What's Happening
Join us this weekend - in person or online. Worship services are Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 8:45am and 10:30am. Note that we now have a sensory-friendly worship service on Saturdays at 5pm in the East Auditorium with gentle lighting, no special effects, controlled sound, and flexible seating.
Below you'll find lots of great things happening at First Christian Church. For a complete calendar, click here.
To receive our WHAT'S HAPPENING digital newsletter every Friday, sign up via email or text FIRSTDECATUR to (217) 875-3350.
Current Sermon Series
Life raises tough questions—about faith, suffering, prayer, and what it really means to trust God. The Bible speaks into those questions through the lives of people like Noah, Moses, Daniel, Esther, Mary, and more. Their courage, doubt, and devotion reveal timeless truths for the challenges we face today. These stories aren’t just history—they’re God’s way of reminding us that He still speaks into our lives right now.
Reserved for YOU!
Our new parking lot looks super nice! However, you may have noticed we have new "RESERVED" parking spots. What does that mean? These reserved parking spaces are for ANYONE who may benefit from parking closer to the building. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, carrying little ones, or just need an easier walk that day, please feel free to use these spaces. We would love for them to be a blessing to you. Note that we will be adding the word "SENIOR" in the coming weeks, but these parking spots will continue to apply to everyone. Encourage anyone who needs them to park here!
Also, if you are able, consider parking around the outside perimeter of the parking lot in order to make available more visible parking spaces closer to the building for guests. Thank you for helping us create a pleasant experience for all who come to learn more about Jesus!
Join the Choir!
BEGINS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 FROM 6:15-7:45PM
If you love singing, then you're invited to join the choir. Rehearsals are Tuesdays beginning September 16 from 6:15-7:45pm. Childcare is available upon request. Questions? Contact Stephanie at scampbell@firstdecatur.org.
Midweek Prayer
WEDNESDAYS FROM 12:15 - 12:45 PM
Jesus is the hope of the world. The Church is Jesus' plan to bring his hope to the world, and prayer is the pathway to bring all of this together! Everyone is invited to join us Wednesdays from 12:15pm - 12:45pm in the West Auditorium for a time of worship reflection, and prayer.
Arts Academy
STARTS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
The Arts Academy at First Christian Church serves to develop the next generation of artists – trained with excellence for the task of ministry. It also serves as an avenue for growing disciples of Jesus Christ and expressing his love for people in our community. Our newest classes start September 17 with registration opening August 18. Open to all ages!
Baby Dedication Celebration
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 AT 10AM
Our Baby Dedication Celebration is a special time of celebrating your family's decision to raise your child(ren) in faith according to God’s Word. Join us for a time of fellowship, food, and prayer as we come together to support and uplift one another. This joyous occasion reflects our shared commitment to guide the next generation in truth and grace. RSVP by September 14.
Kenya Mission Trip
FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 8, 2026
* REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 *
This will be our first church-wide trip to Kenya since BJ & Mary Leonard (former FCC staff) began serving there as missionaries. We will visit Kajiado to worship with our Maasai brothers and sisters before returning to Nairobi. While in Nairobi, we’ll set up and host two Night to Shine prom-style events for individuals with disabilities: one for kids from the slums of Nairobi and another for children from Muslim-background families. The trip will conclude with a safari game drive, celebrating God’s creation together. The trip cost is $2500, and fundraising support will be available so finances are not a barrier to participation. Questions? Contact Adam at ahamerlinck@firstdecatur.org.
Women's Bible Study
STARTS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025 FROM 9:30-11:30AM
Ladies, join us for a 7-session video-based study with Jennifer Rothschild as she explores Heaven from a biblical perspective. Together, we’ll separate truth from myths, legends, and cultural ideas, and discover what God has truly prepared for His children. This study will not only deepen your understanding of Heaven, but also equip you to live with confidence and peace today. Childcare will be provided.
Fall Seniors Event
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025 FROM 11:30AM-1PM
Let's gather together! We’ll reconnect with friends, meet new ones, eat tasty food, and enjoy amazing music. The incredibly talented Julie McClarey-Smith, a national champion ragtime pianist, will delight us with her soulful piano performance that’s both technically brilliant and uplifting. Suggested donation of $5. RSVP by Thursday, October 9.
Dom Rep Missions Trip
JUNE 16-23, 2026
* REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 1, 2026 *
We’re heading back to the Dominican Republic in 2026 for another family-friendly mission trip with GO Ministries. This trip combines community outreach like sports and games with local kids and hands-on service projects such as painting and minor construction. You’ll witness the vibrant work of the Dominican church and return home encouraged and equipped to make disciples in your own circles of influence.
Whatever It Takes
ONE FUND. TWO YEARS. THREE TARGETS.
We serve a God who did whatever it takes for us by giving His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) We believe God is calling each and everyone of us at First Christian Church to do whatever it takes to further this message through the mission of his church, in our community, and around the world!
Employment Opportunities
PRE-K CHILREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR (FULL TIME)
We are looking for a Pre-K Children's Ministry Director to lead ministry for families with children from birth through pre-kindergarten, fostering spiritual growth and service opportunities. Key requirements include accepting Christ, ministry experience, a baccalaureate degree, and a passion for spiritual development of young children and their families. The director will develop and implement programming, recruit volunteers, equip parents, and manage the ministry space and budget. This full-time role emphasizes teamwork with the Family Ministries Team and adherence to Christian principles. Send resumes to Dawn at dwendt@firstdecatur.org or APPLY ON INDEED.COM.
For a complete list of events, click the church calendar button below. Questions?
Please call or text the church at (217) 875-3350 or questions@firstdecatur.org.