What's Happening
Join us this weekend — in person or online. Worship services are Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 8:45am and 10:30am. Note that we now have a sensory-friendly worship service on Saturdays at 5pm in the East Auditorium with gentle lighting, no special effects, controlled sound, and flexible seating.
Below you'll find lots of great things happening at First Christian Church. For a complete calendar, click here.
To receive our WHAT'S HAPPENING digital newsletter every Friday, sign up via email or text FIRSTDECATUR to (217) 875-3350.
Exciting News!
We are excited to share that Mount Zion Christian Church has voted to fully merge with us — leading to the official launch of our South Campus in the fall. It will function similarly to our East Auditorium with live worship and hosting but the sermon will be simulcast. Pastor Adam Hamerlinck will be serving as the Campus Pastor. Note that he will continue to regularly preach at our MacArthur campus and lead discipleship and missions. If you’re interested in being part of the launch team, join us for a special South Campus Launch Gathering on Sunday, June 7 at 5pm.
I Believe
CURRENT SERMON SERIES
What do Christians actually believe and does it matter for real life? In this six-week series, we’ll explore the core truths of Christianity through the timeless words of the Apostles’ Creed, a concise summary of biblical faith that followers of Jesus have confessed for centuries. Each week we’ll wrestle with honest questions: Who is God and what is He like? Can we trust Jesus? What does the Holy Spirit actually do in our lives? Does the church still matter? And is there any real hope for the future? This isn’t just about learning what Christians believe; it’s about what YOU believe and what you’re building your life upon. Join us as we move beyond a surface-level faith into a deeper declaration of trust in God.
Plushie Collection
DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE 2026
Our Chaplaincy Ministry is there for families during some of their hardest moments at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Our chaplains offer prayer, emotional support, a listening ear, and spiritual care to kids and families in the ER and Pediatrics. To help bring comfort and joy to these young patients, we’re collecting NEW plushies no taller than 12 inches. Drop your donation off at the church during the month of June.
Women's Evening Study
STARTS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026 FROM 6:30-8PM (5 WEEKS)
Where is God in the midst of my suffering? Does He see me? Does He hear me? If you’re in a season with questions like these, you’re not alone. God is with you. He sees you, and He hears your prayers. In fact, God is present in every single detail of your life—even the hardest. If you’re in need of this truth in your life, Job: Holding to Hope When Life Falls Apart, is for you. The Book of Job teaches us about God’s sovereign control of both good and evil. Through this study, you will learn that God is worthy of our praise in all seasons — even the most difficult ones. The cost is $10 which includes the book.
South Campus Launch Gathering
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2026 AT 5PM
Join us for a South Campus Launch Gathering at Mt. Zion Christian Church (1125 W Florian Ave, MTZ) for a time of worship, prayer, vision sharing, and updates as we seek God together for what He wants to do through this new campus in the years ahead. We’ll share more about the heart behind this step as a church along with updates on timeline, staffing, next steps, and the many opportunities to serve and help build this new campus. This gathering is open to anyone interested, with a special invitation to those prayerfully considering joining the South Campus Launch Team and calling this campus home for the foreseeable future.
Bike Days
MONDAYS IN JUNE 2026
Grab those bikes, trikes, skates, and more! Every Monday in June (weather permitting), bring the kids to the church parking lot for Bike Days. Let your kids zoom, laugh, and burn off all that endless energy while you chill in your lawn chair and get to know other parents. Just show up, have fun, and enjoy some good old-fashioned outdoor playtime with friends. Note that we have morning and evening times to accommodate work schedules:
- Monday, June 8 from 9-11 am
- Monday, June 15 from 6-8 pm
- Monday, June 22 from 9-11 am
- Monday, June 29 from 6-8 pm***
*** During our last Bike Day, we will be grilling and serving hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner, and Kona Ice will be there providing kiddie cups. StudentLife will have games for older students and a portion of the parking lot will be taped off as usual for kids riding their bikes. All families are welcome, and we encourage everyone to bring lawn chairs!
Summer Workshops
JUNE 8-11, 2026
The Arts Academy at First Christian Church serves to develop the next generation of artists — trained with excellence for the task of ministry. Join us for a fun week this summer with the Arts Academy summer workshops for kids! Click below for a list of classes for those 5-18 years old. Spots are limited.
Midweek Prayer
WEDNESDAYS FROM 12:15 - 12:45 PM
Jesus is the hope of the world. The Church is Jesus' plan to bring his hope to the world, and prayer is the pathway to bring all of this together! Everyone is invited to join us every Wednesday from 12:15pm-12:45pm in the West Auditorium for a time of prayer and reflection.
First Steps
WEEKEND OF JUNE 13/14, 2026
AFTER EACH WORSHIP SERVICE
Whether brand new to First Christian Church or just looking to get plugged in, FIRST STEPS is the perfect place to make connections with other people just like you! Discover our mission and the “why” and “how” we grow and serve together. Along with that, you’ll learn practical next steps for you to get plugged in as well as get to know some of our staff. This 30-minute informational meeting meets AFTER each of our worship services. We will meet in The Hub or just stop by the Welcome Center, and a hospitality member will escort you to The Hub.
If you attend church online, we'd love to connect with you as well! We can meet sometime during the week over a coffee or set up a Zoom meeting. Whatever works best for you. Contact Abbey at aluka@firstdecatur.org or call/text (217) 875-3350 to see up a time to connect together.
CIY Conference
JULY 13-17, 2026
Middle & high school students, you are invited to go to the Christ In Youth Conference which will be held in Wheaton, Illinois. This conference will consist of 4 days on a college campus. Students will have opportunities to hear amazing speakers and worship together. We can’t wait to see how each student encounters Jesus this year.
Pastor Brian's Sabbatical
MAY – JULY 2026
Pastor Brian Talty will be on sabbatical from May through July — a season set aside for preparation and prayerful planning for the next chapter of First Christian Church. As part of our sabbatical practice, we see this as a healthy investment in both our pastoral team and the future of our church. We’re excited for how God will use this time to bring fresh clarity and direction for what’s ahead. In the mean time, our pastoral team will be preaching on the weekends as well as special friends of First Christian Church so we are in good hands.
Global Leadership Summit
AUGUST 6-7, 2026
The Global Leadership Summit is the premier leadership event of the year which will be simulcast at First Christian Church. Equip yourself to lead with boldness and purpose. Join us for two powerful days of expert insights, creative inspiration, and practical tools to sharpen how you lead.
For a complete list of events, click the church calendar button below. Questions?
Please call or text the church at (217) 875-3350 or questions@firstdecatur.org.