Who we are
Sunnyland Christian Church was built in 1938, after 125 families that live in Sunnyland asked the Peoria Council of Christian Churches for help in establishing a new church in the community. In September of that year, the church building was built in one day, and worship held that night. For 85 years, SCC has been at the heart of the Sunnyland community. For more details on our building’s history, click here.
What we believe
SCC is part of a denomination called the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which includes churches throughout the United States and Canada. And while there is a great deal of diversity among members of the Disciples of Christ, the following are some beliefs and attributes that provide a glimpse into the nature of the Disciples of Christ in general.
The importance of scripture
We believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and is best heard and understood within the community of faith with the diverse insight that context provides.
An attitude of tolerance and diversity
We celebrate diversity as strength rather than weakness, and do not expect everyone’s interpretation of the Bible or the Christian life to be identical.
The inclusion of the leadership of all
We believe that God provides spiritual gifts to all people. Lay persons in our church are permitted and encouraged to do all things, including presiding and offering the prayers at the Lord’s Table, often restricted to ordained clergy in other denominations.
The weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper
Disciples’ life is centered at the table. Through communion we are connected to one another and to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Believer’s baptism by immersion
Following the earliest tradition of the church, we demonstrate our commitment to God by dramatic action, letting the waters of our baptism give witness to God’s grace upon us. However, Recognizing that the traditions of the whole church are many and varied, we do not insist that our baptismal practice is the only one that is valid. We know that baptism is God’s action far more than our own.
Congregational yet voluntarily connectional
Disciples congregations have authority over their life and ministries, and yet share resources freely with the other congregations in our denomination, knowing that the mission of the church is not just local.
An educated clergy
We set educational and professional standards for ministers—licensed and ordained, and hold our clergy to ethical accountability through denominational oversight.
(Modified from a document written by Rick Spleth, Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Indiana)
To find out more about the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada https://disciples.org/
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois-Wisconsin https://cciwdisciples.org/
