff and families. .