Welcome to Heritage Christian Church Founded in the 1960's, Heritage Christian Church is a small, thriving congregation, diverse in beliefs, age, race, socio-economic status, and just about every other way you can imagine! We find strength in our diversity, and in our emphasis on the unity of the body of Christ, which includes all of God's children. These past few years have seen a lot of transition in our church, including welcoming a new minister and new music director. Our average worship attendance so far in 2008 is about 60, with a good mix of folks from all walks of life. We are growing, and have welcomed 8 new members so far this year, celebrated 2 baptisms and dedicated 2 infants!

Basic Beliefs of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) As written by Richard L. Spleth, Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Indiana How do you describe our church to others? As members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we do not have the "brand name" recognition of some other denominations, and to some degree that is good. We never set out to be a denomination in the first place, but rather to be a movement to foster the unity of the church for the sake of Christ's mission. Nevertheless, we evolved into a distinct group within the universal church and as such have a particular identity and culture. How do you explain this in your evangelistic outreach? Here is a list of ten attributes that identify and clarify the combination of things that are unique to the Disciples. Note that I said combination. There is no single thing true about our church that is not also true of others. We practice a form of Christianity that is linked with the practices of other fellowships of Christians, but the combination is a distinctive one, and a healthy one too, I believe. The things that together identify the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) include these: The weekly observance of the Lord's Supper Disciples' life is centered at the table. Through communion we are connected to one another and to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Believer's baptism by immersion Following the earliest tradition of the church, we demonstrate our commitment to God by dramatic action, letting the waters of our baptism give witness to God's grace upon us. Open membership Recognizing that the traditions of the whole church are many and varied, we do not insist that our baptismal practice is the only one that is valid. We know that baptism is God's action far more than our own. An attitude of tolerance and a rejection of creeds as tests of faith We celebrate diversity as strength rather than weakness, and do not expect everyone's interpretation of the Bible or the Christian life to be identical. The importance of scripture We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and is best heard and understood within the community of faith with the diverse insight that context provides. Congregational yet voluntarily connectional We give the local congregation authority over their life and ministries, and yet share resources freely with a connected church, our denomination, knowing that the mission of the church is not just local. The inclusion of the leadership of women We believe that God provides spiritual gifts to all and do not restrict any office or role in the life of the church by gender. An emphasis on lay leadership Aside from performing weddings which is regulated by the state, lay persons in our church are permitted and encouraged to do all things, including presiding and offering the Eucharistic prayers at the Lord's Table, often restricted to ordained clergy in other denominations. An educated clergy We set educational and professional standards for ministers-licensed and ordained, and hold our clergy to ethical accountability through denominational oversight. A priority on ecumenical life Disciples earnestly pray and strive for the unity of the church and attempt to work in ways that bridge the separation of Christ's body. It would be difficult to find this combination of characteristics anywhere but within the Disciples. I hope these ten attributes are valued by you, and that you, too, will use them as you attempt to describe our church to others, inviting them to join us in serving Christ.

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Sunday morning worship is each week at 10:30 and fellowship hour follows at 11:30. Instead of a traditional weekly Sunday school class, we have found that we prefer short-term programs that generally meet from 4 to 8 weeks at a time. Our 9:45 Tuesday morning Bible study is growing, and remains open to anyone who wishes to jump in and participate at any time. Our chancel choir continues to provide us with wonderful music each Sunday, and periodically we enjoy special music from the children's choir, or from one of our many, many talented musicians who we are blessed with! Heritage has a very active and committed membership. Some of our members are active on CCCA boards and committees. Heritage is also active in a local coalition of churches called C-4 (Colesville Council of Community Congregations), which facilitates community service, including gathering school supplies and sponsoring a local clothing center, which gives free clothes and baby necessities to those in need. With new housing developments in the area and our new facilities and programs, we are convinced that Heritage Christian Church will thrive in the coming years. We are very proud of our church, and where we have been, but we are also looking ahead into the future; praying, listening, and discerning where God is calling us in the months and years ahead - and we hope you will join with us on our journey of discovery and transformation!