A Note from Nancy Walker

Wow! Our first Becoming WACC event with a standing-room-only crowd was energizing! Together, we shared questions and participated in generative conversation. Becoming WACC was the result of Church Life & Growth committee meetings. Together, we dreamed of a way to welcome prospective and long-term members to discover how our denomination and church are structured. Thank you to our speakers, Mark Mathes, Ron Dauphin, and Gerald Western, who guided our inaugural event. Here’s a recap of what happened on Sunday.

Mark taught that our denomination has its roots on the American frontier. We began as separate Christian groups led by Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone, who had broken away from the Presbyterian Church. Neither leader believed that people had to earn the right to take communion or had to follow certain creeds. Although these Stone-Campbell groups were separate, both strived for Christian unity. Some churches in the Stone-Campbell Movement united as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1968. Disciple churches are autonomous, and procedures vary from church to church. No hierarchy dictates to individual churches who the pastor will be or how long they will stay. Other Disciple characteristics include open communion and believer’s baptism; however, anyone can become a member no matter how they were baptized.

Ron explained that the Church Board is comprised of elected Officers, Elders, committee chairs and co-chairs, and the Diaconate chair and team captains. All members and staff are welcome to attend Board meetings. The Board is responsible for directing the management of WACC in accordance with our written Constitution and Bylaws.

Gerald taught that Elders are nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected by the congregation. Elders share a passion for the church by serving on various committees and stewarding their time, talent, and treasure. Elders do much more than serve at the table; they connect with a Caring Group; serve or lead church committees; attend events in addition to worship; and take communion to folks who can no longer attend weekly services.

The Church Life & Growth Committee can’t wait until our next Becoming WACC event, which will be February 26. Don Hange, Jr. will speak about our church’s transition from Second Street to Washington Avenue, and we will have a guided tour of the building. I fully expect we’ll have another standing-room-only crowd!

Peace,
Nancy Walker
Church Life & Growth Co-chair