Thank you for your interest in College Avenue!

We are College Avenue Christian Church, and we are located at 4440 College Avenue in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa - just north of the 42nd St. Exit off I-235. (see link to map below)

Worship Service is held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a time of fellowship at 10:30 and Sunday School for all ages from 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Our office hours are weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Our telephone number is (515)255-0570.
~~Discover more about the way we worship by visiting links on the Home Page.

Our Core Values:	Spiritual Growth		Family		Service
		Belonging		Laughter

You can read all about our congregation online, but the best way to experience College Avenue is to be our guest on Sunday - in worship or afterwards in fellowship hall for a cup of coffee. Just come down the stairs and follow the sounds of laughter.

For those interested in getting more involved at College Avenue, finding a way to live out your calling and exploring what it means to belong to a community of faith, you're invited to a Discovery Lunch with Pastor Sue - just contact the office for the next scheduled lunch. It's a great way to meet people, hear more about College Avenue's beliefs and actions, and get connected with the community.

Things you might find helpful:

• Parking: Limited street parking is available. There are parking lots on the south side of the church building off of 45th Street and across the street at Perkins Academy.
• Dress: Dress casually, if you like. You often see our members in everything from informal to "dressed up" wear!
• Nursery: There is a nursery available - but kids are welcome in worship. We have "busy bags" for children to have during worship. If you prefer, you are welcome to use the "Lounge" which is equipped with sound, a view into the sanctuary, and a comfy rocking chair.
• Communion: We have communion every week and everyone is welcome to join in. The table is God's and God invites you to it. It is a "Welcome Table" for all believers in Jesus, regardless of their denominational affiliation.
• Music: We offer a blend of praise choruses and traditional hymns that heighten the worship experience through music.
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Our Beliefs

College Avenue Christian Church is a part of the Disciples of Christ, a theological tradition that emphasizes openness: open communion, freedom of belief, the oneness of the church, and the ministry of all believers. Our congregation is made up of people of diverse beliefs and traditions, including those who agree and disagree on church teachings.

Our Church

College Avenue is both a place and a people. On the corner of 44th Street and College Avenue, our building was dedicated in 1924. We are a neighborhood church in beautiful and historic Beaverdale. The beautiful sanctuary is lit by the sun as it streams through the stained glass windows. Within the walls, you'll also find a beautiful people, diverse in experiences and beliefs. Our history - both a place and a people - tells the story of a congregation with a rich legacy of love and service from the past to the present.

Our People
Our membership is approximately 50 people, though many people who participate in our community life are not members. From every path, you will find a kind and passionate congregation composed of professionals, retirees, writers, empty nesters, and families with children.

The Seekers, Skeptics, and Hopers are all welcome here. We are engaged and honest - not stodgy or dogmatic. We are open to mystery, to our lives being shaken by the love and new life of Christ.

Community
College Avenue is not just about its parishioners. We practice our faith in our neighborhood through a range of services, such as offering our space to Alcoholics Anonymous, Aerobics groups, and Weavers' Guild. We also support local ministries such as the DMARC Food Pantries, Hope Ministries, and Central Iowa Shelter Services. And, for the past 2 years, we have shared our facility with Redeemer Presbyterian Church (USA) as we work ecumenically to further God's kingdom. For more information on how our people contribute to the community, see our Caring page.

At College Avenue there is room for all God's people, and we hope that you'll feel welcome to join us to find a community of belonging, deepen your spirituality and faith, and reach out beyond yourself to serve others in the church and in the world. Join us Sundays at 9:30 as we learn together - at 11:00 as we worship together - and following worship as we fellowship together.

History
College Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) first organized in 1922. The cornerstone for the current building was laid in 1925. In 1956, a dream formed in the minds of church leadership to build a new sanctuary. After much hard work and faithful giving, ground was broken in 1960. College Avenue has been served by many faithful ministers, but the heart of God's church in this place is the family of members who worship and love together. Come be a part of our history!

Staff

Sue Woods, Pastor
swoods@qwestoffice.net

"I've been the pastor here at College Avenue since August 1, 2008, and I absolutely love it! I spend my days doing things that I'm passionate about - preaching, creative worship, teaching, helping our congregation live and grow into its amazing vision, inviting folks to pay attention to their own callings from God, welcoming people into a loving community that changes lives and believes it can change the world.

When I'm not at church, I'm either reading, writing, or going to the theater (to watch or perform in community theater).

Originally from Des Moines' Highland Park neighborhood, Sue has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from Iowa State University. She is also licensed as a minister in the Disciples of Christ. Before coming to College Avenue, Sue served as interim minister at Kellogg Christian Church in Kellogg Iowa and as Executive Director of United Way of Jasper County Iowa.

Carol Archer, Secretary
archer.c@q.com

If you are a member, regular attendee, or friend of College Avenue and need to update your contact information with us, please send an e-mail to Carol.

What Disciples of Christ Believe
Everyone is on a Spiritual Journey. Whether you are just starting to explore what the Christian faith is about, or if you have been a part of the church for your whole life, we are all people on a spiritual journey. This church is committed to helping you wherever you may be on that journey. You can join with fellow travelers in this journey. Your gifts, questions, struggles, and hopes will all be honored.

Like most Christians, Disciples Affirm:

1. Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God,
2. All persons are God's children.

Beliefs and practices associated with Disciples of Christ include:

• Open Communion: The Lord's Supper, or Communion is celebrated weekly and open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
• Freedom of belief: Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
• Baptism by immersion: In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, the baptism traditions of newcomers from other traditions are honored and respected.
• Belief in the oneness of the church: All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service. Disciples preach Christian unity and practice ecumenism.
• The ministry of believers: Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth. Demonstrating the priesthood of believers, lay elders officiate at Communion.

Follow this link to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) home page to discover more about our beliefs and practices: www.disciples.org/discover

How to Join
Everyone who expresses faith in Jesus is invited to join our church. During each worship service an invitation is extended for persons wishing to join to come forward. You can join at any time.

You may also visit with Pastor Sue for more information, to ask questions, or to become acquainted with the church and its programs.