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Sunday School
This church
believes in the power of Christian Education and that
begins in the Sunday School. We fully believe in the
importance for people of all ages to have Biblical
training by qualified teachers. It is through the Sunday
School that prospects and new members alike find
acceptance and "family". We have classes for all ages
ranging from Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grades,
College/Career, Young Adults, Senior Adults and even a
class for Exceptional Individuals.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry at Virginia Avenue Church of God
is hard at work making not only prayer shawls to give out
to those who are hurting both physically and emotionally,
but also lap robes, scarves, hats, and yarn dolls, and we
recently received a number of hand sewn quilts made by the
ladies at the Senior Center in Hancock, MD.
The prayer shawls and lap robes have found their way to
the far corners of the earth (thanks to God's help) and we
have them in India, England, as well as hats and scarves
in Russia and Latvia and baby blankets in Ethiopia.
The quilts that were received will go to a local
oncologist to help the patients who are receiving
treatments and to help keep them warm during the
treatments. Also, several members have made pillows for
ladies who have had breast cancer and hats for those who
have lost their hair due to chemo treatments.
We have also given scarves and hats to a church in western
Maryland to help the homeless keep warm. Some were living
under bridges by the canal and had little clothing.
All of this in addition to supplying shawls and lap robes
to our church family who are in need and to their friends
and families.
Each article that leaves the church has been prayed over
as it is lovingly created and anointed and prayed over by
our beloved pastors and the elders of the church, and it
is our prayer that each recipient feels God's love
reaching to them in their time of need.
We welcome new members to this ministry regardless of your
knitting or crocheting skill. If you are eager and willing
to work for the Lord, and don't know how to knit or
crochet, we'll be happy to teach you. A willing heart is
all that's necessary.
Click
here
for
information.
Sr. Adult Fellowship
Our Sr. Adults
meet on the last Thursday evening of each month and enjoy
a time of fellowship and entertainment along with dinner.
Dinners range from pot luck to meals prepared by selected
cooks. Whatever the meals may be, they are always found to
be pleasing to the palate, and those attending always go
home knowing they enjoyed a pleasant evening.
Young Adult Fellowship
Our Young
Adults (up to 50) meet quarterly with evening socials or
trips to concerts.
Children's Ministry
Children's
Church (ages 6-11) and Jr. Children's Church (ages 3-5)
are under the leadership of qualified and experienced
members. Throughout the year the children participate in
the adult worship services with special programs.
Youth Ministries
Our youth have
faithful and devoted leaders to love and guide them. The
youth are active in drama and music, and participate in
various State youth programs. Every Wednesday they are led
in worship through music, prayer and the Word. They also
have a Sunday morning Sunday School Class. We endeavor to
have our young people recognize that they are loved and
that our leaders are ready to provide them guidance as
they face the issues of growing into mature responsible
adults.
Nursery
We have two
well-furnished nurseries along with a staff of
conscientious workers who care for our little ones too
young for formal classes.
Kid's Praise
Directed by
Melissa and Kevin Adelsberger every other Sunday Evening
at 6:00pm in Derr Fellowship Hall This night of worship
helps kids embrace Pentecostal worship through the Lance
Colkmire Series KNOW IT LIVE IT!
Drama Ministry
Many people
have committed their lives to Christ through the dramas
presented during the Easter and Christmas holidays.
Hundreds attend our annual Easter Drama each year and
those participating in the presentations feel blessed for
their hard work and commitment. We also have a Jr. Drama
that periodically participates in our worship services.
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Family Training Hour
From the
youngest to the oldest, the Wednesday evening programs are
designed to provide something meaningful for all ages.
While the adults are in Bible Study, the children and
youth are in classes.
Missionettes
is a ministry program tool to
help fulfill the Titus 2 principle of women mentoring
young girls. Throughout the year they will participate in
area and regional programs as it relates to the
Missionettes. These programs have been life-changing for
many and a blessing to all who participate. Our staff is
dedicated; and their ministry to these young girls is of
greatest importance to their maturity and growth.
Royal Rangers is a program which
motivates boys spiritually through Bible study and
memorization, devotionals, and Christian role models. The
boys participate in age-specific activities and
recreation. Dedicated leaders endeavor to develop the
total boy for Christ and offer love and understanding
between the boy and a godly role model. For boys who are
not in the Ranger program, there are other classes which
they attend.
The Women's Ministries
The Women's
Ministries provides support in various ways such as
ministering to our shut-ins, providing food to those in
need, organizing retreats for women, and assisting in many
other activities of the church. This group of excited and
hard-working women strives to make the church environment
a pleasant and comfortable place as the church reaches out
to touch the lives of people in the community.
WOWW's
(World of Wonderful Widows and Widowers)
Honoring our
widows/widowers is a priority in the local church as well
as on a state level according to I Timothy 5:3. Not only
occasions of socials are scheduled, but workshops for
encouragement and health information are provided.
Nursing
Home Outreach Ministry
In the year
2005 Virginia Avenue Church of God will celebrate 30 years
of monthly outreach ministry at the Williamsport Nursing
Home. The residents are blessed with singing and spiritual
encouragement. As our group intermingles with the
residents, we are blessed in return. During the Christmas
season we celebrate with a party for the residents.
Ministry to the Military
Our need to
remember our military personnel and veterans is important
to us. Periodically we send boxes of personal items and
food to our military personnel away from home. Prayer for
them is on-going. Each year we have a special Memorial Day
Service recognizing all military personnel and veterans,
after which they and their families that attend the
service enjoy a dinner together in the Fellowship Hall.
Parish Nurse Ministry
Our Parish
Nurse Ministry is under the leadership of a qualified
Registered Nurse, and it emphasizes spiritual health,
along with physical and mental health, as a vital
component of holistic well-being. It is not hands-on
nursing; rather, this ministry seeks to foster an
awareness of the relationship between lifestyle, personal
habits, attitudes and faith to well-being. This is
accomplished in ways such as health education, health
counseling, referrals, etc. The Virginia Avenue Church of
God has a team of Emergency Medical Technicians and
Registered Nurses who readily volunteer for hands-on
assistance in the event of an emergency.
Food Pantry
The church
keeps a pantry of non-perishable foods which are shared
with those who are in need-in the church family as well as
in the community.
Tape / CD Ministry
Every service
is audio-taped and videos are taped for special church
events. These are often used for shut-ins or those who are
unable to be in our worship services.
Van Ministry
Every Wednesday
the church vans provide transportation for children and
adults from the surrounding areas. Upon arrival at the
church, volunteers serve them a nutritious meal after
which they attend our Family Training Hour classes.
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