WHO ARE WE

We are a people of God on a path of freedom, learning and love. We question, think, and listen. We respect other faiths. We welcome new people. We are open to new ideas. We care about our community. We care about creation. We are passionate about making our community and world a better place. We are a people of God who

  • understand that God is bigger than any concept we have.  We can never fully know God, but we can live into the mystery and experience moments of knowing and insight and grace.
  • think the questions are as important as the answers.
  • believe faith is a process, a journey that is on-going.

We follow Jesus

  • who did not start a religion but launched a movement of extravagant, inclusive, and reconciling love.
  • who did not require belief in specific doctrines, but rather, said, “Come, follow me.”
  • who said the whole of the law and prophets can be summarized by this, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

Values and Vision

Core Values:

  • Genuinely accept, welcome and love everyone as Jesus did.
  • Connect people to God and to one another.
  • Cultivate an environment where people grow in faith and discipleship.
  • Celebrate everyone’s gifts for ministry and encourage people as leaders.
  • Minister in the community with God’s healing love.

Vision:

First Christian Church Will Be A Community Of Connection:

  • To God who brings hope and possibility, abundance and grace
  • To the way of Jesus that brings deeper meaning and purpose
  • To other people to build positive, life-enhancing relationships
  • To resources that will promote healing and wholeness in all aspects of life
  • To other organizations with a similar vision and purpose

We are a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada who exists to be:

  • a “movement for wholeness is a fragmented world, as part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”
  • a “faithful, growing church, that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice.” (www.disciples.org)

Some beliefs and practices of the Disciples include:

  • Open Communion – Communion is celebrated weekly during worship. Everyone is welcome at Christ’s table where the wall of human hostility is broken down in God’s uniting love.
  • Freedom of belief – Disciples are called together around our desire and commitment to follow Jesus. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study, prayer, and dialog, 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 of those of the age of accountability, 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 ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.