A South Side Congregation on State Street
Chatham-Avalon Church of Christ sits at 8601 South State Street on Chicago's South Side, where it has gathered worshipers for generations. The congregation describes itself as a spiritual home for individuals and families across the city, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and bound together by love, truth, and community. Its members often speak of the church as a place where every voice is valued and every soul is nurtured, and the building itself has long been a familiar landmark along this stretch of the South Side.
Christ Above All, Love in All, Service to All
The church's motto sums up its identity in three short lines: Christ Above All, Love in All, Service to All. It is a phrase the congregation returns to often, and it shapes how members think about worship, fellowship, and outreach. A matching T-shirt printed with the words Pray, Trust, Repeat is available through the church as a small expression of that same steady confidence. The motto also echoes the church's stated mission: to glorify God by spreading the Gospel, serving others in love, and equipping believers to live faithfully according to His Word.
Beliefs Rooted in Scripture
Chatham-Avalon's teaching is grounded in two foundational convictions. The first is the authority of the Bible. The second is that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church's faith and salvation. Members describe their community as Christ-centered and love-driven, a place where faith grows, lives are transformed, and everyone is welcome. That doctrinal simplicity is paired with a steady emphasis on the preached Word, and the sermons page carries a steady cadence of preaching recorded over months and years.
Preaching and the Sermon Archive
The church maintains an online sermon archive where recent messages are posted for anyone who wants to follow along or catch up. Titles such as Walking in the Footsteps of Faith, Peace Provider for Your Soul, Reading the God's Word, Errors Concerning the Truth, We Do Not Lose Heart!, and The Testing of Our Faith show a steady diet of expository and devotional preaching. The sermons are delivered by ministers named Robert Malone and Jorge Dickens, who share the pulpit at Chatham-Avalon. Messages can be watched through the church's YouTube channel, which also serves as the church's livestream home.
Leadership: Dr. Daniel Harrison and Family
Dr. Daniel Harrison serves as Senior Minister of Chatham-Avalon Church of Christ and is the public face of its ministry. He is supported by his wife, Sis. Frances Harrison, who shares in the life and leadership of the congregation. Together the Harrisons have shaped the church's direction for years, and members of the community are invited to honor their service at retirement celebrations hosted by the congregation. The church office can be reached through Dr. Harrison at 773-723-8579 or at Chatham-avalon@sbcglobal.net.
Ministries for Women and Children
Two ministries stand at the center of congregational life: the Women's Ministry and the Children's Ministry. The Women's Ministry provides a fellowship circle for the women of the church, a space for Bible study, encouragement, and shared service. The Children's Ministry focuses on the youngest members of the congregation, offering age-appropriate teaching and a caring environment during the church's gatherings. Each ministry is led by a dedicated coordinator whose contact information is available through the church office. Additional ministries are listed on the Ministries page.
Volunteering and Outreach
Chatham-Avalon welcomes anyone who wants to serve. The church frames volunteering as more than giving time: it is a chance to serve God, strengthen faith, and make a real impact in the lives of others. Members are invited to help with worship, support outreach efforts, mentor young people, or simply lend a hand wherever needed. The congregation sees every role as meaningful, and service is woven into the church's identity as much as preaching and prayer.
Giving and Supporting the Work
Generous giving is a long-standing practice at Chatham-Avalon, and the church makes it easy to participate online. Donations can be made securely through the church's giving page, where the congregation notes that every gift, big or small, helps the church continue spreading the Gospel, serving the community, and supporting those in need. A shared Swipe Simple link offers an additional way to contribute from a phone or computer.
Plan a Visit
Anyone interested in attending a service, meeting the ministers, or learning more about the congregation's life can reach the church at 773-723-8579 or welcome@chathamavaloncoc.com. The church's Facebook page, facebook.com/chathamavalon, carries updates about gatherings and special events, and the YouTube channel hosts the latest sermons and livestreams. Located on South State Street in the heart of Chicago's South Side, Chatham-Avalon Church of Christ continues to open its doors to neighbors, newcomers, and longtime friends alike.