Our Purpose Statement - Anglican Church in North America

Hope Mills, North Carolina
Our Purpose Statement
The purpose of The Church of the Apostles is to glorify God and fulfill the Great
Commandment and the Great Commission through Service, Worship, Evangelism,
Education, Pastoral Care, Prayer, and Stewardship.
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Our Mission
We are building a dynamic church community
committed to teaching, preaching, and
authentically living out God's Word in real and
radical ways.
We want to be a church that loves our local
community and has an impact through our
example and service leading to the building of a
community center to serve the community’s
needs through Jesus Christ.
We are committed to the spiritual growth of all
ages in our community including the
development of a school to equip our youth with
the knowledge and tools they need to live a life
for Jesus Christ.
We are also dedicated to the holistic health of
the people in our local community concerning
their spiritual, emotional, and physical
wholeness and will develop a healing center to
service these needs through counseling and
health care programs.
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Our Church Profile
July 11, 2016
Our Distinctiveness:
The Church of The Apostles is an Anglican church located in Hope Mills, North
Carolina.
We are Evangelical
We view the Bible as God’s inerrant Word and our authority for living, and we
believe that people are saved from sin, death, and purposelessness through faith in
Jesus Christ.
We are Anglican
We operate under the authorities of a national network of orthodox Anglican
churches called the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), in which The
Church of the Apostles is part of the Diocese of Christ Our Hope. Our worship is
shaped by the historical and liturgical traditions of the global Anglican
Communion.
We are Missional
We pray that God will always make us a “Mark 10:45” church - not for ourselves,
but for others. We want to proclaim the good news of Jesus and the coming of his
kingdom (Mark 16:15) by going into the world and preaching the gospel to all
creation through word and deed.
Our Core Values:
Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone.
God sent his Son Jesus Christ to pay the price for our sins by dying on the cross in
our place. Now, through faith in that sacrifice we are offered forgiveness of our
sins and reconciliation with God. Therefore, it is only through faith in the death
and resurrection of Jesus Christ that one can enter into the Paradise and presence of
God in heaven. John 14:6, Romans 1:16,17
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The Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is not only our Savior, but our Lord. In other words, Jesus Christ is not
only the forgiver of our sins, but the leader of our lives. He has authority over our
beliefs and our behavior. Just as Jesus died for us so should we live by faith for
him. Romans 6:23, 10:9
The Empowering of the Holy Spirit.
Upon accepting the grace of forgiveness in Jesus Christ, God grants us his own
spirit to be our encourager, comforter, power and peace. Each of us is given unique
but essential gifts to serve him and we are commanded to let the fruit of his
presence be lived in our daily lives. Ephesians 1:13-14, Galatians 5:22-25, Acts 1:8
The Authority of Scripture.
The Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It should be believed in its entirety.
We are not free to interpret the Bible any way we please, but must read it as
individuals, as a corporate body, and in the context of the 2,000 year history of the
church. 1 Timothy 3:16-17
Expectant Prayer.
Prayer is the way in which we communicate with God. Prayers are not empty
words, rather we pray with the expectation that God hears our prayers and fulfills
them according to his will as may be best for us. Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 6:1820
Passionate Worship.
God has called his people to love him with all their heart, all their mind, and all
their strength. Worship is one way we show him that love. Worship is not a blind
recitation of words or music, but rather an authentic act from the heart, or as Jesus
said, worship is a matter of Spirit and Truth. Matthew 22:37-40, Psalm 29:2
The Sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism.
Jesus Christ himself instituted the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism
and they are essential to the Christian life. Holy Communion is the sacrament of
our fellowship with Christ and each other as we recall his death, resurrection, and
ascension. Baptism is the sacrament of new birth that we find through Jesus Christ.
Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Acts 2:32, John 3:5, Acts 2:38
Commitment to the Great Commission.
Our faith is not a private matter, but rather believers are called to actively share
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their faith with others. In Matthew 28 Jesus left instructions for his Church, telling
us to take the Good News about Jesus to the world and to teach people all that
Jesus has taught us. Matthew 28:18-20
Openness, Honesty, and Integrity in the Church Community.
The church should be an open community where all are welcomed to come and
meet Jesus regardless of outward appearance or inward struggles. The Church is
the Body of Christ and the Family of God and we should love each other deeply,
care for each other's needs, support each other in our journey for the Lord, and treat
each other with respect and devotion as a family should. Colossians 4:5-6, 1
Corinthians 12, Ephesians 2:19-22
Demographics
Our average weekly attendance has been consistent with 61 parishioners. We are a
balanced group ranging from young families to retirees. Over half of our parish
would identify themselves as having come from Baptist, Episcopal or Roman
Catholic denominations.
Our History
Year 1997: The origin of The Church of The Apostles can be traced back to
1997 and the emergence of the First Promise Movement in the Episcopal
Church. Based on a document written by 30 Episcopal priests led by Chuck
Murphy, the movement declared the authority of the Episcopal Church to be
fundamentally impaired because it no longer upheld the truth of the gospel.
Out of this movement, a small group of faithful people from the Fayetteville and
Hope Mills area began to meet in each other’s homes to worship and share the
Gospel.
Year 1999: This faithful group attended the First Promise Conference at All
Saint’s Episcopal Church in Pawley’s Island, S.C.
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Year 2000: The efforts of the
clergy and people involved in
the movement did not go
unnoticed by the rest of the
world. On January 29,
Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini
of Rwanda, and Archbishop
Moses Tay of Southeast Asia,
consecrated John Rodgers and
The Faithful Group
Chuck Murphy as missionary
bishops at St. Andrews
Cathedral, Singapore.
Archbishops Kolini and Tay
then sent bishops Rodgers and
Murphy back to the United States. The Anglican Mission in America (AMiA) was
officially established in July in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, under the primatial
oversight of the primates of Rwanda and Southeast Asia. As a result, AMiA was
no longer associated with the Episcopal Church in America.
Year 2001: From January 17-21, the small group of faithful from the
Fayetteville/Hope Mills area returned to Pawley’s Island to attend the first AMiA
Homecoming Winter Conference. The process of discerning a church plant in
Hope Mills, N.C., began at the conference. Out of that discernment Reverend King
Cole of Saint Andrews in Morehead City, N.C., (now All Saints Anglican Church
in Newport, N.C.) was called to provide spiritual oversight. Upon their return
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home, the small group began planting a church.
In June, the new church plant in Hope Mills would be called The Church of
The Apostles and held its first public service at the Hope Mills Community Center.
During the service, the church officially received confirmation as a church plant of
Saint Andrews and celebrated its first baptism.
Under the spiritual oversight of Reverend Cole and the faithfulness of the original
small group, the church began to grow. The church leadership explored a suitable
location for the church and prayed for a pastor.
Year 2002: The church leadership signed a lease and moved into its first home: a
doublewide that once housed a chiropractic office. Through God’s grace and much
prayer, the church saved the money needed to hire a full-time pastor.
Rev. Dan Alger
and family
The leaders learned about Dan Alger, a young man who had not yet completed
Seminary nor had been ordained. Through prayer and discernment, they decided
that Dan would be the first pastor to lead the newly formed church plant. In
November, Dan and his wife Karen moved to Fayetteville, N.C.
Year 2003: Dan Alger was ordained as deacon and then as priest. The church
received 501C3 status and its bylaws were accepted by the State of North Carolina.
Because of its growth in members, the church moved from the doublewide to
office space in a cotton mill – affectionately called “The Mill” – in downtown
Hope Mills.
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Year 2005: The church eventually outgrew the
office space at “The Mill” and, as a result,
moved into the 3,000-foot warehouse space
while the office was used for children’s
ministries. Church membership increased.
Year 2007: Vance Tyson, one of the original
faithful, was ordained a deacon. During this
Ordination
time 13.7 acres on H Bullard Road in the Grays Creek community Cumberland
County, would be gifted to the church. Soon after, construction on a new sanctuary
on the property began.
Built by Sprung Structures, the building became a curiosity to people in the area
due to its unique design. It is an engineered, stressed-membrane structure that
many people thought was a tent. The people of the church were committed to the
project and many spent their time, talent and treasure to see the church completed.
Years 2008 & 2009: On December 24, after a day of working on the
church, members gathered in the new building to celebrate Christmas Eve
and in January conducted its first worship service. By this time the church
had a full-time staff of four: pastor, director of family ministries,
ministerial engineer and church administrator. The church also had a parttime praise and worship leader.
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Year 2012: In January the church
changed its affiliation to become
part of PEAR USA, taking the first
part of its name from the acronym
for the Rwandan church's official
French name Province de l'Eglise
Anglicane au Rwanda. In
February, Reverend Dan Alger
resigned as pastor. Prior to his
resignation, the church was
experiencing financial and
attendance issues, resulting in the
church’s inability to maintain a
full-time director of family ministries.
The Reverend Don Shultz was assigned as
interim pastor until November when
Reverend Robert (Bob) Hackendorf was
called to be the pastor. During his tenure the
church would continue to have financial and
attendance issues, resulting in the church no
longer being able to support a full-time
administrator.
Year 2016: In January, the church again
changed its affiliation from PEARUSA to
the Anglican Church in North America
(ACNA) under the Diocese of Christ Our
Hope. In March Reverend Bob Hackendorf
resigned his position as pastor.
Rev. Bob Hackendorf
Christopher Walk was ordained to the Order
of Deacons in April.
Since April the Church has flourished under the leadership of Bishop Steve
Breedlove who has coordinated with the ACNA chaplains stationed at nearby Fort
Bragg to lead weekly worship services. Attendance has steadily increased, and the
church is poised to change lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are a
church that seeks to build a dynamic church community by sharing the good news
of the Gospel to the unchurched, the hurt, the alienated or those seeking a new
beginning. At TCOTA we are not about ‘having it all together’ or even pretending
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we do. We are a family seeking to know God more and helping others to deepen
their personal, spiritual relationship with God.
Ministries and Outreach
Everyone is uniquely gifted to serve Jesus Christ and at Apostles, we want to help
each person discern their gifts, grow in their gifts, and use them to make a
difference in our culture and community for the Gospel. Our servant teams are
designed to help organize that process. Each team is led by a member of the church
who is focused on developing the people and implementing the ministry and of
their team. These ministries include: Prayer Team, Worship Environment and
Media, Connectors, Service Team, Worship Support, Hospitality, Cleaning Team,
and Building & Grounds.
On any given Sunday, these teams of people help keep our services running
smoothly. Team members help with the preparation for worship, welcome visitors
and parishioners, operate sound equipment, lead music, and serve in our children’s
ministry. Our prayer team is available throughout communion to meet with and
pray with people individually.
Community Groups
We meet in small groups in our homes for Bible study and spiritual growth. The
groups are ongoing through the year. We encourage members to join one of these
community groups and eventually starting one themselves. Currently we have 4
active community groups which meet throughout Cumberland County.
Praise and Worship Team
The Praise and Worship Team fulfills the calling that God has placed in our lives
by proclaiming the greatness of God, the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross,
and the power of the Holy Spirit. Through music we create an atmosphere that
welcomes the presence of God.
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Care Team
The Care Team directly supports our clergy by encouraging and equipping our lay
members to provide compassionate and Christ centered care and comfort to those
within our church who are experiencing a time of need. This team visits those who
may find themselves in the hospital or shut-in. The prepare meals for those with
prolonged illness and help organize help for those moving into or out of our area.
Children’s Ministry Outline
At Apostles, our mission is to raise up a generation of youth that will change the
world – one soul at a time – through the power of Jesus Christ. The purpose of this
ministry is not to keep children from interrupting important parts of worship, but to
provide an important ministry that is relevant to our young members.
The Sprouts Room welcomes children from the age of newborn – three years old.
Sometime during the age of three, the child should join The Little Apostles
Church. The child’s readiness is determined by the parent.
Leaders of the Little Apostles Church teach a lesson mirroring the sermon on that
given Sunday, using the “Jesus Storybook Bible” as their main point of reference.
A buddy system is in place between the older children and the younger children.
This approach fosters a mentality of discipleship within the children and instills a
sense of active membership of the church.
The Youth Group is under construction
Family Promise
The Church of The Apostles supports the mission of Family Promise to address the
issue of homeless families in Cumberland County. We host homeless families at
our church for a week at a time during a 3 month rotation. During this time our
church becomes their home. They spend the night at our church and we provide
them with food and fellowship.
Operation Inasmuch
The Church of The Apostles supports the mission of Operation Inasmuch and the
issue of homelessness in Cumberland County. We assist by helping serve breakfast
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at the Operation Inasmuch center bi-monthly. We also participate in the Operation
Inasmuch annual “Blitz Day” whereby local churches come together to repair low
income homes in the area.
Our Clergy
Rev. Deacon Vance Tyson- Vance Tyson has lived in Gray’s Creek his whole life
where he lives owns a farm with his wife Becky. They have raised children and
grandchildren. Vance was ordained in 2007 to help with the leadership and pastoral
care of The Church of the Apostles
Rev. Deacon Christopher Walk - After over ten years of lay leadership at The
Church of the Apostles, Christopher Walk was ordained to the diaconate on April
9th, 2016. Chris graduated from Ohio University in 2002 and earned a Master of
Divinity with languages from Campbell University Divinity School in 2013.
Through his ministry, Chris seeks to lead people to greater fulfillment of the Great
Commandment and the Great Commission. He and his wife, Melanie, have one
son, Elijah. Chris enjoys movies, all things written by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S.
Lewis, playing with Elijah, and going out on dates with Melanie.
Our Staff
Jacob Sanchez – Praise and Worship Leader
Angela Tyron – Bookkeeper
Governance
James Phillips – Board Chair
Laurie Szoka - Co-Chair
Tom Fields – Board Member
Chris Whitford – Board Member, Treasurer
Hal Stephens – Board Member
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Financial and Attendance History
TCOTA Financial History
450,000
382,101
400,000
347,732
342,125
350,000
301,727
292,681
283,237
300,000
250,000
299,386
263,000
255,000 248,500 254,196
243,649 237,300
222,344
204,775
200,000
151,682
150,000
100,000
114,262
66,658
50,000
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Income
2009
2010
Expenses
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Column1
Attendance History
160
134
140
125
120
104
100
80
73
74
2006
2007
83
79
71
58
60
40
47
23
20
0
2003
2004
2005
2008
2009
2010
Attendance
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2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016 TCOTA Budget
Personal and Benefits:
$117,600.00
Administration:
$15,144.00
Building and Grounds:
$73,188.00
Subtotal
$205,932.00
ACNA Tithe
$20,593.20
TOTAL 2016 BUDGET
$226,525.20
Our Community
Location
The Church of The Apostles is located on approximately 13.7 acres in southcentral
Cumberland County, in the Grays Creek Community. The Grays Creek area can be
defined as the City of Fayetteville City Limits to the north, Business 95/US
Highway 301 South to the west, Robeson and Bladen County to the south, and the
Cape Fear River to the east.
Fayetteville is the largest city in southeastern North Carolina and the sixth largest
city in the state. We are located 1.5 hours from the coast of North Carolina and 4.5
hours from the mountains.
The Grays Creek area consists of approximately 44,714 acres, with a 2010
population of approximately 16,422 persons. Approximately 51% of the land in
Grays Creek is considered agriculture or farm land. Between 1990 and 2010 the
population in the area grew approximately 95% and projections are that the
population will increase about 30% by 2030. Housing in Grays Creek grew
approximately 103% during the same period and based on past growth it can be
assumed that 700 new homes could be constructed by 2020.
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History
Cumberland County began as a settlement in the Upper Cape Fear Valley between
1729 and 1736 by European migrants known as Highland Scots. The area became
a vital transportation link to other major settlements. A receiving and distribution
center was established in 1730 on the Cape Fear River. This settlement was known
as Campbellton.
The Colonial Legislature passed an Act in 1754 which resulted in the political
division of Bladen County, thus forming Cumberland County. It was named after
the Duke of Cumberland (William Augustus) who commanded the English Army.
Campbellton was named the County seat during 1778. In 1783 Campbellton was
renamed Fayetteville in honor of Marquis De La Fayette, a French general that
served in the American Colonies Revolutionary Army.
Fayetteville's growth was set back by a devastating fire in 1831 and by the invasion
of General Sherman in 1865. One of the principal factors that boosted the slow
recovery of the area was the opening of Camp Bragg as an artillery and temporary
training facility in 1918. The base was closed in 1921 and later reopened as a
permanent army post and renamed Fort Bragg in honor of Confederate General
Braxton Bragg, a North Carolina native. Today Fort Bragg and neighboring Pope
Air Force Base form one of the largest military complexes in the world. It is
known as the Home of the Airborne and Special Operation Force. Fort Bragg
houses the XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division. The U.S. Army
Special Operations Command and the U.S. Army Parachute Team (the Golden
Knights).
Population
The current population of Cumberland County is 352,456 with the median age of
31. Cumberland County's median household income is $44,836, and the average
household net worth is $331,211.
Cumberland County
North Carolina United States
Population
352,456
10.0M
320.100M
Median Household Income
$44,836
$45,785
$52,746
Average Household Net Worth
$331,211
$410,643
$484,469
Median Age
31 years
37 years
37 years
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Age Distribution for Cumberland County
Age
0-9
10-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
Population
55,188
47,392
64,040
49,696
41,019
40,447
29,342
16,580
8,752
Age distribution represents the distribution of the population in Cumberland
County by age group. In Cumberland County, the male-to-female ratio is
172,471:179,985, which is 1% higher than the ratio of North Carolina, which is
4,876,222:5,126,188. Age demographic data is sourced from census, 2015.
Marital Status for Cumberland County Residents
Marital Status
Population
Singles
9,419
Married
31,822
Single Parents
23,027
Married with Kids
28,267
Marital status represents the percent of residents in Cumberland County that are single, married,
widowed and divorced. In Cumberland County, 65% of people are married and 35% of people
are single. The percent of people married is 7% lower than the ratio of North Carolina, which is
72%. Marital data is sourced from census, 2015.
Household Income for Cumberland County
Income Range
$0-$9k
$10k-$19k
$20k-$29k
$30k-$39k
Population
11,764
15,751
16,213
17,375
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Income Range
$40k-$49k
$50k-$59k
$60k-$74k
$75k-$99k
$100k-$124k
$125k-$149k
$150k-$199k
$200k-$249k
$250k-$499k
$500k+
Population
15,239
12,562
14,612
15,291
9,142
3,920
4,080
822
1,473
146
Household income distribution represents the distribution of Cumberland County
income brackets at the household level. Overall, the median household income for
Cumberland County is $44,836, which is 2% lower than that of North Carolina
($45,785). Income data for Cumberland County is sourced from census, 2015.
Cumberland County Education Statistics
Education Level
Less Than 9th Grade
9th-12th Grade
HS Graduate
College No Diploma
Associate Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Graduate or Prof School Degree
Population
14,987
30,210
57,759
63,293
23,308
33,055
35,938
Education data represents the highest level of education attained by residents in
Cumberland County. In Cumberland County, 17% of residents 18 and over
graduated from high school and 27% completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher,
which is 4% lower than that of North Carolina. Education statistics is sourced from
census, 2015.
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Cumberland County Real Estate Market Summary
$145,940
$128,000
Recently Sold: 1,378
Reduced: 1,174
Average Home Price
Average Sold Price
Property Records: 106,535
Foreclosed: N/A
The average home price in Cumberland County is $145,940, which is 14% higher
than the average sold price in Cumberland County ($128,000). The average home
price per square foot in Cumberland County is $83.
Cumberland County Rental Market Summary
Beds
Inventory
Cumberland County
United States
United States
1
2
3
4
5+
Others
8
29
64
24
1
1,237
$510
$711
$926
$1,253
$1,800
$945
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
For a one-bedroom unit, the average rental rate in Cumberland County is $510
with 8 one-bedroom units available. For a two-bedroom unit, the average rental
rate in Cumberland County is $711 with 29 two-bedroom rentals available. Check
out more Cumberland County rent prices by the number of bedrooms above.
Schools
The Cumberland County School System provides services to more the 52,000
students. The county operates a total of 87 schools consisting of: 52 elementary
schools, 18 middle schools, and 17 high schools. In Grays Creek there are 2
elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school. In 2015, 3,579 students
graduated from the Cumberland County School System with a dropout rate of
2.07%.
There are 36 private schools in Cumberland County, serving 5,458 students. 72%
of private schools in Cumberland County are affiliated with a religious
organization. There are also a number of support groups for home schools.
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Things to Do
Shopping and Dining
Cumberland County has more than 1,500 retail shops and more than 400
restaurants. Because the military brings people into the area from all over the
world you will find a wide variety of culinary restaurants.
Parks and Recreation
The Fayetteville – Cumberland County Parks and Recreation operates 17
Recreation Centers and numerous parks throughout Cumberland County. One
recreation center is located in Grays Creek and is attached to Grays Creek
Elementary School. These recreation centers offer a variety of activities such as
swimming, splash pads, summer camps, team sports and other fitness activities.
The Cape Fear River Trail
The trail is a 10-foot wide paved path for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and others
utilizing non-motorized transportation. It winds for nearly 5.3 miles, one-way,
through a beautiful blend of trees, plants and wildlife with spectacular views of the
river. The terrain can be flat or slightly hilly. In addition to the wooden bridges,
including one covered bridge, there is over 1,000 feet of boardwalk through the
marsh and wetlands along the trail.
Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1989, Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a natural beauty situated on 80
acres nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek just two miles from
downtown Fayetteville. The Garden offers engaging cultural events to inspire and
excite, educational activities to energize, and peaceful spots to refresh.
Flourishing with beautiful specialty gardens and blooming ornamental plants, Cape
Fear Botanical Garden’s highlights include Camellia, Daylily and Shade Gardens,
Butterfly Stroll and a Children’s Garden, and the Heritage Garden featuring 1886
agricultural structures and a homestead.
Transportation Museum
Located in the beautifully restored 1890 Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad
Depot, the museum offers two floors of engaging, artifact-filled exhibits. The rich
history of our area is told from pre-history through the early 20th century. Favorite
spots in the museum include the model train room, steamboat interactive, and the
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recreated Station Agent’s Office. Located in the beautifully restored 1890 Cape
Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad Depot, the museum offers two floors of
engaging, artifact-filled exhibits. The rich history of our area is told from prehistory through the early 20th century. Favorite spots in the museum include the
model train room, steamboat interactive, and the recreated Station Agent’s Office.
Airborne and Special Operations Museum
The U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum serves as the custodian
and repository of artifacts pertaining to the history of U.S. Army parachute, glider,
and special operations forces, 1940 to the present, including airborne development,
Office of Strategic Services (OSS), rangers, and other special units. The museum
collects, preserves, manages, interprets, and exhibits artifacts. The museum serves
as an adjunct to the local academic and cultural community and provides military
history training and instruction to Soldiers and veterans, their families, and public
at large.
The 82d Airborne Division War Memorial Museum
The 82d Airborne Division War Memorial Museum is located on Ardennes Street
at the corner of Gela Street, in the center of the 82d Airborne Division area of Fort
Bragg. The museum celebrates the history of the “All American” division from its
activation in 1917 through its service in World War II as the Army’s first airborne
division, and over half a century of duty since as the nation’s primary strategic
reaction force.
John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum
The John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum is located on the corner of
Ardennes St. and Marion St. on Fort Bragg, N.C. The museum concentrates on the
history of the Special Forces, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations
Regiments.
Museum of the Cape Fear
Fayetteville's premier historic facility that includes a museum with eye-popping
exhibits of North Carolina's rich history, the 1897 Poe House, a late-Victorian
house museum, and historic Arsenal Park, the remains of an ordnance factory that
served both the Federal and Confederate governments.
Fayetteville Light Infantry Museum (F.I.L.I.) is North Carolina's Official
Historic Military Command. On August 23rd 1793 the Fayetteville Independent
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Light Infantry Company was organized on a field alongside Cross Creek on North
Cool Spring Street.
Fascinate U Children’s Museum
Fascinate-U is a hands-on children’s museum located in historical downtown
Fayetteville that strives to foster children’s imagination while developing their
social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills through basic play.
For almost two decades, the museum has been a destination where children have
been able to explore their world through creative role-playing, manipulation, and
interaction with each other and their environment.
Festival Park
Festival Park, located at the corner of Ray Avenue and Rowan Street in downtown
Fayetteville, has been described as the “crown jewel of downtown.” Consisting of
14 acres, it opened in April 2007, and created a class venue consistent with the
quality of life that is our community’s hallmark.
Festival Park offers:
• An infrastructure for special event vendor booths to include power and water on a
creatively patterned pavement promenade that enables quick planning and set-up
for festivals
• A main stage that can accommodate performances and events on its 40’ x 66’
surface
• Grass lawn seating for intimate groups as well as large crowds for community
celebrations ranging in the thousands
• Support areas to include backstage dressing rooms, loading dock, concession area
and public restroom
• Pedestrian walkways that tie into a creek trail.
Cape Fear Regional Theatre
In 1962, a small group of enthusiasts, under the leadership of former LTNC
Playmaker Bo Thorp, formed the Fayetteville Little Theatre. With the
community’s support funds were raised to renovate the building and after
incorporating two adjacent buildings, the theatre became a three-story complex
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with a 327-seat main stage. On the advice of State Senators Tony Rand and Laura
Tally and others, the theatre changed its name to Cape Fear Regional Theatre
(CFRT). CFRT is now considered an emerging professional theatre with a national
reputation and contracts actors, writers and designers from throughout the country.
Gilbert Theatre
The theater was founded in the basement of Lynn Pryer’s home in 1994. The
Gilbert Theater is named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette and is now located
on the second floor of the Fascinate U Children’s Museum at 116 Green street in
historic downtown Fayetteville.
For many years, the Gilbert has produced classics in theater as well as outstanding
contemporary works by noted playwrights such as: Donald Margulies, Eve Ensler,
Suzan-Lori Parks, Leroi Jones, Paula Vogel, Christopher Durang, Edgar Lee
Masters, Eve Merriam, Jane Martin, Athol Fugard, Moises Kaufman and Dylan
Thomas to name a few. The work of many established as well as local up and
coming writers such as Stephen Miles, John Merritt, James Dean, Chris Canfield
and Jim Geoghan have been presented as well.
Crown Complex
Located in the heart of Cumberland County, the Crown Complex is a state-of-theart, five-venue complex comprised of a 4,500-seat arena, a 9,200-square foot
ballroom, a 10,880-seat coliseum, an exposition center with 60,000 square feet of
unobstructed space and a 2,440-seat theatre.
Managed by Global Spectrum, the Complex is home to the Fayetteville FireAntz
hockey team (SPHL) and Cape Fear Heroes indoor football team (X-League) and
hosts a variety of other sporting events, family shows, concerts and special
productions year-round.
Festivals
Dogwood Festival
With approximately 30 different events including everything from sporting events
to concerts and street dances to children’s events, the festival maintains a
“something for everyone” philosophy. It is a Southeast Tourism Top 20 event and
North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events 2009 Festival of the Year.
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NC Field of Honor
American flags line the field in front of Airborne Special Operations Museum
(ASOM) honoring our soldiers, veterans and their families, hosted by the
Downtown Alliance and the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.
Blues ‘n Brews
Sponsored by Cape Fear Regional Theatre, this one day event features a sampling
of over 100 beers and a great taste of the Blues by some of the region’s most
popular bands.
Fayetteville After Five
In the summer, monthly free concerts on fourth Fridays at Festival Park ranging
from rock to country to beach music and more! This free event brings thousands of
people out for a great time.
The Arts Council’s International Folk Festival
The International Folk Festival was created to celebrate the richness of the diverse
cultural roots of our community. By showcasing historic artistic customs and
traditions of a culture, the festival strives to foster an appreciation of our diversity
while preserving the historical and traditional art forms that infuse a culture with
its specific identity.
When Pigs Fly All American BBQ Festival and 5K
Held the first weekend in November, the When Pigs Fly All American BBQ
Festival will feature a huge BBQ competition along with a 5K run and lots of great
music in Festival Park.
Historic Hauntings
This hour-long haunted hayride explores the eerie encounters and mysterious
happenings of downtown Fayetteville. Ghostly re-enactors and story-tellers take
you through historic Fayetteville’s most infamous haunted locations and historic
sites are visited where legendary ghosts are known to inhabit.
A Dickens Holiday
Held the day after Thanksgiving, this old fashioned Christmas celebration is
complete with carolers, a candlelight procession and Victorian costuming.
4th Friday
4th Friday continues to be a true celebration of the arts and downtown. Folks of all
ages get a taste of Fayetteville’s art and entertainment while enjoying the small
galleries, bookstores, bistros and shops with unique items for shoppers.
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Sports
FireAntz
The Fayetteville FireAntz belong to the Southern Professional Hockey League
(SPHL) and play 28 home games at the Crown Coliseum each season.
Cape Fear Heroes
The Cape Fear Heroes are an independent Indoor Football Team that plays an
average of five home games at the Crown Coliseum from March to June each year.
SwampDogs Baseball
Fayetteville is also home to the SwampDogs, a team from the collegiate summer
league, the Coastal Plain League.
Fayetteville Motor Speedway
4/10 mile oval dirt track featuring Super Late Models, Late Models, Open Wheel
Modified, Super Streets, Pure Stocks, U-Cars, Super Stock 4's, cars.
NFL
Carolina Panthers, located in Charlotte NC, approximately 3 hour drive.
NHL
Carolina Hurricanes, located in Raleigh NC, approximately 1 hour drive.
NASCAR
Darlington Motor Speedway, located in Darlington SC, approximately 2 hour
drive.
Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord NC, approximately 3 hour drive.
Golf
There are 7 gold courses in Cumberland County. Cypress Lakes golf course is
located in Grays Creek and is just minutes for The Church of The Apostles. There
are numerous golf courses located in the surrounding counties to include the
famous Pinehurst golf course which often host PGA tournaments.
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Our Aspirations:
Of the many attributes for a potential Rector, the responses to the parish survey
indicated that The Church of The Apostles is seeking a Rector who possesses the
following characteristics:
A preacher who ensures that the word of God is proclaimed to the congregation
with faith, clarity and Holy Spirit inspiration, to bring glory to God and to live out
the Christian faith daily.
A spiritual leader and role model who passionately pursues a devotional life
grounded in the Scriptures and prayer. Leads and guides the congregation toward
spiritual transformation.
A discipleship leader who views the process of discipleship as vital to the health
of the congregation and establishes the ministry of discipleship as a foundational
activity of the church.
A visionary leader who actively guides and leads the body of the church to reach
out to our community.
A pastoral caregiver who has a shepherd’s heart to see that the flock is cared for;
including the sick, the shut-in and bereaved.
A worship service developer and leader who looks for and responds to the
leading of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of the worship service and helps with the
spiritual growth of the church.
A passionate advocate of children’s and youth ministries who exhibits a
genuine passion for the youth of the parish and is dedicated to fostering an
effective youth program.
A minister who is sensitive to the ever-changing military community and their
specific needs.
As a church, we continue to pursue the Holy Spirit’s direction for our future.
We desire to reevaluate the mission of our church if this is the direction of the
Holy Spirit.
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● We desire to be a church that upholds solid preaching, simple order of service
and inspired worship.
● We want the liturgy to affirm, and not distract from, our foundational
commitment to Christ, adherence to God’s Word and commitment to His mission,
His Church and His people.
● We desire to be receptive to the movement of the Holy Spirit and allow room for
His guidance in all aspects of our worship service.
● We want to support excellence in the musical worship, which is an integral part
of our worship service.
● We desire to foster deepening relationships within the Body by gathering
regularly outside of Sundays for Bible study and fellowship.
● We desire vibrant children’s and youth ministries and leaders who are passionate
about joining the parents of our parish in raising young men and women who
confidently confirm and live out their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Church of The Apostles “At a Glance”
Based on responses to the 2016 Parish Survey
38% of respondents have been attending The Church of The Apostles 5-9 year,
29% 2-4 years and 29% 10-19 years
59% of respondents travel 15-30 minutes to get to church
78% of respondents say they attend church 4 or more times a month
27% of respondents say they are involved in 4 or more ministries or activities at
church, 35% participate in 3 and 20% in two
43% of respondents give $7,500 or more to the church annually
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61% of respondents indicated the reason they continue to attend The Church of
The Apostles is because they have friend there. Friends, community, preaching,
and style of worship are listed as the primary reasons why respondents
stay at Apostles.
82% of respondents are married
50% of respondents are ages 45 to 64
38% of respondents are have some college or vocation training, 29% have college
degrees and 18% have post graduate work or degrees
24% of respondents are self employed
29% of respondents were raised Roman Catholic, 20% Baptist, 20% Episcopal,
11% Methodist
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