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We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.
-Disciples Identity Statement
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
We are quickly approaching the unofficial start of the summer season with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The season of Easter is also quickly passing (Pentecost is June 8), and we continue our journey of understanding our identity as a congregation (and individual members) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST SERIES CONTINUES THIS SUNDAY: Last week, we shared the first of two practices initiated by Jesus himself: baptism. Jesus was not the first to practice this, as our Jewish brothers and sisters had been participating in cleansing rituals since the beginning of their faith (most "sins" require a bath, not blood sacrifice). Jesus participated in a baptism by John for "the forgiveness of sins," giving him a shared identity with us (although without sin). Baptism is a divine gift and a human response
Perhaps no greater practice is associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) than weekly communion gathering. Like Baptism, it is an echo of our Jewish heritage; in this case, it is from the Passover meal tradition. We will discuss the first scripture reference to this early church practice, in Paul's letter to the church at Corinth, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. As the founders of our movement also discovered, the practice of the Lord's Supper is prone to abuse and misuse. Indeed, Paul condemns the divisive nature and behavior of the Corinthians, falling back into customs and class of their age rather than serving as a symbolic representation of the new community in Christ without such customs or classes.
Making the practice a stumbling block rather than a gathering of forgiveness and the presence of Christ was an issue. Like baptism, it represents both past and future, a divine and human statement of faith. Join us as we explore communion's meaning, purpose, and vision.
DOVE, INC. OUTREACH PROJECT: Our collection is diapers (all sizes) and/or personal hygiene items.
ASSEMBLY REGISTRATIONS OPEN: The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will gather in person from Saturday, July 12th to Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, in Memphis, TN. This year’s General Assembly theme: “BEYOND” is based on Ephesians 3:20-21.
Now to the one who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to them be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Visit the General Assembly website for registration and housing information.
The Joint-Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin and Michigan Regions (soon to re-emerge as Living Waters Region) will be held Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, IL. For more information, click here.
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST: Mental Health Ministries; Congregations: Second Christian Church, Rockford, IL; Bethany Christian Church, Detroit, MI; Christian Church of Kalamazoo, MI; Family Camp @ Walter Scott Health: Dane Hodges, Donald Humphries, Virginia Johnson, Paul Kater, Sondra Lehew, Scott Marland, Charlotte Sutman, Debbie Volle Community: Decatur Public Schools, Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods Sympathy: Family of Karin Rasor (Tonda Atchason's sister-in-law), 5/11. Global Ministries: Puerto Rico
SALVATION ARMY FOOD PANTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with various pantry operations, including sorting and organizing food donations, assembling food boxes, and helping with distribution. Whether you can give a few hours a week or help during a one-time event, your support would make a meaningful impact.
Volunteer Shifts Available:
Tuesdays 4pm-6pm
Thursdays 4pm-6pm
Saturdays 8am-10am
Contact: Mindy Aguilar at 217-428-4672 or email at Mindy.Aguilar@usc.salvationarmy.org
Address: 137 S. Church St Decatur, IL 62523
REGIONAL MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE: We began with a slate of 16 candidates and identified six strong individuals to interview. Following the initial interviews, one candidate withdrew, and the committee has invited three candidates to participate in in-person interviews, which will take place by the end of May. Afterward, the committee will enter a period of prayerful individual and collective discernment.
We invite you to join us in continued prayer for wisdom and clarity—for the committee and for each candidate—as we seek the person God is calling to serve as Regional Minister in this new and emerging Region.
~Sandy Harvey, chair
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