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.
NEW Sermon Series
STARTS WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 6/7, 2025
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. Join us this weekend as we begin this new 11-week sermon series, Stories That Still Speak.
Worship Arts Kick-Off
STARTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 FROM 6-8PM
We're kicking off a new year in our worship arts ministry area which includes our vocalists, musicians, choir, and production team! We invite all worship arts volunteers as well as anyone who is interested in joining our team to bring the entire family for taco night (all free!) and a special time of worship with guest worship leader, Jameson Wheeler. We want to say thank you for all you do and get you inspired and excited for what’s to come. RSVP by September 4.
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.
First Steps
WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 13/14, 2025
AFTER EACH WORSHIP SERVICE
If you're new or new-ish, we’d love for you to join us for FIRST STEPS this weekend offered after each of our worship services. This brief gathering is a chance to explore potential next steps in your faith journey and get to know some of our church staff. We will meet in The Hub, a new space between the West Auditorium and Office.
If you attend church online, we'd love to connect with you as well! We can meet sometime during the week over a coffee or set up a Zoom meeting. Whatever works best for you. Contact Hannah at hbeery@firstdecatur.org or call/text (217) 875-3350 to see up a time to connect together.
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.
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.
Sensory-Friendly Worship Gathering
SATURDAYS AT 5PM IN THE EAST AUDITORIUM
We invite you to a new kind of worship experience created especially for individuals who may be sensitive to lights, sound, crowds, or other sensory input. We understand that traditional worship services can sometimes feel overwhelming, and we want to offer a space that is peaceful, accessible, and welcoming for all. Here’s what you can expect at our Sensory-Friendly Worship Gathering:
- Gentle Lighting – No flashing or harsh lights. The environment will be softly lit to promote calm and comfort.
- Controlled Sound – Music and voices will be at a lower, consistent volume. There will be no sudden loud noises or sound effects.
- No Fog or Special Effects
- Flexible Seating and Movement – Feel free to stand, sit, move, or take breaks as needed. We want you to feel at ease.
- Welcoming Environment – Whether you have a specific sensory sensitivity or just prefer a quieter space, you are warmly welcome here.
This service is designed to create space for rest, reflection, and connection with God and with one another, without sensory overload.
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
ACCOUNTING & RECEIPTS COORDINATOR (PART TIME)
We are looking for a friendly, part-time Accounting and Receipts Coordinator (15-20 hours/week) to join our financial team onsite. This role involves general oversight of receipts, including receiving, recording, and reconciling financial transactions, along with preparing monthly budget reports and various weekly, monthly, and year-end financial statements. The successful candidate must have accounting experience (college courses preferred), strong interpersonal and relational skills, and a commitment to confidentiality. Experience with fund accounting, Power Church, Realm CHMS, or Microsoft Excel is beneficial. To apply, email your resume to Jonathan at jgrunden@firstdecatur.org or apply on Indeed.
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.