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We are part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a 750,000-member denomination, founded nearly 200 years ago along the American frontier.  We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, but have no other creed and require no other confession.  We believe God is at work in each one of us and in our world.  We believe the Bible is inspired by God, and that each person has the responsibility to study the Bible and come to his or her own understanding about questions of faith and morality.  We are open to differences of opinion and accept and respect people who have doubts and questions.  Thomas Campbell, one of our founders, said, “In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; and in all things, love.” This remains a guiding principle for our church.  We believe in the ministry of all people.  Women, men, and youth are involved in all areas of the church’s life and work.  A high regard for the ministry of all Christians is central to our church life.  Celebration of the Lord’s Supper is central to our worship, and is practiced weekly.  All believers are welcome to participate, regardless of their faith background.  We practice baptism by immersion at an age of understanding but respect and accept all forms of baptism. 

Why is church important? What’s in it for me?

We all need to feel connected to something greater than ourselves, to discern God’s presence in our lives and in our world.  Sure, God is bigger than any church or any denomination.  You can (and should) experience God’s presence in many ways: a beautiful sunset, the touch of a child’s hand, the first snow, the love of another person.  But life is a journey, a pilgrimage, and in this journey we need companions— persons who share the same compass, who help us find our “true north” so we don’t get lost.  The church is the community of travelers who help each over the rough spots, who hold one another accountable, and who provide bread for this journey we call life. 

Do you have to dress up for worship services? 

Come dressed however you feel comfortable.  We have folks in jeans and t- shirts, and folks in suits and ties.   

How large is your congregation? 

Our worship services average in attendance from 60-80 on a typical Sunday morning.  We are small enough to remain an intimate and caring community while large enough to make a real impact in our community through our service and worship. 

Do you have to have a church background to join? How do you join? 

We welcome persons from all backgrounds and faith traditions.  Whether you’ve been active in the church all your life, or are a new Christian, we have a place for you.  You may join in three ways.  If you have previously been baptized and active in another church, you may come by transfer of membership.  If you have been baptized, but have not been active in the life of a church for a while, you can come by reaffirmation of faith.  If you have never been baptized, you come by confession of faith and baptism. 

What is expected of members? 

We expect our members to seek to actively grow in their spiritual life through participation in worship, study, and service, and by contributing financially to the ministry of the church.  We encourage all members to discover their unique spiritual gifts, and to use those gifts to the glory of God. 

Are you Liberal or Conservative? 

We are an inclusive community which values the freedom every believer has to mature into our own honest understanding of who God is and how we can best serve.  Because we are open in matters of doctrine and biblical interpretation, our worshipping community includes both liberals and conservatives.  We ask only that everyone unite around the affirmation that Jesus is Christ.  As we all seek to serve and worship God through Christ, we find the essential unity which makes us one.

What do Disciples believe?

Like most Christians, Disciples affirm:

Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, and offers saving grace to all.

All persons are God's children.

Beliefs and practices usually associated with Disciples include:

Open Communion. The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Freedom of belief. Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.

Baptism by immersion. In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.

Belief in the oneness of the church. All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.

The ministry of believers. Both ordained clergy and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.

This information is used with permission from the Disciples of Christ website at www.disciples.org.