In addition to the regular Sunday activities, business and committee meetings, many church members (frequently with invited guests) attend and/or take part in the following activities. These are open to everyone, and while they are coordinated through church channels, they are not part of any formal structure.

“Friday Seekers” generally meets once a month for fellowship and discussion on subjects of interest which include Christian affairs, travel, some aspect of culture, current events, books, movies, and so forth. It is a “pot-luck” occasion and usually meets at someone’s home. The average attendance is about 15 to 25.

Informal lay-led Bible studies have been held on a weekly basis for many years. These have remained small but are recognized by many members as a significant part of our church life.

Growing from an occasional study group about five years ago, now two small groups meet weekly to consider matters of spirituality. These are led by a layperson who is a certified spiritual director.

Several women have been trained and serve in the Simeon Ministry program. They lead worship services in various nursing homes and serve communion to the patients.

On a number of occasions throughout the year, from 45 to 75 meet in the Fellowship Hall for food and fellowship. Prior to most Quarterly business meetings, a deli lunch is provided. There is a long-standing tradition of an Easter breakfast, followed by an Easter egg hunt on the grounds for the children. Usually there is a Rally Day breakfast to kick off the fall Sunday school season. Traditionally, a Christmas dinner brings an appearance of Santa Claus who gives presents to the children. When New Year’s Day falls on Sunday, as it does in 2006, it has been the practice to have a meal after morning worship featuring the traditional Amish/Mennonite New Year’s Day dinner (roast pork, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, and sauerkraut).

The Christmas Eve service is widely publicized and attended by several hundred people. The program is principally one of lessons and carols, climaxed by singing “Joy to the World” while everyone rings bells that they have brought to the service. The special offering taken that evening is usually distributed among several community charities, such as the Emergency Fuel Fund.

Since 1993, the Meeting House has been a venue for some of the First Night, Bright Night performances that celebrate New Year’s Eve. This city-wide program provides a non-alcoholic celebration of the New Year, and the Meeting House hosts at least 600 to 800 attendees to the programs. We sell refreshments, provide restrooms, and have a warm place to rest around tables in the Fellowship Hall.