Altoona Christian Church gathers at 2890 1st Avenue S in Altoona, Iowa, on the corner of 1st Avenue S and 30th Street SW, between Ironwood Apartments and Clay Elementary. The congregation belongs to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the greeting they offer every guest is the phrase that runs through everything they do: "The door is open. Come as you are." Each Sunday at 9:30 am, members and visitors fill the single-story building for a service that lasts about an hour, blending hymns and contemporary songs, sharing communion, and staying afterward for snacks and conversation in a place they call God's Coffee House.
From Mud Creek to the South Side of Town
The story begins in 1860, five years before there was even a town called Altoona. I. H. Woodrow hosted the first worship services at his farm on Mud Creek, with early meetings held at the Mud Creek School. On July 13, 1867, twenty-six people of various denominations came together to organize Altoona Christian Church - a date the congregation still marks as its birthday. As the community grew, so did the church. A white frame sanctuary was built in 1872 at 402 Second Street SE (the building still stands, now a private residence), and a brick church at 103 Third Street in Olde Town served as home for much of the twentieth century. In the 1980s, the congregation relocated to its current location on the south side of town to keep pace with a growing suburb.
Service has marked this congregation's life since the earliest days. During the ministry of J. B. Vawter (1875-1887), a meeting in his home helped spur the move of Oskaloosa College to Des Moines - today Drake University - where he served on the first board. In the 1980s, when Iowa Governor Robert Ray called Iowans to welcome Southeast Asian refugees, the church hosted families on this property. More recently the church has partnered monthly with the Caring Hands Food Pantry and the Salvation Army, led personal-care drives, supported children of incarcerated parents through book-reading programs, adopted families at Christmas, welcomed Boy Scouts and TOPS, hosted U.S. Air Force guests during RAGBRAI, celebrated a 150th anniversary in 2016-17, and helped launch National Night Out from this campus.
Worship at 9:30: Hymns, Communion, and God's Coffee House
Sundays at 9:30 am gather the full congregation for an hour that includes Scripture, prayer, a children's message, an offering, a sermon, and communion. Music swings from week to week - some Sundays organ and piano lead the hymns, other Sundays contemporary songs fill the room - so worshipers can expect both the depth of tradition and the freshness of the present. Every service ends with an open invitation to the Lord's Table. As Disciples of Christ, the church celebrates communion every week, and everyone is welcome to share in it.
The pastor, Rev. Paul Elliott, preaches and teaches, leads pastoral counseling, and is available for weddings, funerals, prayer, and conversation. The church describes his ministry as walking alongside the people of ACC "in faith and daily life." Choir musicians Barb Hulen and Paulette Cragg lead the music that frames each service.
After the service, members and guests gather in the Fellowship Hall for snacks and conversation. The church calls this time God's Coffee House, a chance to build the friendships that carry through the week.
Children in the Pews
Children are a full part of worship at ACC. Each Sunday includes a special children's message designed to connect God's Word with everyday life, and pew bags and activity sheets are available to keep little hands busy. A nursery room with rocking chairs, toys, and supplies is ready whenever families need it - and the room has a viewing window so parents don't miss a moment of the service. The congregation welcomes the wiggles, giggles, and occasional cries that come with young children: "We celebrate the giggles, wiggles, and occasional cries of children in worship - because kids bring joy to our church family."
Each summer, ACC joins regional camps for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, with families registering through the regional office. Camp brings outdoor activities, games, worship, Bible study, and small groups in a safe, supportive environment designed for spiritual growth and friendship. The camp office page invites families to register early, since space is limited.
Disciples of Christ: Open Table, Open Hearts
Altoona Christian Church belongs to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a movement that describes itself as seeking "wholeness in a fragmented world." Its core beliefs include a vision of being a faithful, growing church that demonstrates true community, deep spirituality, and "a passion for justice" (Micah 6:8), and a mission to be and share the Good News of Jesus Christ "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The congregation proclaims Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and Lord and Savior of the world.
The church practices believer's baptism, with each person freely choosing to follow Christ. Forgiveness, listening to understand, and speaking truth in love are woven into the life of the congregation. Members covenant to follow the teachings of Jesus, practice forgiveness, build one another up with respect and grace, and serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Five values shape ACC's life together. Love means loving God and one another the way Christ first loved us, with compassion, grace, and open hearts. Acceptance means embracing people from every background and walk of life. Worship centers life on God's presence through prayer, music, and communion. Service transforms lives by extending Christ's love in tangible ways. Family describes a community that supports, encourages, and walks beside one another through every season of life.
A Building Built for Everyone
The current home of the congregation is a single-story building on 1st Avenue S, with parking off 30th Street SW. There are no stairs to navigate. Accessible bathrooms are available, hearing devices are on hand for those who need them, and large-print hymnals are provided. Wheelchairs and walkers are available if a guest needs one. Greeters stand at the front doors on Sunday mornings to help newcomers find their way in.
There is no dress code. The church puts it plainly: come as you are. Jeans and khakis are as welcome as dresses and suits. Communion is open to all, and the congregation does not make distinctions based on race, color, creed, orientation, or background. "God's love is for the whole world - and that means you."
Outreach: Caring Hands and a Century of Welcome
The Outreach ministry invites anyone - individuals, families, and groups - to take part in seasonal potlucks, coat drives for children who need winter gear, and partnerships with Meals from the Heartland, the Salvation Army, and the Caring Hands Food Pantry. Each month on a designated Sunday, the congregation collects specific items for the food pantry - beef stew, tuna, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter, crackers, laundry soap, spaghetti sauce, soups, canned vegetables, canned pork and beans, juices, cookies, canned carrots, instant oatmeal, pasta, ramen, egg noodles, shampoo, canned chicken, cream of mushroom and chicken soups, mandarin oranges, mixed fruit, deodorant, shaving cream, and razors - and stocks shelves for neighbors in need.
The church hosts Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts in its classrooms and library throughout the week, hosts a Lunch Bunch gathering, helps lead Trunk or Treat each fall, partners in National Night Out, and joins the community parade. A TOPS "Tues" Group meets Tuesday mornings at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall, and a TOPS "Wed" Group meets Wednesday mornings at 8:30 am, both serving members of the wider community who use the building as a gathering place. Volunteers are always welcome. "you don't need special skills - just a willing heart."
Bible Studies, Choir, and the Weekly Rhythm
Spiritual growth at ACC continues through the week. Adult Bible studies meet on Sundays and Wednesdays in a relaxed, conversational setting that is open to anyone - whether they have studied Scripture for years or are just beginning in their faith. Ladies Bible Study gathers on Thursday mornings at 10:00 am, and choir practice follows at 1:30 pm the same day. Smaller fellowship gatherings offer chances to share meals, support one another through prayer, and build Christ-centered friendships.
The Board and a group of Elders meet monthly, typically on Monday evenings in the library, providing spiritual leadership and accountability for the congregation. The Board covenants to lead with grace, prayer, and accountability; to listen to understand and create safe spaces for dialogue; to follow God's agenda rather than personal agendas; and to build up the body of Christ with respect and love.
Weddings and Pastoral Care
Couples can host their wedding at Altoona Christian Church. Rev. Paul Elliott officiates, and Stephanie Hosier serves as the church's wedding coordinator. A downloadable wedding booklet walks engaged couples through the planning process, and the single-story building with nearby parking makes hosting family and friends straightforward. Pastor Paul is also available for funerals and other pastoral care moments, and a pastor request form is always available for visits, counseling, prayer, or simply a conversation.
Sermons and Giving
Those who cannot attend in person can watch or listen to past sermons online. A sermon archive is available on YouTube, with recordings searchable by date, series, or topic. Giving at ACC is always voluntary, and never pressured. Supporters can give online, place a gift in the offering during Sunday worship, give of their time and talents, or mail a contribution to the church office at PO Box 456, Altoona, IA 50009. Every gift helps extend Christ's love through ministries, outreach, and service in the community and beyond.
Joining In
Altoona Christian Church invites anyone seeking a deeper connection with God, with others, or simply with purpose to walk through its doors on a Sunday morning. The church office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. A prayer request form is always available for those who want a confidential prayer lifted up on their behalf, and a general contact form welcomes every kind of question. From pioneer gatherings on Mud Creek to a multi-generational congregation today, the story of ACC is rooted in Christ's love and lived out in community - and the door is still open.