Did you ever wonder why Disciples of Christ Churches use the red Chalice symbol?
     The red chalice, bearing the "X-shaped" cross of St. Andrew was adopted as the symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by the denomination's General Assembly in 1971.
     The chalice symbolizes the centrality of the Lord's Supper to Disciples life. The St. Andrew's Cross, the national cross of Scotland, focuses attention on the Scotch Presbyterian roots of our church.  St. Andrew has been identified with the laity and evangelism, prominent emphases of the Disciples over the years.   The red color of the chalice signifies vitality, spirit and sacrifice.
     The chalice and St. Andrew's Cross, symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a trademark registered with the United States Patent Office.

Have you ever wondered why our traditional worship service includes a special ceremony to light the candles on the communion table?
     The flame of the candle represents the Spirit of Christ in our worship service. Therefore, it is with special reverence that we have children bring the flame into the worship service and at the end of the service they carry the flame back into the world as we depart in service to God.

Have you ever wondered how the Disciples of Christ Churches select a pastor?
     The Christian Church Disciples of Christ is a congregationally driven church, which means that the people of the congregation own the property, buildings, bank accounts, determine the programs, worship style and hire the pastor. 
     Each year, in November the congregation elects members to the positions of Trustees, Elders, and Deacons.  The Trustees, Elders and Deacons make up the Board, which serves as a representative for the congregation.  The Board works with our Area Office to advertise the position of pastor.  The candidates are reviewed and interviewed by a “Search Committee that is appointed by the Board.  The search committee makes a recommendation to the Board and after the Board approves a candidate they are approved by a congregational vote.
     The pastor can not be moved by the denomination and will stay with the congregation as long as the church and pastor feel that God is calling them to work together in ministry.  To help nurture and strengthen the relationship between the congregation and the pastor, the Board of First Christian Church has appointed a committee known as the “Pastoral Relations Committee” to keep the lines of communication open and working properly between the congregation and the pastor.
     Currently, the Pastoral Relations Committee is chaired by Sandy Evans and the members are Mark Corwin, Sue Bird, Bill Steward, Dillon Bird, Joanna Bird, Junior Stith and Arland Haynes.  The committee meets with Pastor Russ on a quarterly basis to discuss a wide array of topics.  If you have any topics or suggestions for this committee, please feel free to speak to any member of the committee or Pastor Russ.  By keeping the lines of communication open we are building a strong and lasting relationship between our congregation and Pastor Russ and his family.