Ministries
Christian Education
Through our education programs, we seek to strengthen the faith and vocation of our congregation. Classes, forums, and studies are available for people of all ages. Classes usually take place in the Red Cross Room or Merz Hall, which are entered from 2111 Sansom Street. For more information or to see a list of our current classes, check our calendar. Contact Person: Luke Reinke
Adult Forum
Sunday mornings at 10AM adults gather to learn more about our faith. Check out the Christian Education page to see the current and upcoming topics.
Explorers Class
For people new to Lutheran Christianity, this class offers a brief overview of the important teachings of the faith. Offered regularly throughout the year.
Sunday School
Preschool and elementary aged children meet once a month during the 11AM worship for a Bible story, crafts, and songs. Also, children are invited to participate in monthly children's sermons held at the start of the worship service. See the Calendar and the Christian Education page for the dates of these programs.
Confirmation Classes and Youth Education
Confirmation classes are being offered on Fridadys as well as monthly Sunday School for Youth. See the Calendar or the Christian Education page for the dates. Additional activities for the Youth happen throughout the year both with our congregation as well as collectively with other Lutheran congregations.
Evangelism and Marketing
The Marketing and Evangelism Ministry serves to make the presence of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion in Center City Philadelphia known to our neighbors and others in the city and county where our congregation joyfully meets, worships, studies, grows, and works to share the Gospel. We seek to invite others to join us in our Faith Journey and our Celebration of God’s Welcome. The Ministry is open to any and all who desire to share their gifts and work with us on these important projects. We meet monthly in each other’s homes or at the parish house for dinner and share the work and celebrate our fellowship. Contact Person: Marianne Waller
Fellowship
As the Bible calls us to "break bread together" so we join together fellowship. All are welcome to join our First Sunday brunches after the 11am service on the first Sunday of the month. We are looking forward to the upcoming Factnacht Celebration (Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner and Talent Show) as well as preparing for food and fellowship during our Lenten Vespers and Soup Suppers, again all are welcome to break bread with us. For more information on the fellowship ministry or it's events please visit our calendar. Contact Person: Eleanor Small.
Finance
Members of the Finance Committee have the responsibility of managing the congregation’s endowment funds and providing general financial advice to the Church Council. Contact Person: Bob Bruns.
Mutual Ministry
Generally defined, mutual ministry is a mission-oriented enterprise that is characterized by a broad vision of ministry and a healthy practice of mutuality. Mutual ministry depends on a broad vision for Christian ministry – service to another in the name of Christ.
Outreach
We have many outreach activties that go on through the church. Our ongoing programs include a Food Cabinet, Senior Boxes, Baby Mana, and a Clothing Room. In addition, the church provides periodic community meals particularly at Holidays and participates several times a year in providing the Feast Incarnate Meal for people with HIV/AIDS. Contact Person: Aisha Madhi.
Holy Communion is also the home for The Welcome Center whose mission is to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Our vision of "healing though hospitality" means that we hold relationships as central to the process of healing. Respect for the individual with the belief that each person has a gift to offer is emphasized. Contact Person: Emily Lattimore.
Property
The Kitchen Challenge 2012 exceeded expectations. Now we have a total of $41,000 for our new kitchen thanks to a generous donor match. A big thanks to all who contributed and we look forward to the new kitchen. Please prayerfully consider including Holy Communion in your estate planning. For more information on the property ministry please contact Jeff Brummer.
Small Groups
Members of Holy Communion and people from the community participate in a number of small groups during the month.
- For those who like to read and discuss books, the Book Group meets once a month on a Sunday after Church.
- For those who like to write, the LC-HC Writing Group is starting up again in the New Year. They welcome folks of any experience level to come and write stories, memoirs, and/or poetry.
- For the crafty there is the Prayer Shawl group who spends one night a month in fellowship knitting or crocheting christening blankets and pryer shawls for people who need a little warming comfort or TLC. Anyone is welcome and help is always available for those new to knitting or crocheting.
- For those looking for a more physical means of expression the Liturgical Dance Group had a very sucessful first performance in December.
- And if you want a more relaxing physical group, Pastor Kari is in the process of starting up a Yoga Group sometime soon.
- For those who are just looking for a small group of fellowship, the Feast Groups meet monthly at houses or restuants for small group fellowship.
If you are interested in more information on any of the small groups you can find some more information on the calendar or from our contact person. Contact Person: Marianne Waller.
Stephen Ministry
For more information about the Stephen Ministry please contact Carolyn Schneider.
Stewardship
The goal of the Stewardship Ministry is to develop, enhance, and increase people’s feelings toward using the gifts that God has provided us to take care of the world that He has provided to us. Contact Person: Tom Stephenson
Worship and Music
Choir
This ensemble meets from September through May and sings anthems 2-3 Sundays a month, so you need not to commit to every week. The regular choir season begins on Rally Day. Contact Person: Joe Buches
Jazz Vespers
The Holy Communion Jazz Ministry seeks to serve the spiritual needs of jazz musicians, their families, friends and fans through a Jazz Vespers service which provides an opportunity for jazz musicians to present their musical gifts as an offering to God and to celebrate jazz as a music transformed by God to inspire brotherhood and sisterhood through its near-universal appeal. Contact Person: Ed Dennis
Lay Worship Ministry
Members from the congregation assist in worship as readers, worship assistants, communion assistants, and ushers. Contact Person: Ron Coolbaugh
The Welcome Church
Gather for worship with one of the most diverse faith communities in Philadelphia. Worship includes spirited singing, preaching, prayer, and communion. As the name indicates, EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Contact Person: The Reverend Violet Little (215) 567-3668.
Young Adults
For more information on the Young Adult Ministry contact Eleanor Small.
The Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion ~ 2110 Chestnut Street ~ Philadelphia, PA 19103 ~ (215) 567-3668
Sunday Services are at 9am and 11am.
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