- We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, but have no other creed and require no other confession.
- We are open to differences of opinion and accept and respect people who have doubts and questions.
- We believe in the ministry of all people. Women, men, and youth are involved in all areas of the church's life and work.
- Celebration of the Lord's Supper is central to our worship. We celebrate the Lord's Supper weekly. All believers are welcome to receive communion, 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 perform weddings for non-members? What does it cost?
We gladly perform weddings for non-members. Because we believe that active participation in the life of a faith community is important for a healthy marriage, we do encourage couples who are getting married in our church to be regular in worship as a part of their marriage preparation. Cost for weddings vary. Contact the church office for our wedding policy and charges.
- 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?
We have an active membership of over 400 persons of all ages. Sunday morning worship attendance is around 230. We are small enough so that you
won't just be another face in the crowd, but large enough to offer a variety of programs and ministries.
- 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 both liberal and conservative. We are liberal in that we believe in an inclusive God who loves everyone. That's the scandal of Jesus Christ: that he didn't just die to save the good guys, but the sinners, the outcasts, the least, the last and the lost. We are conservative because we believe that who we are and what we do must be rooted in the Word of God. We are liberal because we strive to be culturally relevant, responsive and in tune with the world around us. We are conservative because in this age of relativism we believe that there are eternal truths and absolute values.
- Where do you stand on controversial issues like abortion and homosexuality?
Because of our emphasis on the freedom of individual belief, we do not take stands on such issues. We offer a forum where concerned Christians can struggle together to discern answers to complex moral questions.
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One of the gifts we offer is helping church members understand how their faith impacts their everyday life. Here's what they have to say:
We believe that church should help people make connections:
- with God
- with one another
- with faith in everyday life
- with one's deepest and best self
Rick Jensen ,
Pastor
After cycling the lower 48 states and over 35,000 miles, the Christian life has become for me a never-ending spiritual journey. My Christian journey started when I was baptized at 17 in my home church in Overland Park, Kansas. I didn't grow up in the church, but have learned as an adult that the church is the best place a person could ever find for getting married, raising a family, and making a life. From Kansas I went on to get my formal education at Phillips University, Vanderbilt Divinity School, and Christian Theological Seminary. I have been a local church pastor all my career.
Read Rick's Blog
Rene Jensen ,
Pastor
I grew up in the sixties, in a little Disciples of Christ church in a little town in East Texas. In the midst of a very conservative community, our little church was an island of open-mindedness and thoughtfulness. One of the earliest things I learned about what it meant to be a part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is that we value a reasoned and reasonable faith. It was a desire to care for the least among us that led me to work as a social worker working with abused and neglected children. As I was praying about my life and my work, I began to feel a call to ministry. I had been married to a minister for eight years, but more and more I felt God calling me to ordained ministry.
Read Rene's Blog
Robyn Fickes,
Associate Pastor
My Christian journey began with my family and the congregation who nurtured me into my call to ordained ministry. Through the love and encouragement I found in this community in Grand Island, NE, I pursued my theological education at Texas Christian University and Vanderbilt Divinity School. I had the honor and joy to dive deeply into the academic study of religion, while also being supported to continually renew and rejuvenate my faith. In this exploration of my call to ministry I saw the vulnerability of Jesus while serving as a hospital chaplain. I believe that we are called to live, work, and be together.
Read Robyn's Blog
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