Capitol Hill Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
About Us
Custodian: Kevin Green
Disciples of Christ History
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) began in the early 1800s in the United States. Seeking to move beyond denominational disagreements, the founders envisioned a united church modeled on the New Testament.
Disciple congregations today share these characteristics:
- Each congregation is self-governing and calls its pastor.
- Worship services may be formal or informal and include lay women and men in leadership.
- Open discussion of issues is encouraged. Diversity of opinion is common.
- We are growing in racial and ethnic diversity.
Disciples affirm that Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God and offers saving grace to all. Disciples also believe that all individuals are children of God.
Disciples' practices and beliefs include the following:
Open Communion – The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship. It is 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. Individuals 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, 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 laypersons lead in worship, service, and spiritual growth.
The symbol of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a red chalice, emblazoned with a white St. Andrew’s cross. The chalice symbolizes the central place of communion in worship. The X-shaped cross of the disciple Andrew is a reminder of the ministry of each person and the importance of evangelism.
PASTOR'S MESSAGE
Something to Think About as a Family of God
Since this Portrait Newsletter is for May and June, I will combine Mother’s Day and Father’s Day meditations.
We are called to look at Motherhood and Fatherhood in three ways.
The first way is to accept that being a parent is a gift from God. Many parents in the New Testament truly take this gift of having children very seriously. You can see their devotion in how they reach out to Jesus for healing for their sick children.
Jesus takes helping children very seriously. Physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are priorities for him. He takes the time to help the parents who have come to him heal their children. Even if the parents doubt Jesus (see Mark 9:14-29), he helps the parent and the child achieve healing through their faith.
Yes, there are times we find it hard to be effective parents, and our children drive us crazy sometimes. Jesus is an example who sees children as a blessing from God.
When I was younger and immature as a parent, I dismissed them because I had often been dismissed as a child.
The second thing we are called to do as parents is to take what our children say seriously.
In John 6:1-14, the Disciples asked the crowd for help, seeking donations to feed the large crowd. Jesus took the boy’s offering seriously and used it to feed the large crowd.
It is easy sometimes to disregard our children and not take them seriously. Occasionally our children think something is more important than it really is.
Please take the time to listen to them. If you determine that what they think is a big deal really isn’t, either listen and move on, or help them understand the true importance of their situation. But you took the time to listen to them, and that is what matters most.
There may come a time when they truly need your help, and you want them to come to you and share their real problem. The older I get and my children get, the more I listen to them, and it helps me more than I could have imagined.
The third thing we are called to do as mothers and fathers is to see our children as a blessing from God. Yes, they can be a challenge in our lives, but weren’t we the same way with our parents?
If we believe that our children are a big part of the family of God, as we are, then God has blessed us with their lives, and we are to help and support them as they grow into adults.
May we realize that our words and actions, and our inaction, can affect our children and grandchildren.
May you have a wonderful Mother’s and Father’s Day as you help your children learn and know that they are a gift to us, that we take them seriously, and that they are a blessing God has given to us to enhance our lives and to be part of the family of God. Amen!
This is something to think about and do something about.
Love You All,
Rev. Craig
P.S. I am developing a sermon series this Summer to help connect our spiritual health with our mental health. They are equally important. Stay tuned.
Nursery Room Remodel
The nursery room has been renovated with a fresh, clean look! Thanks to the many volunteers who help update and improve the room with new carpet and paint. Childcare for infants to four-year-olds is available during church worship. The children love this new room!
Annual Events
Elders’ Chili Cook-Off – January
Diaconate Bake Sale – February
Diaconate Potato Bake – March
Trunk or Treat – October
Sundays:
10:00 a.m.: Worship
Here’s What’s Happening
Sunday, June 7, 9 a.m. – Enjoy Breakfast CHCC!
Jesus Is the Way Church, located in the Northwest of our building, is cooking and serving breakfast for all of us at no charge. We will be gifted with American and Mexican breakfast food.
Thank you, Jesus Is the Way Church!
Outdoor Worship
Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m.
September 13, 10 a.m.
Coming Soon . . .
Friday, July 10, 3 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and
Saturday, July 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Registration: $30.
There is an organic movement to gather as a cluster of churches in the Des Moines Area so we can be together with other disciples.
If you want to be a voting delegate for the church or just attend the General Assembly 2026, Rev. Robertson needs to know as soon as possible.
Saturday, July 11, 5 p.m. – Barnstormer Game
Ticket cost: $20.
You are invited to buy a ticket and attend with other members of Capitol Hill Christian Church. There is a signup sheet in the Church Narthex.
For information about Sunday School for children and adults, please call the church office.
Elders' Meetings
6 p.m. Third Wednesday
Diaconate Meetings
11:15 a.m. 1st Sundays of January, February, March, June, and October
ONCE A MONTH
1st Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Donuts and Coffee provided by the Membership Team
Embrace Authentic Freedom Guided by Faith and Prayer
2nd Wednesday: 6 p.m. Board Meeting
2nd Thursday: 1 p.m. Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF) (September through May)
4th Sunday, 11:15 a.m. God’s Youth Group
4th Thursday, 11 a.m. Bible Study at Stone Crest in the basement. Let Pastor Robertson know if you want to attend so you can get in to Stone Crest.
Fourth Sunday, 4 p.m. Cribbage
COMMUNITY GROUPS (check calendar)
2nd Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. – Fairmont Park Neighborhood Association
SOME SATURDAYS EVERY MONTH
Diamond Art, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Art Class 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays,
7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous
DMARC Food Pantry
dmarcunited.org/food/most-needed-items
June 28, 2026
Collection on the 4th Sunday of the month.
August 30, 2026
5th Sunday is Hygiene Sunday
Cemetery Lots for Sale
We have eight cemetery lots at “The Chapel Hill Garden Cemetery," located at 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines. The lots are in the Apostle area in the Parklawn section. We are selling them for $1000 each. For further information, contact Jeff Kerns or Diana Collins.
Spreading GOD’s
Love…
Hope…
Joy…
with YOU!
