Altered Church Partners

al·tered

\ ˈȯl-tərd

adjective change or cause to change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way.

IT IS YOUR DESTINY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You were made for more. Can you feel it?

Each of us has a desire or longing to do more, to make a difference, to fulfill our purpose. These desires come from God. He places a longing inside us that keeps us yearning and hoping for something greater.

No matter how hard we try or how long we search, nothing satisfies the urge to be known and loved by God. All attempts to satisfy our desires elsewhere leave us wanting more, searching for more, yet failing to find it.

The good news is God wants to give us joy, meaning, and fulfillment in ABUNDANCE. He has a plan for you, a destiny mapped out for you filled with hope and beautiful purpose.

We believe this destiny comes alive in the local church, where we work together to achieve all God has set aside for us. If we work together, we can change the world. If we work together, we will see God's best in EACH of us.

In the following pages, we want to tell you about the mission and calling of Altered Church. We want to tell you about our plan to change the community. We will invite you to join us in changing the world. It's a big job, but we can do it together!

1.INSPIRATION

Jesus is at the heart of all we do

It's no secret that we follow Jesus. He is the hope of the world. He is the savior who heals and restores.

We also believe that Jesus is more graceful, loving, healing, and transformative than we could hope to understand.

Jesus has the power to completely restore and renew each human being into something greater than they could ask for or imagine. All we have to do is want Him and believe in Him.

When we respond to His love through belief, He transforms us completely. WE ALL have the potential to accomplish incredible things through Him.

Jesus changes us, but more importantly, our transformation impacts those around us. The radical love of Christ inspires us to love our neighbor with a radical inclusive love. When others are shown Jesus' love, they, too, are motivated to share it! It's catchy!

This is why we give our time, energy, and resources to the people in our community. We want them to feel the immense generosity and care of Jesus.

Whether it's giving away diapers, meals, shoes, or Christmas gifts, we show generosity because Jesus is generous in His love for all of His children.

Jesus is unique and inclusive; He invites EVERYONE to the table and gives freely without condition. As the church, Jesus' ambassadors on earth, we should follow His lead and give our love, grace, and generosity to all.

This is how we create unity and healing in our homes and neighborhoods. Jesus is our inspiration; He is at the heart of all we do.

MEETING THE MOMENT

When the pandemic began in 2020, Altered Church responded by serving thousands of people with groceries, gas cards, diapers, personal protective equipment, and other essentials.

2.PASSION

The heart of our church is PEOPLE

We have been conditioned by culture to avoid others, to serve ourselves, and seek after our own self-interests.

What if there is a better way?

• What Jesus was on to something transformative when He taught us to LOVE one another?

• What if a faith community could change the atmosphere in our neighborhoods and promote kindness, mercy, and unity?

We want to get to know you. We want to serve you. We want you to help us love and serve others!

An amazing transformation happens when we give our hearts to serving one another. We find hidden joy as we become united in care. This joy is rooted in our growing friendship with Jesus, who is most clearly known when we commit to loving others well.

Our sincere belief is that WE can answer the call of Jesus and create a new movement of HOPE throughout Painesville.

Our vision for the local church includes ALL people of every story and background. We aim to push back against the culture of animosity and division we see in our communities. We can unite people under the common banners of faith, unity, and service to humankind.

This is where YOU come in…

REAL love is incredibly countercultural, yet it gives our lives a new and better purpose. We want to invite you into this adventure of knowing Jesus deeper by loving people better. When we do this together, we can create REAL change in Painesville and beyond.

FAMILY = EVERYONE

Altered church celebrates “family week” once a month. Family week is focused on building community in the church family and features a community meal, groups for men and women and take home activities for kids. At Altered Church everyone has a seat at the table.

3.CITY

A diverse mosaic of people

It’s no accident God placed Altered Church in Painesville. This is a community that reflects the diverse heart of God.

A CITY OF DIVERSITY

The communities of Painesville are home to people from all walks of life and diverse ethnicities. At the heart of Lake County, the city is home to thriving businesses, a worldrenowned college, new schools, and various recreational activities, restaurants, festivals, and entertainment. Painesville is also known for its historic district, landmarks, and natural beauty in its many parks and trails along the Grand River.

A CITY IN NEED

While in many ways Painesville thrives, there is also an overwhelming need for awareness and action regarding an epidemic of substance abuse, extreme poverty and homelessness, mental health care availability, and aid for victims of human trafficking. Opportunity also exists in areas of childhood education, healthcare, and care of the aging. While many professional services provide assistance, individuals and families in crisis often are not aware of the accessibility of help.

A CALLING FOR THE CITY

Altered Church answers the call for relevant presence, meeting real needs in the community and creating a living and vibrant home for all who hunger for hope.

Driven by purpose, Altered endeavors to bridge gaps, connect people, fill spiritual and physical needs, and demonstrate the character and compassion of Christ in real, tangible ways. Altered Church's mission, "to create a home for all people to thrive in the compassion of Christ," communicates our part in shaping the future of Painesville and its people.

HURTING

Painesville is a city in need. With poverty, homelessness, and suicide occurring at a rate far exceeding national averages, there is a need for community action that starts with each individual saying, "I can help!” The people of Altered Church have always answered the call.

4.PLAN

Our big dreams include you

We've shared our inspiration, passion, and heart for the city. Let's talk about our plan.

Church services and picnics, kids events, youth meetings, VBS and toy giveaways. Chili cookoffs and Bible studies, family meals, and women's events. You name it; we will do it. We do these things because each activity, event, or meeting serves a role in helping an individual develop into their best self.

We divide the life of our church community into four categories; inspire, connect, reach, and grow.

INSPIRE

We are known for dynamic spirit-led worship and teaching. We teach God's word with passion, heartfelt honesty, and transparency. We teach the Gospel as Jesus intended. Radical Inclusion, radical love, and following Jesus with radical devotion.

CONNECT

Life isn't meant to be done all alone. There are others in the same life space as you. Altered Church will help you meet and explore life with others through intentional groups, meetings, outings, and events conceived with the purpose of UNITY in mind.

REACH

Altered Church is well known for reaching into the community. Serving and loving our neighbors is what we do best. We want YOU and your family to join us as we impact our community. Our REACH is bold, inclusive, and generous.

GROW

As we worship, connect, and reach into our community, we will grow in our relationship with Jesus. We will notice God working clearly in our lives. Growing isn't a program; it's what we do when we serve Jesus TOGETHER.

Will you accept our invitation? Will you join us in a movement of peace and restoration?

FIND OUT MORE?

Discover more about our ministry plan by scanning this QR code with your phone’s camera.