We invite you to join us for worship and community.
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We are an inclusive, affirming Christian Church located in Topeka, Kansas, where visitors are welcome to all services.
*The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is served the first Sunday of each month. Please scroll down this page for additional information about the sacrament of Communion in the Community of Christ.
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. |
We explore and experience worship through varied styles of music, drama, scripture, preaching, prayers, sacred stories, meditation and sacraments.
“Look especially to the sacraments to enrich the spiritual life of the body. Seek for greater understanding of my purposes in these sacred rites and prepare to receive a renewed confirmation of the presence of my Spirit in your experiences of worship.” D&C 158:11c We encounter God through the sacraments of the church, which touch lives at important times and places. Sacraments bring God’s grace, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the example of the life of Jesus Christ together with one’s personal commitment of faith.
Through the sacraments, we discover the presence of God everywhere and realize that all life is sacred.
The sacraments refresh, renew, and challenge us to continue on Christ’s mission, our mission, for the sake of all creation.
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What is Church?
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A church is not a building, projects or programs.
It’s people! “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Matthew 18:20 NRSV |
We Become a People of Peace, Reconciliation, and Healing of the Spirit
As congregational members become ensigns of Christ’s peace, ambassadors of reconciliation, and ministers of healing, they express the living presence of Christ in their congregations and in the world. Restoring people to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and creation is at the heart of why congregations exist. We promote local and worldwide communities that signal (represent, reveal) the peaceful reign of God on Earth. Some call this the cause (hope) of Zion.
When we effectively proclaim Jesus Christ by sharing our witness, ministries, and sacraments and promote Christ-centered communities of justice and peacefulness, we are sharing the peace of Jesus Christ.
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Worship with Us In Person
Blessing the Communion at an In Person Worship Service.
Modified COVID protocols apply to In Person activities. Masking will continue to be required while entering and exiting the building, however, masking is optional while seated in the Sanctuary. Social distancing, while seated in the congregation, will continue. Our congregation’s culture makes it difficult to social distance prior to and following our services, so masking is important, especially to protect the vulnerable individuals attending our services. Whenever social distancing is not possible, then masking should be required. What to Wear
Dress for our Sunday Worship leans toward casual; however, you will find people dressed in their Sunday best and others in blue jeans, t-shirt, and sandals. Wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Worship Service Format Because our Worship Services are planned by a variety of people and the service participants change from week to week, no two services will be exactly alike. All will provide opportunity for you to share in music, scripture, prayers and challenging words of joy, hope, love and the peace of Jesus Christ. We follow the Revised Common Lectionary. Each week, we reflect on a passage from one of the Gospels and center our worship around it. You will find additional information below, about our Community of Christ Sings Hymnal which is utilized in our worship services. |
Worship with Us Online
Ministry of the Spoken Word from our Worship Service Livestream.
You will find a direct link to our Worship Service Livestream posted on the Topeka CofChrist Ministry Facebook Group page.
Click on picture to visit the Topeka CofChrist Ministry Facebook Group
This is a private Facebook group and you will need to request to join the group to watch the worship service live on Sunday morning.
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 
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* Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is served the first Sunday of each month.
We offer the Lord’s Supper/Communion/Eucharist to all baptized Christians who choose to take part, following their own faith and practice. Some refer to this as “open communion.”
Our ministers bless and serve the bread and “wine” to those gathered. Community of Christ uses grape juice rather than wine, although water may be offered for those with health concerns. |
Community of Christ
"Communion Then and Now" Natalie Harper examines the Biblical history and modern expression of the practice of Communion in the Community of Christ. Scriptures: Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
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Please visit the Online Ministry page of this website to learn how Community of Christ administers the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper through our Online Worship. The resources include short webinars on "Remote Communion Services" and "Family Preparation for Online Communion Service".
Does Community of Christ use the Bible in it's worship, teaching and ministry?
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With other Christians, we affirm the Bible as the foundational scripture for the church. In addition, Community of Christ uses the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants as scripture. We do not use these sacred writings to replace the witness of the Bible or improve upon it, but because they confirm its message that Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God. We have heard Christ speak in all three books of scripture, and bear witness that he is “alive forever and ever”.
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Scripture’s authority is derived from the model of Christ, who came to be a servant Therefore, the authority of scripture is not the authority to oppress, control, or dominate. If Jesus came to serve, how much more should the books that point to him be treated as a servant of the saving purposes of God.
“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 163:7a-c
Community of Christ Worship Music
Through our hymns we sing our faith, and our faith is formed by them. They are the heart-songs that boldly express what we believe and challenge us to grow by announcing new ways of understanding and responding to the Divine.
While our hymn book contains many traditional restoration and Christian hymns; you will also find many new affirming inclusive hymns promoting diversity, justice and peace. |
Many of the songs/hymns from our Community of Christ Sings hymnal have been recorded by the Beyond the Walls Choir and are available online.
Click picture for the Beyond the Walls Choir Public Library
All the videos listed are published under the standard YouTube license. You can use these videos on your online and in-person services and events as long as (1) no major edits are made and (2) the intended use is not for profit. Thank you for listening to the Beyond the Walls Choir and sharing our music!
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A Message to the Unchurched
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What I really want for you to know is that there is a place for you if you are looking for a place in Community of Christ. If you seek meaning, God or the divine, I believe that the mystery is seeking for you, as well. Our community may be a place for you to join others in this journey of exploration. Join us and we can journey together. Bishop Carla K Long, Pastor Salt Lake City Community of Christ |
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Maybe it is time for you to consider something different. We do not proselytize anyone in an effort to change their faith. We do, however, invite all who are seeking to, come and see what God can do in their lives. We invite you to experience the peace and meaning that fellowship in Community of Christ can bring to your life.
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Topeka Congregation Worship Service Photos |
Join us here for In Person Worship. Your Topeka Church Home!
Topeka Community of Christ
5252 SW 19th St Topeka KS 66604 |
