By Nita Wilkinson

Faith Editor

Walk into First Christian Church in downtown Bellefontaine, and you will find a church that is perhaps best described by something they do every single week: they set the table. And everyone is invited.

First Christian Church is part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a movement whose stated purpose is “for wholeness in a fragmented world.” That idea of bringing people together rather than dividing them is more than a denominational slogan. It is woven into the way this congregation lives out its faith.

Senior Pastor Kevin Greenwald says it simply.

“We all have our own interpretations of how to love and welcome. We are broken people with questions, and God welcomes both of these and so do we.”

That philosophy is particularly evident in the church’s celebration of communion. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated every week, and everyone is welcome at the table. Membership isn’t required. Agreement on every theological question isn’t required. Jesus is the host. The congregation believes they are simply guests.

The Disciples of Christ tradition emphasizes freedom and responsibility in studying Scripture, allowing room for people to wrestle with difficult questions and arrive at different conclusions. There is little hierarchy, and ministry is not reserved for clergy. Men, women and young people are all encouraged to discover their gifts and use them in service.

In other words, unity doesn’t mean everybody has to think exactly alike. It means they can gather around what matters most: Jesus Christ.

That conviction also makes cooperation with other churches come naturally to First Christian. The congregation at 215 E. Sandusky Ave. partners regularly with First United Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church and First Lutheran Church for missions, Vacation Bible School, special services and other community efforts.

Greenwald believes that cooperation sends an important message beyond the church walls.

“This is a great example to the unchurched to see churches work together,” he said.

One of the most memorable examples came during last year’s Good Friday service, when those four congregations joined with Jubilee Mennonite Church. Three artists, each representing a different church, began the service with a 4-foot-by-8-foot panel in front of them. As music played and Scripture, meditation and prayer unfolded, each artist painted a cross.

By the end of the service, three beautiful and very different works of art emerged.

Then came the moment that brought the meaning of the evening into sharp focus. The artists poured black paint over their paintings.

The black covered the crosses, obscuring the beauty that had just been created. It was a powerful visual reminder of the darkness and hopelessness surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. But it also carried a message that reaches far beyond Good Friday.

“We all know hopelessness,” Greenwald said. “We only know joy because we know sadness and sorrow. Empathy matters.”

That black paint matters. It represents the moments when life covers over what we thought was beautiful. It represents grief, disappointment, fear and the darkness we all encounter. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that Christians are not called to pretend those things don't exist.

We are called to meet people there. First Christian Church also puts its beliefs about justice and service into action locally. A portion of every tithe is designated for missions first, and the congregation intentionally looks for ways to serve its community.

Recent giving has included support for the Friendly Senior Center and the WIC Baby Shower, an event that was nearly canceled until First Christian stepped in to help. Members have also participated in United Way efforts such as Stuff the Bus and Community Care Days.

Their vision is to be “a faithful, growing church that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice,” drawing from Micah 6:8.

Their mission is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ by witnessing, loving and serving; from their own doorsteps “to the ends of the earth.”

On Sunday mornings, there are several opportunities to gather: Cafe Grace Praise & Worship from 9:10 to 10 a.m., complete with a light breakfast; Sunday School from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Wee Worship Children’s Church on the first and third Sundays; and traditional worship in the sanctuary from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.

But perhaps the best description of First Christian Church is found in four simple words: come as you are.

At a time when our world seems increasingly fragmented, First Christian Church is trying to live out a different way; one table, one community and one act of love at a time. ■