Who We Are

Union Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is one of the oldest churches in Litchfield, Illinois, founded in 1856. We have been witnessing and worshipping on this same street corner (Harrison and Union) since 1904. While we have enjoyed a glorious history, we are more concerned for the present and the future. We seek to preach and to practice a religion devoted to justice and peace, responsive to truth, and concerned for the spiritual growth of all persons. Through our church's Faithful Planning program, we have discerned that God's call for us is to share, grow, and serve in the Good News about Jesus Christ.

This congregation is part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

. This is a native American church with origins on the American frontier in the early 19th century. Since its beginning, the Disciples of Christ have endeavored to increase respect, understanding, and unity among the believers of Christ.

As Disciples we strive to remain obedient to the teaching of Jesus and the New Testament by practicing a faith which is socially relevant and intellectually sound. Members are bound together in fellowship and service by belief in the central confession of the New Testament "that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)

Our congregation follows Disciples tradition in other matters of belief and practice. While we practice believer's baptism by immersion, other forms of baptism are honored. We accept members by confession and baptism, or by transfer of membership from another congregation. We partake of the Lord's Supper weekly in Sunday worship, and practice open communion - that is, you don't have to be a member of our church or denomination to participate. We also believe in the ministry of all believers - both ministers and laypersons serve in worship, service, and spiritual growth.

On other matters, the church recognizes the right to exercise freedom of opinion. This principle is a sustaining force in the life of the church. We hold that there should be "in essentials, unity; in opinion, liberty; and in all things, LOVE."