If Christmas is difficult, please enjoy this quieter Christmas service. We still remember the wonder of God’s gift in Jesus Christ, and acknowledge that Christmas no longer feels the same. This year our Blue Christmas Service will be online only and available on our Facebook and YouTube pages starting December 21st.
Please join us on Monday December 5th for our Children’s Shopping Night and Cookies with an Elf! Children will have the chance to purchase gifts (prices $1-$5) for every member of their family, including pets! After shopping there will be time for children to enjoy cookies, activities and music with one of Santa’s elves! This event is co-hosted by Church of the Apostles and Apostles Community Preschool and open to members of our congregation and families of the preschool!
The Apostles Academy is hosting a concert featuring vocalist Amanda Russo and
pianist Jaime Namminga on November 6th at 3pm in the sanctuary. This collaborative
duet has an exciting program planned titled HerStory: A Recital of Art Songs by Women
Composers.
As a part of our new “All Apostles Events” program we will be hosting a Halloween Parade and Party on October 22nd starting at 4PM in the front parking lot of Church of the Apostles. Our parade will start at Church of the Apostles and make our way through Homestead Village for residents and members of COA to watch. Residents of Homestead Village are encouraged to decorate their home or doors. Our parade will end in Rader Park where there will be a movie, music, yard games, snacks, tractor rides and crafts for everyone to enjoy. Prizes for best group costume, best house decorations, best homestead floor decorations, and more will be awarded. No registration is required and our event will happen rain or shine! We hope to see everyone there!
Join us from 1-3PM on Saturday, October 15th in Rader Park (1899 Apostles Way) for our Blessing of the Animals. The Humane League of Lancaster County will be joining us with some adoptable cats. We will also be collecting donations of dry/wet dog & cat food in the Narthex all month long. No registration is required for this event! Please come and bring your furry friends. Take note: dogs must remain on leash at all times, cats must remain in a carrier or on a leash, and all other furry/scaly/feathered friends must remain in a carrier.
Join Church of the Apostles at Muddy Run Park on Saturday October 8th starting at 10AM for our first “All Apostles Event”. This will be a free event for all ages to come and enjoy. Kayaking lessons will be taught before our provided lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers. Everyone should bring a side dish to share. After Lunch we will begin our day on the water. Space is limited, so register now through Realm to reserve your kayak. If you own your own kayak or will only be joining us for the fellowship time please still register!
This workshop is designed for church pastors, leadership teams, key volunteers and congregants who are interested in the future of the church.
It will be structured as mostly presentation with time for discussion with folks around tables and an open question and answer period for all. Churches may want to sit with their own group or mix with others. Breaks, snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Participants will leave with:
• a better understanding of the lasting impact of COVID isolation on the wider church including the latest church research data
• a better understanding of what it means to be Hybrid Church – not just Hybrid Worship.
• Practical recommendations and strategies to help churches flourish post COVID
Rev. Dr. Michael Piazza is a spiritual visionary, author, consultant, and civil rights activist who currently serves as senior minister at Broadway UCC, New York City. He has also pastored the Virginia-Highland Church in Atlanta, GA and the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, TX. Rev. Piazza also currently serves as an adjunct professor of Congregational Renewal at Hartford Seminary.
Melissa Koehler from Hillcrest Pharmacy will be giving flu and covid shots at COA on Sunday, October 2nd between services in the West Wing Lobby. Please call the office or register on Realm if interested so she knows how many to prepare for. We look forward to continuing to keep our church and community healthy.
“Vital Vintage Church” is a book of hope for mainline churches. Its author, the Rev. Michael Piazza, is one who worships every Sunday and has led several churches from a perceived “death” into new life. In this book, we will explore his ideas and talk about how we see this working within our church. Rev. Piazza is also the leader of Agile Church which will be coming to consult with us and hopefully to help us discern our mission for our next season of life. Please prayerfully consider if this is a conversation you want to be part of as we explore our specific place as Church of the Apostles UCC.
Classes will begin on Sunday, Sept 18 with meetings on:
· Sundays at 10 AM in the Parlor
· Wednesdays at 9:30 AM in the Parlor
· Wednesdays at 7 PM on Zoom
Please register through Realm (Click Here), by signing up at the Welcome Center, or by contacting the church office. Books will be available for purchase for $5.