A Faith Community That Began in a Schoolhouse
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has been part of the Iowa City area for more than 170 years. Its story begins in 1855, when a small group gathered for worship in a one-room schoolhouse in Iowa City. Eight years later, the congregation moved to 217 Iowa Avenue in the heart of downtown Iowa City, a location that would remain home for more than a century as the buildings and architecture around it changed.
After a long process of discernment, the congregation built a new building just north of Iowa City at 900 Lincolnshire Place in Coralville. The building was completed in 2002, and the church has gathered there ever since, a community where generations continue to come together to worship, learn, serve, and grow in faith.
The congregation's faith is rooted in the Stone-Campbell Movement, a tradition that began on the American frontier with a vision of Christian unity, open table fellowship, and faith expressed through love and service. That spirit has guided First Christian through new buildings, changing times, and generations of ministry, and continues to shape its identity as a community of welcome where God's love is lived out in concrete ways.
Sundays at Ten: Music, Communion, and a Children's Message
Sunday morning worship at First Christian begins at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary and typically lasts about an hour. Each service brings together music, scripture, prayer, a children's message, a sermon, a time of giving, and weekly communion. Song lyrics are projected on screen, and hymnals are also available for those who prefer to follow printed music.
The music program draws on a wide range of styles. The congregation sings hymns and spirituals alongside jazz and contemporary worship songs, all chosen with thoughtful attention to theology and theme. Leading the music is a mix of voices and instruments that keeps the worship sound fresh and varied.
Communion is shared every week. There are no membership requirements, no age restrictions, and no creeds to affirm in order to receive the bread and cup. Participation is always optional, and anyone who prefers to remain seated may have communion brought to them by a server. The church serves gluten-free bread and 100% grape juice so that those with gluten sensitivities can fully participate; an ingredient list is available on request.
For those who cannot attend in person, a pre-recorded worship service is available each Sunday morning at 10:00 AM Central on the church's YouTube channel and remains accessible afterward.
The Table Is Open, and So Are the Doors
First Christian's tagline, "There's room at the table for everyone," is more than a slogan. The church is recognized as an Open & Affirming Congregation, having made a formal commitment to fully welcome and affirm individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities into every aspect of church life and leadership. The congregation celebrates LGBTQ+ identities as part of God's diverse creation.
That same ethic of welcome extends to people of every race or ethnicity, language, nationality, gender identity, family or relationship status, age, body size, physical or mental health, economic situation, struggles with addiction, abilities or disabilities, education, profession, faith background, and political perspective. The congregation sees that diversity as a reflection of God's Spirit at work among them.
Accessibility is built into the building itself. Both the front and side entrances have automatic doors, and the building and parking lot can be navigated without using any steps. An elevator connects the upper and lower levels. Designated accessible parking spaces, including van-accessible spots, are available in both the upper and lower lots. A circle drive at the front entrance allows passengers to be dropped off before parking, and a free valet service is offered on Sunday mornings; simply pull into the circle drive and up to the front door, and the valet team will handle parking and retrieval. Inside the sanctuary, aisles are spaced to accommodate wheelchairs, and a ramp leads up to the chancel so anyone can access the raised area where some worship leadership happens. Audio amplifiers are available for those who need hearing support; greeters or a visit to the sound booth will set visitors up.
Three Designations That Shape the Community
Beyond Open & Affirming, First Christian holds two other formal designations. As a Green Chalice Congregation, the church has committed to caring for God's creation through specific practices aimed at environmental stewardship and sustainability. As a Dementia Friendly Congregation, the congregation has committed to educating its members, fostering a welcoming and accessible environment, and providing practical support so that people living with dementia and their caregivers can continue to participate meaningfully in the life of the church.
Children, Youth, and Families at the Center
Children of all ages are welcome in worship, and the church celebrates their presence. A children's area at the front of the sanctuary offers rugs, books, worship supplies, and quiet activities for young worshippers, with nearby seating so caregivers can stay close while fully participating in the service. Activity bags are also available for children who prefer to bring worship-friendly items back to their seats. Children and youth are often invited to serve in leadership roles throughout the service.
For families who prefer it, nursery care is available during worship for children from birth through age five, with accommodations offered for older children who may need additional support.
Faith Formation is offered for all ages from 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM on Sunday mornings during the school year, September through May. Through conversation, creativity, prayer practices, service, and learning, the program explores what it means to follow Jesus in the world today. Some sessions are tailored to different age groups, while others invite all generations to learn together. Nursery care is available during Faith Formation.
Youth ministry is organized into three groups: JYF for children in third through fifth grades, Chi Rho for sixth through eighth graders, and CYF for high school youth in ninth through twelfth grades. Activities include outings, games, service projects, educational field trips, weekend retreats, and a safe space to talk and build friendships.
Disciples Strings & Singers, and a Handbell Choir
Music is a vital part of the church's worship life. Disciples Strings & Singers leads music for Sunday morning worship, and musicians and vocalists of all skill levels are welcome to join. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM. The church also welcomes individuals and groups who would like to share special music in worship.
A Handbell Choir meets regularly for rehearsal and provides special music throughout the year during Sunday worship services. New ringers are always welcome.
Faith in Action Beyond the Walls
First Christian's commitment to outreach runs deep into the Iowa City community. The Faith in Action team leads the congregation in serving the wider community through supply drives, special collections, holiday sponsorships, and volunteer and educational opportunities. Every other month, the church partners with the Iowa City Free Lunch Program by providing food, preparing a hot meal, and serving as part of this ministry to those who are hungry.
Each November, the church hosts an Alternative Gift Market, welcoming representatives from local agencies to share about their work. Through this annual event, the congregation contributes more than $10,000 each year to local agencies. On Mondays in July, the church hosts "Mondays on the Lawn," celebrating the diversity of cultures in the community with song, food, and connection while collecting love offerings for organizations that support immigrants. Each year, the church also participates in the Iowa City Pride festival and parade.
A winter clothing distribution ministry, begun by the congregation more than forty years ago, continues as an ecumenical effort to provide warm winter clothing to those in need in the community each fall.
First Christian nurtures ongoing relationships with a wide network of local agencies, including Habitat for Humanity, the Coralville Community Food Pantry, CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank, DVIP/RVAP, Free Lunch Program of Iowa City, Houses Into Homes, the I'm Glad You Stayed Project, the Immigration Welcome Network of Johnson County, the Iowa City Free Medical & Dental Clinic, the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition, the North Liberty Community Food Pantry, Open Heartland, Shelter House, and Table to Table.
Growing Together Through the Week
After Sunday worship, the congregation gathers for cookies, coffee, and conversation in a relaxed setting where newcomers can ask questions and get to know the pastors and other members. Come in whatever feels most like you, from shorts and a t-shirt to your Sunday best; every color, every style, and every expression of yourself is welcome here.
Small groups are offered in the fall and the spring, providing opportunities for fellowship and learning. Adults can sign up for a small group meeting time and location that fits their schedule.
Each Wednesday from 12 noon to 1:00 PM Central, the pastors lead a Bible study on Zoom, discussing the scriptures that will be the focus of upcoming sermons from a variety of angles, with attention to context and life application.
Disciples Women is the women's group at First Christian. Members support local ministry and funerals, host educational and social events, share Bible study, and enjoy fellowship together.
Other regular fellowship groups include meals out, coffee with friends, and a book club. Additional classes, small groups, and special events are announced in the monthly newsletter, with gatherings taking place at the church, on Zoom, in personal homes, or out in the community.
Leadership and Practical Details
First Christian is served by three clergy. Rev. Jill Michel serves as Senior Pastor, Rev. Kara Seaton serves as Associate Pastor, and Rev. Laura Kittrell serves as Minister of Music & Worship.
The church office is located at 900 Lincolnshire Place, Coralville, Iowa 52241. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, and closed on Friday. Clergy are available by appointment outside office hours. The church can be reached by phone at 319-337-4181 or by email at icdisciples@gmail.com. Visitors are encouraged to fill out a Connection Card so the church can get to know them.
Giving is supported through an online Realm giving page, by mail to the church address, or in person during worship. Members and friends can also share their time and talent as volunteers in the church's ministries.