Welcome to Church of The Apostles This is Our Story Come join us at the Church of The Apostles. Learn with us the truth of the gospel of Jesus. Learn how to live in hope and faith with love. We are unlike any church I have attended, a truly loving, giving and supportive fellowship of Christians. June Raffensperger, Church Member
Church of The Apostles Evangelical Anglican We are Christians who Worship in the Anglican Tradition. Our Mission is to Obey, Follow and Bear Witness to Jesus Christ. I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the LORD. Psalm 122:1
The Superintendent s Message The Christian Gospel the Good News of God in Christ is the greatest story ever told. Each person who in faith has come to know Jesus as one s Lord and Savior has truly entered into a love relationship with the Christ that causes one to rejoice in joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8). This booklet is full of testimonies of how through the gift of salvation the God of grace has forever changed the lives of people who once were far from Christ. Indeed, these are Our Stories the stories of how our gracious God has met us here at the Church of The Apostles in our brokenness and transformed us into the image of His Son. Our Congregation is a church where the Word of God is faithfully and emphatically preached and the Gospel Sacraments are celebrated in joy and wonder. The Lord is moving mightily in our midst and we are excited that we are called to be His disciples in and to the world at this time in history. It is with great gladness that our Congregation offers Our Stories. We are thrilled to say, Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). Yours in Christ, The Reverend Mark R. Galloway
How God has changed my life Rejoice, the Lord has brought you to Church of The Apostles!! I rejoice always, for God has placed me (and you!) here as part of His divine plan. At Church of The Apostles I found the Christian way of life I had always longed for a Biblically and spiritually based community in which God s Word is believed, imparted and lived out each day. From the start I have felt a sense of peace, acceptance and stability here. As I returned for services and fellowship, I desired to come back and get more involved, as I had found a spiritual family and home. It may sound cliché, but there are truly no strangers here I attest that my circle of friends has expanded exponentially!! My life has changed for God has changed me. I am now closer to Him than I have ever been. His grace sustains, upholds and allows me to serve Him through serving others. Church of The Apostles is an amazing, life-transforming place to receive and give God s love and blessings. I encourage you to return and participate in all that calls to you but be advised you re in for a change! Dianne Sacchetti Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57) 2
In their words... With so many modalities here to hear and learn about the Gospel, it has ignited in me a passion to read God s word. In turn, it has helped me want to step aside to let Jesus lead in my life. Deb Adams Deb and her husband John Adams organized a collection of goods and supplies and hosted a cookout to benefit the men and women who live in a tent city in downtown Providence. The Outreach Committee honored the Senior Citizens of our Congregation with a special dinner and celebration in August 2008. And now that I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, till I make known your strength to this generation and your power to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:18) 3
A mature commitment in Christ... I had something missing in my heart as I raised my son Jacob to be a Christian. I needed to complete my commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ that I would be a godly leader to set the example for my family and strive to honor and follow the word of Christ. James Trivisonno Jim Trivisonno, the first Confirmand of Church of The Apostles, received the Rite of Confirmation on April 7, 2007. The Bishop asks the candidates Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil? Candidate I do. Bishop Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? Candidate I do, and with God s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord. (from the Confirmation liturgy, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 415) 4
How God has changed my life God has changed my life in many ways since becoming a member of Church of the Apostles. My faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit is the reason why I ve changed I think that the most important concept that I have learned is that it s not what God can do for me (and he does so much) but it s what I can do for God! God has blessed me in many ways and I find the more of myself I give and do in the name of my Savior, the more powerful the Holy Spirit is in my life. Donna Tyler You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8) I need Jesus because he is my Savior and redeemer. My only true happiness comes from him. And the only way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ. Rebecca Galloway Donna Tyler and Rebecca Galloway received the Rite of Confirmation on April 11, 2009. 5
How God has changed my life I was apprehensive about leaving a large established denomination and becoming an independent Church. We may have become independent but we are not alone. Church of The Apostles fervently believes that Jesus Christ is the head of the church and that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God. It has been truly amazing to see how my faith, and that of many others, has grown through constant prayer and studying the Word of God in the Bible. It seems too simple to be true; that Jesus really does know what is best for His Church. Archdeacon Tom Bourn The household of God,... is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:15b-16) 6
Who we are The Church of The Apostles (Evangelical Anglican), is an autonomous Christian Congregation rooted in the doctrinal and ordered liturgical tradition of the Anglican family of churches. We are, therefore, a Congregation upholding the orthodox Christian Faith of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as confessed in the Apostles and Nicene Creeds, and as defined in the original (English/Latin) version of the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion of 1571. At the Church of The Apostles, we faithfully live the Christian Faith through our bold proclamation of the Word of God and in our joyful celebration of the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, which we believe to be effectual signs of grace (Article XXV, Thirty-nine Articles of Religion). The Church of The Apostles teaches that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the rule and ultimate standard of the Christian Faith and containeth all things necessary to salvation (Article VI, Thirty-nine Articles). The Church of The Apostles further teaches that it is not lawful for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary to God s Word written (Article XX, Thirty-nine Articles). The Church of The Apostles therefore, in particular, propagates the following two evangelical doctrines: 1. We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works or deservings (Article XI, Thirty-nine Articles; see Ephesians 2:8-9); and 2. The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ s ordinance (Article XIX, Thirty-nine Articles). 7
I need Jesus because When I came to the former Church of St. Andrew and St. Philip eight years ago, I was lost because I did not know Jesus. I knew a lot about him, being raised in a religious, Roman Catholic home. But I did not grasp his absolute necessity. It is only through this place, that I came to know Jesus. And knowing Jesus is the greatest thing that could ever happen to anybody! Knowing Jesus is really about knowing our absolute need for him in our lives. I need him in my marriage. I need him in my workplace, and in my leading and shepherding here at the Church. I need him in my fathering, and in my leisure time. For in all things it is only in Jesus Christ that I can know the joy that is a byproduct of a relationship with the living God. I praise God for saving me, and I ask him for the wisdom, strength, and courage to share that gift with everyone in my life. Elder Chad Tvenstrup Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life. (Acts 5:20) 8
Testimony of the Faithful People spend their entire lives in search of the Good Life Some seek this out through the purchasing of flashy cars, elaborate homes, fancy clothes. Others budget and hoard money all their days in hopes of a retired paradise. Then there s those who desire none of these things and wander the earth aimlessly in search of filling a void. Then there s me, who at one point or another has experienced all of these struggles and some! The balance of life has plagued me for quite a long time. Elder Chad Tvenstrup once spoke of knowing when you ve truly accepted the Good Lord into your life and it s awesome power. He stated simply, You will know! Since then I have come to realize that it is a laying down of all, a complete submission to the Word of God, knowing with all that you are that God will provide! It is a realization that you are not the driver, merely a passenger along for the ride. Brothers and Sisters, the so-called Good Life is all around us. The question is are we ready to accept it for face value and in that realize how fortunate we truly are! The road has been paved and the directions are clear, paradise awaits us all over the horizon. Mark Tellier The only things we can keep are the things we freely give to God. C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) 9
How God has changed my life Since we have transitioned to become Church of The Apostles so many opportunities and programs are available: programs such as Bible Study, Lay Visitation, Holy Couples, etc. I have increased my spiritual growth while participating with other Christian brothers and sisters. I pray that I will be able to go forth and share His Word with others so they can experience what an awesome God we have! Pat Swanson Education and Fellowship Women s Bible Study Men s Bible Study Home Fellowships Sunday Brunch is served each week following the Christian Education classes. Holy Couples: Husbands and wives working together to build and strengthen Godly marriages. Sunday Morning Christian Education for all Ages Sunday Evening Worship and Bible Study 10
The Children s Ministry Our life in the Community United In Faith: An Outdoor Festival of Christian Music Our Friends and Neighbors Outreach: Each fall our Church members reach out to children in need in the West Warwick School system. Last year, 100 backpacks filled with school supplies were presented to the schools in August and over 125 handmade hats, scarves and mittens were delivered for the children in December. Spirit and Truth, the praise band of Church of The Apostles. 11
I need Jesus because He guides me through everything I do. Everyday I am faced with different challenges where the outside world criticizes my beliefs, and the only way to get through that is my belief in him. Jesus has also brought many different things to my life such as my church and the family I have today. If it was not for Jesus I wouldn t have my best friends that I have made here and all the experiences I have. Before my belief in Jesus, I hadn t had such a wonderful life and then when I really started to believe in Jesus and listen to what he has to say, I found that my life is so much better for me and others. Jesus makes my days brighter while everyone else s is gloomy, and you don t get a feeling any better than that. Gianna Palermo Youth Group members and chaperones arriving at the Group Workcamps Summer Mission trip and helping with the decorations for Vacation Bible School 2009. 12
How God has changed my life God has brought my family more happiness and togetherness because when my Dad was ordained he became more involved and it has made my family closer. Renée Bonin Our Youth Group members identify themselves as J.A.M.I.M Jesus and Me in Motion. Their Mission Statement reads: The mission of the Youth Ministry at the Church of The Apostles is to be a unified group of teens working with the church to learn and spread the Word of God with love and compassion. We strive to share the light of Christ with others by Christian example, Godly living, and evangelism. God is a very prominent figure in my life. He is the only one that will always be there. Every day I am around people that try to push me away from my faith in God. I may not enjoy waking up early on Sundays, but the strength and spiritual love that I receive from the members of this Church is something for which to be tremendously thankful. The world today has the influence to lead us to sin and unhappiness. God has taught me how to live my life through the words of the Bible. Sarah Bethel 13
Church of the Apostles: Our Story January 24, 2004 The Reverend Mark R. Galloway began his ministry as Rector (Pastor) of The [Episcopal] Church of St. Andrew and St. Philip, 170 Fairview Avenue, Coventry, Rhode Island. September 23, 2004 The Vestry (the governing body of The Church of St. Andrew and St. Philip) voted to join the Anglican Communion Network, a renewal movement within The Episcopal Church committed to the Biblical principles of Christian orthodoxy and moral order. September 15, 2005 The Canterbury Mission Society was formed and incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the State of Rhode for the purpose of providing financial and other support to The Church of St. Andrew and St. Philip. December 15, 2005 Thoroughly convinced of the unwillingness of the recently concluded Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island to emphatically uphold and proclaim the orthodox Biblical Faith and order of historic Christianity, the individual members of the Vestry of The Church of St. Andrew and St. Philip voted unanimously to separate themselves from The Episcopal Church in the United States of America and, by association, from the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. February 19, 2006 The Annual Parish Meeting of The Church of St. Andrew and St. Philip was held. Sixty-eight (68) parishioners were present. A vote was taken to endorse as a body the Vestry s decision of December 15, 2005, as individuals to separate from The Episcopal Church and, by association, from the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, effective June 30, 2006. The resolution passed sixty-five (65) to one (1). A second resolution was presented to confirm the Vestry s decision of January 19, 2006 that The Church of St. Andrew and St. Philip, on behalf the Diocese of Rhode Island, sell the property at 170 Fairview Avenue, Coventry, Rhode Island, to The Canterbury Mission Society. The resolution passed sixtyseven (67) to zero (0). 14
May 18, 2006 The Vestry unanimously passed three resolutions: 1.) To charge The Reverend Mark R. Galloway with forming a Biblically based polity to be called the Church Council, which shall serve as the governing body of the successor church (Church of The Apostles); 2.) That the Reverend Galloway appoint four Biblically qualified persons from the membership to serve as Elders on the soon to be formed Church Council; 3.) That the Vestry endorse the vote of The Canterbury Mission Society to call The Reverend Mark R. Galloway as the ordained leader (Superintendent) of Church of The Apostles. May 21, 2006 There was a Special Parish Meeting to vote on the sale of the assets of The Church of St. Andrew and St. Philip at Fairview Avenue, but excluding St. Philip s Cemetery, to The Canterbury Mission Society for a total of $600,000, effective June 30, 2006. One hundred and twenty-six (126) members were present and the resolution passed one hundred and twenty-one (121) to five (5). The Reverend Galloway announced the name (as designated by the Vestry) of the new Congregation, Church of The Apostles; announced the plan for the new form and structure of government (congregational episcopacy); and introduced the Board of Elders-designate to the gathering. The resolutions from the May 18, 2006, Vestry meeting were read and unanimously supported by a voice vote by those present at the meeting. June 30, 2006 The Canterbury Mission Society became the official owners of the land and buildings at 170 Fairview Avenue, Coventry, Rhode Island. July 16, 2006 In the context of the 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rick Bonin, Chad Tvenstrup, Nina Deuel, and Conrad Ruppert were set apart with the laying on of hands by The Reverend Mark Galloway as Elders and The Reverend Galloway was set apart and installed with the laying on of hands by the Elders as Superintendent of the Church of The Apostles. A festival celebration followed on the church grounds. January 28, 2007 The First Annual Meeting of Church of The Apostles at which the Board of Servants and the CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS were presented to the body 15
Church of The Apostles Evangelical Anglican 170 Fairview Avenue Coventry, Rhode Island 02816 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Church Office (401) 821-7609 Superintendent s Residence (401) 385-3860 website: churchoftheapostlesri.org e-mail: churchoffice@churchoftheapostlesri.org + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42) The Holy Eucharist Christian Education Sunday Brunch Worship and Bible Study Morning Prayer Superintendent Church Administrator Communications Officer Christian Education Director Pastoral Assistant Youth Minister Health and Wellness Minister Organist and Music Director Sacristy Minister Property Maintenance Technician Sexton Treasurer Clerk Worship and Education Church Staff Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday 12 noon Sunday 6:30 p.m. Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. The Reverend Mark R. Galloway Barbara Battey Barbara Bickerstaff Elder Chad Tvenstrup Roberta Tvenstrup, MSW, LICSW Roger Hall Sharon Galloway Marianne Salisbury JoAnn Ruppert Jim Quinn Ray Martin Bob Bickerstaff Susan Farrell 16
Church Council Superintendent The Reverend Mark R. Galloway Board of Elders Elder Chad W. Tvenstrup 385-9958 Elder Nina N. Deuel 789-3837 Elder Robert J. Geoffrey 943-4661 Elder Emeritus Conrad J. Ruppert, Jr. Board of Servants Archdeacon Thomas G. Bourn 294-4186 Servant Evangelism Minister Deacon William E. Sexton 726-4549 Congregational Care Minister Deacon Cathryn J. Morgan 781-8577 Outreach Minister Deacon Kathleen M. Kettle 822-2460 Stewardship Minister + + + + + Church of The Apostles is a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
We need Jesus more today than ever before. Every form of media has questioned everything, including Christianity. There is no substitute for Christ He was, He is, and will always be. As a Christian, how can we doubt? The very meaning of our Church is to be more like Christ. Our greatest gift is God s love for us through the sacrifice of his Son so that we are forgiven, and are prepared for eternal life. Let us give thanks and reach out to others and tell the story. Ron Swanson, Church Member Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 366)