First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

In November 2008, the First Christian Church received news that the Lilly Endowment has accepted a grant for our pastor, John McKinstry to go on Sabbatical from May through July. This grant will cover expenses for John's activities during this time, as well as resources to allow the congregation to engage in its own period of renewal. We are excited about the adventure John is about to undertake and about our own journey while he is away.

Below are links to points of interest related to this Sabbatical:

• The Proposal Sent to the Lilly Foundation
• Pastor's Blog
• Projected Timeline (May 4 - August 1)
• Sabbatical Transformation Groups

We are asking EVERYONE in the congregation to participate in Lenten prayer groups (February 25-April 12) this year as part of our Sabbatical experience.  Below are links to a form we're asking everyone to fill out to help us organize accessible groups for everyone- please print off a copy and get it back to the church office , or email us your preference(s) Thank you!

Sabbatical Transformation Groups form (MS Word)

Sabbatical Transformation Groups form (PDF)

Sabbatical Staff

• Interim Sabbatical Pastor - Dr. Richard Guentert (recently retired as Regional Minister for the First Christian Church in the Upper Midwest) 
  • Richard's Introduction
  • Richard's Biography (pdf)
• Music Director - Instead of a single music director, we have opted to have three individuals come to provide workshops to anyone in our congregation who is interested, to offer a concert, and to lead the music during a service (which will include the participants of the workshops).
• Spiritual Director - Dr. Dorothy Whiston
• Sound Engineer - Dan Towey. Dan is engineering our music CD, which will be available in the fall.