TWO CHURCHES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC - Update July 2020

Hello. If you are visiting our website for the first time, welcome.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Two Churches has followed the recommendations and directives of our Lutheran (ELCA) Synod and Episcopal Diocese, which in turn has been based on CDC recommendations. For three months we were restricted to offering a Service of the Word through Facebook Live. But as of July 5th, we have now moved into Phase II of the Pastoral Directive from the Diocese and are now allowed to return to in-person worship at our building, though with limitations to protect all concerned.

We are continuing to live-stream our service on our Facebook page. Whatever your comfort level, whether you choose to visit in-person or stream our service. we invite you to join us for worship on Sundays at 10am.

If you choose to join us in-person, these are some of the changes you will see from our more "typical" worship service:

Masks are required, though if you forget yours, we will have some on hand.

No more than 25 are allowed in the sanctuary. Any overflow will be in St. Michael’s Hall with limited video and audio.

Air conditioning will be turned off and windows opened.

In-person Communion in one kind (wafers) will be administered (our denominations are very clear that when we receive in only one kind, we receive in both kinds).

Spiritual Communion will be offered for those who cannot be with us. The prayer will be in the bulletin for those at home to pray.

There will be some organ or piano music, but no singing.

The Peace will be shared ONLY in place, with no hugs, handshakes, fist, or elbow bumps.

The Offering Plate will not be passed. It will sit on a table and you may drop your envelope in when arriving or leaving.

At the end of worship, you will be dismissed starting from the back of the sanctuary to the front (maintaining six feet distance between individuals or families). There will be no receiving line or coffee hour. We ask that you please exit the building.

God, we ask that all who are affected by this virus be held in your loving care. In this time of uncertainty, help us to know what is ours to do. We know you did not cause this suffering, but that you are with us in it and through it. Help us to recognize your presence in acts of kindness, in moments of silence, and in the beauty of the created world. Grant peace and protection to all of humanity for their well-being and for the benefit of the earth. Amen.

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 breaking down 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 the 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. Our 8 AM worship is a spoken service (no music), whereas our 10 AM worship is more “high church”, often with organ music and a mix of traditional hymns and more contemporary songs. At times, we also use piano, guitar & other instruments.

On Wednesdays at 10 AM, we offer a brief Communion or Morning Prayer service (spoken) followed by adult Bible Study. Periodically throughout the year, Sunday morning Bible or book study may also be offered. At any of our services, feel free to wear what’s comfortable. You’ll see a wide range of styles here, from business casual to jeans and shorts. Join us after worship for conversation, and on Sundays after the 10 AM worship for coffee and treats too!

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.

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), and ACCESS of West Michigan, and 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 God’s message of love with the community around us.

From the blog

In It For The Long Haul

July 5, 2020

Year A Zechariah 9:9-12 Psalm 145:8-15 Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 May the words of my mouth… O God… speak your Truth… There’s an old expression that’s being used… with a new meaning… and it may even make it into the dictionary one day… it’s a meaning that comes out of this pandemic… and...

Constrained Boundlessness

June 29, 2020

We all need some boundaries. We all need some limits. Without them, there’d be chaos. Without them, children would run amok (and so would some adults). Without the boundary of a one-gallon container, milk would glug all over the bottom of the refrigerator. Without the boundaries created by traffic lights, there’d be more accidents....

Death or Abundance

June 28, 2020

Year A Jeremiah 28:5-9 Psalm 89:1-4,15-18 Romans 6:12-23 Matthew 10:40-42 May the words of my mouth… O God… speak your Truth… In today’s passage from Romans… Paul writes… The wages of sin is death… I’ve heard this shouted from the mouths and pulpits of TV evangelists… and I’ve sometimes felt threatened by it… that...