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First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ         Text Box: THE CHALICE The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism.     BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FRANKFORT, INDIANA The First Christian Church, according to early history, had its initial beginning about 1830.  In 1842, members of the church built their first church building on the site of the present building.  This early church had its problems and after a few years, the site, building, and all the equipment were sold.  For approximately fifty years the church would prosper, then recess.  Numerous meeting places were used and many ministers served during this period.  In 1868 and for about three years, the congregation met in the old Courthouse.  A subscription was then started for funds for a church building and in 1872 the new building was dedicated.  This building was located on South Jackson Street.   About 1892, a recognized First Christian Church repurchased the old lot, and in March, 1893, the congregation was located in their new church on the corner of Walnut and Columbia Streets once more.  In 1895 the church suffered a fire loss.  In 1907 the church was remodeled.   Again, in 1952, the interior of the church was remodeled, changing from two aisles to a center aisle and changing the seating arrangement of the choir, making it a split chancel.   In 1967 the church sanctuary was completed redecorated, carpeted from wall to wall, and new pews installed throughout.   The Church Annex, in which are located Sunday school classrooms, the Church Parlor, and Fellowship Hall were dedicated on May 18, 1926.   FRANKFORT FIRST CHRISTIAN, DISCIPLES OF CHRIST...PRESENT With a long history of resilience and trust in the ever presence of the Holy Spirit, the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ stands strong in their commitment today to promoting the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.   With ever changing times, we hold fast to one common goal: serving others and providing a place of meaningful worship to re-energize and refocus the spiritual life of our members.   Our worship service continues to provide a sense of awe in all God has and continues to do in our midst.  Though our worship is traditional in style, we are not stuffy and solemn…as in life, we experience joy and laughter, reflection and concern,  sadness and tears, and our worship is no different.   But no matter where one may be in the  journey of life – we know that together we are Christ’s body, each of us with a part to play as Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 12.   Though the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Frankfort, Indiana has changed and evolved over the decades, our mission is clear: to be Christ in the world, nurturing and guiding our members, while witnessing to the love of God made visible in Jesus!        

 

Text Box: WHAT DISCIPLES BELIEVE   Like most Christians, Disciples Affirm:    ▪   Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God    ▪   All persons are God’s children   Beliefs and practices usually associated with Disciples 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 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in the early 1800s  in the United States.  Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founders envisioned a united church of  Jesus Christ modeled on the New Testament.   DISCIPLES TODAY Today, our  nearly 3,800 congregations still 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.