Discover your purpose and pursue Christ’s Mission of compassion, justice, and peace through ministries that can change your life, change your community and change the world.
Living a purposeful life can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Pursuing Christ's Mission can bring positive change not only to your own life but also to those around you. By getting involved in ministries that align with this mission, you can make a difference in your community and even on a global scale.
Join with us as we seek to make Christ's Mission - Our Mission,
through these activities:
through these activities:
Pursue Peace on Earth
Christ’s Mission of Justice and Peace
Community Peace Garden
Christ’s Mission of Justice and Peace
Community Peace Garden
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Topeka Community of Christ maintains a Community Peace Garden on our property, to provide a place to reflect upon the sacredness of God’s creation.
As a denomination we believe in the Sacredness of Creation and encourage disciples to seek out ways in which they can nurture God’s creation. We share the peace of Jesus Christ by caring for one another, for all people, and for the earth itself, and invite others to come, be transformed and then go forth to serve others.
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Produce is grown in this garden, with the harvest donated to those in need, which aligns with our mission initiative to Abolish Poverty and End Needless Suffering.
We work to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries, in partnership with other faith communities and organizations that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.
We have added a boardwalk with a wheelchair ramp to make the garden more accessible to our developmentally and physically challenged friends.
If you would like to assist with this project, please contact Elder Joel Edwards.
We work to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries, in partnership with other faith communities and organizations that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.
We have added a boardwalk with a wheelchair ramp to make the garden more accessible to our developmentally and physically challenged friends.
If you would like to assist with this project, please contact Elder Joel Edwards.
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Project Zion Podcast A24 - Awaken to God’s Presence: Seeds and Planting
Gardens can be places of beauty and awe. Gardens of all types are places where new life springs forth, and where hope is realized. We are the gardens in which God plants seeds in preparation for what is to come. We are patches of soil that need preparing, and tending so that God’s dream can come alive in us. Join Community of Christ minister, Robin LInkhart, for a time of spiritual reflection using the metaphor of seeds and planting. Consider what God is waiting and wanting to plant in you.
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Project Zion Podcast A26 - Awaken to God’s
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Abolish Poverty-End Suffering
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
Community of Christ Oblation Ministry
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
Community of Christ Oblation Ministry
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The first Sunday of each month, all undesignated offerings received are forwarded to Community of Christ Headquarters for Community of Christ Abolish Poverty & End Suffering Ministries. In addition givers can specifically designate their offerings for this purpose at any time.
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Oblation was established to help the church be faithful to its commission to care for the poor and needy (Doctrine and Covenants 42:8).
The law and practice of the church since this action of the 1917 Conference (GCR 773) has been to receive funds during all Communion services for the express purpose of the care of the poor and needy. |
Abolish Poverty-End Suffering
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
Doorstep Topeka
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
Doorstep Topeka
Click picture to visit Doorstep website.
Topeka Community of Christ works to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries, in partnership with other faith communities and organizations, such as Doorstep, that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.
Doorstep provides Topekans with the support they need to live fuller, more self-sufficient lives. From combatting hunger to offering individuals and families the services and resources they need to enjoy independent lifestyles, Doorstep is committed to extending a helping hand to our forgotten friends and neighbors in their time of need.
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In addition to our tithes which fund Community of Christ operations, programs and missions; we partner with other Churches in Topeka, Kansas and charitable organizations, to support the ministry provided by Doorstep Topeka.
We do this by providing volunteer service, tangible goods and financial support to Doorstep. For additional information regarding how you can assist Doorstep, please contact Ruth May who serves as our congregation's liaison with Doorstep Topeka.
Kaylene & Darrel at the Doorstep Walk Run October 2023, their entry was sponsored by contributions from TopekaCofChrist members and friends to support Doorstep Topeka.
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Abolish Poverty-End Suffering
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
Outreach International
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
Outreach International
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We work to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries, in partnership with organizations, such as Outreach International, that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.
Click picture for Outreach International website
In addition to our tithes which fund Community of Christ operations, programs and missions; the Topeka Community of Christ congregation also provides funds to support the ministry of Outreach International as we work in partnership with others to Abolish Poverty and End Suffering.
Some think the end to poverty is a pipe dream. Outreach International has nearly 40 years of experience working alongside our community partners around the world that says otherwise.
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Outreach International believes when communities work together, they can overcome the challenges of chronic poverty.
Their work supports groups who construct new water wells, establish low-interest loan programs, repair roads, grow vegetables, and much more. It empowers people to lift themselves, sustainably, into a future defined by opportunity. We invite you to join with us in supporting the ministry provided by this organization.
During the four Sundays of Advent, the Topeka Congregation will be participating in the Outreach International Advent Stable Children’s activities. This activity will replace our usual Pennies for Africa special offering, for the month of December. This offering will be accepted each Sunday during Advent, and is in addition to our usual Disciples Generous Response.
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Abolish Poverty-End Suffering
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
Pennies for Africa Offering
Christ’s Mission of Compassion
Pennies for Africa Offering
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We work to Abolish Poverty & End Suffering by reaching out through compassionate ministries, in partnership with other faith communities and organizations that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons.
The third Sunday of each month, our friends and members bring their loose change, which they have saved during each month, for our Pennies for Africa special offering.
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Pennies for Africa
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This special offering is contributed to the Community of Christ Africa Mission Centers to be utilized by the mission centers, as may be needed. Since this special offering was started in 1997, the Topeka Community of Christ congregation has contributed over $20,000 through our Pennies for Africa offering.
Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
How does Community of Christ treat LGBTQIA+ members and friends?
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
How does Community of Christ treat LGBTQIA+ members and friends?
There are so many ways to connect with our community. We not only come together for worship, but we look for ways to build relationships along our discipleship journey. Building relationships within a community is an important aspect of a fulfilling discipleship journey.
Community of Christ, in the Western Nations where the church is present, practices full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ members and friends and full access to all the sacraments of the church including ordination and marriage. The church recognizes that the journey to LGBTQIA+ inclusion is complex and the timing for one country isn’t necessarily safe or timely for another. The option for National Conferences were instituted in 2010 to provide an avenue to address this issue in nation and culturally-specific settings. We believe all people are of worth and loved unconditionally by God.
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June is Pride month. In Community of Christ, we affirm the worth of ALL persons, find unity in our diversity, and continue to advocate for peace and equality. You are loved!
The living God whom we serve is a God of justice and mercy. God cares about how we treat our neighbors and enemies and how we make use of creation’s gifts. |
June 9–11, 2023 Community of Christ Central and Midlands Mission Centers had a booth at KC Pridefest. More information on the event can be found at www.kcpridealliance.org
Click the button to watch a news story by KSHB 41 about Community of Christ participation in the KC Pride Fest.
CofChrist Pride Flag from the KC Pride Fest
Priest Jenny Lowndes, Midlands Mission Center Young Adult Minister, was the guest speaker at our June 11th Worship Service, which she shared with the Topeka Congregation about Community of Christ at the KC PrideFest. You can watch a recording of her sermon in the Livestream Library on this website.
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Project Zion Podcast A25
Awaken to God’s Presence Pride Flag Guided Meditation God loves all of God’s creation! ALL… No if, ands, or buts. Unfortunately, that is not always communicated and lived out in authentic, life-giving ways … especially to those In the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
For this episode of Awaken to God’s Presence, and in recognition of Pride Month, host Robin Linkhart, leads listeners through a guided meditation based on the Progress Pride Flag and its rainbow of colors. Regardless of your gender identity or sexual orientation, this meditation encourages you to cherish your authentic self, and know that you are deeply loved by God. |
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Project Zion Podcast 326
Percolating on Faith Being LGBTQIA+ Affirming and Christian LGBTQIA+ affirming churches and Christians are often asked how they can reconcile their faith with being affirming. Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith talk about the assumptions one has when asking that question and how we can respond by remaining faithful to Scripture, to revelation, and to the Worth of All Persons.
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We declare our belief that “all are called according to the gifts of God to them.” We therefore acknowledge and affirm human diversity by creating a spirit of openness and peace within our congregations where all persons may find acceptance and the opportunity to share their giftedness.
We are an inclusive, affirming Christian Church located in Topeka, Kansas, where visitors are welcome to all services.
Invite People to Christ
Christ’s Mission of Evangelism
Worship with US
Christ’s Mission of Evangelism
Worship with US
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We Enter God’s Presence through Worship
Gathering to worship makes us aware of God’s abundant grace that is with us in worship and in each moment of living. Through worship and the sharing of sacraments, congregations become sacramental offerings for the blessing, healing, and peace of creation. 
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Worship with the Topeka Community of Christ Congregation Sunday Mornings @ 10:45 AM
(Central Time). Our Sunday Worship Service is as close to you as your cell phone, tablet or computer.
Please visit our Worship page for additional information about our Online and In Person Worship.
If you miss our Sunday Worship Service, or if you do not wish to join our private Facebook Group, you can view a recording of the service on the WORSHIP LIVESTREAM page of this website. |
Pursue Peace on Earth
Christ’s Mission of Justice and Peace
The Peace Pavilion: Building Peace by Creating Peacemakers
Christ’s Mission of Justice and Peace
The Peace Pavilion: Building Peace by Creating Peacemakers
Peace Pathways, a 501c3 organization, is dedicated to building peace by equipping children and adults to learn about peace, cultivate peaceful environments, and take actions that lead to peaceful outcomes.
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The Peace Pavilion is the main program of Peace Pathways and teaches these principles through lessons and activities in an interactive museum focused on children.
The lessons are focused on the peacemaking themes of Peace for Me, Peace for Us, Peace for Everyone, and Peace for the Planet.
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Pursue Peace On Earth
Christ’s Mission of Justice and Peace
Prayer for Peace
Christ’s Mission of Justice and Peace
Prayer for Peace
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“Sue for peace, not only the people that have smitten you, but also to all people; and lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation for peace unto the ends of the earth; and make proposals for peace, unto those who have smitten you, according to the voice of the Spirit which is in you, and all things shall work together for your good; therefore, be faithful, and, behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end. Even so. Amen.” D&C 102:11
Daily Prayer for Peace
The Daily Prayer for Peace is a powerful witness of Community of Christ’s commitment to peace. Such regular, public expression symbolizes the church’s unrelenting pursuit of peace as God’s intent for a bruised and divided world.
The Daily Prayer for Peace worship service is held at 1PM (central time USA), 365 days a year. Each day a prayer is offered for a specific country based on the World Council of Churches’ ecumenical prayer cycle, which joins our prayers with that of Christians throughout the world.
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Please visit the Community of Christ website for additional information regarding the Daily Prayer for Peace.
The Topeka Community of Christ Congregation includes a Prayer for Peace in it's Sunday Worship Service. Our Peace Candle is located in front of our pulpit. 
Prayer for Peace at a Topeka Community of Christ Sunday Worship Service.
Please join with us in prayer from wherever you are.
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Develop Disciples to Serve
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
The Center for Innovation in Ministry & Mission
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A collaborative partnership with Graceland University, Community of Christ, and others housed and hosted in Graceland University’s Community of Christ Seminary.
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The Center for Innovation in Ministry & Mission (CIMM) is focused on creating non-credit opportunities for adult theological education, ministerial training, and leadership development in an effort to empower and inspire disciples and leaders to become radical practitioners of the mission of Jesus Christ.
CIMM offers non-credit bearing continuing education units (CEU’s) that focus on priesthood development, leadership development, and theological education. These CEU’s do not lead to a degree.
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Develop Disciples to Serve
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
Christian Education - Sunday School - Student Ministry
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
Christian Education - Sunday School - Student Ministry
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Community of Christ members and friends are encouraged to be lifelong learners. Through courses offered by the church, learners can grow in their leadership, spirituality, and personal development.
Disciples are called to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the scriptures so that they may ever increase in love for God, neighbor, and self, uphold the dignity and worth of all persons and faithfully follow the way of Jesus Christ. |
"Let the educational and community development endeavors of the church equip people of all ages to carry the ethics of Christ’s peace into all arenas of life. Prepare new generations of disciples to bring fresh vision to bear on the perplexing problems of poverty, disease, war, and environmental deterioration. Their contributions will be multiplied if their hearts are focused on God’s will for creation." D&C 163:4c
Disciples of Jesus Christ are sent into their schools, work places, neighborhoods, towns, and cities to share their witness and invitation, compassionate ministries and justice and peace. As more individuals receive education and training, many more vibrant witnesses will be sent to share Christ’s peace and embody and live the concerns and passion of Christ.
On Sunday morning, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Topeka Community of Christ offers Discipleship Education (a.k.a. Sunday School or Student Ministry) for all ages. Our Deacon or Pastor will assist you in finding an appropriate class.
By denomination policy, all persons who engage with children's ministry must successfully complete the Community of Christ Child Protection program.
Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Pastor's Email Newsletter - Stay Connected with our Congregation
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Pastor's Email Newsletter - Stay Connected with our Congregation
Our Pastor communicates with friends and members of the Topeka Community of Christ Congregation, about our congregation activities by an email newsletter.
A copy of the most recent pastor's email newsletter is posted below.
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The pastor's email newsletter also includes an attachment of Joys, Concerns and Prayer Requests.
If you would like to receive these emails with the attachment (prayer list), please send us your contact information by completing the form below. |
Keeping Connected - Topeka Community of Christ - December 3rd 2023
NEWS YOU CAN USE: The MMC newsletter is out for December and attached to the email newsletter.
Inclement Weather: While it is never our desire to cancel in-person church, on occasion it may be necessary or advisable that we do so. In an attempt to keep everyone safe, when the weather is bad and churches are closing &/or local authorities are recommended people stay off the roads and Ruth believes it is necessary to cancel church, several things will happen to notify you.
Hanging of the Greens: Special Thanks to Beth and Rollie Marolf, Kay High, Sharon Kester and Ruth Humbert for decorating the church for Christmas this week. It is beautiful. If you didn't see it today be sure to come see!
Save the Date:
December 15 - Young Adult Christmas Party. Contact the Teters for details.
December 31 - 20-40 year olds - if interested in a New Year's Eve party, please contact Gary or Sarah Middleton.
Inclement Weather: While it is never our desire to cancel in-person church, on occasion it may be necessary or advisable that we do so. In an attempt to keep everyone safe, when the weather is bad and churches are closing &/or local authorities are recommended people stay off the roads and Ruth believes it is necessary to cancel church, several things will happen to notify you.
- Jim Fairchild will send out a Text In Church message as well as post the information on social media.
- The cancellation will be listed with the other cancellations on the WIBW app and television broadcasts.
- Other ways you may be contacted include a phone call from Kalene or Ruth, or a text.
Hanging of the Greens: Special Thanks to Beth and Rollie Marolf, Kay High, Sharon Kester and Ruth Humbert for decorating the church for Christmas this week. It is beautiful. If you didn't see it today be sure to come see!
Save the Date:
December 15 - Young Adult Christmas Party. Contact the Teters for details.
December 31 - 20-40 year olds - if interested in a New Year's Eve party, please contact Gary or Sarah Middleton.
Our Joys, Concerns & Prayer List has been updated and emailed to our members.
Your Servant in Christ,
Ruth Humbert
Pastor, Topeka Community of Christ
Outreach International Advent Stable
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During the four Sundays of Advent, the Topeka Congregation will be participating in the Outreach International Advent Stable Children’s activities. This activity will replace our usual Pennies for Africa special offering, for the month of December. This offering will be accepted each Sunday during Advent, and is in addition to our usual Disciples Generous Response.
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Remember if you want to receive a copy of the prayer list you need to subscribe to the email newsletter. We do not publish the prayer list on our website or social media accounts.
Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Stay Connected with our Congregation
In addition to our Pastor's Email Newsletter, there are two additional ways that you can keep connected with the Topeka Community of Christ Congregation:
Click picture to join the Topeka CofChrist Ministry Facebook Group
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Join our Topeka CofChrist Ministry Facebook Group for current information about the Topeka congregation, Community of Christ and affiliate organization Activities, Events and Worship opportunities. This is a private Facebook Group and you will need to join this group, by requesting to join through you Facebook account. Please contact Jim Fairchild if you need assistance.
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Text in Church
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The Topeka congregation subscribes to Text in Church a Church Communications Email/Texting Software. Through this software we send information and reminders to our friends and members, about upcoming Topeka congregation Online and In Person activities.
If you are not receiving these notifications, please contact Jim Fairchild and request to be added to this notification service. If you do not wish to receive these notifications, you can choose to "opt out or STOP" receiving these digital notifications by clicking on stop or unsubscribe button in the message. If you decide to opt out, you will not receive any further electronic communications through this service. |
Email messages will be from topekacofchrist@gmail.com and Text messages will be from (785) 264-6275. Please add these contacts to your "safe list" so that our messages are not marked as "spam".
Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Midlands Mission Center Newsletter
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Midlands Mission Center Newsletter
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An electronic (PDF) copy of the current
Midlands Mission Center Newsletter is listed below. 
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Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Stay Connected with Community of Christ through eNews
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Stay Connected with Community of Christ through eNews
Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Topeka CofChrist Retiree's Breakfast
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Topeka CofChrist Retiree's Breakfast
We value our connections and share a strong sense of trust in and belonging with one another.
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Our Retiree’s Breakfast brings us together to engage in thoughtful discussion and listening, helping us appreciate each other's perspectives and build community together.
You are invited to join Topeka CofChrist friends, the Second Tuesday of each month @ 9:00 AM (Central Time), at the Perkins Restaurant & Bakery,1720 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66604 for our Topeka CofChrist Retiree’s Breakfast.
Please contact Sharon Kester for additional information about this event.
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Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Reunions - Youth Camps - Retreats
Chihowa Retreat Center
Chihowa Retreat Center is located fourteen (14) miles northwest of Lawrence, Kansas and is owned and operated by the Midlands Mission Center of the Community of Christ. It is used frequently each year by the Midlands Mission Center and its congregations for youth and family camps, retreats, seminars and conferences. It is also available to other groups and organizations for similar activities.
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Project Zion Podcast 117
CofChrist Reunions Lachlan Mackay & Janné Grover Reunion season is here! Listen to this Project Zion Podcast as Lach explains the history of Community of Christ reunions while Janné fills us in on what reunions are in the contemporary and the behind the scenes preparation of reunion materials so we have a focus as a church throughout the week spent together.
The Topeka Community of Christ Congregation provides for all youth who attend our congregation, to participate in a Midlands Mission Center Youth Camp. Please contact our Congregation Financial Officer or Youth Ministry Leader for additional information.
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Develop Disciples to Serve
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
SPECTACULAR
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
SPECTACULAR
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The mission of SPECTACULAR is to create a safe, Christ-centered community that encourages young women and men to discover God, their inherent worth, and cultivate and express their giftedness.
During SPECTACULAR approximately 1,100 campers and their leaders gather at Graceland University for the largest annual gathering of youth in Community of Christ.
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All campers will have opportunities to participate in leadership and discipleship development, diverse worship, and expression of arts, music and sports.
During the week campers can look forward to sharing in all avenues of the SPEC experience – service projects, communication workshops, basketball, musical instruction, table tennis, stage production, worship, delegation devotions, volleyball, tie-dying, cotton candy, discussions about dating and relationships, learning more about our Creator, soccer, and much, much more.
SPECTACULAR is sponsored by Community of Christ and is hosted at Graceland University.
During the week campers can look forward to sharing in all avenues of the SPEC experience – service projects, communication workshops, basketball, musical instruction, table tennis, stage production, worship, delegation devotions, volleyball, tie-dying, cotton candy, discussions about dating and relationships, learning more about our Creator, soccer, and much, much more.
SPECTACULAR is sponsored by Community of Christ and is hosted at Graceland University.
Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip Congregations for Christ’s Mission
Practicing our Sacredness of Creation Enduring Principle
As a denomination we believe in the Sacredness of Creation and encourage disciples and congregations to seek out ways in which they can nurture God’s creation.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead Wise decisions and actions today will ensure the future and well-being of the planet for future generations. In Community of Christ we seek to find ways to reduce the human footprint on the environment.
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The Topeka Community of Christ Congregation utilizes bio-degradable paper products made from recycled materials and/or natural fiber in our activities.
We also have engaged in an ongoing and systematic process to make our Topeka Church Home more environmentally friendly.
This would include upgrading building exterior doors to significantly improve energy efficiency.
Upgrading our HVAC systems with digitally controlled thermostats with a "set back" feature to reduce HVAC utilization when the facility is not in use. Upgrading electrical fixtures and lighting to efficient LED bulbs. |
Develop Disciples to Serve
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
Herald Magazine
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
Herald Magazine
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The Herald is the denominational magazine of Community of Christ. Enjoy interesting stories and news about the church, insightful commentaries from leaders and disciples, and inspirational messages from around the world with full-color photographs and art to complete each story. This award-winning publication is produced and distributed bi-monthly in English by the church publishing division, Herald Publishing House.
The Topeka congregation participates in the Herald in Every Home Program which provides a subscription for each family who attends our congregation.
For information regarding your Topeka Congregation Herald in every Home subscription please contact our Pastor or Congregation Financial Officer. |
Develop Disciples to Serve
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
Scripture Study Group
Equip individuals for Christ’s Mission
Scripture Study Group
Experience Congregations in Mission
Equip congregations for Christ’s Mission
Your Help is Needed: Church Building Maintenance
Equip congregations for Christ’s Mission
Your Help is Needed: Church Building Maintenance
We need your help in maintaining our church home. To keep the operating cost of our facility low, we rely heavily upon volunteer support from our friends and members.
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Please see the list below of church maintenance projects. Please contact Rollie Marolf with your questions regarding these projects. If you choose a project, please let Rollie know so the list can be updated. Thank you for your assistance. 
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