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. We believe in the authority of Holy Scripture and celebrate
the faithful traditions of the Church. Like most all Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) congregations, we celebrate
Holy Communion each time we gather. We practice baptism by immersion, although we recognize the validity
of other forms of baptism for transferring members. Persons may join our fellowship either by professing Christ as Savior
and Lord of their life or by transfer of membership from a previous congregation. 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. 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. 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.
