What is the United Pentecostal Church International?
The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) is a Oneness Pentecostal organization with churches, ministers, and members across the globe. With roots anchored firmly in the Bible and a vision for ministering to communities around the world, the UPCI embraces its mission to carry the whole gospel to the whole world by the whole church. For more information about the UPCI, visit upci.org
How big is the church?
Our church, founded in the 70s, has grown into a healthy and vibrant congregation. We currently have more than 100 active members and regular attendees. Our Sunday service averages around 60 people; Wednesday service usually has about 40 in attendance.
What time is your Sunday worship service?
We have service each Sunday, at 11am in the sanctuary. Our service includes live music and vibrant evangelistic preaching. We also offer ministry to our children every Sunday, for ages 2-12 years, following the worship potion of the service.
What do you offer for children on Sunday morning?
Children are a special part of our congregation and we value them as full participants in the life of our church. Following the Mission's March Offering in the Sunday worship service, Sunday School classes begin. Children 6 years old through 12 years old are dismissed to participate in their own time of singing, prayer and Bible learning. Occasionally children have the opportunity to participate in their own special mini-service, known as King's Kids (see below for more information on this program).
What do you offer for babies and toddlers?
A Nursery is available for both infants and an audio feed is present so parents don't have to miss out on the service. The nursery is located right across from the front left door of the main sanctuary. Our infant nursery has a changing table, several comfortable chairs, and infant toys. Toddlers (age 2 - 5) are dismissed from the service with the other children to join in their own activity time. Our toddler classroom, located in the room past the bathrooms, offers a spacious play area with many fun, interactive toys for the children. Care is provided by an experienced childcare worker, and each week the toddlers participate in a brief Bible story time.
What is King's Kids? What will my child do there?
King's Kids is a special event for children, which gives them an opportunity worship Jesus, and hear Bible stories. Children learn the meaning of salvation and learn to prepare for participation in the church’s worship practices. They learn to prepare themselves in order to enter into worship and relationship with God They also learn how to talk with God and they learn stories from the Bible in a way that they can understand. Children receive a small snack and also are given time to participate in the story, do art work, sing worship songs, and other activities.
Who goes to your church?
We have quite a mixture of people at Apostolic Lighthouse. Our congregation truly spans the ages, from newborns to folks in their 80s. You’ll find just about every type of person here – married, single, divorced, widowed – professionals, workers, retired – life-long Montville residents and those who have just recently moved to New London Coutnty. But even more important than the kind of people who go here is the kind of people who are welcome here – everyone!
Do I have to belong to the UPCI to attend?
Not at all! In fact, many in our congregation come from a church background other than the United Pentecostal Church International. We have many former Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Methodists. We are a “patchwork” church – people with different church backgrounds “woven together” by God’s grace, and founded on the Apostles doctrine.
Do you have to dress up to attend your worship service?
No! Dressing up is not a requirement to worship with us at Apostolic Lighthouse. We encourage members to wear their “Sunday best” but you’re also likely to see someone in slacks and a casual shirt, or even jeans. We believe the most important part about Sunday morning is showing up, ready to worship God.
What kind of things do you do in your worship service?
We strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Apostolic Lighthouse. We greet each other so everyone feels welcomed; we share announcements and church news; we sing and listen to our worship team perform beautiful music; we share the congregation’s joys and concerns and lift them to God in prayer; we read and preach the Bible; and we collect an offering to further God’s work.
Who are your ministers?
Visit the Staff page on our website to learn about our ministers and other staff.
What kind of spiritual growth opportunities do you offer?
Adults have their choice of about four different classes to join each week. The classes vary in size, format and the age of their members but all are glad to have guests join them. (Check out My Church Family, for a list of classes and what they are currently studying.) Apostolic Lighthouse also offers a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship outside of Sunday morning through groups like Girl's 4 God, Men’s Fellowship, and Monday evening Bible classes. Visit the My Church Family page to learn more.
What kind of outreach is the church involved in?
Apostolic Lighthouse is active in a variety of outreach ministries, both here in New London County and around the world. One of the major local outreach activities is our annual participation in CT Youth On Mission in which Apostolic Lighthouse partners with other UPCI Churches in Connecticut to provide assistance and physical labor toward a local community. Our global outreach ministry is an active part of the church, helping us share our resources with a number of varied ministries around the world, from providing vehicles and appliances to missionaries to assiting troubled youth at the Lighthouse Ranch for Boys.
With whom do I talk if I want to know more?
We would love to answers any questions that you may have about Apostolic Lighthouse. If you didn’t find what you were looking for on our website, please submit your question on our Contact page or email one of our Team members. See the Staff page for their addresses.
