AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
PURPOSE
A HISTORY OF CENTRALIA FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH
A VISION FOR THE 21st CENTURY
A HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
HISTORY AND MEANING OF THE CHALICE SYMBOL
WHO WE ARE AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
The following is from the preamble to a document called The design for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It poetically and prayerfully expresses our shared affirmation of faith.
" As members of the Christian Church, we confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.
In Christ's name and by his grace we accept our mission of witness and service to all people.
We rejoice in God, maker of heaven and earth, and in the covenant of love which binds us to God and to one another.
Through baptism into Christ we enter into newness of life and are made one with with the whole people of God.
In the communion of the Holy Spirt we are joined together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ.
At the table of the lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acs and presence of Christ.
Within the universal church we receive the gift of ministry and the light of scripture.
In the bonds of Christian faith we yield ourselves to God that we may serve the One whose kingdom has no end.
Blessing, glory and honor be to God fovever. Amen. "
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The purpose of Centralia First Christian Church shall be as revealed in the New Testament
To win people to faith in christ
To commit them actively to the church
To nuture them in the knowledge and love of Christ
To work for the unity of all Christians
And, with all the church in Christ, to witness and work toward the kingdom of God
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Our church was organized in 1867 by Dr. D.M. Granfield and met for the first years in the district school house. The first building was a white frame building located on the square where the U.S. Post Office stands today.
By 1889 the congregation had outgrown this building and decided to build. The old building was sold moved across the alley where it later housed the first A.B. Chance manufacturing operation.
The new brick building, on the same site, dedicated the first Sunday of June, 1890, housed the congregation for only twenty years before it became too small. When the need to build again was recognized, it was decided to build outside the business district and two lots on the cornor of Barnes and Rollins were purchased. Building began in 1910 and the building was dedicated on the first Sunday in May 1911. This building still houses our congregation today.
In 1958, the church realized a need for a more adequate church school facility. Adjoining property to the west and north of the building was purchased. The education building and fellowship hall were built on the peoperty to the north and a parking lot was built on the west side. The new part of the building was dedicated on October 22, 1961.
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The movement which became the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was birthed of a vision: That all who believe in Christ might be one so that the world may believe (John 17:20-21).
That vision took root in Centralia, Missouri in 1867, with the formation of First Christian Church. Throughtout the years, it has energized us as leaders in the quest for unity and increased understanding between denominations. And that vision will carry us into the twenty-first century, as instruments of faith, hope, and love in witness to our risen Lord and Savior.
As we reach up to God and out into the world for the sake of the Good News of Christ, we warmly welcome all who would seek a closer connection to God and a deeper relationship with others.
Come worship, serve and grow with First Christian Church in the Heart of Centralia
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