Community Game Nights return this summer! Join us on the second Saturdays of each month, starting June 14th, for games, snacks, and fun in Rader Park. Bring your favorite games and invite your friends and family, everyone is welcome! Plus, we may have fire pits and campouts afterward. Stay tuned!
A four-week summer program full of fun, learning, and outdoor adventure! Children ages 3–10 are welcome to explore the fascinating world of pollinators through hands-on, nature-based activities.
Program Schedule (10:00–11:30 AM):
June 17 – Bees
June 24 – Butterflies
July 1 – Caterpillars
July 8 – Special Presentation by Lisa Sanchez, Lancaster Parks Naturalist
Each session will take place in beautiful Rader Park, and snacks will be provided. Please note that a guardian must remain with their child throughout the program.
Registration is now open, Click Here to Register!
The purpose of this group is to provide an opportunity for community – to discuss current topics of interest both in terms of learning more about them but also considering the different nuances of each topic in terms of who benefits and who might be hurt by the current system/process.
While registration is not mandatory, we encourage you to register in advance to assist us with event planning. Please look for the individual registration link under the event tabs. We look forward to sharing these meaningful evenings with you!
Church of the Apostles UCC invites you to our next Mocktails & Meaning™ session on Juneteenth—Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM, focusing on the Underground Railroad in Southeastern PA and key moments from our nation’s first civil rights movement. Our guest speaker, Randy Harris, brings decades of experience in historic preservation and heritage tourism. A partner in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and founder of Origins of the Underground Railroad heritage tours, Harris has helped secure national recognition for more than 20 Underground Railroad sites across Pennsylvania. He currently works with the upcoming Stevens & Smith Center for History and Democracy, set to open in 2026.
Enjoy meaningful conversation and this month’s signature drink—the Blue Lagoon Mocktail.
Join us for Mocktails & Meaning™ on May 15th at 6:30 PM in the Narthex at Church of the Apostles UCC, featuring Scott M. Coley, author of Ministers of Propaganda and lecturer in philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s University. His talk, “Christofascism: How It Works and How to Resist It,” will explore the hierarchies of race, class, and gender at the heart of this ideology, how it shapes voting behavior, and how Christian theology offers tools for resistance.
As always, we’ll enjoy a signature mocktail while we gather—this month’s drink is a refreshing Watermelon Agua Fresca.
We are delighted to welcome Beth Reeves back to Church of the Apostles for our next Mocktails & Meaning™ on Thursday, April 24th, at 6:30 PM! Beth, from POWER Interfaith Lancaster County, will lead an engaging discussion on Education Funding in Pennsylvania, exploring the challenges and opportunities for equitable reform.
Enjoy meaningful conversation over this month’s signature mocktail: Banana Brunch Punch!
Beth Reeves is a dedicated advocate for education justice, serving as Chair of POWER Interfaith Lancaster County’s Education Justice Team. With years of experience as a school-based occupational therapist and a passion for addressing systemic inequities, she brings valuable insight into this critical issue.
Join us for an evening of thoughtful dialogue and community connection! Register by Clicking Here!
Join us on March 20th, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Narthex for an important conversation on “Finding Our Voice: Calling out Church-Sanctioned Anti-Trans Bigotry.” Malinda Clatterbuck, Associate Director at the Center for a Sustainable Environment at Franklin & Marshall College, and Mark Clatterbuck, Associate Professor of Religion at Montclair State University, will lead us in exploring how we, as a congregation committed to inclusive refuge, can stand against hate and support our transgender community members.
As we engage in this meaningful discussion, enjoy our featured Blood Orange Mocktail Cooler. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation and community.
Register by Clicking Here!
Join us on Thursday, February 20th, 2025, at 6:30 PM for a meaningful evening of learning and connection. Our special guests, Jamie Beth Cohen and Sam Schindler, will present “What Christians Should Know About Judaism” and share their experiences raising Jewish children in Lancaster County. Warm up with our featured mocktail of the evening: Hot Mulled Cider. 🍎🍂
Don’t miss this engaging session— Register Today to secure your spot!
Join Church of the Apostles UCC for a special Mocktails & Meaning™ session on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, starting at 3:00 PM in the Sanctuary. We’ll be hosting a free screening of the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. This thought-provoking film follows researchers uncovering the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians, tracing it back to a mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. With never-before-seen archives from Yale University and insights from scholars and pastors, the documentary offers an enlightening and inspiring exploration of faith, inclusion, and the power of interpretation.
After the movie, enjoy light refreshments, including soup, and participate in a discussion about the film’s impact and themes. Our featured mocktail for the evening will be a refreshing Grapefruit Lime Spritzer. Children are welcome, with toys and snacks available to keep them entertained during the screening.
Please register to attend this meaningful event: https://conta.cc/3BRC7Xu We hope to see you there!
Start the new year with inspiration and connection at Mocktails & Meaning™ on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM! This month, we welcome Lissa Holland, Executive Director of the Lancaster Public Library, and Jon Heinly, Director of Donor Advising, for an engaging discussion titled Lancaster Public Library: Don’t Close the Book on Us.
Libraries are far more than buildings filled with books—they are gateways to information, centers of community, and beacons of hope. Join us to learn how Lancaster Public Library is evolving to meet the needs of today’s society and why their work remains vital.
Enjoy a refreshing Orange Cranberry Spritzer, our featured mocktail for the evening, while connecting with others in a welcoming, thought-provoking setting. Register Now to secure your spot!
Join us for our next Mocktails & Meaning™ session on Thursday, November 21st, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, as we explore The Value of Local Journalism with Brett Sholtis, an investigative reporter from The Lancaster Newspaper. Brett will share insights on the importance of journalism, including current pressing issues like election coverage. Enjoy a seasonal Winter Sangria mocktail, a refreshing blend of oranges, cranberries, and grapes, as we engage in this meaningful discussion. Don’t miss out— Register Now and secure your spot!
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to attend a free, private pre-release screening of Banned Together, a documentary that pulls back the curtain on two of the most controversial issues in America today: book bands and curriculum censorship in public schools – topics we’ve covered in previous mocktails sessions. This film screening is a one-time event, and registration is required, Register Here.
Our mocktail for this session is a Hocus Pocus Punch – a magical brew for a powerful evening.
We invite you to join us for an evening focused on Suicide Awareness and Prevention, featuring Ashley Ramsay from Mental Health America. Ashley is a mental health educator, student therapist, and a recipient of the 2023-2025 Touchstone Foundation Mental Health Career scholarship. With a passion for educating the community about mental health, she brings a warm, compassionate approach to exploring wellness and meaning. We invite the community to engage in an open and curious discussion on this important topic, as we gather to support the mental wellbeing of everyone.
Our signature mocktail for the evening is a Harry Potter-inspired Pumpkin Juice. You can check out the recipe here: Pumpkin Juice Recipe.
Mark your calendars for September 19th at 6:30 PM in the Narthex as we explore the impact of the Independence Law Center on local school districts. We’ll hear insights from representatives from Hempfield and Elizabethtown, who will discuss the divisions caused in their school communities by ILC policies, including effects on LGBTQ+ students, library materials, and more.
🍏🥂 Our featured mocktail will be the refreshing Apple Ginger Fizz—perfect for sipping as we dive into this important conversation! Don’t miss out—click to register today! Register Here
Mocktails & Meaning™ returns on August 15th from 6-8 PM with a special presentation by Angela Strause, an FBI Agent with 14 years of experience, focusing on frauds against senior citizens and how to prevent them. Our featured mocktail will be a Blueberry Ginger Fizz. Please Register on Realm to ensure we have enough drinks for everyone.
Join us for our June Mocktails & Meaning™ session on June 20th, featuring Church World Services (CWS) Lancaster. This month’s presentation is
titled “Immigration: Fact & Fiction,” offering valuable insights into the realities and misconceptions surrounding immigration. As we engage in this important discussion, enjoy our featured mocktail: Peaches & Cream Punch. Don’t miss this enlightening event—click here to register.
Discover the pressing issue of Youth Homelessness at our May Mocktails & Meaning™ session on May 16th. We’re privileged to host a representative from the Lancaster County Housing & Redevelopment Authority. Be sure to Register Here. And while you’re engrossed in conversation, enjoy our featured mocktail: the delightful Pomegranate & Rosewater Spritzer. See you there!
A Little About Our Presenters:
We’re excited to announce our lineup of speakers for the upcoming Mocktails & Meaning™ session! Lisette Rivera, School District of Lancaster’s Site Coordinator for Families in Transition Program, and Fran Milano, District Office Director for Representative Mike Sturla’s Office, will be joining us. Additionally, we’re working on confirming a representative from The Workforce Development Board. Alongside these presenters, we’ll have one or two members from the Youth Action Board, a group of young individuals who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness. They play a crucial role in advocating for inclusive programs and policies that meet the specific needs of this vulnerable population. Stay tuned for more updates!
Join us for our April Mocktails & Meaning™ session on April 18th, where we’ll be delving into the important topic of affordable housing. We’re honored to have two representatives from Tenfold Lancaster, a trusted community partner with over 80 years of collective expertise, joining us to share insights and solutions. From overcoming homelessness to preparing for homeownership, Tenfold provides critical services to empower our neighbors and enhance community well-being. As we engage in this discussion, sip on our featured mocktail of the evening: the refreshing Blackberry Lemon Mocktail.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a difference. Mark your calendars, Register Here, and join us on April 18th!
A Little About Our Presenters:
Wilfred Bentley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University. He has worked in the automotive, trucking, banking, and not-for-profit industries.
Bentley is a two term past national president of the Urban Financial Services Coalition. He also served on the Board of Directors of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. Bentley is a life member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is a Vietnam veteran.
Bentley currently works as Tenfold’s Chief Community Investment Officer under Tenfold Community Lending. He is joined in holy matrimony to Rev. Dr. Vanessa Lovelace and has three adult children and one grandchild.
Randi Shober is the Director of the Financial Empowerment Center at Tenfold. She has been employed by Tenfold formerly Tabor Community Services for 23 years. She is a Certified HUD Housing Counselor, PHFA Housing Counseling Specialist, and NFCC Credit and Housing Counselor.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with an enlightening discussion on women’s healthcare at our monthly Mocktails & Meaning™ session. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Sharee Livingston, DO, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Our featured mocktail will be the Green Appletini Mocktail. Save the date for Thursday, March 21st, and join us for this exciting meeting! Don’t forget to secure your spot by registering Here!
A Little About Our Presenter:
Dr Sharee Livingston is a physician who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology. She chairs the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UPMC Lititz and is a member of the UPMC Lititz Board of Trustees. Dr Livingston is also the foremost female robotic surgeon in Lancaster County.
Dr Livingston is a founding member of Patients R Waiting, an organization dedicated to eliminating health disparities by increasing diversity in medicine, and co-founder of the Diversifying Doulas Initiative, which addresses maternal mortality crisis by providing Lancaster Black and Latinx expectant mothers with help from a doula, a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to help the mother experience a positive and safe birth.
In 2023, Dr Livingston was appointed to a two-year term on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women.
e, we’re exploring Artificial Intelligence with three expert presenters sharing insights on its utilizations and legal considerations. Steve Brown will discuss AI in the medical field, Jim Stoltzfus will focus on business applications, and Brandon Harter will explore legal issues. As a special treat, our featured Mocktail for the evening will be a delightful Valentines Mocktail made with fruit punch, sprite, and grenadine. To secure your spot, email office@apostlesucc.org or Click Here!
A Little About Our Presenters:
Jim Stoltzfus has spent a decade administering business applications, mainly focused on sales and marketing aspects of CRM. Before that he spent some time in Business Analysis, Sales Operations, and Market Research. Jim spends a lot of time in project management and requirements gathering, looking for ways to gain efficiency through automation and process streamlining. Jim works from home on the east side of Lancaster, a house packed with family, pets, and students of his wife Elizabeth’s Music Studio. He has been a member of Church of Apostles UCC since 2017.
Brandon Harter’s passion is finding efficient, tech-savvy solutions to problems at the intersection of law and technology. With the goal of providing expert legal counsel alongside cutting-edge technology under one roof he founded Lancaster Tech Law in 2022. Representing clients throughout Pennsylvania, Lancaster Tech Law focuses on core values that emphasize vanguard thinking, legal innovation, technological know-how, and exceptional personal service
Steve Brown has over 15 years in Healthcare IT with Penn Medicine leading strategic initiatives at the intersection of healthcare and technology. Steve oversees a diverse portfolio of technologies and projects aimed at optimizing clinical workflows, enhancing patient engagement, and improving healthcare outcomes through the seamless integration of technology. Steve has worked across multiple domains during his tenure including but not limited to areas such as electronic health records (EHR), telemedicine, clinical imaging, patient facing technologies and cybersecurity. Steve is driven by how technology serves as a catalyst for improving patient outcomes, enhancing operational efficiency, and harnessing innovation to address the most pressing challenges
Join us for the first session of 2024 at Mocktails & Meaning™, where we’ll delve into the crucial topic of Bail Reform. Often overlooked in our daily lives, this issue plays a significant role in the lives of those with limited means. While individuals of higher income can pay bail and resume their lives swiftly, those less fortunate may languish in Lancaster County Prison for months before their cases even reach trial. This stark contrast can lead to job loss and strained relationships, showcasing the disparities in our legal system.
Don’t miss the opportunity to gain insights into this pressing issue and understand its detrimental impact on the lower-income population. Register for Mocktails & Meaning in January Here, and enjoy our featured Mocktail, the Orange Cranberry Spritzer
A Little About Our Presenter:
Our presenter for this enlightening session is The Rev. Jason Perkowski, Pastor of Faith & Oregon Community United Methodist Churches in Lititz, PA. With a diverse background as a public school teacher at Conestoga Valley HS/MS, a Millersville University professor of Gifted Education, and a youth pastor, Pastor Jason has actively engaged in anti-racism work and advocated for equitable school funding with Lancaster County POWER Interfaith.
Recommended Book Titles:
Join us for our third Mocktails & Meaning™ event on December 21st, taking place from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in our sanctuary. We are excited to announce that our featured December mocktail will be the White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice and our focal point of this gathering will be an insightful exploration of Christian Nationalism.
To attend, kindly register by emailing office@apostlesucc.org or through Realm. We anticipate an engaging evening and look forward to seeing you there.
A Little About Our Presenter:
Greg Carey is Professor of New Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary, where he has served since 1999. An active UCC layperson, he holds a PhD from Vanderbilt University and has served in national and international leadership roles in the Society of Biblical Literature. Greg is the author or co-editor of 11 academic books devoted to New Testament studies, most recently Death, the End of History, and Beyond: Eschatology in the Bible. He frequently regularly publishes in venues such as The Christian Century and Religion Dispatches.
Recommended Book Titles:
The second edition of Mocktails & Meaning™, scheduled for November 16th at 6:30 PM will explore the controversial topic of banned books. Our featured presenter, Matthew Good, a former librarian in the Donegal School district and a dedicated Human Rights Educator, will deliver an enlightening presentation titled “Silencing Stories: Censorship in School and Public Libraries.” Matthew will delve into the world of book banning, discuss significant court cases, and shed light on the various advocacy groups both supporting and opposing these literary decisions. To elevate your experience, we are thrilled to introduce the tantalizing November Seabreeze mocktail, skillfully crafted with a harmonious blend of Cranberry, Apple, and Lime flavors. Don’t miss this thought-provoking evening!
A Little About Our Presenter:
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Matthew is an academic librarian. Additionally, he is the librarian for the Educators’ Institute for Human Rights (EIHR) where he evaluates and curates resources on genocide and mass atrocities. In this role, he also wrote a report that supported the development of the Right to Learn Coalition which is dedicated to ensuring access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality public education that prepares students to succeed and thrive. Matthew’s essay, When Schools Ban Books, They Silence Diverse Voices, will be published as part of Equity Planning for School Leaders Approaches to Student Diversity, Access and Opportunity by McFarland in November 2023. Previously, he worked as a school librarian for over thirteen years. He is an alum of the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Teachers’ Program, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) Teacher Fellowship (2014-2015), and The Olga Lengyel Institute for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights (TOLI). In 2018, he received a National Education Association Learning and Leadership Grant to travel to study in Rwanda. He is a member of Pennsylvania School Library Association (PSLA), and the American Library Association (ALA).
Recommended Book Titles:
Join us at Church of the Apostles for our inaugural discussion on October 19th at 6:30 PM. We are delighted to have Beth Reeves from POWER Interfaith Lancaster County as our esteemed host, leading the conversation on the pressing topic of Education Funding in Pennsylvania. Our mocktail will be a Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider! 
A Little About Our Presenter:
Beth Reeves is the Chair of POWER Interfaith Lancaster County’s Education Justice Team and co-chair of POWER Interfaith’s statewide Education Justice Team. POWER Interfaith is a grassroots organization uniting over 250 faith congregations and individuals in Pennsylvania, all dedicated to advancing racial and economic justice while promoting sustainability.
With a background as a school-based occupational therapist in Lancaster County and as a mother to two graduates from the School District of Lancaster, Beth is passionately committed to addressing systemic racism and advocating for equitable resources in underfunded Pennsylvania school districts. Over the past seven years, she has played a pivotal role in the fight for education funding reform.
For those wishing to connect with Beth or explore the topic further, you can reach her at marthareeves6464@gmail.com. She also recommends two enlightening books, both available for purchase through Read Rose Books on October 19th:
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from Beth Reeves as we delve into the crucial issue of public education funding in Pennsylvania.
Join Church of the Apostles UCC after worship on June 8th for a special 50th anniversary celebration picnic in Rader Park! We’ll be serving up hot dogs, chips, cookies, and ice pops—just bring yourself and drink! All are welcome for family fun!
Enjoy free yard games and the beauty of Rader Park, plus a fun-filled lineup of activities:
Noon: Children’s performer PHREDD Ukulele One Man Ban
Afterward: Learn-to-fish session and a fishing derby at the pond
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of community and celebration. This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are not required but appreciated to help us plan for food. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
In the event of inclement weather, we’ll move the fun inside to Fellowship Hall.
To Register Please Click Here!
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of faith, fellowship, and community at Church of the Apostles! Our 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, starting at 5:30 PM, with dinner served at 6:00 PM.
Enjoy a delicious catered meal with your choice of turkey, beef, or stuffed shells, along with green beans, mashed potatoes, tossed salad, and corn. For dessert, choose between carrot cake or apple crumb pie.
Tickets are $35 per person. If you’d like to generously sponsor a ticket for someone in need, please contact Donna Carr.
The evening will feature a special 50th-anniversary slideshow highlighting our journey together and guest speakers who will reflect on our rich history and bright future.
Come celebrate this milestone with us! Click Here to buy your ticket now through April 28th.
This free, family-friendly event is open to the entire community! Children will enjoy egg hunts separated by age groups, ensuring a fun and fair experience for everyone. Don’t forget to bring a basket to collect eggs and a camera to capture free pictures with the Easter Bunny!
We can’t wait to celebrate this joyful tradition with you—rain or shine!
Join us for a special retreat led by Rev. Kathryn Kuhn as we explore the deep connection between faith and nature through the lens of Celtic Christianity. “Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul” will be a time of reflection, grounding, and listening for Christ’s call to hope.
This retreat offers a perfect opportunity to embrace the beauty of creation, deepen your spiritual journey, and prepare your heart for Earth Day. We invite you to join us on Saturday, March 15, from 10 AM to Noon in the Youth Center and Rader Park as we live into our vision of environmental advocacy.
Come, be renewed, and experience God’s presence in the sacredness of the earth. Click Here to Register!
Join Music Director Lars Potteiger on February 23rd at 3 PM in the Sanctuary for a beautiful afternoon of hymns! All are welcome to come together and raise our voices in song.
This is a free event, and we can’t wait to celebrate the joy of music with you!
Mark your calendars! On Sunday, February 9th, Church of the Apostles will host our annual Souper Bowl Sunday collection after the 10 AM worship service. This year, our Primary Faith Formation and Rooted in Faith classes are teaming up to gather donations for the COA Breakfast Ministry.
Every first Saturday of the month, COA serves a hearty breakfast at First Reformed UCC on Orange Street. Guests receive breakfast sandwiches, peanut butter sandwiches, cereal, snacks, milk, juice, coffee, and more. Your support directly helps us continue this vital outreach!
Want to get involved?
We’re always seeking volunteers (no experience necessary!) to help serve on these Saturdays from 8–10:30 AM. If you’re interested, reach out to office@apostlesucc.org.
Let’s come together on Souper Bowl Sunday to support this meaningful ministry. We can’t wait to see you there! Don’t forget to bring your donations!
🎲 Second Saturday of Each Month
📅 January 11th, February 8th, March 8th
🕕 6 PM
📍 Lobby, Church of the Apostles UCC
Join us for a fun-filled evening of games and fellowship, open to the public! Bring your favorite board or card game, a snack to share, and a friend or two. Drinks will be provided.
No camping for these winter sessions—just warm, cozy fun indoors. We look forward to seeing you there! 🎉