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Faith an dCrafts Event at Open Arms Community Church

Faith & Crafts Workshop: A Creative Afternoon for Adults and Families

Looking for a hands-on, meaningful way to engage with Scripture—whether on your own or with your kids? We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Faith & Crafts Workshop, a creative, faith-filled afternoon designed for adults and families alike.

This workshop creates space to slow down, reflect, and create together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Participants will make Scripture Jars and Scripture Boxes, practical and encouraging projects designed to help keep God’s Word close in everyday life.

Adults are welcome to attend on their own, and parents are welcome to bring their children. Crafts will be available for both kids and adults, making this a great opportunity for families to share a meaningful experience—or for individuals to enjoy a creative afternoon of reflection.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Location: Open Arms Community Church
71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who It’s For:

  • Adults attending on their own
  • Families with children
  • Community members (open to the public)

📝 Registration:
Registration is required so we can prepare enough supplies for everyone attending.

💛 Donations:
Donations of $5–$10 are welcome to help cover the cost of materials, but they are completely optional. No one should feel unable to attend due to cost.

🍪 Snacks:
A light snack will be provided during the workshop.

What to Expect

  • Scripture Jars and Scripture Boxes
  • Hands-on crafts for kids and adults
  • All supplies provided
  • A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere
  • Take-home projects that encourage faith beyond the event

Questions?

If you have questions about the event or registration, please contact:
Lisa Braund or Melissa Robinson
📧 lisab@oachurch.com

We’d love for you to join us for this creative and meaningful afternoon. Whether you come on your own or bring your kids along, the Faith & Crafts Workshop is a simple way to connect, create, and grow together.

bradford pumpkinfest

After Pumpkinfest, Head Over to Open Arms for Community Fun Night!

Pumpkinfest is one of the highlights of fall here in Bradford, PA—a time for families and friends to gather downtown, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate the season together. This year, the fun doesn’t have to end when Pumpkinfest wraps up.

Open Arms Community Church invites you to keep the celebration going with our Fall Movie Night on Saturday, September 27, from 6:30–8:30 PM.

A Cozy Fall Evening for the Whole Family

Our Community Fun Night will feature a seasonal classic movie. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the timeless story, laughter, and lessons that come with this fall favorite.

And what’s a movie night without treats? We’ll have:

  • Freshly popped popcorn
  • Sweet candy snacks
  • A warm, family-friendly atmosphere

Free and Open to Everyone

This event is completely free and open to the community. Whether you’re part of Open Arms or just looking for something fun to do after Pumpkinfest in Bradford, PA, you’re welcome to join us. Bring your family, bring your friends, and enjoy an evening that’s both fun and meaningful.

Want to Lend a Hand?

We’re also looking for volunteers to help make the night special. Opportunities include:

  • Helping set up before the event
  • Handing out candy
  • Making and serving popcorn
  • Cleaning up after the movie

If you’d like to volunteer, just connect with Angel or Dan at Open Arms.

Join Us After Pumpkinfest!

Don’t head straight home after Pumpkinfest—come on over to Open Arms Community Church at 71 Congress Street in Bradford, PA, for Family Fun Night. It’s the perfect way to wind down the day with a cozy movie, tasty snacks, and great company.

We can’t wait to see you there!

things to do in Bradford PA

What’s New at Open Arms Community Church: August 2025 Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

There’s something exciting happening every week this August at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA! From a kid-focused celebration to a community-wide block party, a powerful new sermon series, and our annual baptism picnic—there are so many opportunities to connect, grow, and celebrate together.

🎉 August 1 – Super Summer Bash: Kids Night

Friday, August 1st | 4–8PM
Location: Open Arms Community Church – 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA

Kids ages 3 to 11 are invited to Creation Camp, a fun-filled evening of dinner, games, Bible lessons, and joy! Parents, you’re not left out—join us at 7PM for an Ice Cream Social where you can connect with other families and enjoy a sweet treat together. It’s the perfect summer night out for the whole family.

🎶 August 2 – Super Summer Bash: Community Block Party

Saturday, August 2nd | 12-4PM
Location: Open Arms Community Church – 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA

Get ready for one of the biggest parties of the summer! Our Community Block Party is back, and it’s better than ever with:

  • Inflatables and a dunk tank
  • Live music
  • Free food
  • Games and prizes

Everyone is welcome—so bring your family, your friends, your neighbors… and come make some memories!

💞 August 3 – New Series: How We Love

Sunday, August 3rd | Services at 9AM & 11AM
Location: Open Arms Community Church – 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA

We’re launching a brand-new sermon series this August titled “How We Love.” It’s a deep dive into relationships—friendships, marriages, and everyday interactions—where we’ll explore what it looks like to truly reflect God’s love in how we care for others and ourselves.

Come find hope, healing, and practical ways to grow in your relationships. There’s a better way to love—and we’re learning it together.

🌊 August 31 – Baptism and Picnic at Marilla

Sunday, August 31st | Location: Marilla Landing Pavilion (Above the Reservoir)
Note: We will NOT be meeting at the church building this Sunday.

Join us at the Marilla Landing Pavilion for one of the most beautiful Sundays of the year—our annual Baptism Service and Church Picnic! It’s a time of celebration, community, and public declarations of faith as we gather outdoors to worship, witness baptisms, and enjoy great food and fellowship.

👉 Want to get baptized? Reach out to us soon so we can help you take that next step in your faith journey.

Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA is here to help real people connect with a real God who loves them. We can’t wait to see you this August!

fun for kids in bradford pa

Creation Camp — A Friday Night Just for Kids!

We’re kicking off Super Summer Bash weekend with something special just for the little ones — it’s Creation Camp, and it’s going to be an absolute blast!

Join us on Friday, August 1 from 4–8PM at Open Arms Community Church for a free, fun-filled night designed for kids ages 3 to 11. It’s hosted by our amazing Thrive Kids Ministry team and packed with activities your kids will love:

  • 🎨 Games & Crafts
  • 🍝 Spaghetti Dinner
  • 📖 Bible Lesson on Creation
  • 🍦 Ice Cream Social at 7PM (for Parents AND Kids!)

This night is all about faith, fun, and friendship—helping kids connect with God and each other in a way that’s exciting, hands-on, and unforgettable.

And that’s just the beginning! The fun continues on Saturday with our big Community Block Party—inflatables, music, food, games, giveaways, and more.

👉 Get all the Super Summer Bash details here and invite your crew!

We can’t wait to see your kids THRIVE!

things to do in bradford pa

The Block Party Bradford’s Been Waiting For!

Ready to soak up the last bit of summer with your friends and family? The Super Summer Bash is bringing the party to 71 Congress Street—and you’re invited!

Join us Saturday, August 2 from 12–4PM for an unforgettable Community Block Party hosted by Open Arms Community Church. This free event is packed with everything you need for a day full of smiles and good vibes:

  • 🎈 Inflatables for kids of all ages
  • 🎯 Games with school supply prizes
  • 🎤 Live Music all afternoon
  • 💦 Dunk Tank (yes, someone’s going in!)
  • 🌭 Free Food & Snacks
  • 🎁 Giveaways & More

Whether you’re coming with the kids, the crew, or just want to meet some new folks, this is your chance to have a blast, enjoy the community, and make some memories.

And don’t forget—Friday night kicks off the weekend with Creation Camp for kids ages 3–11, including games, crafts, a Bible lesson, and a sweet ice cream social.

👉 Get all the weekend details and invite your friends here.

Let’s celebrate summer together—see you there!

Orange Black Retro Live Music Flyer (Presentation)

Live Music + Summer Vibes = One Epic Saturday

There’s just something about live music in the summer that makes everything better. That’s why we’re turning up the volume at the Super Summer Bash!

Join us Saturday, August 2 from 12–4PM for an afternoon of incredible live performances from some of our favorite local artists—Rich Dennison, Shawn Pierce, Josh Hatcher, and Caleb Combs. While the music plays, the whole block will be buzzing with activity!

Here’s what else you’ll find happening all around the church:

  • Giant inflatables for the kids
  • Games with prizes and school supplies
  • A dunk tank (who will YOU send in?)
  • Free food and giveaways
  • And tons of friendly faces

It’s all part of a full weekend of fun hosted by Open Arms Community Church and Thrive Kids Ministry, starting with Creation Camp for kids on Friday night and ending with a Saturday block party you’ll be talking about all year.

👉 See the full weekend schedule and details here.

things to do in bradford pa

You’re Invited: Church In Town – Outdoor Worship, Free Lunch, and Family Fun!

We’ve been busy these past several months—unpacking boxes, settling into our new home at 71 Congress Street, and getting out into Bradford to meet our neighbors. Now it’s time for something special. We’re throwing open the doors (and stepping outside them!) to say: come worship with us!

On Sunday, June 29 at 10:00 AM, join us right in our church parking lot for Church In Town—a joyful outdoor worship service, free community lunch, and activities for kids of all ages. Whether you’ve never been to church or haven’t been in years, this event is for you.

“The mission of Open Arms Community Church is Real People Helping People Become More Like Jesus as a Family,” says Lead Pastor Zoe Hatcher. “To help people grow in faith, we have to follow the example of Jesus—He moved into the neighborhood and met people where they were. That’s what we want to do.”

For many years, we’ve hosted Church Around Town, where we’d pack up our gear and bring church to local parks, the town square, and other spots throughout Bradford. We did it because we wanted to reach people where they were. But now, something exciting has changed: we’re already there.

Now that Open Arms is located right in the heart of the city, we don’t have to go far to bring church to town—we’re in town! So this year, we’re starting a new tradition: Church In Town—a celebration that brings our neighborhood together to worship, connect, and share a meal right here at our new home.

You’ll experience:

  • A down-to-earth worship service with live music and a practical, hope-filled message
  • A free lunch served immediately after the service
  • Fun activities for kids, so families can relax and enjoy the morning together
  • A chance to meet new people, hear God’s Word, and experience love without pressure or pretense

Pastor Dan Robinson puts it this way:

“Some people give church buildings a bad rap, like just because they don’t always attend, they may not be welcome inside the building. By inviting people to our location in the heart of the city, we are creating a welcoming environment where people can come, relax, hear God’s word, and meet a new family who is ready to welcome them with open arms—no pun intended. It’s easy to come to an outdoor event! Show up, say hi, and have a bite to eat!”

We believe church should feel like family—and family starts with connection. So come as you are. Bring your kids. Bring a friend. Grab a chair or blanket. And join us for a summer Sunday full of faith, food, and fun.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Templates & Apps

🕊️ Holy Week & Important Dates at Open Arms Community Church

Dear Church Family,

After much prayer and anticipation, we are thrilled to announce that Open Arms Community Church has a confirmed moving date! We’ve 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’ve gathered for the past 22 years.

🚛 Moving Day:

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’ll have lunch together and then begin packing and moving to the new location.
We need all hands on deck—if you’re available to help, please sign up:

👉 Volunteer for Moving Day

April 13, 2025 – First Services at 71 Congress St.

Our first worship services at the new building will take place on Palm Sunday!

🕘 9:00 AM – Intergenerational Worship (Children join adults in worship)
🕚 11:00 AM – Worship Service + Children’s Ministry (Ages 0–11)

Services will be held downstairs in the Fellowship Hall (please enter through the back entrance) while the front ramp is under construction for handicap accessibility.

Let’s come together to celebrate what God has done and prepare our hearts for this exciting new chapter!

🕘 5:00 PM – Pitt Chapel Service Come Worship With us at the Pitt Chapel! It’s a busy day of celebration, but we’re going to minister beyond the walls of our new building!

Worship at Harriet B Wick Chapel at Pitt Bradford
CrossWalk Services Bradford Area Ministerium

April 18, 2025 – Crosswalk Services

🕛 12:00–3:00 PM | Beginning at St. Bernard’s Church

Join our local community churches as we observe Good Friday with worship at seven downtown churches, carrying the cross between each location.

This is a powerful opportunity for the Church united to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us, making a dark day in history truly Good.

April 18–19, 2025 – Prayer Vigil

🕖 7:00 PM (Friday) – 7:00 AM (Saturday)
📍 Open Arms Community Church, 71 Congress St.

Join us for an overnight prayer vigil from Good Friday through Holy Saturday morning as we pray for awakening in our community.

👉 Sign up for a prayer hour here

April 20, 2025 – Easter Sunday!

One week after Palm Sunday, we will celebrate Easter in our new building (downstairs in the Fellowship Hall – rear entrance).

🕘 9:00 AM – Intergenerational Worship
🕚 11:00 AM – Worship Service + Children’s Ministry

Easter is one of the most attended Sundays of the year, and what an incredible opportunity to invite people into our new space to hear the message of Jesus’ resurrection and new life!

🎉 Be sure to grab your invites, door hangers, and magnets at any of our services.

🙌 How You Can Help

✅ Volunteer for Moving Day (April 6):
Help move, pack, and transport items.
👉 Sign up to help

✅ Stay Connected:
Make sure we have your current contact info so you can receive updates via email or text.
👉 Update your info here

✅ Invite Others:
Share the news about our move and invite people to Palm Sunday (April 13) and Easter Sunday (April 20)!
👉 Sign up for the Street Team

✅ Pray for the Transition:
We are trusting God to guide us through every step of this exciting time.
👉 Submit prayer requests or join the prayer team

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.

Celebrating our King,
Zoe Hatcher
Lead Pastor
www.oachurch.com
Open Arms Community Church
1289 E. Main St., Bradford, PA
📞 814-368-8846
📧 zoe@oachurch.com

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” – Galatians 2:20

game night - things to do in bradford pa

Community Fun Night: GAME NIGHT

Looking for a fun and safe way to enjoy “The Big Game” with friends and family? Open Arms Community Church invites you to join us for a Community Fun Night filled with food, games, and fellowship!

Event Details:

📅 Sunday, February 9
⏰ 6 PM – 8 PM
📍 Children’s Ministry Area at Open Arms Community Church

Come watch “The Big Game” on the big TV while enjoying board games, great company, and delicious snacks. Wear your favorite game day attire, bring your favorite game day snacks to share, and get ready for a night of fun and connection.

We’re also looking for volunteers to help with setup, hosting, and cleanup. If you’re interested, reach out to Angel Atkinson at angelcare@oachurch.com.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy the game, meet new people, and spend time together in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a football fan or just looking for a fun way to spend the evening, we’d love to see you there!

Join Us!

If you’re looking for things to do in Bradford, PA, this is the perfect event for you. Bring your family, bring your friends, and let’s make it a night to remember!

For more information, visit Open Arms Community Church or follow us on social media.

Community Fun Night Flyer - Open Arms Community Church in Bradford PA
Things to do in Bradford PA

February Events at a Glance

Looking for things to do in Bradford, PA this February? Open Arms Community Church has some exciting events lined up for all ages! Whether you’re looking for fellowship, fun, or ways to serve, there’s something for everyone.

Community Fun Night: Game Night

Sunday, February 9 | 6 PM – 8 PM
Join us in the Children’s Ministry Area for a night of fellowship and board games, with the BIG GAME streaming in the background! Everyone is welcome, so wear your favorite game day attire and bring your favorite game day snacks.

Fun for all ages!

We are also looking for volunteers to help with setup, hosting, and cleanup. If you’re interested, please see Angel Atkinson or email her at angelcare@oachurch.com.

Operation Christmas Child – February Collection: Hygiene Items

Throughout the month of February, we are collecting hygiene items for Operation Christmas Child. Items needed include washcloths, toothbrushes, and combs. Your donations will help bless children around the world. Drop off your contributions at the church any time this month!

“Friday Night Lights” Community Youth Gathering

Friday, February 28 | 6 PM – 8 PM
All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us at Grace Lutheran Church for a night of fellowship with youth groups from across the area. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, build friendships, and grow together in faith.

We’d love to see you at any of these events! If you’re looking for things to do in Bradford, PA, Open Arms Community Church is a great place to connect, serve, and grow. Invite your friends and family—we can’t wait to spend time together!

For more information, contact the church or follow us on social media.

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