In the church's monthly newsletter, Father Tom Verber muses on the generous deeds of his church and school staff, noting that the new principal of Our Lady of Grace School, Ryan Brusco, helped "repaint the walls around the lunch area." Students of the school, writes Father Tom, spent time preparing background scenery for a summer school stage play.
It's this level of community involvement that defines Our Lady of Grace Church, making it the ideal place to come for answers about tying the knot, starting a Christ-centered family, baptisms and many other spiritual needs.
Rising International is dedicated to promoting ownership of craft-based businesses by women in impoverished areas of developed and developing nations. The organization focuses on women in high-risk areas such as refugees, homeless women, those with HIV/AIDs and former slaves in former war-torn regions.
St Mark's is a Lutheran church and school serving Citrus Heights, California. The mission of the school is to glorify God, grow in His word, and go with the gospel. The goal of the school is to mold children into children of God by focusing on spirit, intellect, the body and social skills, all godly principles. The school has a Lion's Club, Cub Club, Summer Youth Programs, FACES program, youth groups, a basketball team, volleyball team, and track and field team. The church holds Bible study sessions for adults and children, as well as worship services.
Heritage Park Baptist Church is an independent church in Burlington that exist to "Love God, love others, serve God, and serve others." The church held its first service in 1974 and purchased its current property in 1977.
Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church in Clayton has numerous community and youth activities, such as prayer classes, book studies, even music concerts. Its motto is "Open hearts, open minds, open doors." An events calendar is on the website.
This city building hosts a number of community groups and nonprofits, including the San Mateo Family Service Agency, which provides adult day care, and the the International Institute of the Bay Area, which assists with immigration issues. Legal clinics, 12-step groups and exercise classes meet here and a daily lunch is served for senior citizens. Referrals are made for emergency food and shelter. A larger San Mateo County building is next door, with plenty of free parking in front. Most services are provided in English and Spanish.
The Celebration International Church is led by Senior Pastors Joe and Donna Sapienza. It is a multicultural congregation. Sunday services are held each week and as well as a family night on Wednesdays. The church also offers school programs for children of all ages.
In 1961, nine people gathered in Oceanside to create the non-denominational Lighthouse Christian Church. Fifty years later, this congregation has reached almost 1000 weekly members. Though currently in renovation, the entire campus plans to include classrooms, a gym, children's play yard, plaza and outdoor seating area, as well as 500 parking spaces. Programs here include Ladies Night Out, Children's Program, Men's Breakfast and much more. It has one traditional and two contemporary worship services every Sunday.
Like many churches in Alexandria, this parish is rich in history. In 1862 it was used as a hospital by Union forces occupying Alexandria. The first floor was used as a stable. It was returned to its congregation in 1865. It underwent several major renovations, including stained-glass and oak pews in 1899. New members today join the church through a certificate of transfer from a previous church or through a profession of faith. The church baptizes adults and children.
The main entrance of Apostles Lutheran Church & Preschool is from the parking lot in the rear, accessible from E. Morgan Street. Just off the parking lot is a courtyard with a gazebo and a meditation garden is located between 2 classroom buildings. Additional parking is available in a dirt lot in the front off of Kingsway with a sidewalk beside the sanctuary leading to the entrance in the rear.
A traditional worship service is held at 9am followed by contemporary service at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Children's church coinsides with both services and nursery is available from 8:45am - 12noon for preschool aged children. The Fellowship Coffee Cafe is open during Sunday mornings.
There are several study groups and children and family programs. Music programs include a hand bell choir and children's choir.
The preschool operates during the week.
Led by Rev. Mark W. Hanna, Pastor, RPPC focuses its sights on two main areas of human service: Families in crisis and shelter needs. The church has long been active in advocating for more than 30 local organizations, but its most recent efforts are outreach programs to the Gulf Coast area, Native American causes, North and South Dakota, as well as Cuba and Guatemala.
The congregation welcomes people of all backgrounds and identities. Be sure to check the website for update service and event schedules.
Bayport-Blue Point Public Library was founded in 1938 as a Blue Point Parent Teacher Association project. According to tradition, area residents donated books — gathered by wheelbarrow from people's homes — to start the collection. The library (whose logo is a wheelbarrow) has meeting rooms for public programs, a state-of-the-art reference department and departments and programming developed specifically for children, young adults and adults. The library parking lot is located on Madison Street (south of the library), with entrances on both Blue Point Avenue and Madison Street.