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.
End of a Season
We want to share with you an important update regarding our Family Ministries Pastor, Heather Vance. After a season of prayer and reflection, Heather has sensed God leading her into a new chapter and has decide not to return from her sabbatical.
Heather has been well-loved and a faithful part of our church family for many years. Her investment in students and their families has left a lasting impact, and her steady leadership in our student ministry has been a tremendous gift from God. Countless lives have been shaped by her care, encouragement, and commitment to pointing students toward Jesus.
We are deeply grateful for her years of service and the way she has given herself wholeheartedly to this ministry. Please join us in thanking God for Heather, praying for her as she transitions, and expressing your appreciation to her in the days ahead. Heather and her family will continue to attend First Christian Church.
Pastor & Staff Appreciation
MONTH OF OCTOBER
October is Pastor & Staff Appreciation Month. Let’s show our gratitude for the tireless work, love, and guidance our pastors and church staff provide all year round. We will have note cards in the lobby during the month of October where you can write an encouraging word letting them know they are valued.
- FCC Elders
First Steps
WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 11/12, 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.
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.
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.
Congregational Meeting
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025 AT 3PM
Join us for the fall congregational meeting where we will discuss the 2026 budget. Copies can be picked up at the Welcome Center. Questions? Contact Pastor Jonathan at jgrunden@firstdecatur.org.
Young Adult Beginner Sewing
NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 20, 2025 FROM 3-4:30PM (EVERY OTHER SATURDAY)
Young adults age 18-30(ish) are invited to join us for a beginner sewing class. Learn some basic skills including using a sewing machine, reading a pattern, and other sewing skills. Class meets every other Saturday beginning November 1.
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.