TWO CHURCHES & THE CONTINUING PANDEMIC - Update November 1, 2021

Hello! If this is your first time visiting our website, welcome! And thank you for taking the time to check us out!

The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly changed our lives in many ways, including the way we worship and the way we do ministry. For us at Two Churches, our ability to meet in person, or even at times to use our building, has been determined by the Episcopal Pastoral Directive as well as recommendations from our ELCA Bishop and the CDC. During this time, we've learned to worship online, and have strived to find new and innovative ways to reach out to the community and continue to do God's work while still keeping everyone safe.

We are now in Phase 3 of the pastoral directive, which is occasionally modified (ever so slightly) by the Episcopal Diocese. We have been for some time now worshipping in our building with no restrictions as to number of people allowed in the building. Hopefully those days are well and truly past us! We are also continuing to stream our services on Facebook Live, for those who prefer to worship from home. Clicking on the big yellow box will take you to the correct page. And you don’t need to have a Facebook account to view our worship stream/videos—though if you do not log in to an account there may be some pop-up windows from FB that you will need to click behind to get them out of the way. Whatever way you choose to connect with us, we look forward to worshipping with you! Please join us!

If you choose to visit our building, we are still requiring masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The current plan by our leadership is to continue this mask requirement until such time as the CDC has declared Kent county's transmission rate/risk of Covid to be "low" once again. And while it may seem somewhat counter-intuitive, we have recently returned to our more typical “pre-pandemic” coffee hour fellowship time after worship each Sunday. Masks are allowed to be removed while eating/drinking. If you come to worship with us, we hope you’ll stick around for a cup of coffee or juice and maybe a small treat and some conversation – it’s one of the best ways to get to know us.

During worship, we are continuing the distribution of communion in one kind only (wafer or bread, but no wine) - and both our denominations are very clear that when we receive in one kind, we receive in both kinds. And we are continuing to sing God's praises, even though masked.

We look forward to being together in community with you – either in-person or "virtually"! We truly do believe that God's love is for all people, and you will be welcomed here. Please prayerfully consider our church as a family you would like to worship with as we continue to grow in God's amazing love. And please contact us if you have any questions.

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), and you are invited to join us at the Lord's Table. We are currently offering a 9 AM worship service both in-person and streamed via Facebook Live. We continue to join together in a prayer for Spiritual Communion for our online worshippers who are not able to physically receive the Eurcharist. There will be some organ or piano music provided, the presider may occasionally chant for part of the service, and we are gradually adding some singing back to our worship.

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. 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 currently serves an average of 173 infants & children each month. Due to COVID-19, a small but dedicated crew of volunteers have been operating our Diaper Depot as a "curbside" service each month so we can continue to serve our neighbors, whose needs are greater now than ever!

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 (formerly John Knox Food Pantry), ACCESS of West Michigan, and St. Mark's Cafe. Our ministries include monthly collections as well as special events. During the pandemic, our monthly collections continue as able, and we are supporting many of our ministry efforts with "virtual" events. Even our 16th Annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser went virtual!

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 God’s message of love with the community around us.

From the blog

Which Kingdom Do You Mean?

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Year B Wisdom 3:1-9 Psalm 146 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44 May the words of my mouth O God… speak your truth… I only recently became aware of something called a “mash-up”… but apparently they’ve been around for a long time… friends of ours invited Joel and me over to see a movie that only someone with a vivid...