You become a Christian by believing in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and your Lord, and by publicly acknowledging that; you become a Disciple by being a Christian and baptized. We’ll be glad to help with both!

For more answers or information, please visit or contact us today!

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Address: 201 South Main Street, Paris IL 61944
Phone: 217-466-3255

(Map & Directions)

We meet with God each Sunday morning. Sometimes, we do different things, but there is always time for each other – and for God. 

We do lots of different things during worship services, so it’s not too boring … but in a regular order, so it’s familiar.

• We make announcements and talk about people in need
• We sing and listen to good music
• We pray with God
• We read the Bible and think about it during the sermon
• We give money for God’s work
• We take communion to get close to God

We shake hands and talk to each other, too.

Must I “dress-up” to attend worship?

No, it is not required or even expected. Many do wear their best to meet God, but we accept everyone, and their slacks, jeans, or sneakers!

People who are young and old, male and female, black and white, in town and from the country. Many are long-time members, others are new and visiting. There are Christians from other churches, people who have grown up as Disciples and some not-yet-Christians. People here are married, single, divorced, widowed, professionals, workers, retired, babies, teenagers, newlywed and seniors.  Quite a mix!

We belong to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a denomination almost 1 million members. We believe in taking communion – each worship, and in baptism – by immersion (all the way under the water). We give members the freedom to think for themselves and to get involved; we believe in working with all other Christians; we make our own decisions – about money, ministers, programs and about following Christ.

We print the words of the prayer so everyone can pray together, and the communion is open to all believers in Jesus Christ.  We offer it to all Christians, no matter what your background, attendance, or membership.

We normally eat the little communion loaf as soon as it is passed, but hold the communion cup so we all can drink together.

On Sundays parking is available in our spaces behind the building, by the library, across Main Street at the old gas station and lot, north across Washington Street in the parking lot, by City Hall, and of course on the street.

When you get in the building, you can find restrooms by following the hallway or going through the parlor.  Restrooms are also downstairs just off the Fellowship Hall, as well as upstairs.  All are marked by signs (just in case!).

Yes, there is designated handicapped parking available with permanent spaces in front of the entryway on Washington Street, as well as temporary spaces on Sundays.

Along Main Street is a ramp, which opens into the sanctuary and in the new entryway is an elevator with access to all floors.

The main level restrooms are accessible to all, and the floor is barrier-free.

Yes, we have a staffed and equipped Nursery with a separate Crib Room for those who need quiet or changed – available during 9:00 AM worship and Sunday School time.

WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED FOR CHILDREN?

Our worship service offers a Children’s sermon – after which children ages 4-6 are invited to Children’s Church where they have their own lesson, prayer, and activities.

In addition to Sunday worship …

• We have special holiday worship services
• We have Sunday School classes for all ages and stages
• We have a women’s organization and a men’s group
• We have a midweek children’s ministry and youth group
• We have a senior citizen group, as well as a Bible Study class.
• We have choirs, committees, classes, videos, parties, and prayer chains/vigils
• We cooperate with community ministries
• We also give books to 1^stgraders, math cards to 3^rd graders
• We give shoes, coats, and school supplies to school kids
• We celebrate our church’s work during our “Christmas in July” emphasis

… and many more opportunities for involvement!