Inclusive Refuge - Church of the Apostles, Lancaster, Pa

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35

As disciples of Jesus, Church of the Apostles UCC recognizes that we are to love one another as Jesus loved us. Claiming this mission, we believe that each of us is created in the image of God, worthy of love and respect, without inferiority or superiority. Each of us is striving to grow in faith, in our relationship with God and with one another. We recognize that we will fall short and that we can only seek to be better. We understand that being in community with others allows us to share our joys and our burdens, supporting one another in our journeys.

Using Our Voice & Making An Impact

What does it mean to create a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and able to belong? Through our Inclusive Church topics, we explore different experiences, challenge our assumptions, and ask ourselves how we can do better. Each post offers an opportunity to learn, reflect, and consider small, meaningful ways we can make Church of the Apostles more welcoming and accessible to all. Inclusion isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about listening, learning, and growing together.

Explore the topics below by clicking on each post to learn more and reflect on how we can continue growing as an inclusive community.

Hospitality Starts Before Hello

What makes a church feel welcoming? We might think of coffee, conversation, a friendly handshake,

Understanding Depression & Mental Health

When we think of depression, we may picture someone who feels sad or hopeless. But

Dementia, Caregiving, & Compassion

Dementia can change much more than memory. It can affect how a person communicates, understands

Accessibility As We Age

As we grow older, many of us will experience changes in mobility, vision, hearing, strength,

Seeing Beyond Assumptions

When we think about blindness or vision impairment, we may picture someone who cannot see

God Does Not Make Mistakes

What happens when someone spends years believing that an important part of who they are

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Inclusive Refuge

We welcome and value everyone to fully participate in our community regardless of their age, race, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family configurations, economic circumstances, physical, cognitive or emotional abilities, economic class, education, addiction history, or incarceration history. All are welcome at our table, fully participating in our church life, worship, and mission as both members and as leaders. In a divided world, Church of the Apostles understands the value of diversity in God’s creation and seeks to share God’s love in ways that bring about understanding, compassion, and justice. We celebrate the gifts and talents within each of us. We seek to use our gifts to fulfill our mission as disciples of Jesus, inviting all to join us in that work.