Beacon Church: Artistic Liberties Community Art Series.  Just as in Acts 2, we sense the Holy Spirit creatively stirring up our congregation and sending us out into the world to preach good news to our surrounding community in a diversity of ways. We hear God calling us to witness to God’s Spirit being poured out upon all people in our community, especially upon those who are newcomers to the neighborhood. Just as the disciples spoke in a variety of languages, the Community Art Series can provide a platform for diverse artistic expressions, such as music, theater, dance, and spoken word, reflecting the richness of human experience.

Chestnut Hill-Center on the Hill, Affordable Access Program. We seek to live into the charge of Exodus 20:12. Our core commitment is to honor the elders among us by offering creative, engaging programming – and making it accessible to a wide population. We all know the literature about aging in America, and that Americans are living longer. In response, we seek to support them in their journey by nurturing them physically, mentally and spiritually. In 2022 PCCH adopted the Matthew 25 initiative, and it seems likely that one of the responses to the question posed to Jesus – “when did we see you” – is captured by the responses, whenever you cared for the oldest among you, you cared for me.

 Gwynedd Square Community Concert Series.  We seek to live into Psalm 150:1-6 “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” Singing and music has always been a way to praise God. Music, even in secular forms, brings joy and happiness to the heart and can express so many varied emotions. We are excited to share this art form with our community.

 Marple Expansion of the Pop-Up Thrift Shop to an ongoing Thrift Shop. Scripture as a whole and Jesus’ teaching, in particular, are filled with calls to care for those in need. “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:33. “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:11. “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” 1 John 3:17. Through this ministry we hope to fulfill this call by supporting and caring for the dignity and well being of our community.