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What’s New with Open Arms Microchurches – September 2025

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At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, we believe faith grows best in community. That’s why our microchurches meet throughout the week in homes and creative spaces across the region. These smaller gatherings are where real relationships are formed, prayers are shared, and discipleship happens in everyday life.

Here’s what’s happening with our microchurches this September:

Engage Prayer

Every Monday | 6 PM | Open Arms – 71 Congress St
Start your week in God’s presence. Join us each Monday night as we go deeper in prayer together.

Promises of God (New Believers Group)

Every Thursday | 6:30 PM | 65 North Center St, Bradford
This group is designed for those new to faith, offering encouragement and teaching on God’s promises.

EmpowHer

Every Thursday | 6–8 PM | Downstairs at Open Arms – 71 Congress St
A weekly women’s microchurch where ladies encourage one another and grow in Christ-centered sisterhood.

Homecoming Recovery – NEW!

Starting September 12 | Fridays | 6 PM | Downstairs at Open Arms – 71 Congress St
A safe place for those seeking freedom from addiction. This recovery microchurch offers support, prayer, and hope.

Harvest of Faith

Saturdays 2–4 PM | Kitchen at Open Arms – 71 Congress St
Join us for a hands-on experience of fellowship, faith, and baking.

Youth Group

  • Sept 7 & 28 | 5 PM | 869 W. Washington
  • Sept 14 | (TBA)

Students gather to build friendships, have fun, and grow in their walk with Jesus.

Sunday Dinner (Young Adults)

  • Sept 7, 14, 28 | 6–8 PM | Open Arms – 71 Congress St
  • Sept 21 | 6 PM | Hiking Trip at Marilla

A microchurch designed for young adults to share a meal, dive into God’s Word, and live life together.

Tribe of Lions (Men’s Microchurch)

  • Sept 1 | Labor Day – No Meeting
  • Sept 8 | 6:30 PM – Forge Night: Basic Home Repair
  • Sept 15 | 6:30 PM – Regular Meeting
  • Sept 22 | 6:30 PM – Forge Night: Trauma Response
  • Sept 29 | 6:30 PM – Chili Cook-Off

Men sharpening men through practical skills, spiritual growth, and authentic brotherhood.

Least of These Riders

  • Sept 2 | 6:30 PM – Meet at Charlie’s Cycle Shop, Minard Run
  • Sept 9 & 23 | 6:30 PM – Meet at Robinson’s House, Lewis Run
  • Sept 16 | 6:30 PM – Men & Women meet separately (TBA)
  • Sept 20 | 9 AM–3 PM – BTC 5th Annual Cruisin’ to Recovery @ Kane Family Drive-In
  • Sept 30 | (TBA)

A motorcycle microchurch for riders who want to combine faith, freedom, and fellowship.

New Microchurch Starting!

Later in September, we’ll have a new microchurch starting as well! Stay Tuned for more info!

Find Your Microchurch

Microchurches are where big church becomes personal. Whether you’re new to faith or have been following Jesus for years, there’s a place for you to connect, grow, and serve.

👉 Learn more about all our microchurches at openarmscommunitychurch.org/microchurches

Things to do in Bradford PA

What’s New at Open Arms This September 2025

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Looking for meaningful things to do in Bradford, PA this September? Open Arms Community Church has a full month of events where you can connect with others, grow in your faith, and make a difference in the community. From a brand-new teaching series to local outreach and fun gatherings, here’s what’s coming up:

New Series: Do As I Do

Starting Sunday, September 7

This fall, we’re launching a powerful new series called Do As I Do. Together, we’ll take a journey into living the way of Jesus. Each week, we’ll explore practical spiritual disciplines like Sabbath, prayer, fasting, and more.

This series is about more than belief — it’s about imitation. We’ll learn how to walk in His footsteps, shape our daily rhythms around His example, and experience the kind of life only He can offer. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow deeper in your faith and live it out in everyday life.

Walk for Life

Saturday, September 13 | 10 AM – 1 PM | Allegany River Park

If you’re looking for family-friendly events in Bradford, PA, join us at Allegany River Park for the annual Walk for Life, supporting Bright Alternatives, one of our mission partners. Bright Alternatives provides free care and resources for women and families facing unplanned pregnancies.

This is a chance to walk, connect, and make a real difference for people in our community. Bring your family and friends and help us support this vital ministry!

Destinations Chicken BBQ

Saturday, September 20 | 12 PM – 4 PM | Bradford Township Lions Club

Mark your calendar for a day of food, fun, and fellowship at the Bradford Township Lions Club. Enjoy a delicious chicken BBQ hot off the grill, along with activities and entertainment for the whole family.

Proceeds benefit Destinations Bradford, one of our Open Arms mission partners. Destinations serves as a resource for those in need, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and offering care for our community. By coming out to enjoy great food and fun, you’ll also be helping to support this essential ministry.

This is one of those can’t-miss things to do in Bradford, PA if you love good food and supporting a good cause.

Community Fun Night at Pumpkinfest

Saturday, September 27 | 7 PM | After Bradford Pumpkinfest

We’ll be wrapping up the month with a Community Fun Night after Bradford Pumpkinfest! Join us for an outdoor movie night starting at 7 PM. It’s a great way to relax, have fun, and spend time with others in our community.

Be Part of What’s Happening!

September is full of opportunities to grow in faith, support local ministries, and enjoy time with friends and family. Whether you’re joining us for the Do As I Do series on Sundays at 71 Congress Street, walking for life, eating BBQ chicken, or catching a movie at Pumpkinfest — Open Arms is here to help you experience hope, healing, and purpose.

If you’re looking for things to do in Bradford, PA, we’d love for you to join us at any of these events. There’s a place for you here!

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.

If you need a ride – Check out our bus schedule.

How to find Marilla Landing Pavilion #bradfordpa
https://youtube.com/shorts/JuQgpdH6gmk?feature=share

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!

Bus Schedule (5.5 × 4.25 in) (1)

Baptism Bus Schedule

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To take the bus to the 10 AM Baptism service at Marilla Landing Pavillion

The bus will be making the following stops:

  • 9:10 am – Bromeley Theatre, PITT CAMPUS
  • 9:15 am – Brookline Court and South Center
  • 9:20 am – Corner of Chautauqua Place, By High Rise & Kiwanis Court
  • 9:25 am – Veterans Square and Emery Towers
  • 9:35 am – Corner of Seward Ave / Bolivar Drive

Then the bus arrives will arrive at Marilla for the Baptism Service at 10AM

The bus then leaves after the service and drops off at those locations.

There will be an updated bus schedule for the week of 9.7.25

how we love quiz

Discover Your Love Style and Break Free from Unhealthy Patterns

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This month, we have been talking about our love styles and how to learn to love each other better in our relationships. The information from this series is drawn from the book “How We Love” by Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

You can find it here:
How We Love, Expanded Edition: Discover Your Love Style, Enhance Your Marriage: Yerkovich, Milan, Yerkovich, Kay

We have talked about falling into frustrating patterns in our relationships we call “the dance” where we go round and round with our partners, perpetuating

the same broken cycle. Last Sunday, we heard from Pastors Rich and Annette Dennison about their “dance” and how they’ve learned to communicate and love one another in a way that honors God. 

We are learning to realize that the problems in our relationships didn’t begin with our current relationship, they began much earlier, in our childhood. We learned how to love from our parents and caregivers and formed attachment styles and ways to respond to those who either gave us comfort, or the lack thereof. If you are curious to find out what love style you likely are, click here to take the survey:

Love Style Quiz – How We Love

There you will find out not only what type of love style you have, but ways to learn to grow from that broken style to a secure love style in your relationships. 

Stay tuned to our messages this month as I will be sharing this Sunday with my husband Josh Hatcher about our story and what we have learned through our journey together, learning to love in a new way. Then Sunday August 24, we will close out the series where I will be talking about the comfort circle; the way that we can learn to give and receive comfort in our relationships in a healthy way. We hope to see you there! 

Pastor Zoe

can a marriage survive cheating?
Our Love Style
bible studies in bradford pa

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!

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!

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