<![CDATA[Community of Christ-Topeka Congregation - LYLS BLOG]]>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 06:31:19 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Maybe it’s time to Come Home: An Invitation to Former RLDS Members]]>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.topekacommunityofchrist.com/lyls-blog/maybe-its-time-to-come-home-an-invitation-to-former-rlds-members
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Author

Elder Jim Fairchild
If you grew up RLDS, you remember the hymns that shaped your faith, the camps that formed lifelong friendships, the testimonies that stirred your spirit and the deep sense of purpose that once grounded your life. Even if the years have carried you in different directions, that longing for connection, meaning and spiritual rootedness never fully disappears. In Community of Christ the soil has changed, but the roots are familiar. Maybe it’s time to see how your spiritual story can grow again.

The Church You Left Isn’t the Church We Are Today

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Many former RLDS members stepped away because church didn’t fit anymore. Life shifted. Expectations felt heavy. Leadership disappointed. Rules felt rigid. Or maybe faith simply stopped matching the Jesus you believed in. You’re not alone.
But Community of Christ today is not the RLDS church you left years ago. It has grown, transformed and embraced a more open, welcoming, Christ‑centered way of being church. Our mission is lived through compassion, justice, peace and community — not pressure, not perfection, not human‑made expectations. If you’ve wondered whether faith can still matter… the answer might surprise you.

A Christ‑Centered Community
​That Honors Your Past

If you grew up RLDS, your faith likely began with devotion to Jesus and a call to care for people on the margins. Community of Christ carries that mission forward through gospel-rooted, progressive Christian values (Enduring Principles): every person has worth, justice matters, and discipleship means putting compassion into action.
Perhaps the next chapter of your faith is waiting where your journey began.

About the Hurt, the Hypocrisy, and the Hard Parts

Your Hurt Is Real
If hypocrisy, harmful leadership, or rules that did not reflect Christ led you away, you are not alone. Those experiences leave a mark — but they don’t have to define your spiritual life forever. Many people raised RLDS carry those same wounds—and still long for an authentic spiritual community.

“It is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to diminish or oppress races, genders, or classes of human beings. Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some of God’s beloved children through the misuse of scripture. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices.” D&C 163:7
Imperfect People, Meaningful Faith
 Every community is made up of imperfect people, but their shortcomings need not prevent you from finding a spiritual home where you can grow, heal and reconnect with God. We acknowledge our own failures in attitude and action while committing to resist fear and hatred and to challenge prejudice and discrimination wherever they appear.
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“From the earliest days you have been given a sacred principle that declares the inestimable worth of all persons. Do not forget. The One who created all humankind grieves at the shameful divisions within the human family. A prophetic people must work tirelessly to tear down walls of separation and to build bridges of understanding. You hold precious lives in your hands. Be gentle and gracious with one another. A community is no stronger than the weakest within it. Even as the One you follow reached out to those who were rejected and marginalized, so must the community that bears his name.” D&C 162:6
A Renewed Community
Our "Blessings of Community" enduring principle highlights the importance of gathering, supporting one another and working collectively toward common goals. The gospel of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of community in creating a space of love and care that is essential for the well-being of all individuals.

​Community of Christ offers an inclusive, Christ-centered way of being church—one that honors your RLDS heritage while pursuing compassion, justice and peace. Perhaps it is time to take another look.

Your Story Still Fits Here

If church stopped feeling like home, that doesn’t mean your faith story is over. Community of Christ invites you to reconnect with a Christ‑centered community where worship, learning, caring and mission come first. No pressure. No judgment. Just people walking with Christ in compassion, justice and peace.
A significant aspect of Community of Christ is its dedication to service and outreach. The church believes in living out its faith by helping those in need, both locally and globally. There are numerous ways for members to get involved.  
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“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.” D&C 151:9

​Engaging in service projects provides us with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the world, while also enriching their own lives. These experiences foster a sense of purpose and connection, reminding us that our faith calls us to act and serve others. Whether you are passionate about social justice, environmental stewardship, or helping the underserved, there is a place for you to contribute meaningfully. Check out the ACTIVITIES page of this website to see what we are doing to make Christs Mission – Our Mission.
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Come see who we are.

Come see what we have to offer.

Come see how God might be moving in your life again.
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Want to Explore More?

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Our Sharing in Community of Christ eBook offers a clear, accessible look at our Identity, Mission, Message and Beliefs.

​You can download it anonymously and free from the home page of this website.
If you’re curious, searching, or simply wondering whether your faith still has room to grow — this might be a great place to start. Your spiritual roots matter. Your story matters. And you might just find that your story still fits here.
We also invite you to read our September 2026 blog post by Elder Jim Fairchild “Reasons for Not Attending Church: Why Some Stay Away Why You Might Come Back"
]]><![CDATA[Reasons for Not Attending Church: Why Some Stay Away Why You Might Come Back]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.topekacommunityofchrist.com/lyls-blog/reasons-for-not-attending-church-why-some-stay-away-why-you-might-come-back
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Author

 Elder Jim Fairchild
A lot of people are quietly asking a question they’re almost afraid to say out loud: “Do I really need a church to have faith?”
​If that’s you, you’re not alone.

In fact, you’re part of a growing number of people who still believe deeply in Jesus Christ but feel uncertain, tired or even wounded by organized religion.
Back in March 2026, I wrote a Blog post titled “Attending Church: What’s In It for Me?” exploring the benefits of engaging with a local faith community. Today, I want to look at the other side - the reasons many people hesitate, step back or walk away from church. And maybe… why it might be time for you to reconsider.

I Can Have Faith Without Religion

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Are you someone who says, “I’m spiritual, but not religious” or “I believe in God, just not church”? You’re not an outsider. You’re not unusual. And you’re not wrong for feeling that way.
More and more people describe themselves as people of faith, but not religious. If that’s you, maybe you belong here more than you think.
Our faith community offers a safe, supportive space to ask questions, share your story, and discover new ways of thinking about faith without abandoning what you already believe. You can explore faith at your own pace, in your own way without pressure, judgment, or expectations. Faith can be personal. Faith can be free. Faith can still connect us.

I’m Tired of Religion

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If religion has left you tired, disappointed, or disconnected… maybe it’s because you were never meant to settle for religion in the first place.

​Jesus invites you into a relationship; one rooted in companionship, purpose, and a community that actually walks with you. God intends Christian faith to be lived in deep connection with Jesus Christ and with other disciples who serve the world with compassion.
A church isn’t a building, a program, or a project. It’s people - people responding to the call of Christ. If you’re longing for faith that feels alive again, maybe it’s time to explore what a Christ‑centered community can look like for you.

The Church Is Full of Hypocrites

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If you’ve ever said, “I don’t go to church because it’s full of hypocrites,” you’re not alone. But you might be selling yourself short.
 
Many people walk away from organized religion because they’ve been hurt, disappointed, or disillusioned. Maybe it was leaders who didn’t live what they preached. Maybe it was exclusion, judgment, or rigid rules that felt more human-made than God-inspired.
Those experiences are real. They leave a mark. But here’s the truth we often overlook:
  • You find hypocrites at the grocery store, yet you still buy groceries.
  • You find hypocrites at restaurants, yet you still enjoy a meal.
  • You find hypocrites at sporting events, yet you still cheer from the stands.
Hypocrisy exists everywhere humans gather. It’s not a church problem, it’s a people problem.
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Don’t let imperfect people keep you from a place meant to help you grow, heal and reconnect with God. Our ministry offers a welcoming, inclusive community for anyone who has felt isolated or disconnected from faith.

Maybe It’s Time to Reconsider

If you’ve stepped back from church, or never stepped in at all, maybe it’s time to rethink what a faith community could mean for your life. Not pressure. Not performance. Not perfection. Just people. Just Christ. Just a place to belong.
If any part of this Blog post stirred something in you… If you’re longing for connection, meaning or a fresh start… If you want a place where faith feels authentic and people feel real… I invite you to check out Topeka Community of Christ. Come explore. Come question. Come reconnect. Your seat is waiting.
]]><![CDATA[If Gutenberg Had Facebook: Why Digital Discipleship Matters More Than Ever]]>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.topekacommunityofchrist.com/lyls-blog/if-gutenberg-had-facebook-why-digital-discipleship-matters-more-than-ever
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Author

 Elder Jim Fairchild
The members of the Church Social Media Managers Facebook group often report receiving criticism for using digital outreach to Invite People to Christ and participate in the Great Commission. The critics say, “social media is evil! The Church doesn’t need technology!  Just preach the Word of God, from the Bible!” (I have been the recipient of such comments myself.)
But the data - and history - tell a very different story.
 
Today, about 62.6% of the world uses social media. That’s 5.07 billion people, with 259 million new users joining in the last year alone. The average person spends 2 hours and 20 minutes every day on social platforms.
 
If the Great Commission calls us to “go into all the world,” then this is the world.
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20 NRSV
The Printing Press Was the First Digital Revolution
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Christians have always used the best communication tools available to share the gospel.

The printing press wasn’t just a technological breakthrough -
it was a spiritual one.
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Here’s what happened when Christians embraced new technology:
  • Books became accessible. Before the printing press, every book had to be copied by hand. Printing made Scripture available to everyday people, not just scholars.
  • The Bible became the first mass‑produced book. Suddenly, millions could read God’s word for themselves.
  • Scripture was translated into local languages. People no longer needed Latin to understand the gospel.
  • Pamphlets and printed materials fueled evangelism. Missionaries used printed resources to teach, preach, and invite people to Christ.
The printing press didn’t dilute the gospel — it multiplied it.
Technology Has Always Carried the Gospel Forward
More than 5 billion copies of the Bible have been printed since Gutenberg’s press began its work in the 15th century. Technology didn’t threaten the church. It empowered it.
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Social media is simply the next printing press.

It is today’s most powerful tool for connection, communication and invitation. And just like the early church embraced the press, today’s disciples are called to embrace digital spaces where billions gather daily.
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“Be not overly concerned with method as you go forth to witness in my name. There are many techniques for proclaiming my word which may be used as needs and circumstances dictate.” 
 D&C 155:7
If the gospel is worth sharing, it is worth sharing where people are. Use your voice, your platforms, and today’s tools to help lead the next wave of Christian communication - and Invite People to Christ with courage, creativity and conviction.
Look for Topeka Community of Christ Here!
We use this new technology to share the Good News. Follow Topeka CofChrist on social media, and visit the ACTIVITIES page on our website to see how we are making Christ’s Mission – Our Mission.

Post Script

As for the Bible, I have the New Revised Standard Version, the King James Version, the American Standard Version, and the Inspired Version in electronic (pdf) format; downloaded to my smart phone and laptop computer. 
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The Community of Christ publishes a booklet Sharing in Community of Christ which explores Identity, Mission, Message and Beliefs of our church. Click the file link below to download (anonymously) this FREE booklet (pdf).
sharing-in-community-of-christ-4thed-web.pdf
File Size: 8471 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
]]><![CDATA[The Dream I Never Asked For - But God Placed in My Hands]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.topekacommunityofchrist.com/lyls-blog/the-dream-i-never-asked-for-but-god-placed-in-my-hands
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Author

 Elder Gary Middleton

Testimony by Gary Middleton

This year I have accomplished a dream I never dreamed I could dream: I have released a music album.  In fact, by the time you read this, I will have released 2! 
Music has always been a love of mine since I was young. Shortly after my parents and I moved to Topeka, Mary Johnson encouraged me, and my parents for me, to pursue voice lessons with an accomplished vocal musician, Professor Gordon Gaines. After an audition, and with strong recommendation from Mary, he accepted me as a student, even though I was still in Junior High School (quite young for voice lessons).  Those lessons started me down the road that eventually led me to pursue and gain a degree in music with an emphasis in vocal performance from Washburn University. 
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A career in music performance, however, is highly competitive and time consuming and, like most of us, as a new graduate I needed guaranteed gainful employment. I had a strong interest in public safety, and I accepted a position that turned into a career. Music, however, never went away.
Music is so important to me that it is part of me. I think in music. Music is a part of my life in every way I can imagine. Music is a part of our biology. Music is integral in nature, another love that found it’s way into my heart at an early age. Music is part of our brains and part of our connection with others at a very basic level. Music is part of our connection with God. There is a saying that the person who sings, prays twice. So, over the years, sharing this gift took many forms in my life, both professionally and privately, from solo work to choirs, sometimes as a performer and sometimes as a director or an arranger.  As the years passed and the experiences piled up, the desire to do more composition and writing grew. I decided to create a music production studio in my home and as software and equipment went on sale, I purchased what I needed and, as time allowed, tried to learn how to use it.
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When I retired, I thought that was my opportunity, but God put other things in my path. In His time, He again placed music in front of me, without more pressing distractions. He has blessed me with insights, thoughts and ideas to now be able to write and compose, and, as I said earlier, achieve a dream I never dreamed I could dream. 
I began by creating new arrangements for a few hymns in the public domain, then writing 2 fully original pieces for Christmas. My first fully original piece to be released was “The Silver Thread” which I wrote for my wife for our 25th wedding anniversary this year, and others followed. An arrangement of “Amazing Grace” called “God’s Amazing Grace” was released soon after. After receiving encouragement from family and friends I released the album, Sacred Pathways – a collection of 8 songs combining both new arrangements of old favorites and fully original songs. All of these were first released to digital platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and others, and due to inquiries and requests from family and friends, release of Sacred Pathways on CD followed. 
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While this has been a lot of work and has involved an incredible amount of time & energy, it has gone amazingly smoothly and quickly. 
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While this has been a lot of work and has involved an incredible amount of time & energy, it has gone amazingly smoothly and quickly. Music was approved and accepted for publication much faster than expected with music sometimes being approved the same day it was submitted – something I have learned is not common.  But the amazing thing has been the music. Like always, the music and lyrics spoke to me and speak through me (I sing many of the selections on Sacred Pathways and all of them on The Beautiful Ordinary). When I needed guidance, it was there. When I needed answers He directed me to where they could be found. When I needed opinions, family in its many forms, was available and supportive and encouraging, as always.  I have been blessed.
The sacred album has quickly been followed by a more secular album based on the love I feel and the experiences I have had in nature in general, and in Kansas specifically. Some of the new songs are specific to Kansas (“The Midnight Sun”) while others could be anywhere (“The Common Ground”). The styles are very eclectic including atmospheric, 60’s folk intellectual, folk rock, harmonic folk, contemporary americana, Jangle-pop, baroque folk, reflective/intimate, modern instrumental/americana, symphonic pop & country. I now have a music style that is attributed to me and is unique and never been used before. Even though some styles are original, they all speak with their words and their notes. At this writing, most of these songs have been released and are included in the album The Beautiful Ordinary which will also be released on CD shortly. Each song contains the Divine, and the Divine guided me along the way. Each song has become a blessing to me and I believe and pray that each song may be a blessing to others that they may be touched by the Divine through the imagery and the experience of listening.
I have discovered that there is another “Gary Middleton” out there publishing music and if you just search my name, you will find him rather than me! So, I’ve made it easier - If you are interested in checking out any of this music, please click the link below to go to my website that will take you directly to the music, either in CD form or to your favored digital platform for immediate listening. There is also a QR code that will take you to the same place.
Thank you for spending time with these songs—whether you stream them once, share them with a friend, download them to keep or purchase a CD. Your support means more than I can express. Every listen helps these melodies and messages reach hearts beyond my own. As I continue creating new music and shaping future projects, I’m deeply grateful for your prayerful support. Your prayers strengthen the work behind the scenes and help guide each step forward. May these songs bless you as much as your encouragement has always blessed me.
]]><![CDATA[Operationalizing Christ’s Mission of Compassion in Topeka]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.topekacommunityofchrist.com/lyls-blog/operationalizing-christs-mission-of-compassion-in-topeka
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Author

Elder Jim Fairchild
The Community of Christ Abolish Poverty & End Suffering (APES) Mission Initiative — Christ’s Mission of Compassion — invites us to restore dignity and hope by helping people move from dependence to productive, meaningful lives.  
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In Topeka we translate that vision into practical, ongoing ministries that let each member give time, talent, testimony and treasure in ways that fit their gifts.
“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.”
​D&C 151:9
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Community of Christ's efforts to realize this ambitious goal. By partnering with other faith communities and organizations, the initiative amplifies its impact, pooling resources and expertise to tackle the complex, multifaceted challenges that underpin poverty and suffering.

​These partnerships enable a more holistic approach to service, ensuring that interventions not only address immediate needs but are also working to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep people in cycles of poverty. It's about creating a synergy that transcends individual efforts, fostering a collective movement towards a world where everyone can live with dignity and hope.

How Topeka Congregation Lives the Mission

Rather than one grand gesture, our congregation focuses on steady, sustainable action. Four ongoing projects make the APES mission tangible here in Topeka. Each offers a clear way to serve our neighbors, partner with other faith communities, and respond to needs close to home and around the world.

Community of Christ Oblation Ministry

What it is: On the first Sunday of each month, all undesignated Communion offerings are forwarded to Community of Christ Headquarters for APES ministries. Members may also designate gifts for this purpose at any time.
 
Why it matters: Oblation is rooted in our commitment to care for the poor and needy and continues a practice that has shaped our church’s response to suffering for more than a century.

Doorstep Topeka

What it is: Doorstep provides essential services that help Topekans become more self-sufficient — from food assistance to resources that support independent living.
 
How we help: The Topeka congregation partners with other faith communities and charities to provide volunteers, tangible goods and financial support, extending a helping hand to neighbors in crisis.
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Pennies for Africa Special Offering

What it is: On the third Sunday of each month, we collect loose change for the Community of Christ Africa Mission Centers. Small coins add up to big impact.
 
Impact to date: Since 1997, our congregation has raised more than $25,000 through this special offering.
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Beth Marolf - Pennies for Africa
Extra ways to give:

​Beth Marolf collects aluminum beverage cans for recycling; proceeds go to Pennies for Africa. A collection bin is in the church kitchen — please rinse cans before donating.
If you miss the Pennies for Africa Offering you can place your offering in the Pennies for Africa Jar in the back of the sanctuary.
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Pennies for Africa Offering Jar

Outreach International

What it is: Community of Christ partners with Outreach International to support projects that reduce poverty and end suffering worldwide.
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Advent Stable Children's Ministry
Seasonal focus: During Advent, our congregation participates in Outreach International’s Advent Stable Children’s activities. This special Advent offering replaces our usual Pennies for Africa collection in December and is accepted each Sunday during Advent in addition to our Disciples Generous Response offering.
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“God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not God’s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.”   D&C 163:4a

Join Us

You can find details about these initiatives on this website. We invite you to join us — whether by volunteering, donating, or simply sharing these ministries with friends. Together we let our light shine by restoring dignity, offering hope, and building a more compassionate community.
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