Member Care

The Caring Hands Ministry at Church of the Apostles UCC revives our beloved shawl and blanket initiative, now with a fresh name and dedicated volunteers. We craft soft shawls, baby blankets, and lap blankets, each accompanied by a blessing card and available for members to take or share with those in need of comfort. We invite anyone who enjoys crocheting or knitting to join us in creating these meaningful items, which are delivered to our main office. Together, we spread love and support within our community. For more information, please contact Bernie Fickes at berenicefickes4@gmail.com.

If you have a moment of joy, a personal need, or a concern for yourself or others and would like the strength of prayer to share the load, kindly reach out to the church office at (717) 392-5718. Your request will be included in our prayer chain, where 15 individuals will keep you in their thoughts and prayers.

Did you know one in five Americans will face a mental health challenge in their life? Church of the Apostles’ new group, Compassion Team, aims to educate and support those with mental health challenges. Their main goal is to let anyone facing a mental health struggle know that “They Are Not Alone!” Please Click Here to access the Compassion Team brochure.

Compassion Team has 2 ongoing programs;

Free Mental Health Resource Library: The Compassion Team has established a collection of resources for individuals dealing with challenges like loss, grief, anxiety, depression, and more. Following the 10AM service, the Compassion Corner will be accessible for anyone interested in exploring books and other mental health materials. This resource will only be open on the second Sunday of the month and can be found in the Associate Pastor’s office. A Compassion Team member will be on hand to assist you in locating what you require.

Compassion Team Listening Sessions: On September 23rd, 2023 the Compassion Team received training from Liz Grubb of Mental Health America. The training focused on listening without judgment and providing resources for those seeking professional help. Our team members are Donna Carr, Barbara Achtermann, Mark Achtermann, Carol Neilsen, Robin Lucy, Milt Gockley, and Ellen Schellenberger. To arrange a private, confidential listening session with any of our team members, please refer to the weekly and monthly schedules posted in the Sunday Bulletins and the Crown Newsletter. If you require immediate assistance, please call the office at (717) 392-5718, and we will connect you with the on-call Pastor.

Church of the Apostles provides a tranquil courtyard with a serene garden ambiance, designed for the interment of cremated remains of our beloved members. Bronze plaques adorn the walls, serving as memorials to those laid to rest in this peaceful space. This area is thoughtfully designed for moments of serene contemplation and meditation, enhanced by the soothing presence of a central waterfall. For additional information about the Memorial Garden and the ways you can create a lasting memorial within it, kindly Click Here to explore our brochure.

The New Moms Support Group is dedicated to providing meals and assistance to families experiencing a new birth or significant life event involving children. We can offer help with meals, respite care, errands, and more. To express your interest in the New Moms Support Group, please Click Here to fill out our form.

Did you know that Lancaster is part of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities? In Lancaster, you’ll find easily accessible transportation with a high number of handicap-accessible vehicles. The city also ranks well for housing affordability and neighborhood quality. There are numerous neighborhood parks, several trails, and greenways within the city. Additionally, there are several senior centers offering fitness classes, educational opportunities, and social activities, with transportation available upon request. The overall cost of living in Lancaster is below the national average.

Aging in place is a viable option for many residents of Lancaster County, with moderate homecare costs aligning closely with the national average. The Lancaster Office of Aging provides valuable informational assistance to support local seniors in maintaining their independence, including Medicare insurance counseling. If you have in-home care needs, you can also check www.homecare.org/Lancaster-pa/ for further information.