My Faith Is My Compass
Guiding Me Through The Journey Of Life
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We are spiritual seekers working to grow in our love of God, deepening our connection to each other and sharing with the world our passion for justice and peace.
As God’s grace is present in all creation, our welcome is extended to all spiritual seekers – people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, all generations, all physical and mental abilities, all economic conditions, all gender identities, all sexual orientations – celebrating the diversity of our faith journeys. We affirm the faith, baptism and spiritual gifts of all and invite you to bless this church with your presence and service.
Here’s a little about us…
- About Us
- Beliefs
- Our History
- History of Disciples of Christ
- Open and Affirming Congregation
- Green Congregation
Disciples of Christ
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was founded in the early 1800’s in the United States. Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founders envisioned a united church of Jesus Christ modeled after the New Testament. For a more detailed history please see the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST STATEMENT OF INTENT:
“We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As a part of the one Body of Christ we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”
The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism.
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What Do Disciples Believe?
We are spiritual seekers working to grow in our love of God, deepening our connection to each other and sharing with the world our passion for justice and peace.
LIKE MOST CHRISTIANS, DISCIPLES AFFIRM:
- Jesus Christ is the son of the living God, and offers saving grace to all
- All persons are God’s children
BELIEFS AND PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH COVENANT CHRISTIAN (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) INCLUDE:
- Open Communion – Celebrated in weekly worship Communion is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ. The denominations emblem is the red chalice with a white St. Andrew’s cross and is a reminder of the central part Communion plays in worship.
- Freedom of Belief – 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 – Although Disciples practice by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
- 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.
- The ministry of believers. Both ministers and lay persons (male & female) lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
History
Beginning on January 1, 1965 approximately thirty core families met in the home of the Reverend Don Manwarren and his wife Elaine for Christian fellowship and to plan a new faith community for the Des Moines area, focusing on the growing area of Urbandale.
On Pentecost Sunday, June 6, 1965, Covenant Christian Church was formally chartered. The congregation met at the ice arena for the next two years, gathering for weekly worship in the Peppermint Lounge amidst earthy smells of beer and recreation.
On April 16, 1967, the congregation participated in a groundbreaking ceremony and construction began on at the current location. The first service in the building was held March 24, 1968. It began with a procession from the Ice Arena.
In 2005, in celebrations of Covenant’s 40th anniversary, the congregation began worship at the Ice Arena and processed up the hill to the current sanctuary for a communion service.
In 2015 we celebrated our 50th anniversary with a special visit from our founding pastor, Don Manworren. In a weekend of celebration, he and other pastors from our past called us to remember who we are.
To this day, we continue to search for ways to be God’s earthy people in the world, believing that the world needs more “salty Christians.”
Historical Slogans of Disciples
“We have no creed but Christ, no book but the Bible, no law but love, no name but the Divine.” Early Stone-Campbell slogan
“Where the scriptures speak, we speak. Where the scriptures are silent, we are silent.” Introduced by Thomas Campbell
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” Early Christian slogan attributed to various sources, including Rupertus Meldensius and adopted by Stone-Campbell churches
“But who is a Christian? I answer, everyone that believes in one’s heart that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Son of God; repents on ones (originally his) sins and obeys him in all things according to one’s (originally his) measure of knowledge of his will.” Alexander Campbell, The Lunenburg Letter, September 1857.
Open and Affirming Congregation
We are committed to openly welcoming and affirming persons of all gender expressions and sexual orientations.
The rainbow chalice showcases our commitment that we will not condemn individuals based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Green Chalice Congregation
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. Out of our call to “do justice” (Micah 6:8), we strive to demonstrate the fullness of God’s shalom through living out our faith by caring for God’s creation. In keeping with this demonstration, a resolution concerning carbon neutrality was passed at the 2017 General Assembly, in which the Christian Church (DOC) committed to reducing our carbon pollution with the goal to become carbon neutral by the year 2030 and climate positive by 2035. From Hawaii and Washington to Ontario and Florida, and everywhere in between, Disciples congregations are caring for creation in unique and inspiring ways.
Our mission is to connect Christian faith, spiritual practice and creation consciousness in order to demonstrate the fullness of God’s shalom.
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We are continuously striving to BE GREEN
Regular Sunday Schedule:
Worship – 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Coffee in Fellowship Hall – In downstairs Fellowship Hall immediately following worship service.
When you arrive on for worship, you can be expected to be greeted by members and friends of the church. You may sit wherever you are most comfortable. Don’t worry, we don’t make visitors stand up and introduce themselves. Occasionally worship may include “passing the peace” or taking time to greet each other.
During worship there will singing, praying, scripture, a message, and communion. Communion is open to everyone.
Music at Covenant varies from more traditional hymns, to contemporary songs, and music from around the world. The organ, piano, electric piano, and acoustic guitar are used. Members are encouraged to share their talents.
Yes. We have a beautiful nursery staffed by volunteers.
The nursery is for ages 6 and under, and other children are encouraged to worship with their family.
Yes! For our older youth, we’ve offered opportunities to serve on our Church Board, be part of the Pastoral Relations Committee, participate in our adult choir, and serve in our worship services.
Covenant is located at 2700 72nd St, in Urbandale, IA between Hickman Road and Douglas Avenue. We are just up the hill from the DM Buccaneer Arena.
Click Here for a Map View of our Location
Our parking lot is on the west side of the building off 72nd St.
Upstairs either door on the north side of the building may be used. The door closest to 72nd St. has a ramp for wheelchair access. Downstairs the west door on the south side of the building may be used. Go to the end of the hall, turn right and then left and look for stairs to the first floor.
Please come as you are. We care more about you than what you wear. Wear what makes you comfortable. Jeans are fine, you may see a tie or two, but not many.
You can access the first floor using a ramp at the main entrance to the church. There is also a handicap accessible unisex restroom on the first floor. There is no access by elevator to the lower level, at this time, but the downstairs can be reached by a sloping sidewalk outside.
If you need transportation call the church office at (515) 276-3781 and a volunteer will pick you up and get you home.
We celebrate communion each Sunday. All are welcome at Christ’s table where the walls of human hostility are broken down in God’s uniting love.
Generally the church office is open 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday through Friday. From time to time there are exceptions, so you may want to call ahead to (515)-276-3781. The offices are located on the right as you come in the upstairs door closest to the parking lot.
Covenant’s building is used by the following community organizations:
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