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What’s New with Microchurches at Open Arms Community Church – August 2025

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If you’ve ever wished church felt more personal, more like family, and more like real life—microchurches might be exactly what you’re looking for.

At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, microchurches are where big faith meets small gatherings. These groups meet in homes, kitchens, and creative spaces throughout the week to pray together, serve together, and live life together—sharing meals, stories, struggles, and victories.

And this August, there are more ways than ever to jump in.

🌱 What Is a Microchurch?

Microchurches are smaller, decentralized communities connected to Open Arms. Each one has its own flavor and focus, but they’re all built around the same mission: to love God, love people, and make disciples. Whether you’re new to faith or have been walking with Jesus for years, there’s a place for you.

You can explore current groups at
👉 openarmscommunitychurch.org/microchurches

📆 August 2025 Microchurch Highlights

Here’s a look at just some of the microchurch opportunities happening this month:

🙏 Engage Prayer

Every Monday • 6PM
Meet at Open Arms (71 Congress St) to go deeper in prayer.

🛠️ Tribe of Lions – Men’s Microchurch

Aug 4 & 18 • 6:30PM – Men gather downstairs at Open Arms
Aug 11 • 6–7:30PM – Forge Night: Stop the Bleed Trauma Response Training
Aug 25 • 6:30PM – Prayer Walk & Litter Pickup around town

👩‍🍳 Harvest of Faith – Baking + Fellowship

Aug 23 & 30 • 2–4PM
A baking and canning group in the Open Arms kitchen.

👩 EmpowHer – Women’s Microchurch

Every Thursday • 6–8PM
Gathering weekly for encouragement and spiritual growth downstairs at Open Arms.

🧒 Youth Group

Every Sunday • 6–8PM
Except Aug 31, when we’ll be celebrating baptisms at Marilla!
All other Sundays meet at Open Arms.

🍽️ Sunday Dinner – Young Adults

Aug 10 & 17 • 5PM
Meet at the Hatcher House (869 W Washington St). No group Aug 3 & 24.

🛵 Least of These Riders

  • Aug 5 • 6:30PM – Meet at Charlie’s Cycle Shop, Minard Run
  • Aug 12 & 26 • 6:30PM – Meet at the Robinsons’ house, Lewis Run
  • Aug 19 • 6:30PM – Men & Women meet separately (location TBA)

📖 New Believers Group

Every Thursday • 6:30PM at 65 North Center St
Grow in your faith and discover the promises of God together.

🏡 Promises of God

6:30PM at 17 Vista Circle, Bradford
A consistent midweek gathering for prayer, Scripture, and connection.

Ready to Join a Microchurch?

Microchurches aren’t about sitting in rows—they’re about gathering in circles. Whether you’re looking for deep Bible study, practical help, a place to serve, or just meaningful friendships, we’d love to help you find a microchurch that fits your life.

👉 See all our microchurches and find your place here.

things to do in Bradford PA

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

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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!

Break the Chains Festival Port Allegany

Break the Chains Fest 2025: Worship, Freedom, and Community in Port Allegany

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This weekend, July 25–26, Open Arms Community Church is headed to Port Allegany for Break the Chains Fest 2025 — a two-day event filled with worship, testimonies, food, and freedom in Christ.

This isn’t just a music festival. It’s a mission to bring hope to those battling addiction, depression, trauma, and spiritual darkness — and to show our communities that Jesus sets people free.

🎯 What’s the Mission?

Break the Chains Fest exists to shine a light in dark places. It’s a gathering of churches, musicians, and ministries with one purpose: to break the chains that hold people back from freedom in Christ.

Through live worship, powerful testimonies, and one-on-one ministry, this event reaches hearts with real stories of redemption and recovery. Whether you’re coming as a believer, a seeker, or someone just needing hope — you are welcome.

👋 Open Arms Family Represented

We’re so excited to see several of our Open Arms people leading and participating in this year’s festival:

  • 🎤 Caleb Dougherty will be performing on the Main Stage Friday at 11:15 AM
  • 🎤 Josh Hatcher will be sharing music and testimony Saturday at 12:00 PM
  • 🙌 The Least of These Riders (TLTR Worship) will be leading worship Saturday at 2:30 PM and serving throughout the weekend – including helping with Children’s Programming.

These folks represent the heart of our church — people who love Jesus, love others, and aren’t afraid to step out and serve.

Want to connect with TLTR? Check out their Facebook group here:
👉 The Least of These Riders – Facebook Group

We’re also expecting to see some of our friends from Salt and Light Community Church — come say hi and celebrate the unity of God’s people across the region!

🍔 Vendors, Food Trucks & Family Fun

Break the Chains Fest is completely free, and it’s more than music — it’s an outdoor community event. You’ll find:

  • Delicious local food trucks
  • Vendors offering handmade goods, resources, and outreach tools
  • Ministry booths where you can get prayer, encouragement, and connection

Bring a chair, bring a friend, and plan to stay a while!

🗓️ Full Event Schedule

Friday, July 25, 2025

TimePerformer/Activity
11:00 – 11:15Opening Prayer and Announcements
11:15Caleb Dougherty (Open Arms Community Church)
12:00Bobby Spaeth
1:00Walt Miles and Friends
2:00Tucker Rodkey with Painting Freedom Ministries
2:30Thankful and Daughters
3:30CR-84
4:30Kassie Shumac
5:30Tucker Rodkey with Painting Freedom Ministries
6:00Dave Miller
7:00Steve Benna
8:00 – 10:00JJ Beauvais and Genuine Melodies

Saturday, July 26, 2025

TimePerformer/Activity
11:00 – 11:15Opening Prayer and Announcements
11:15Jill Yingling
12:00Josh Hatcher (Open Arms Community Church)
12:30Tucker Rodkey with Painting Freedom Ministries
1:30By The Jordan
2:30TLTR Worship – The Least of These Riders
3:30Jason Caldwell
4:00CR-84
5:00JJ Beauvais and Genuine Melodies
7:00Tucker Rodkey with Painting Freedom Ministries
7:30Daniel Butler
8:30David Miller
9:30 – 10:00Worship and Candlelight Prayer Vigil

📍 Event Details

🗓 Friday & Saturday, July 25–26
📍 Port Allegany, PA – Open air event space
🎟 FREE Admission

🔗 More Info:
👉 Facebook Event Page
📰 Solomon’s Words – Event Preview
📰 Bradford Era – Building Hope, Breaking Chains

✝️ Let’s Go Be the Church

Let’s show up, Open Arms. Come support our people. Come worship with the hurting. Come believe for breakthrough.

We don’t just attend events like this — we carry the presence of God with us wherever we go. Be part of what God is doing this weekend in Port Allegany.

We’ll see you at Break the Chains!

baptism Open Arms community church bradford pa

Marilla Baptism Service & Picnic

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ne of our favorite Sundays of the year—our outdoor Baptism Service & Picnic at Marilla Landing Pavilion! Whether you’ve walked with Jesus for decades or you’re just starting to explore faith, this is the perfect moment to celebrate new life together.

All‑in‑One Sunday Schedule

Important: This week we will not meet at 71 Congress Street. Instead, our regular Sunday worship service, the baptisms, and the picnic will all happen right at Marilla Landing Pavilion. Come ready to sing, celebrate, and feast outdoors!

Bring a lawn chair for the service and baptisms—seating at the pavilion is limited.

Why We Celebrate Baptism

Baptism is a public “yes” to the new life Jesus offers. Going under the water symbolizes dying to our old, sin‑stained way of living, and coming up represents rising with Christ to a fresh start. It’s an outward sign of an inward change—simple, powerful, and open to anyone who has decided to follow Jesus.

Not sure you’re ready? Come anyway, ask questions, and see what it’s all about. We’ll have extra towels and friendly faces ready to talk.

How to Get There

Address: Marilla Landing Pavilion, 1131 W. Washington St., Bradford, PA 16701 RunSignup

From downtown Bradford / Open Arms (71 Congress St.):

  1. Head west on West Washington St. / PA‑346.
  2. Keep going for about 5 miles until you see Marilla Reservoir on the right.
  3. Just past the covered bridge, turn right when you see the sign for Luther Reservoir and follow the drive to the pavilion parking lot.
    Tip: Cell service can be spotty around the reservoir, so set your GPS before leaving town.

What to Expect

  • Outdoor worship service under the pavilion roof.
  • Inflatable baptism tub front and center so everyone can celebrate up close.
  • Real‑life stories of transformation as each person being baptized shares what Jesus has done in their life.
  • Casual picnic vibe—kids playing, camp chairs, and plenty of food to share.

Picnic Details – Bring a Dish to Pass

Right after the baptisms we’ll break out the picnic tables. To make the feast amazing, bring a favorite side, salad, or dessert to share—homemade or store‑bought is fine. We’ll provide the main dishes, drinks, and paper goods so it’s easy for everyone.

Get Your Free Baptism T‑Shirt

Everyone who signs up for baptism ahead of time receives a Baptism T‑shirt. It’s our gift to mark this milestone and a great conversation starter long after Sunday.

Register today using the form below!

Ready to Take the Plunge?

  1. Fill out the form below and let us know you’re in.
  2. Invite friends and family—they won’t want to miss it.
  3. Pack your chair, your covered‑dish, and plenty of excitement!

If you’re still on the fence, come anyway. Sometimes watching others take their step is exactly what God uses to nudge us forward.

We can’t wait to worship, celebrate, and picnic with you at Marilla Landing Pavilion. Let’s eat together, laugh together, and rejoice as lives are made new!

fun for kids in bradford pa

Creation Camp — A Friday Night Just for Kids!

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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!

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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

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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.

microchurches: Things to do and support groups in Bradford PA

What’s Happening in Open Arms Microchurches – July 2025

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Looking to connect, grow in your faith, and build real friendships? Microchurches at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA are where discipleship meets everyday life. This July, our microchurches are gathering all over the region — in homes, parks, shops, and our church building — to pray, learn, serve, and do life together.

Whether you’re brand new or ready to go deeper, there’s a group for you. Here’s what’s coming up:

🔥 What Are Microchurches?

Microchurches are small, disciple-making communities that meet outside Sunday services to live out the mission of Jesus together. Some groups gather around prayer and worship, others around shared interests or life stages — but all are focused on relationship, growth, and service.

👉 Learn more about how microchurches work at
openarmscommunitychurch.org/microchurches

ENGAGE Prayer

Every Monday at 6 PM
Location: Open Arms (71 Congress St)
Go deeper in prayer and spiritual connection with others.

Promises of God

Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM
17 Vista Circle Microchurch
Weekly community gathering — a consistent place to grow together.


New Believers Group

Every Thursday at 6:30 PM
Location: 65 North Center Street
Perfect for those new to the faith or exploring the foundations.


EmpowHer (Women’s Microchurch)

Every Thursday from 6–8 PM
Location: Downstairs at Open Arms
Connect with other women to grow in faith and friendship.

July 20 – Ms. Tillie’s Ice Cream Social (2 PM)
Hosted by EmpowHer Microchurch — a sweet tradition honoring a beautiful legacy. Open to all.

🧔‍♂️ Tribe of Lions Men’s Microchurch

July 7 & 21 at 6:30 PM
Gathering downstairs at Open Arms — spiritual growth and brotherhood.

July 28 – Cookout & Cornhole
Location TBD — Bring a friend for food, fun, and community.

🔥 Forge Night: BBQ Skills July 14 – 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Location: Callahan Park
Hands-on men’s night focused on mastering the grill and building brotherhood. Hosted by Tribe of Lions.

🏍️ Least of These Riders

Faith meets freedom on two wheels. This biker-friendly microchurch combines community with a love for the open road.

July 1 – Meet at Charlie’s Cycle Shop (Minard Run)
July 8 & 22 – Meet at the Robinson’s House (Lewis Run)
July 15 – Men & Women meet separately (Location TBD)

July 25 – Kids & Cancer Benefit Pre-Run Party + Bike Show (6–9 PM)
Location: Ace Hardware Parking Lot

July 26 – Break the Chains Festival (11 AM–8 PM)
Location: Port Allegany
Join us for live music, testimonies, and freedom in Christ.

👧 Youth Group

July 6 – (TBD)
July 13, 20, 27 – 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Open Arms, 71 Congress St
Teens gather for games, discussion, and faith.

🍽️ Sunday Dinner Night (Young Adults)

A laid-back way for 18–30-somethings to build friendships and talk about life and faith.

July 6 – Swimming & Picnic at Willow Bay (5 PM)
July 13, 20, 27 – Dinner & Fire at 869 W Washington St (5 PM)
July 29 – Gathering (Location TBD)

Don’t Just Go to Church — Be the Church

This summer, plug into a microchurch and experience what it means to live on mission with others. Our gatherings aren’t just meetings — they’re moments where lives are changed, chains are broken, and people become family.

👉 Find your place

📍 Sundays at Open Arms

71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA
9AM & 11AM In-Person + Online Services
Plan Your Visit

Things to in Bradford PA - Open Arms Community Church

What’s Happening at Open Arms Community Church This July?

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July is packed with purpose, connection, and celebration at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA. Whether you’re part of our church family or just curious about what’s going on, there’s something meaningful for everyone this month!

🕊️ New Sermon Series: Restoring the Soul

We all long for healing — but true healing begins deep within.

Starting this July, join us for Restoring the Soul, a brand-new four-part Sunday morning message series. Each week, we’ll explore a different element of emotional and spiritual renewal:

  • Identity
  • Repentance
  • Forgiveness
  • Freedom from fear

You’ll discover how God restores what’s been broken and leads us into emotional, spiritual, and relational wholeness. Don’t miss this powerful and practical journey into the heart of healing.

📍 Sundays at 9AM & 11AM | 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA

🏡 July 13: Church Family Meeting

After second service on Sunday, July 13, we’re inviting our entire Open Arms family to stay for a special Family Meeting.

You’ll hear key updates on the life of our church—behind-the-scenes info, vision for the future, and how you can play a part in what God is doing in Bradford and beyond.

This is your opportunity to:

  • Stay informed
  • Get connected
  • Be part of the mission

Come be a voice at the table and a heart in the movement!

🍦 July 20: Ms. Tillie’s Ice Cream Social

We’re keeping a beautiful tradition alive. Join us on Saturday, July 20 for Ms. Tillie’s Ice Cream Social — a sweet celebration in honor of a truly sweet soul.

Though Ms. Tillie never liked calling it a “birthday party,” she loved gathering people for joy, laughter, and (of course) ice cream. Now, we honor her memory and legacy by continuing this beloved event.

📍 Hosted at Ms. Tillie’s home
🎉 Open to everyone who knew and loved her — or simply wants to honor her memory
❤️ Sponsored by the EmpowHer Microchurch and Ms. Tillie’s friends

Find Connection, Purpose, and Joy this July

We invite you to come as you are and experience real life-change through community, worship, and celebration. Whether you’re new to church or have been with us for years, Open Arms is a place where you can find hope, healing, and purpose.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Plan your visit today and discover what God is doing at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA.

📍 Sundays at Open Arms

71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA
9AM & 11AM In-Person + Online Services

bishop john okinda and rev pamela okinda

🌍 Special Guests from Kenya at Open Arms – Sunday, June 22

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This Sunday, June 22, 2025, we are honored to welcome Bishop Dr. John Okinda and Rev. Pamela Okinda from Migori, Kenya, as our special guests at Open Arms Church in Bradford, PA.

They will be sharing during both of our Sunday services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM at our new location:
📍 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA

✨ Voices of Global Impact

Bishop John and Rev. Pamela are visionary leaders whose ministry in Kenya is transforming lives. Together, they’ve built a thriving church that now serves over 800 people, an orphanage that cares for 110 children, and a school that provides life-changing education.

Bishop John currently serves as the Presiding Bishop of PEFA Church Kenya, overseeing ministry throughout the nation. Rev. Pamela leads Hope for Girls KE, a powerful initiative focused on empowering young girls with hope, love, and purpose.

Their story is one of deep faith, sacrificial service, and global mission—and now you have the chance to hear it firsthand.

🤝 Come Be Part of This Powerful Morning

This is more than a visit—it’s a reminder that God is moving all around the world. Whether you’re part of the Open Arms family or looking for a church home, this Sunday is the perfect opportunity to experience something special.

🗓️ Sunday, June 22, 2025
🕘 Services at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
📍 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA

👉 Plan your visit now: https://openarmscommunitychurch.org/visit

We can’t wait to see you this Sunday at Open Arms Church in Bradford, PA—a place where hope, healing, and purpose come alive.

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