BRADFORD, Pa. — Aug. 19, 2026 — Open Arms Community Church will host a public Grand Opening Open House on Saturday, Aug. 22, offering local residents an opportunity to tour its newly renovated upstairs worship center at 71 Congress St. in Bradford.

The Open House will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors are invited to explore the expanded space, including the new worship center, updated children’s ministry areas, classrooms and gathering spaces. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day.

“We have been worshipping downstairs for more than a year since our move downtown because the upstairs sanctuary was not accessible to everyone,” said Lead Pastor Zoe Hatcher. “Currently, we have a working chair lift to help people get into the sanctuary for worship, and with the completion of our wheelchair lift wrapping up soon, we will finally be able to welcome people of all abilities to worship together in our sanctuary.”

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for noon during Saturday’s event.

The weekend celebration will continue Sunday, Aug. 23, with a formal Dedication Service at 10 a.m., led by Free Methodist Church Keystone Conference Superintendent Chris Hill.

The months-long renovation project significantly increased the facility’s seating capacity while creating new spaces for children, families and ministry. The project also includes a new accessibility lift that is nearing completion and will provide access to the church’s upper level for individuals with mobility challenges.

Church volunteers provided much of the labor throughout the renovation, including interior painting, technology setup, furniture installation and other work needed to prepare the space.

“We have been passionate about creating a ‘Church for All,’ working for two years to raise funds and complete renovations that remove barriers for people with disabilities who want to participate fully in worship and the life of our church,” Hatcher said. “We invite everyone in the community to come see what has been accomplished through God and His people and celebrate with us.”

The renovated sanctuary officially opened for worship on Aug. 16, when Open Arms began its new single Sunday worship service at 10 a.m.

The Grand Opening Open House is free and open to the public.

EVENT DETAILS

Grand Opening Open House
Saturday, Aug. 22
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: Noon
Open Arms Community Church
71 Congress St., Bradford, PA

Dedication Service
Sunday, Aug. 23
10 a.m.
Open Arms Community Church
71 Congress St., Bradford, PA

For more information, visit oachurch.com