Please visit our Adult Education page for information on the various opportunities for fellowship and group meetings.
Meetings and Gatherings
January
Epiphany and Renewal of Baptismal Vows
The 12 days of Christmas culminate with the Day of Epiphany, the
coming of the Wise Men, on January 6th. We have a tradition around here that the Sunday
after January 6th is a time to renew our baptismal vows.
Annual Meeting of the Corporation
The purpose of the meeting is
• to vote on the pastors “terms of call”
• to review the annual report
• to elect church officers
• to elect the Nominating Committee
2¢-a-Meal Ingathering Pennies collected by families at each meal to remember our bounty and the needs of the homeless. Monies given during Sunday service are passed on to the homeless through the Presbyterian Church.
Renewal of Marriage Vows
At a time when marriage is increasingly difficult for many people, it is reassuring that there are many marriages which endure happily and faithfully for many years. We thank God for marriage and remind ourselves of the vows that we make to one another and
live on daily which continue to be an encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Lent
Lent is the 40 day period of repentance and renewal preceding Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends
with the Easter Service. Ash Wednesday usually falls in February, but can fall in early March as well.
Season of Lent The 40 days of Lent give
us an opportunity to reflect, to study, to pray
about the directions we are taking in our lives
and whether they are leading us closer to
God or farther away from the Holy, loving
Presence who calls us.
Family Bowling Night
In what we hope will be a yearly tradition, we meet for a night of family fun for a night of bowling.
One Great Hour of Sharing
One of four special offerings set up by PC(USA)'s general assembly, the OGHS supports:
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday signals the upcoming end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. The day commemorates the spreading of palms and clothing in Jesus' path as He entered Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion:
They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:7-9)
Christian Seder
Passover dinner for the Jewish faith, this is also a part of Christian tradition and occurs during the holy week preceding Easter and is the last supper of Christ (traditionally held on the Thursday preceding Easter). For more information, see this excellent web site:
http://www.christianseder.com/guidetext.html
Good Friday
Celebration of His Passion
Easter
Our holiest holiday celebrates the Resurrection of Christ.
Pentecost Offering
Done in May or June (Pentecost is 50 days after Easter and 10 days after His Ascension), this is the second of four four special offerings given during the year and set up by PC(USA)'s general assembly. The Pentecost Offering supports:
Children, youth and young adults
Worldwide youth ministry and education
Evangelism and outreach with youth
Youth at risk
Link to PC(USA)'s page for more information.
Pentecost is the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
Ice Cream Social Held in Hart Hall, the Deacons invite members, friends and community neighbors.
Summer Spectacular!
This program is for the children of our church from those entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. During one week in June, the children learn about Christ. The week culminates in a musical Sunday service lead by the children based on what they learned.
Sizzling Summer Game Night! Hot dogs, smores and cold drinks.
Try your hand at corn-hole, volleyball and basketball.
A great way to get acquainted with members of our church.
Summer Reading Program Beginning June through August we will be running a summer reading program.
Your child may sign out a copy of The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories and pick up a Bible Story
Form in the foyer anytime.
Beulah Beach Family Retreat Held at Beulah Beach near Vermillion, Ohio, our church family worships together for the weekend. Come and join us at Beulah Beach for the annual church family retreat. It’s a great
opportunity to slow down, make new friends, and deepen relationships.
Peacemaking Offering
Done on World Communion day, this offering is given on the first Sunday in October. This is one of four special offerings set up by the General Assembly of the PC(USA) and supports:
peacemaking efforts at congregational level
peacemaking efforts at presbytery and synod level
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the General Assembly
25% will be donated locally.
75% is used to support projects of antiracism, sexual abuse prevention, nonviolent living, interfaith dialogues and prison release programs at the Synod and Presbytery levels. At the General Assembly Level, it supports the Peacemaking Conference and international peacemaking programs and materials.
Alternative Holiday Market
We are a congregation fortunate to be blessed with abundance. Our Alternative Holiday Market is our chance to give to those with so little. During the holiday season, give to the gift of hope to your friends and relatives. For more information see our special web page HERE.
The Mitten Tree
Faith House is an
apartment complex that cares for homeless
families in the Lorain area. Last year our
church was very generous and filled the Mitten
Tree in the church foyer to overflowing.
Potluck Supper
Please bring a dish to share. Beverages will be
provided. Sign up sheet for the potluck is in the foyer.
Advent Season
Advent starts the one of the busiest times of year for Christians.
Advent Festival Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with song, food, treats, craft-making, and
hanging of the greens.
Annual Christmas Program
All ages will take part from the youngest to the oldest. Our Christmas pageant is enjoyed by one and all.
Cookie Walk Our member make cookies, sell cookies and eat cookies. The event is sponsored by Presbyterian Women. Proceeds from the sale benefit mission projects, youth projects, and Habitat for Humanity.
Traditional "Lessons and Carols" Worship Service
The events leading up to Christ's birth are told in a series of biblical text lessons with the singing of traditional carols after each lesson. This beautiful service is highlighted by the Chancel Choir.
Christmas Eve Services
On Christmas Eve, we have services at 6, 8 and 11 pm. The 6pm service is geared toward families with young children and includes many carols. The 8 and 11pm services are traditional candle lighting services.
Christmas Joy Offering
The Christmas Joy Offering is one of four special offerings
designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to provide
congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help those in need. Half of your gift
is given to the Board of Pensions for its assistance programs that help retired church workers
and their surviving spouses during difficult times. The board offers income supplements to help
raise incomes to a level where retires can live modestly and continue to maintain their
independence. The remaining half is given to the National Ministries of the General Assembly
Council to support Presbyterian racial ethnic education. PC(USA)'s web page for this offering is found here.
