Custodian: Kevin Green

Disciples of Christ History

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) began in the early 1800s in the United States. Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founders envisioned a united church modeled on the New Testament.
Disciple congregations today share these characteristics:

• Each congregation is self-governing and calls its own pastor.
• Worship services may be formal or informal, and include lay women and men in leadership.
• Open discussion of issues is encouraged. Diversity of opinion is common.
• We are growing in racial and ethnic diversity.

Disciples affirm that Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, and offers saving grace to all. Disciples also believe that all persons are children of God.

Disciples practices and beliefs 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 ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service, and spiritual growth.

The symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a red chalice, emblazoned with a white St. Andrew’s cross. The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship. The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism.

---

Pastor’s Message

Something to Think About as a Family of God for January and February

Obviously, the new year is upon us. Christmas decorations have been taken down, and the sanctuary is sparsely decorated for the season of Epiphany. The definition and meaning of Epiphany include the visit of the Magi, Jesus’ baptism, Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness and the celebration of Jesus’ first miracle at Cana.

We lift up God’s manifestation or appearance in Jesus, the Son of God. During the season of Epiphany, we are called to keep seeking God’s presence in our lives.

During the new year, it is easy to get caught up in other things we deem necessary until something goes wrong, which is out of our control. Then we look for God, hoping and praying that our prayers will be answered.

But if we keep looking for God despite how things are going, we will realize God has always been there. So, we are not alone when bad things happen to us. Epiphany runs from January 6th through February 18th, which is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the season of Lent.

Obviously, February has Valentine’s Day, when we celebrate the love we have for our spouses. Because Ash Wednesday falls on February 18, the love month becomes much more serious.

The theme for Lent this year is “Leaning In, Letting Go.”

I cannot predict what the new year will bring us, but my prayer is that we lean into our relationship with God, that it grows, and that we let go of the things that keep us from knowing and experiencing God more in our lives during the season of Epiphany and Lent.

Something to think about and do something about.

Love You All,

Rev. Craig