In Life and in Death, We Belong to God

November 1 is All Saints' Day.

At APC, the service for All Saints' Day is a small and meaningful worship experience. It is a time to commemorate our loved ones, in particular those who have died in the last year. We hear beautiful music, offer crosses with the names of the deceased, turn to God in prayer, and celebrate the sacrament of communion. We light candles and write the names of our deceased loved ones in a comforting ritual. Each year, the squares of cloth with these names are sewn into works of art that are displayed in future years. Whether you are a mourner, or a comforter, all are are welcome to attend.

For grief to be fully expressed, grief must be shared. There are not many spaces or occasions in our world where people may openly express and communally share their sense of loss at a loved one's death. The church is the place where this happens. While other groups and organizations may offer opportunities for individuals to grieve, the church provides ritualized expression and wide community support for those who have experienced loss.
Ultimately, the church promises the hope found in Christ. On All Saints' Day, we come together to express our losses as a community centered in Christ. We share in our grief and in our faith. We hear one another and heal one another. We remember the lives of those who have gone before, and we profess our faith in the life that is to come. Please join us for this special service.

Every entry is a sermon

The congregation of APC has been hiding its' talent under a bushel basket! Our Photo Exhibit "The Word through the Lens" is up and the results are awesome. Each photograph is better than the next, and the Scripture passages selected are wonderfully complementary. There's a grand total of 65 entries. The exhibit will be up until the afternoon of October 10. L'Art wants to thank the congregation for all their wonderful contributions.

Photo Exhibit - CALL FOR ENTRIES

APC’s first Photography Exhibit:
The Word Through the Lens

The Liturgical Art committee invites everyone to submit an original photograph for an exhibit at APC entitled The Word Through the Lens. Members, visitors, friends, youth and children are all invited to submit one 8” x 10” photograph, color or black and white. You print—we mat and hang!
When you submit your photo, also turn in the form listing your title for your image, your name, and a Scripture verse you have chosen that relates to the photograph. If you wish to add additional information (such as identifying the place, people or situation in the photo) you can list that as well. This form will be the label for your image in the exhibit, so please print clearly and use black ink.
Copies of the form are available in the church lobby.

Each person can submit only one photograph. Please submit a photograph you yourself have taken. L’Art reserves the right to make the final selection of images for the exhibit.

Calendar

Summer 2010: Take your photograph or select one from your archives. Just be sure the image measures 8” x 10.” It can be digital or film, color or black and white.

Aug 22-Sept 5: Submit photo and label form to L’Art committee. We will accept photos at a table in the narthex on Sundays or you may give them to Carol Sweet in the church office.

Sept 19-Oct 10: Photography exhibit on view in narthex

Oct 11-17: Pick up your matted photo to take home.

The LORD upholds them with His hands

L'Art provided support for the Youth as they designed and created their own banner, which hangs in the area that the Youth use during their fellowship and worship time.

This cup is the new covenant ...

We celebrate the sacrament of Communion this Sunday, August 1. Come join us!

O taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8)

A Child of the Covenant

Currently, we are in the season of Ordinary Time, which is usually symbolized by the color green. Special seasons and events that mark the extraordinary participation of Christ in our lives are often highlighted by using the color white, which represents purity and hope. Our Sacraments, Communion and Baptism, are two such events.

Special overlays for the woven paraments were created to incorporate the colors of the season (which are used in the woven banners) along with the color white for our Sacraments. The banners being used for July 18 and 25, 2010 help us celebrate a Baptism during Ordinary Time. The shell, such as the one seen on our pulpit cloth, is often used as a symbol of baptism.

On baptism Sundays, we covenant together as a community to guide and nurture this Child of God. When we baptize an infant, we are testifying that God's grace acts on our behalf even before we are capable of responding. God has already claimed us, and we bear witness to this with the Sacrament of Baptism.

This Do in Remembrance of Me

Currently, we are in the season of Ordinary Time, which is usually symbolized by the color green. Special seasons and events that mark the extraordinary participation of Christ in our lives are often highlighted by using the color white, which represents purity and hope. Our Sacraments, Communion and Baptism, are two such events.
Special overlays for the woven paraments were created to incorporate the colors of the season (which are used in the woven banners) along with the color white for our Sacraments. The banners being used for July 4, 2010 symbolize the celebration of Communion during Ordinary Time.


Close-up view of left banner with overlay.

Close-up view of right banner with overlay.



Pulpit cloth with chalice to celebrate Communion.