First Christian Church

Like most Christians, Disciples affirm:
• Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, and offers saving grace to all
• All persons are God’s children
 

Beliefs and practices usually associated with Disciples include:
• Open Communion. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
• Freedom of belief. Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the
Holy Spirit study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
• Baptism by immersion. In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
• Belief in the oneness of the church. All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
• The ministry of believers. Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.

Our Identity

We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.
As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.

Our Vision
To be a faithful, growing church, that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice.
– Micah 6:8

Our Mission
To be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps “to the ends of the earth.”
– Acts 1:8

Our Confession
As members of the Christian Church, We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world. From the Preamble to The Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This confession is the opening paragraph in the Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It is used by many Disciples congregations in worship as an affirmation of the faith of the church throughout the ages – not as a “test of fellowship,” but as a statement of faith that identifies the Disciples’ commitment to and place within the universal and ecumenical church.

The dress code for worship is simply... come as you are! When you enter the doors at FCC Rowlett, you'll find people in slacks and skirts to jeans and shorts. We believe that whether you're in a suit or t-shirt, you belong. You'll often find congregants with coffee, Bibles or mobile apps, and so much more. We pride ourselves in the immense diversity in this community of faith. The only thing missing is you! 

We are excited to have you in worship! Once you enter, you can expect a beautiful blend of contemporary worship songs and traditional, familiar hymns you know so well. Each week varies, utilizing our Praise Band NewLight, special solos and instrumental guests, and much more. While worships may vary, most weekly services include opportunities for ministry, prayer time, a children's moment, and an invitation. Communion is celebrated every Sunday and everyone is welcome at the Table of our Lord. We always look forward to scripture and sermon in the middle of our service by our Senior Minister or Guest Preacher. 

We offer many "special" services throughout the year. We hope you can attend one of these in the time ahead such as Christmas Eve Service, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and others as they may arise. 

Moreover, we hope you feel at home when you worship with us!

Membership at FCC Rowlett is simple and can be very personal to you. Our only requirement is that you love the Lord and accept Him as your Savior. You may come forward during our invitation portion in worship or simply talk with our Senior Minister if you are not comfortable walking in front of the congregation. This experience is about you, your family, and your personal journey with the Lord.

Following your confession of faith (affirming your decision to follow Jesus) we would be happy to discuss how you may best serve your gifts within FCC Rowlett and the community, what those gifts may be, or discuss baptism. There is never any pressure to officially "join" our church home... we are thankful to have you with us. We hope you will reach out to our pastors or elders to learn more about what it means to follow Christ, to utilize your spiritual gifts, or get any of your questions answered. 

We sure do! We would love to host your event! Please find our fee schedule and general information below. If ready to request, please fill out the form found at the bottom of the page and someone will be in touch with you very soon! 

1. Please submit your request form to the church office in person or via form below.
2. No event will go on the church calendar until it has been approved by our staff.
3. Allow up to one week for confirmation of your request from our staff.
4. Remember to submit your room requests early, as the church calendar fills up quickly!
5. The church is to be locked or unlocked by a designated church representative, unless a key is assigned to your group.
6. If a key is assigned for a one-time event, please make arrangements with the church office to return building key within one week following event date. Building keys are not to be duplicated by you, or anyone in your group.
7. Please supply your own goods for events (plates, cups, napkins, refreshments, coffee, décor, etc…) unless otherwise arranged with the church. Please do not use church stock.
8. No decorations are permitted that require attachment to walls or fixtures. Your group will be held responsible for damaged property.
9. Never use additional rooms that were not first approved. Use only the area requested and approved.
10. Parties are responsible for setting up tables and chairs as needed and putting them back as found, or otherwise requested by the church office. You may contact the church office about your setup needs for an additional fee.
11. No food or drink in the sanctuary.
12. If you require the use of sound board or media in our sanctuary building, notate your needs on your room request form. Please contact the church office for additional pricing for our sound/media techs.

The church reserves the right not to let groups who are contrary to Christian principles

(deemed by ministerial staff and/or board chair) use our facility. Likewise, you may be

denied if you or your group has previously ignored these policies and procedures.

Please contact the church office for our separate wedding use procedures.

We love weddings at FCC Rowlett and would be overjoyed to have your special day! Below, you will find a few of our preliminary guidelines and fees, as well as the request form. Please fill it out as much as possible to express interest and someone will be in touch with you very soon! Congratulations!

WEDDING GUIDELINES

The ministers and wedding coordinator seek to make the wedding ceremony a significant and memorable event for each couple and their families. The following guidelines have been prepared to familiarize all participants of the policies of First Christian Church. The Minister and Coordinator will work closely with the couple and their families in the planning of the wedding. The Minister will be responsible for pre-marital counseling and the marriage ceremony. The Wedding Coordinator will be responsible for facility use within these guidelines.

Pre-Marital Counseling: It is expected that every couple married at FCC will have a series of pre-marital sessions with the Minister performing the ceremony. You are not required to use the FCC Rowlett ministers but they would be pleased to help make your day special.

Pastor Ann Dotson is also part of Twogether in Texas, find out more by visiting https://twogetherintexas.com/UI/HomePage.aspx.

Rates for Marriage Counseling for Rev. Ann Dotson are as follow:

• $200 (write/perform entire wedding, no meetings, emails only.)
• $275 (one face to face meeting and emails to plans and customize and perform.)
• $300 (two meetings, planning, customizing, performing.) Includes online assessment for Prepare and Enrich (Twogether in Texas.)

FACILITIES
The sanctuary has a maximum seating capacity of 200 and the Fellowship Hall is available for the reception following the wedding service. Air conditioning or heat will be provided for both the rehearsal and the wedding. Tables, chairs, silk plants and other décor are available for your use but must be put back in place before leaving. Receptions are welcomed. Use of the kitchen, tables and chairs will be planned with the Wedding Coordinator. If a caterer is used, it is expected that the caterer will provide everything necessary for a complete reception. Dances are allowed at FCC. You may bring in a band or a DJ.

ESTABLISHED FEES
A schedule of fees for weddings at First Christian Church, Rowlett has been established and can be found below. A damage deposit of $200.00 is required for the use of any and all facilities and must be received to confirm scheduling of the wedding. This deposit is separate and apart from any deposit required of the florist or wedding service. The damage deposit will be deducted following inspection of the facilities after the wedding. If alcohol is consumed or smoking occurs in the building, the deposit will not be returned. All other fees are due two (2) weeks before the wedding.