East Side Christian Church Mission Statement
Affirming that Jesus is the Christ, our Lord and Savior, we seek to be
faithful to God's Call. We challenge ourselves to lead people to
Christ, provide spiritual growth opportunities and be a loving church
family. We commit to the sharing of our time, talents, and resources
to our church and community
From the preamble to the Design for the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ)
"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 one another. Through baptism into
Christ we enter into newness of life and are made one with the whole
people of God. In the communion of the Holy Spirit we are joined
together in discipleship and in obedience to Christ. At the
table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts 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 forever. Amen."
We believe in, and practice, baptism by immersion, but all forms of
prior baptism are accepted, if satisfactory to the person. Our baptism
is a "believer’s baptism" which is to say that baptism is
available to those who are of age to understand what the act means.
The Lord’s Supper is the heart of worship in the Christian Church.
Communion is celebrated every Sunday and on special occasions. All who
have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, regardless of denomination, are
welcome to participate.
Our church determines its own programs, staff, and finances. Leaders
of the Church Board, Committees, etc., are all chosen from the church
membership. We own our property and make our own decisions, though we
welcome any input from those in the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) General, Regional and District structures. We are in covenant
with other manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ);
we are morally responsible to each other, but without a "pyramid of
authority."
We are involved with our General, Regional, and District programs and
activities, training seminars, national benevolent projects, homeland
and overseas missions and ministries. All over the world, Disciples of
Christ are working through ecumenism and mission to witness to all
people and nations of the love of Jesus Christ. Our purpose is to
proclaim the Gospel message and to truly serve humankind.
There is a place for you at East Side Christian Church. We invite you
to participate, support, learn, experience, enjoy, and discover the Good
News of Jesus Christ with us.
|
