Bible Studies and Children's Church

Beyond the reading, hearing, and preaching of scripture during Lord's Day worship each Sunday, opportunities for the adults of our congregation to engage the scriptures include weekly Sunday School at 9:00 am, special women's and men's Bible studies, and weekly Lectionary Bible studies with the pastor.  Consult the monthly LINK newsletter for updates on specific offerings.

All of our children, up through grade 5, are encouraged to participate in our weekly Children's Church time, held during the latter portion of our Lord's Day worship service.  Our children share in worship with their families up through the Passing of the Peace, at which point they and their teachers for the month depart the sanctuary and share in Bible study and curriculum that is age appropriate.  Parents and adults share in the leadership of Children's Church, with pairs assigned for each month.  Furthermore, other adults in the congregation are invited to serve as "assistants," sharing in the discussion and activities with the children on specific Sundays.

Koinonia Meals

"Koinonia" is the Greek work used in the New Testament to describe the "partnership" or "sharing" of the early Christians in the fellowship and common ministry of Christ.  We use this rich word to describe our gatherings for fellowship and friendship. Typically held every other month after Lord's Day worship, our congregation gathers in our Fellowship Hall for a lunch.  This is great time for members to "catch up" with one another, and to share in table fellowship together.  While occasionally "pot luck," typically a small group of members take on a special menu and provide lunch for the rest of the church body.  Consult Sunday bulletins and the monthly LINK newsletter for information on specific dates and menus.

Clusters

We annually divide our congregation into 12 clusters, each one being assigned to one of our active elders on our Session.  We use these clusters as a communication phone tree, passing along to our members and regular attenders important reminders, information, or prayer concerns.  Once a year, we also gather these clusters for fellowship events and meals, allowing our congregation to get to know itself better.  Cluster elders are always available to answer questions about the ministry of our church, as well as to pass on to the entire Session any questions, comments, or concerns our members may have.

Prayer Fellowship

Every Wednesday morning at 9:30, a group of APC members meets in the Pastor's Study for an hour of intercessory prayer.  While naturally we pray for members of our own fellowship here at APC, we also pray for persons in our community, events and issues in our nation and world, and for anything else brought to our attention.  Anyone is welcome to participate in this ministry, and joys and concerns are gladly welcomed.  Speak to the pastor or Elder Janet Sodders if you would like a prayer request included on any given Wednesday morning.

Women's Circles

APC has two Women's Circles that meet once a month for fellowship, Bible study, and service projects and/or special offerings.  Both groups meet on the first Tuesday of every month, one in the morning and one in the evening.  Women of all ages are welcome to share in either group.  Contact the church office for specific dates and times.

Presbyterian Men

The men of our church meet often throughout the year for various fellowship activities and work projects.  On the first Friday of every month, all the men of the church with a lunch hour free are invited to meet at Napoli's Restaurant in downtown Altavista at 11:45 for a fellowship lunch.  The men hold workdays throughout the year to spruce up our buildings and tend to our grounds.  Quarterly fellowship events have included cookouts, volleyball games, a night at the Lynchburg Hillcats baseball stadium, bowling, etc.  We frequently hold a winter-time breakfast Bible study for all men.