Deep Christian Spirituality
Christian spirituality is a way of life that relates who and what we are to who
and what God is as revealed in Jesus Christ and as experienced through the Holy Spirit. We encourage one another in the spiritual
disciplines, practices through which we open ourselves to being shaped by God. Those disciplines include prayer, Bible study,
worship, stewardship, service, study of the church’s tradition and hospitality to strangers. Our spiritual development
ministries range from teaching children to love Jesus to helping adults live Christ-like lives.
True Community
Although each Disciples congregation has its own personality, there are common practices which unite all of
our congregations. Like most all Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) congregations, we celebrate Holy Communion each
time we meet. For us, Communion is celebrated every Sunday morning and at Wednesday night Vespers (Prayer Service).
We practice Baptism by immersion, although we recognize the validity of other forms of baptism for transferring members.
We believe in the authority of Holy Scripture and celebrate the faithful traditions of the Church. As churches grow
in true community, members care deeply for one another. But true community also means reaching out to include others—encouraging
the growth of a diverse community in which all are welcomed and cared for. At First Christian Church, study and fellowship
groups offer opportunities to ask honest questions, share opinions and discover ways to deal with life’s difficult issues
and to grow in faith. We seek to provide a rich fellowship and sense of community for people of all ages and walks of
life.
A Passion For Justice
Disciples
ministries don’t stop at the front door of the church building. We work to make a difference in our neighborhoods
and the wider community. As followers of Jesus we help in soup kitchens and food pantries, shelter the homeless and care for
children. We advocate for fairness in laws and public policy. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has committed itself
to become an anti-racist, pro-reconciling church. Our shared ministries reach out across North America. Whether it is
repairing homes and community centers, cleaning up after natural disasters and bringing hope where there is despair, we believe
that our faith compels us to
serve
others. We support Disciples facilities that care for abused children and their families, persons with disabling conditions
and senior adults. Our higher education institutions educate and train women and men for the ministry and for careers in other
fields. Disciples overseas ministries stretch around the world. With partner churches we tell the Good News, help dig
wells, train pastors, immunize children and much more. We also help persons in times of natural disaster, economic upheaval
and war.
The Red
Chalice
The red chalice was chosen
as a symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1969. It reflects the importance of the Holy Communion
as the heart of our worship. The chalice also bears the Cross of Saint Andrew, the national cross of Scotland.
This reflects the Scottish roots of our founders. St. Andrew was also a proponent of evangelism and the importance of
the laity--both of which are emphasized by Disciples today.
