We Gather
At ACAC, we believe that when we gather for corporate worship, God’s presence brings joy, hope, and healing. It’s in our DNA as a church to pursue that presence wholeheartedly. As we gather, we proclaim God’s truth, believing His Word and embracing our mission to share it with the world. One of the most powerful ways we do that is by creating welcoming spaces where others can experience the life-changing presence of Jesus.
Christmas in the City
As Pastor Alan has often shared, “One of my greatest desires is for ACAC to be a church that unchurched people love to attend. One of the ways we live that out is through our Christmas in the City holiday program. Christmas is special, hearts are softer. It’s the one time of year when people will sing about Jesus and celebrate Him, even if they don’t yet believe in Him. That gives us a perfect opportunity to help them experience His love and redemption.”
This past year, Christmas in the City featured over 60 people in creative arts sharing their talents with the community. Our staff and volunteers worked together to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our guests. But more than that, the event offered the ACAC family a powerful way to invite friends, neighbors, and loved ones to experience the true gift of Christmas. We welcomed nearly 3,200 people during our six programs—a 100% increase from the year before!
One attendee, Lori H., shared how an invitation led to transformation in the life of her friend Sue:
“Sue and I have known each other for about 30 years. It’s been amazing to watch how the Lord has gently drawn her into relationship with Him. Sue’s background was a bit of a mix— Catholic father, Jehovah’s Witness mother—and for the most part, she had never really been part of a church.
I invited her to Christmas in the City; and she’s now come for three years in a row. In the last two years, she’s faced serious health challenges that have disrupted her life: work, social activities, everything. She spent all her time trying to get better and nothing was working. But after attending Christmas in the City in 2024, she joined ACAC’s Women’s Bible Study and immersed herself in her spiritual journey, including Practicing the Way classes. Now she comes regularly on Sundays and continues to grow through small group studies. It’s been a joy to witness.”
Easter: Broken to Beautiful
Our two-week Easter series, Broken to Beautiful, reminded us that brokenness isn’t a detour in our faith—it’s the very place where Christ meets us. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God makes us whole again. Over Easter weekend, nearly 300 kids and 2,000 adults gathered across both campuses. Most significantly, 8 adults and 9 children made decisions to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior!
At our Thursday Communion service, attendees wrote their brokenness on tile pieces, which were then adhered to a cross, creating a 3-D mosaic reminder of redemption.
Tyler, a young adult who has recently started attending ACAC, came to the communion service at Pastor Ashley’s invitation and described his experience, “Originally, I was not going to attend. I was on the fence about it, but Pastor Ashley encouraged me.
When I got the bag with the tiles in it, I was certain that I was not going to participate. But then something came over me, and I started to write. Eventually I got up and placed it on the cross.”
Tyler’s mom, who lives in Michigan just happened to be streaming the service that night. “I was watching online and had no idea he was attending. But then I saw him put his tile on the cross. I was so excited! I know God has him at ACAC for a reason.”
Celebrating 130 Years
Over the weekend of September 27–29, 2024, the ACAC family gathered to celebrate 130 years of ministry. What began with a commitment to “run errands for the Holy Spirit” has grown—by God’s grace—into a vibrant, diverse community still running strong today.
From a ribbon-cutting for our new Community Hub, to unveiling murals on the Warehouse, to welcoming over 200 current and former staff at a homecoming party, the memorable weekend was filled with joy. Special weekend services included appearances by Alliance leadership and a heartfelt rendition of Falling in Love with Jesus, led by Pastor Donnie Tucker, Pastor Emeritus Rock Dillaman, and Pastor Kelvin Walker.
The celebration concluded with the premiere of By His Spirit, a documentary highlighting the history and heart of ACAC, attended by over 600 people.
Pastor Alan captured the heart of the moment: “What excites me about the future of this church is that we have the opportunity to model how a diverse body of people can lay all their differences aside, worship side by side, and find their unity in Jesus.”
Gathering:
By The Numbers
Average Weekend Attendance
Adults North Side: 1,085
Students: 61
Kids: 180
Steel Valley: 51
Social Media Service Views: 357
Total New Visitors: 980
Average Weeknight Attendance (In Person)
Students After School Program (ASP) 71
Students Midweek: 47
Kids Midweek: 74
Young Adults (Mondays): 27
Adults Midweek: 50
Special Events:
Christmas in the City: 3,193
Women’s Christmas Luncheon: 340
Easter: 1,975
Easter Jam: 296 kids
Gospel Sunday: 1,825