Question: Can anyone participate in the programs and worship services at First Christian Church?
Answer: Yes. We welcome and invite all people to every aspect of our church life. Every person in worship is invited to receive Communion (Eucharist) if they wish. All Bible studies and Sunday school classes are open to everyone. Classes for every age group are offered each week. All church meetings are open to all, however only members can vote on budget and governmental issues.
Question: How is worship at First Christian different from other churches that I may have attended?
Answer: As part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we offer communion each and every
Sunday morning. This follows the pattern of worship that is recorded in the book of Acts that was standard in the early churches. Disciples as a “bible based” church attempt to follow New Testament patterns in worship and polity. Most people would call our services traditional rather than contemporary although we include many different elements and styles of music within the service.
Each service has its own unique elements is energetic and spirit driven. Quiet meditation for personal communion with God is a regular part of the experience.
Question: How do I find the sanctuary if I come to worship?
Answer: The sanctuary is on the North side of the building. The closest door is under the portico off Country Club Road and is only steps away from the sanctuary where worship is held. The main parking lot is on the South side of the building (off Potomac Ave.) When entering the door by the south Portico the sanctuary is down the long hall and up the stairs. The fellowship hall is down those stairs.
Question: Do you provide child care during worship?
Answer:
Yes. We have 4 paid and fully certified child care providers assisted by volunteers in each of 3 rooms for babies, toddlers and two year olds. Each family is given a vibration beeper to carry during worship if a child should need you during the service. Children through the 4th grade attend the beginning of worship through the children’s sermon at the 9:30 service and then go to a “Little
Disciples” program of learning centers and activities. A graded Sunday school is offered from 11:15-12:15 for children.
Question: Is there any difference between the 9:30 and 11:15 Sunday Worship Services?
Answer: Yes, with the exception of the Sermon which is the same for both services, the 9:30 service is the Main (Primary) Worship Service which offers a full 40 voice choir, children’s message, and special experiences, while the 11:15 Worship Service is shorter and more intimate. During the 9:30 service, Communion is passed in the pews by the Deacons and the service usually lasts about 1:15 -
1:30 hours in length. However, during the 11:15 service, there are special soloists instead of the choir, Communion is served at the front by intinction (administration of the Eucharist by dipping the bread into the wine and thus offering both simultaneously) and the service is usually only 1 hour in length.
Question: How do I pick a Sunday School class to attend?
Answer: Our adult Sunday school classes are not grouped by age but rather by interest? Each class
selects their own material and topics. Some are bible studies following the international Sunday school lessons, others are topical. Some are more lecture and some more discussion oriented. A person is encouraged to try a number of different classes to see which group most clearly meets your needs.
Question: What about baptism?
Answer: This congregation practices baptism by immersion as it is described in the New Testament. The church however recognizes all other forms of baptism and membership is open to all baptized
Christians regardless of denomination or method of baptism and re-baptism is not required.
Question: How do I become a member of the church?
Answer: As a non-creedal church, Disciples ask only that people share a confession of faith that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and accept him as their personal Lord and Savior. This is the same confession that Peter made in Jesus as it is recorded in Matthew. Since the church does not have a dogma that one must affirm, persons may join the church any Sunday morning they choose You simply walk down the isle during the invitation to the front of the church and the minister will greet you there.
Question: What if I am already a Christian and belong to another church?
Answer: The process is the same. We are happy to transfer your membership to our congregation.
You do not need a letter of transfer. Simply come forward and we will notify your former church of your decision to transfer to our congregation.
Question: What if I want to be part of this church but still have ties to my former church?
Answer: We recognize that people may be students or temporary residents or have strong family ties to a church in another area. We therefore offer people the opportunity to become associate members of First Christian Church. This gives a person full membership standing in the church, but permits them to keep their permanent membership in another church. We do not notify other church of your decision to be an associate member.
Question: What is the Disciple Bible Study Program?
Answer:
Disciple is a 34 week intensive Bible study program that is offered each year. A commitment to read an hour each day and attend a two hour class is made by the members and enrollment is closed after the class begins. Usually classes begin in late August and run through May. Anyone is welcome to enroll regardless of church membership.
Question: Just how big a church is First Christian?
Answer: The congregation has about 550 family units on its active membership roles. Each Sunday morning the average worship attendance is about 450, about 75 of which are in the 11:15 worship service. Sunday school is offered each week at 11:15 for about 200 people including children.
Question: Does the church support missions and ministry beyond the membership of the congregation?
Answer: Yes to a tremendous extent. The congregation has for many years been among the top 10
contributors to both Denominational ministries and One Great Hour of Sharing. The church supports local service agencies including: Reach; the Social Help Center; Habitat for Humanity; Holly Place retirement home; and, other local charities. Mission trips to Zimbabwe to build an aids orphanage home and to Peru through Medical Missions were part of the churches efforts in 2005 and are regularly planned.
Question: How is the church governed?
Answer: Each Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is an independent unit and conducts its own
affairs. Based on a locally written constitution the congregation elects Elders, Deacons, Deaconesses, and Trustees which conduct the business of the church. The church owns its own property, chooses its own ministers and employees, and makes its own decisions on what missions and ministries to support. The church works in covenant with other Disciple congregations to provide an outstanding church
camping program at Bethany Beech and in the western Maryland mountains. Thru the denomination it supports over 200 missionaries around the world, Disciple colleges and universities, and other Home mission programs.
Question: Will I know anyone at First Christian?
Answer: Most people find the church very warm and welcoming to newcomers. A professional staff of minister, visitation pastor, full time program director, music director, and youth program director provide leadership to many small group programs.
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First Christian Church 
09:30 am
Sunday Radio Broadcast
