About Us
A Tapestry of Services For Every Soul
Diverse Paths of Worship
We Are Progressive Christians
1.
Believe that following the way and teachings of Jesus can lead to abundant life, even as we recognize that the Spirit moves in beneficial ways in many faith traditions.
2.
Seek community that is inclusive, honoring differences in theological perspective, age, race, sexual orientation, nation of origin, gender identity/expression, class, and ability.
3.
Strive for peace and justice among all people, knowing that behaving with compassion, empathy, and selfless love towards one another is the fullest expression of what we believe.
4.
Embrace the insights of contemporary science and strive to protect the Earth and ensure its integrity and sustainability.
5.
Commit to a path of life-long learning, believing there is more value in questioning than in absolutes.
Morning Meditation
Commune with Serenity at Dawn
Holy Communion
Sacred Act of Communion
Choral Evensong
Spiritual Harmony Song
Full Compassion
Witness the Power of Faith
Beliefs
The Book of Common Prayer
The Book of Common Prayer is our worship book. It expresses our core beliefs and values. As we regularly participate in worship and hearing Holy Scripture—we are formed and shaped by those experiences. As the ancient saying goes, “As we worship, so we believe.” Nearly 80 percent of the contents of the Prayer Book are directly taken from the Bible.
A summary of beliefs is in “An Outline of the Faith: commonly called the Catechism,” which is printed in The Book of Common Prayer. Although these are the “beliefs” of the Church, we make a distinction between “belief” and “faith,” which are often confused. Belief is commonly understood as affirming the truth of certain statements. Faith is better understood as “trust”. So when, for example, we say in our creed that “We believe in God”, the ancient and proper understanding is “We trust in God.” It’s the difference between saying that “We affirm the truth of these statements about God” and saying instead that “We believe that God is trustworthy.” All of this is to encourage people to refrain from getting caught up in the minutia, and to look at the larger picture about God’s faithfulness to us and to God’s creation.
The Bible
The Bible is a collection of 66 books divided into two sections, what we commonly call the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament. Another 14 books are included in the Apocrypha that is in some editions. The books of the Bible were written and edited by hundreds of people over a period of at least a thousand years, and in some cases, reflect oral traditions and stories that reach back long before they were written down.
The Bible contains a variety of literature including myths, folk tales, poetry, hymns, histories, prophecies, wisdom sayings and others. It was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic and to this day, scholars still debate the meaning of some words and phrases. Most of us read Bibles that have been translated into English. Translation always and necessarily changes meanings. Add to that the fact that the earliest Hebrew and Greek manuscripts had no chapters and verses nor periods or commas. All this is to say that there is no such thing as a “literal interpretation” of the Bible. But that does not negate the importance of the Bible in Christian tradition, understanding, and faith. We read the Bible whole, meaning that while there may be parts of it that are not clearly understood or interpreted, when read in its entirety we can grasp its meanings and hear the voice of God.
We read the Bible to know how faithful people wrestled with God and discovered God in their lives and times. We read the Bible to discern how God is present in our own time and how God calls us to faithful service. We read the Bible to comprehend God’s vision for the Kin-dom of God “on earth as in heaven.”
Jesus
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is the central figure of Christianity. Jesus is the way of life. Jesus’ teachings on love, forgiveness, humility, justice and repentance are at the core of our beliefs. We are called to follow Jesus, to live lives of holiness, and to share the good news of the gospel. As we learn to love and serve others, we are reminded of Jesus’ example of love and sacrifice.
Where Our Church Stands On Some Issues of the Day
CREATION
We believe that God is the Creator, but the two different Creation stories contained in the Book of Genesis are not science. They are ancient folk myths that attempt to explain how various things came into being. If God chose to create the universe with a Big Bang and evolution, then we are OK with that. These are the best scientific theories of our time and none of them negate the Creator.
If you wish to have a good time and spend a lot of money visiting the Creation museum in Kentucky that claims that the earth is only 6000 years old and that humans co-existed with the dinosaurs, then be our guest. But please don’t confuse that with any reality that our God-given intelligence has led us to understand.
ABORTION
Our Church teaches that women have a right to decide for themselves whether to continue with a pregnancy that is either unwanted or not viable for either them or their embryo or fetus. After consultation with her physician(s) and trusted spiritual advisor(s) a woman should be free to make her own decision. We believe that we become fully human when we are able to take our first breath and breathe in the breath of God.
LGBTQIA+
Gender identity and gender expression are part of the great variety and complexity of our humanity. We accept all people regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation. We have marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples, and we ordain LGBTQIA folk as deacons, priests and bishops.
WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
We believe in the values of Jesus like loving one’s neighbor, welcoming the stranger, and seeking justice for all. Empathy is the hallmark of the Beloved Community. Although we are, indeed, grateful to be living in these United States, we recognize that Jesus came for all people, all nationalities and all ethnicities. So we are skeptical of any contrary teaching that denies the wideness of God’s love and mercy.
Additional Resources
Diocese of Southern Ohio
The Episcopal Church
Online Book of Common Prayer
The Lectionary
City of Fairborn
Fairborn FISH
Fairborn City Schools
Fairborn Senior Center
Air Force Museum
Alcoholics Anonymous
Assisted Living Resources
Assisted Living for Seniors with Disabilities
Seniors Guide to Cancer
The Abilities Group
The Abilities Group are partners in operating our Adult Day Array Program which provides services to adults with disabilities. Follow this link to The Abilities Group website.
Resume and Career Guide for People with Disabilities
Soulful Gatherings
Join us in these transformative gatherings focused on religious insights and personal development. Engage, learn, and evolve as we explore the depths of faith together.
Sunday Worship
Prayer Powerhouse
Weekly Wisdom
Community Corner
Seeking the Divine Connection
Pilgrimage of Faith
Prayer Requests
- Brother Peter +1 423 485 341
- Priest Antony +1 325 474 693
Central Church
- 1501 N. Broad Street, Fairborn, Ohio 45324
- United States of America
Pastoral Care
xperience the divine presence as we come together to praise.
General Inquiries
Immerse yourself in transformative experiences.
Write Us a Line
We're delighted to connect with you. Whether you have questions, want to get involved, or simply need support, our doors and hearts are open to you.