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Our Denomination's
History:
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in the early 1800's
in the United States.
Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founders envisioned
only one Christian Church, modeled on the New Testament. The church grew
rapidly across the American frontier, in part because it shared many values
of the early settlers, and today nearly 4,000 congregations exist.
Shared Characteristics and
Practices:
- Congregations with a
broad ethnic and racial membership
- Self-governing
congregations which call their own pastors
- Laymen and women
assist the pastor in formal or informal worship services
- Open Communion
- Baptism by immersion
- Open discussion of
issues and diversity of opinion
Shared Beliefs:
- Jesus Christ is the
Son of the Living God, offering saving grace to all
- All persons are God's
children
- Church unity is vital
- All believers are
ministers
- Each member has a
right to freedom of belief
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The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship for the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The X-shaped cross of the disciple
Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of
evangelism.
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Our Church Staff:
- Dr. Robert A. Kunz,
Pastor
- Melanie Van Weelden, Youth
Ministry Coordinator
- Bob Doyle, Organist
& Music Coordinator (10:45)
- Mary Lee Malmberg,
Adult Choral/Bell Choir Director
- Diana Knight, Music
Coordinator (8:30)
- Nancy Rood, Secretary
- Lyle McNeal,
Custodian
Pastor Bob Kunz was ordained into the
ministry in May of 1971, having received a BA from Kansas
State University,
his Doctorate from United Theological Seminary in New
Brighton, MN, and his M.Div.
from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as Staff Chaplain at Iowa
Methodist Medical
Center from 1975 to 1979, and
then as Director of Ireneaus Alcohol Treatment Center (Holy
Family Hospital)
in Estherville, Iowa
from 1979 to 1981. Bob has served as pastor of Disciples of Christ churches
in Estherville, Iowa
and Lincoln, Nebraska
prior to coming to Marion Christian Church in 1999. Bob is married and has one daughter
and two grandsons.
Melanie
Van Weelden grew up in Cedar Rapids, IA,
graduating from Kennedy High
School in 1995. She attended Culver-Stockton
College in Canton,
MO where she was named National Disciple
Scholar of the Year in 1996. After graduating from Culver-Stockton she and
her husband Brian returned to Eastern Iowa. Melanie has served as Minister
of Discipleship at Cedar Christian Church in Cedar
Rapids for the last 5 years. She has been a lifelong
participant in the programming of the Christian
Conference Center
in Newton , IA
most recently serving as director of Chi Rho Camp #7 in 2006. Melanie &
Brian are blessed with three beautiful daughters: Leah, Ella, and Mila.
Marion Christian is located on the
corner of 10th Street and McGowan Blvd, just a half-mile North of
downtown Marion and one block South of the Boyson Rd./10th St. intersection.
Handicapped Accessible
Air-conditioned Sanctuary
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Congregation's History:
Marion Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has its roots in 1843.
Several Disciples met in various homes and public buildings until 1856, when
they moved into their first church building. (The church bell, pulpit, and
communion ware cabinet from that first building are on display at our present
location.)
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The congregation grew to overflowing by the 1890's when a new building,
which still stands on the corner of 8th Avenue
and 10th St., was
constructed. The bell from the 1856 church building, Marion's
first, was mounted in the belfry.
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Again the congregation grew and grew, with discipleship, stewardship and
missions main priorities.
1962 was another milestone year, when our present home was built. Since
then Marion Christian has been reaching out into the community and the world
in an effort to fulfill God's purpose for his children here on earth. All
people in the congregation believe themselves to be ministers.
Our Mission:
Build a community of faith that confesses Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
the Living God, and that proclaims Him Lord and Savior. By the Holy Spirit,
we will worship God, witness to His life, and minister to any in need.
Our Vision:
Be a caring community of worship and prayer that lives in unity while
appreciating the rich diversity of gifts and talents within the body of
Christ, and that invites all persons to deeper levels of commitment and
faithfulness.
Our Core Values:
·
Develop a personal relationship with God
through Jesus Christ
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Worship and praise God as a community of Faith
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Practice the Disciples of Christ traditions of
communion, baptism, open interpretation of the Scriptures, and Christian
unity
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Teach and nurture people of all ages in the
Christian faith
·
Reach out and minister to people wherever they
are by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ using our time, spiritual gifts,
facilities and financial resources
·
Extend and expand friendship and openness
through fellowship as the Body of Christ known as Marion Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
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Serve with Christians of the worldwide church
to accomplish God’s will.
Fellowship &
Christian Nurturing Opportunities:
- Sunday school for age
two through adult
- Midweek adult Bible
studies
- Groups for men,
women, mothers, caregivers, seniors, and families
- Potluck/Progressive
dinners
- Aerobics Monday and
Thursday evenings
- Midweek W.O.W.
(Worshipping on Wednesday) which combines supper, Bible study, crafts,
recreation and music
Ministry & Growth
Opportunities:
Music
- Adult choral and bell
choirs
- Children's choral and
bell choirs
Outreach
- Churches of Marion
Pantry
- Linnhaven
- CROP Walk
- Share Iowa
Food Distribution
- Habitat for Humanity
- Mission
trips
- Local/Global ministries
- Marion Senior Living
Project
- Marion Cares
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