Josh Hatcher is the Communications Director at Open Arms Community Church. He is married to Pastor Zoe Hatcher, and leads the Tribe of Lions Microchurch for men. He also is the founder of Manlihood.com
Good Friday Prayer Vigil at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA
Friday, April 18 at 7:00 PM – Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 AM 📍 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA
Looking for a powerful and meaningful way to spend Good Friday in Bradford, PA? Join us at Open Arms Community Church for an overnight Good Friday Prayer Vigil—a 12-hour experience of worship, reflection, and intercession in the heart of downtown.
What is the Good Friday Prayer Vigil?
From 7PM on Good Friday until 7AM Saturday morning, our church building will be open for anyone who wants to pray, worship, and seek God. You’re encouraged to come for at least one hour—but you’re welcome to stay all night.
This event is not a service, it’s a holy space for prayer and personal encounter. Whether you sit in silence, pray with others, or worship through music, it’s a time to honor what Jesus did on the cross and cry out for more of His presence in our lives and in our city.
What We’ll Be Praying For:
Spiritual awakening—in our hearts and in the city of Bradford
Healing and restoration—for families, individuals, and neighborhoods
Consecration of our new building—dedicated as a mission outpost to reach the community from downtown Bradford
Why You Should Come:
If you’re searching for Bradford PA Good Friday events that go beyond tradition—this is for you. If you believe prayer changes things—this is for you. If you want to be part of what God is doing in our city—this is for you.
Come for an hour. Stay all night. Let’s fill this house with fire and faith.
📍 Location:
Open Arms Community Church 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA 16701 (Located in downtown Bradford)
BRADFORD, PA — In an unprecedented show of unity and shared mission, two Bradford churches are swapping buildings this spring — not out of necessity, but out of calling.
Open Arms Community Church and First Baptist Church of Bradford will exchange church buildings in a move that both congregations believe is divinely inspired and strategically aligned with their respective visions for ministry. The change, first announced in May of 2024, becomes official on Palm Sunday, April 13, when both churches will hold their first services in their new locations.
Open Arms will begin worshiping at 71 Congress Street, the historic downtown church that has been home to First Baptist for generations. First Baptist will relocate to 1289 East Main Street, where Open Arms has held services since its early years of rapid growth.
“This isn’t just about buildings,” said Pastor Zoe Hatcher of Open Arms. “Being among the people in the downtown area of Bradford is the most exciting part of this move. We love our city and believe that God has a plan for it. As a ministry, we want to place ourselves in the middle of God’s will, which for us is to reach those to whom He has sent us.”
Open Arms’ final service at East Main Street will be held Sunday, April 6 at 10:00 AM, with moving trucks rolling out immediately after. Their first Sunday on April 13 at 71 Congress Street will feature two services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, held in the church’s lower-level Fellowship Hall while renovations are underway to improve accessibility and functionality in the main sanctuary. The rear entrance of the building will temporarily serve as the primary entrance while renovations are underway in the main sanctuary.
First Baptist will begin their move the next day, on Monday, April 7, officially beginning a new chapter at 1289 East Main Street — only the third location in the church’s nearly 200-year history.
“By God’s grace, the congregation of First Baptist Church has had a long presence in the Tuna Valley stretching back to 1834, and in those 190 years God has always provided us a place to do his work,” said Pastor Jeremy Childs. “This will be the church’s third address in that time, and we believe it will serve both the present congregation as well as future generations.”
“This move will bring some obvious changes,” Childs continued, “but the mission of First Baptist continues to be glorifying God by training disciples to engage our world with the gospel. Every week we open the Bible and worship the Jesus who died on a cross for sinners and rose from the grave early Easter morning.”
Both churches plan to undertake renovation projects in the months ahead to tailor their new spaces to the unique needs of their congregations. For Open Arms, that includes not only physical updates, but a renewed focus on downtown outreach.
“In partnership with our community’s other ministries and agencies, we envision coming together at community events to serve and reach out to people through acts of kindness and service,” Pastor Hatcher said. “We’re also planning to host some of our own community events, like our Super Summer Bash and Church Around Town, along with block parties and open houses to build relationships in our new neighborhood.”
Despite the changes in address, neither church sees the move as a departure from who they are — but rather a step forward in faith.
“Our Horizon Vision as a church is to see ‘Transformed Community for God’s Glory,’” Hatcher explained. “That transformation doesn’t stay inside our walls. We want God’s love to flow out and impact the whole community — and we’re already seeing it begin.”
Pastor Childs echoed the same heart. “The mission of First Baptist continues to be glorifying God by training disciples to engage our world with the gospel. Every week we open the Bible and worship the Jesus who died on a cross for sinners and rose from the grave early Easter morning. All are welcome.”
Want to attend?
Open Arms Community Church First service in new location: Palm Sunday, April 13 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA Service Times: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Temporarily meeting in the Fellowship Hall while sanctuary renovations are underway More info: oachurch.com
First Baptist Church of Bradford First service in new location: Palm Sunday, April 13 1289 East Main Street, Bradford, PA Sunday School: 9:00 AM | Worship: 10:00 AM More info: fbcbradford.com
On Friday, April 18, churches from across Bradford will gather for the annual CROSSWALK, a Good Friday event hosted by the Bradford Area Ministerium. The CROSSWALK is a public, community-centered walk that stops at several local churches for short messages and worship focused on the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross.
This year marks a special milestone for Open Arms Community Church—we’ll be hosting one of the stops for the first time ever at our new location: 71 Congress Street.
We’ll be welcoming walkers and community members between 1:15 and 1:35 PM for a brief word and time of reflection.
Here’s the full schedule:
St. Bernard’s Church – Noon to 12:20 PM
1st United Methodist Church – 12:25 to 12:45 PM
1st Presbyterian Church – 12:50 to 1:10 PM
Open Arms Community Church – 1:15 to 1:35 PM
Church of the Ascension – 1:45 to 2:05 PM
B-Free Church – 2:15 to 2:35 PM
Hill Memorial Church – 2:40 to 3:00 PM
Whether you plan to walk the entire route or just stop in for part of it, the CROSSWALK is a simple but powerful way to mark the meaning of Good Friday alongside friends and neighbors. We’re honored to be part of it this year and invite you to join us along the way.
After much prayer and anticipation, we are thrilled to announce that Open Arms Community Church has a confirmed moving date! We have been waiting for this moment, and now we can officially share that we will be closing on our new building on April 4, 2025. This is a huge milestone for our church family, and we give all the glory to God for this next chapter.
Important Dates to Remember:
📅 April 4, 2025 – Official Closing Date
On this day, we will officially sign for the deed to our new building at 71 Congress St., Bradford, PA.
📅 April 6, 2025 – Final Service at East Main Location
This will be our last worship service at 1289 East Main St., where we have gathered for the past 22 years.
Join us at 10:00 AM for a powerful time of worship and reflection as we close this chapter and prepare for what God has next.
After service, we will have lunch together and then begin packing up and moving to the new location. We need all hands on deck, so if you’re available to help, please sign up using our upcoming QR code or sign-up sheet.
🌿 April 13, 2025 – First Sunday in Our New Home – Palm Sunday!
Our first worship services at 71 Congress St. will take place on Palm Sunday, April 13! What a powerful way to begin this new chapter—on the very day we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem!
Two services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM (as we will be worshiping downstairs while the front entry ramp is under construction).
Let’s come together to celebrate what God has done and prepare our hearts for Holy Week!
✝️ April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday!
One week later, we celebrate Easter in our new building!
Two services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Easter Sunday is one of the most attended Sundays of the year, and what an amazing opportunity to invite people into our new space to hear the message of Jesus’ resurrection and new life!
Start inviting friends, neighbors, and family members now—we want to fill the house with worship and celebration!
How You Can Help:
✅ Volunteer for Moving Day (April 6) – Sign up to help move, pack, or transport items. ✅ Stay Connected – Ensure we have your current contact information to receive updates via email or text. ✅ Invite Others – Share the news about our move and invite people to Palm Sunday (April 13) and Easter Sunday (April 20)! ✅ Pray for the Transition – We are trusting God to guide us in this exciting time.
We are so excited about this new chapter and can’t wait to celebrate with you! Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing you this Sunday at East Main as we prepare for this big transition.
With gratitude and anticipation, The Open Arms Community Church Team
Maybe you found this because you typed something into Google like:
Why do I feel so lost?
How do I get out of this dark place?
Is there any hope for me?
If that’s the case, I want to tell you something upfront: You are not alone.
A lot of us—more than we’d like to admit—have felt this way. We don’t talk about it, though. We just keep moving, pushing through, acting like it’s all okay while the weight of it presses down harder every day.
Hopelessness isn’t just a modern struggle. It’s something humanity has always wrestled with. Even the Bible captures the depths of despair that people have felt since the dawn of time.
God Understands Your Suffering
Isaiah 53:3 says: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
This verse is a prophetic verse that was written before Jesus was born, but is talking about Jesus Himself. He knows what it’s like to suffer. He knows what it’s like to feel rejected, alone, and completely abandoned. Whatever you’re feeling right now, He understands.
When we read about Jesus in the Gospels, we do see Jesus faced with human emotion, including grief, distress, and fatigue. The Bible says that He was tempted in every way that we are, and I’m sure that He felt the feelings that we have felt. He knows. And He CARES.
In Psalm 88:3-4, the writer cries out: “I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength.”
Have you ever felt that way? Like you’re just barely holding on? Like no matter what you do, the weight of everything is too much?
You’re not the first to feel that. You’re not the only one. Even those closest to God have felt that same crushing darkness. But here’s what you need to know: darkness is not the end of the story.
What Should I Do If I Feel Hopeless?
You might be asking:
How do I get out of this feeling?
What steps can I take to get my life back?
It starts with admitting that you can’t fix it alone. But you don’t have to—because God is right here, and He cares about you.
1. Ask God for Help
One of the biggest lies we believe when we’re struggling is that God doesn’t care. That He’s distant. That He’s too busy to notice our pain.
But that’s not the truth.
1 Peter 5:7 says: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God actually invites us to bring our burdens to Him. He’s not afraid of your pain. He’s not overwhelmed by your emotions. He wants to walk through it with you.
What does this look like?
Be honest with God. Tell Him what you’re feeling—even if it’s messy.
Ask Him for strength. Even if you don’t know what to say, just say, “God, help me.”
Don’t stop reaching out. Prayer doesn’t have to be formal—just talk to Him like you would a friend.
Psalm 34:17-18 reminds us: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
If you feel hopeless, start here. Ask God for help. He hears you. He cares. And He won’t leave you alone in this.
You don’t have to pray a prescribed prayer, or follow a ritual. Just talk to Him like He’s your Dad. Like He’s in the room. He’s not offended by your emotion, your frustration, even if you’re a bit frustrated with Him. You can tell Him about that, and He can take it. But be willing to know the truth about Him, that He loves you, and wants to bring healing to the parts of you that are hurting.
I think of these lyrics from the song “Talkin’ to Jesus” There’s no wrong way to do it
There’s no bad time to start It don’t have to sound pretty Just tell Him what’s on your heart ‘Cause it’s not a religion ‘Cause it’s more like a friendship Just talk to your Father Like you are his kid
2. Be Careful What You Feed Your Mind
Maybe you’re wondering:
Why do I feel so much worse after scrolling through social media?
Does what I watch and listen to actually affect my mood?
The answer is yes.
There’s a phrase in programming: Garbage In, Garbage Out. If you feed a system garbage, it’s going to produce garbage. Your mind works the same way.
It seems like every few years, I got sucked into the political chaos leading up to whichever election is happening. I can find myself reading every article, watching the news, arguing online.
A few years ago I found myself pretty deep down the rabbit hole. I had really let my mind marinate in division, outrage, and hopelessness.
It wrecked me.
Then, as soon as the election was over, I shut it all off. And you know what happened? I felt peace again.
What are you feeding your mind? If it’s constant negativity, anger, and despair—no wonder you feel hopeless.
Philippians 4:8 reminds us: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
It’s time to replace the noise with truth, hope, and life.
It’s really easy for us to blame a condition, rather than to take responsibility.
I’m not saying that mental health diagnoses aren’t real. (We’ll talk about those things in a moment.) But what I am saying is, we need to make sure that we are thoughtful and careful about what we feed our mind AND our bodies, as they do have a direct impact on how we feel.
Are we eating junk? Are we physically active? Taking a walk? Taking a shower? Getting enough sleep? Listening to the most depressing or angry music? Scrolling on social media and listening to influencers show us how we don’t measure up? Watching the news while it loops through its cycle of outrage and despair?
3. Call in the Pros
If you broke your leg, you wouldn’t just tell yourself to “walk it off.” You’d go see a doctor. But when our mental and emotional health is broken, we tell ourselves to just “push through.”
That’s a lie. Sometimes, you need help.
There is no shame in talking to a counselor, seeing a doctor, or even taking medication if that’s what helps you get back on solid ground. Some of the strongest people you know have done the same thing—you just don’t see it because they don’t talk about it.
If you’re in a dark place right now, reach out. There are people who want to help.
📞 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 📞 Mental Health Treatment Referral Hotline: 1-877-726-4727
Even the Bible encourages seeking wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 says: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
You don’t have to do this alone.
How Can I Heal from Past Wounds?
Maybe your hopelessness isn’t just about what’s happening right now. Maybe it’s been years in the making.
I didn’t realize how much my past was affecting me until I faced it head-on.
I was in kindergarten at the bus stop. Just a few weeks after school started. Two teenage brothers stood behind me. They stole my hat and threw it on top of a soda machine. Then, they pulled out a little box of matches.
Flick. Hushed laughter. SSSSST!
They put out the match on my neck. Then they did it again. Not just once, but several times over the next week. I didn’t flinch. I didn’t move. I didn’t scream. I just let it happen. I was scared. I was angry. But I also felt like it was my problem.
I had no idea how much that experience shaped me. There are so many lies that I believed about myself and carried with me throughout my childhood and into my adulthood because of what those other boys did at the bus stop. There are actually many experiences in my early life that compounded on top of each other to really create a whirlwind of lies and wounds that I’m frequently taking to my Heavenly Father for healing so that I can learn and grow.
I know folks who say, “When I gave my life to Jesus, He just took all that away in an instant!”
And I’m in no position to argue with their experience. I just know for me, He certainly forgave my sin, redeemed my soul, and gave me a new life, adopted me into His family, and radically changed me when I submitted my life to Him… but it has taken me years to allow Him into the parts of my mind and heart that I didn’t even know were broken and hurting! Jesus and I are walking out a very long and patient journey of healing my deep hurts, and replacing the lies left in the wake of those hurts with His truth.
What lies are you still believing from your past?
Jesus offers healing. Psalm 147:3 says: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
He can do that for you, too.
Let God Heal the Broken Places in You
Sometimes, the wounds of our past keep us trapped in hopelessness. We try to move forward, but the pain lingers. The truth is, we can’t fully step into freedom until we invite God into those broken places—to heal, restore, and set us free.
In December 2023, Eric Eliason preached a powerful message at Open Arms Community Church called “Set the Captives Free.” In this sermon, he talks about how God wants to heal our past wounds so we can walk in true freedom.
If you’re struggling with hurt, trauma, or burdens from your past, this message is for you. Take a moment to watch it—and invite God to bring healing where you need it most.
When you’re struggling, it’s easy to feel like God is distant—or worse, that He doesn’t care. Maybe you’ve prayed before and nothing seemed to change. Maybe people told you to “just have more faith,” and it didn’t help.
But faith is not about pretending everything is fine. It’s about trusting God in the middle of the mess.
Jesus Understands Your Pain
If you’ve ever felt completely alone in your suffering, I want you to know Jesus understands exactly what that feels like.
Jesus, the Son of God, went through deep emotional and physical pain. He knows what it’s like to feel crushed, rejected, and in agony. You are not alone in this.
Isaiah 53:4-5 says: “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering… But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Jesus took all of our pain, all of our suffering, and all of our brokenness upon Himself. He didn’t just come to teach us how to live—He came to rescue us from the darkness.
God is the Source of Real Hope
Faith doesn’t mean you’ll never struggle. It doesn’t mean every bad feeling instantly disappears. But faith gives you something solid to stand on when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
Romans 15:13 says: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Real hope isn’t about wishful thinking. It’s about knowing that God is still in control, even when life feels overwhelming.
Hope says: “This pain is real, but it is not permanent.”
Hope says: “God has not forgotten me, even when I feel invisible.”
Hope says: “God can turn this mess into something beautiful.”
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re in a dark place, here’s what I want you to know:
1️⃣ You don’t have to fix yourself before coming to God. He meets you right where you are. 2️⃣ You can be honest with God. If you’re angry, confused, or struggling—tell Him. He already knows, and He wants to walk with you through it. 3️⃣ You don’t have to do this alone. God designed us for community. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and pray for you.
Psalm 40:1-2 says: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
No matter how deep the pit feels, God is strong enough to pull you out.
Jesus is not afraid of your darkness. He is the light. And He wants to lead you out of it.
Want to Go Deeper? Watch Our Sermon Series on Overcoming Depression
If you’re struggling with depression, despair, or feelings of hopelessness, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
Back in 2014, Pastor Mike McAvoy led a powerful sermon series at Open Arms Community Church called “Defeating the Dragon of Depression and Despair.” In this series, he dives deep into the spiritual, emotional, and practical aspects of overcoming depression, offering biblical wisdom and real hope.
We encourage you to take some time to watch these messages and let God’s truth replace the lies of hopelessness.
1️⃣ Ask God for help. He hears you and cares for you. 2️⃣ Take inventory of what you’re feeding your mind. Start replacing negativity with hope. 3️⃣ Reach out for help. A friend, a pastor, a counselor—don’t keep this to yourself.
Join Us for Prayer on Monday Night
If you need hope, if you need someone to pray for you, if you just need to be in a place where you’re not alone—join us at Open Arms Community Church for our Monday Night Prayer Meeting. No pressure, no judgment. Just a time to seek peace and healing together.
Our former Pastor, and the current Superintendent of the Southeast Region of the Free Methodist Church Mike McAvoy, wrote a fantastic article in Light and Life Magazine!
“We find most American Christians have divided loyalties that lead us to live out half-truths and experience far less of the kingdom life described in Scripture and seen in the lives of the many devoted followers throughout history to the present. As Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both…” (Matthew 6:24).
We know Jesus ended saying “God and money,” but the principle holds true about anything. We cannot serve both God and fill in your competing idol (money, possessions, pleasure, comfort, image, fame, power, success, career, status, ego, independence, rights, preservation, nationalism, politics, family, friends, etc.). As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are not part of a democracy, and we are not living life on our own terms, in this world or the next. Now we are foreigners and live as ambassadors for the kingdom of God wherever we live, work, and play.
I’m not an expert on foreign relations, but these things seem obvious. An ambassador is an officially authorized representative or messenger to a foreign/different culture or country. They are foreigners who are in that specific place on official business to represent another kingdom and its interests. They may enjoy some of the amenities, but they can never forget why they are there. Typically, they have certain diplomatic privileges and rights and delegated authority to act in the interests and work of their kingdom. An ambassador is a temporary assignment.
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“Jesus made it clear that the words He proclaimed and the works He performed were from the Father to accomplish His plan.”
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We see these truths taught throughout the New Testament and modeled by Jesus.”
As we step into the season of Lent, Open Arms is excited to launch 40 Days of Sharing—a time of community, kindness, and sharing God’s love, one neighbor at a time. This journey will lead us up to Easter, and we invite you to be part of something truly meaningful.
What is 40 Days of Sharing?
During these 40 days, we are committing to spreading the good news of God through acts of kindness and love in our community. This is an opportunity to come together, build relationships, and make a difference in the lives of those around us. And what better way to begin than with a night of prayer and worship?
Join Us for the Kickoff Event!
To start this journey, we will be gathering for a special Prayer & Worship Night on:
📅 Wednesday, March 5th ⏰ 6:00 PM 📍 Open Arms Auditorium
This night will be a time of worship, prayer, and dedication, as we ask God to guide us in this mission. We’ll come together as a church family to surrender this time to Him and seek His direction as we step out to love and serve our neighbors.
Why 40 Days?
Lent is a season of reflection and preparation, leading us to the celebration of Easter. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness preparing for His ministry, we will use this time to intentionally share His love with those around us.
This year, as we move into a new community, we see this as a divine opportunity to bring hope and kindness to new neighbors. Every small act of love matters, and together, we can make a big impact.
Be Part of the Movement
We believe God is calling us to action—to be His hands and feet in this world. Whether it’s through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need, we can be a reflection of Christ’s love.
Are you ready to make a difference and be part of something bigger? Join our Mission Team and help spread God’s love through acts of service, kindness, and outreach! Whether you have a heart for prayer, serving others, or building connections in our community, there’s a place for you. Sign up today and take the next step in being the hands and feet of Jesus!
We encourage everyone to join us for the kickoff event and be part of this incredible season of sharing. Let’s come together in prayer, worship, and community as we prepare our hearts for what God has in store.
Let’s make these 40 days count—one neighbor at a time.
Exciting changes are coming to Open Arms Community Church! Very soon, we’ll be relocating from 1289 East Main Street to 71 Congress Street in Bradford.
We’re still waiting for the final legal paperwork to go through, but in the meantime, we’ve started packing boxes and moving items into storage. We could use your help! If you’re interested in lending a hand, please contact our office at bradford@oachurch.com or speak with one of our ministry leaders. They’ll let you know when and how you can assist.
For now, we’re still meeting at 1289 East Main Street for our 10 AM Sunday service until further notice.
Once we make the move, our service times may change, so be sure to check back here for updates. Thank you for your prayers and support as we prepare for this exciting transition!
