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Welcome to Two Churches

In a spirit of community, Two Churches brings together people from all walks of life. Our congregation believes in justice and equality, love and responsibility, and overcoming denominational tribalism. Here you will find ancient traditions yet modern language, authentic sermons, and open doors. No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here. Please join us for one of our worship services.

“Together in faith, bringing God’s love to the world.”

What you'll find

Two Churches is a community of Christians who practice an ancient faith through a modern lens. We come together to bring the love of Christ alive in Kentwood.

Worship is both traditional and modern, with scripture readings, a sermon, & prayers. There's typically a Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion — the presence of Christ in the forms of bread and wine (with a gluten-free option available). and you are invited to join us at the Lord's Table. Our Sunday worship service is held at 9 AM both in-person and streamed via Facebook Live, and there is a prayer for Spiritual Communion for our online worshippers who are not able to physically receive the Eucharist. There will be some organ or piano music provided, the presider may occasionally chant for part of the service, and we will be singing parts of the liturgy and have 2 or 3 hymns/songs. And on some occasions, our "ad-hoc" choir may sing a special song as well.

If you are able to join us at the church, please feel free to wear what’s comfortable. You’ll see a wide range of styles here, from business casual to jeans and shorts. Children of all ages are welcome in our worship – in fact we encourage you to sit closer to the front so they can see better! But we understand too if you’re not always comfortable with that, and there is a nursery room nearby with books & toys if you have need of it. All of our restrooms are equipped with diaper-changing facilities (including a unisex bathroom on the lower level.)

Whether you prefer to worship in-person or online, we hope you can join us. Our worship is typically followed by a coffee hour, and there will usually be some sort of treat available. So please feel free to stick around and get to know us. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. We look forward to meeting you!

Ministries

Two Churches strives to make a REAL difference in the community around us.
"What happens at Two Churches does not stay at Two Churches!"

Diaper Depot

Low-income families with infants & small children often have to choose between diapers and other necessities such as food or transportation. Diaper Depot helps those families stretch their budgets by offering a free package of diapers and wipes, and currently serves an average of 175 infants & children each month. Click HERE to see distribution dates & times.

Feeding Ministries

Much of our community ministry efforts focus on supporting organizations that seek to find solutions to poverty, and more specifically food insecurity. This includes the Green Apple Food Pantry, ACCESS of West Michigan, St. Mark's Breakfast Cafe, and IHN (Interfaith Hospitality Network - a program of Family Promise of Grand Rapids). Our ministries include monthly collections as well as special events.

Other Ministries

Matthew 22:36-40 teaches us that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and it is our understanding that this means EVERYONE. We strive to show that love in a tangible way through a variety of programs and volunteer events. Reflecting a key phrase of the ELCA, this is "God's Work. Our Hands."

Who we are

Two Churches is The Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal) & Ascension Lutheran Church (ELCA), two Kentwood congregations with a long history of collaboration, who came together in 2014 as one Christian community, worshipping and “being church” together in one building. We are inclusive and ecumenical. We are both Lutheran & Episcopal, yet many of our members & friends come from other backgrounds as well, all finding welcome here. Together, we seek to better understand God’s unconditional love for us all, and to share Christ’s message of love with the community around us.

Recent Sermons & Newsletter Articles

Typically, you would find postings here of our weekly sermons. Our previous pastor/rector of many years, the Rev. Mike Wernick, retired at the end of September 2024. As of the end of October 2024, our Interim Pastor/Rector is the Rev. Pauline Standley (“Pastor Polly”). Her sermons are not typically available in a written format, however you can view/listen to them on our Facebook page at facebook.com/hcealc/videos

In addition, the Rev. Mike Wernick also wrote a Christian Apology on Homosexuality.
In a traditional Christian context, an "apology" isn't saying "I'm sorry" for something. In its most basic sense, Christian apologetics refers to a systematic discourse, an alternative view of a topic offered in an organized fashion, and an intellectual defense of a particular theological truth (without being argumentative). It is with that in mind, that the following "apology" is offered in response to the homophobia which remains prevalent in many countries and cultures. You can find that article HERE

Whose Values Do We Seek

Year B Jeremiah 11:18-20 Psalm 54 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37 May the words of my mouth O God…  speak your truth… Jesus told the disciples…  that there were schemes being devised against him…  that he would be betrayed into human hands…  and be killed…  and would rise on the third day…  but they didn’t understand…  and were...

The Life-Giving Cross

Year B Isaiah 45:21-25 Psalm 98 Philippians 2:5-11 John 12:31-36a May the words of my mouth O God…  speak your truth… In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing...

Flipping the Narrative

Year B Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146 James 2:1-10, 14-17 Mark 7:24-37 May the words of my mouth O God…  speak your truth… I’m about to retire…   I’m about to make a transition…  cross a divide…  of sorts…  from one way of spending my time…   to another…  from one way of being a priest…  to another…  from one pattern...

There's a place for you here.

Meet us Sundays at 9 AM