Love Like Jesus in Greeley
At 2230 13th Street in Greeley, Colorado, First Christian Church is known for its wide welcome and its mission to “spread the love of Christ to all people.” The congregation belongs to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and takes part in a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. Its vision is a world in which every person knows they are valued, welcomed, and loved by God, while the church nurtures spiritual growth, builds authentic relationships, and works for justice, healing, and reconciliation.
Its mission makes the welcome concrete: people of every religion, life circumstance, belief, and background are included in the embrace of Christ’s love. The desired shape of discipleship is equally specific: compassion, humility, and open hearts. As part of the one body of Christ, the congregation seeks unity and healing in a divided world.
Sunday School at 9:00 and Worship at 10:00
Sunday School begins at 9:00 for all ages, with classes for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and for adults. Worship begins at 10:00. The service usually lasts 50 minutes to an hour, and coffee, juice, and cookies are part of the fellowship that follows.
- What to wear: Whatever makes a visitor feel comfortable is appropriate. Some people dress up, while others wear sweatshirts and T-shirts, and a range of styles is represented on a typical Sunday.
- Time after worship: Fellowship can continue until at least 11:30, and everyone reconvenes in the Fellowship Hall after the service.
Everyone Welcome, Invited, and Included
First Christian Church states that no one is left out of God’s eternal love, regardless of race, gender, age, economic status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, familial status, or faith history. Its welcome extends to people who have never attended church, have been away for a while, or are simply curious about faith.
The church uses three direct descriptions: everyone is welcome, everyone is invited, and everyone is included. Its stated welcome does not depend on social standing, sexual preference, political party, or the divisions those differences can create.
At the center of that openness is the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) principle of “No Creeds but Christ.” The church does not use a measuring stick for what someone must believe to follow Christ and therefore welcomes a wide range of beliefs. Its shared aim is to love as Jesus loved.
For people curious about faith or simply wanting to talk, Pastor Vince Endris offers a conversation, support, and guidance regardless of where they are in their journey.
Every Service Includes the Lord’s Supper
Every Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) worship service includes the Lord’s Supper. The congregation understands this shared meal as a sign of unity, inclusivity, and love. It also connects the church with its belief in welcoming all people to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed the church.
Those entering worship receive a pre-sealed cup containing a morsel of bread and a small portion of grape juice. Eating and drinking together is their way of remembering Jesus as one community.
Children Begin in Worship
Infants stay in the nursery during worship. Other children begin in the service while the congregation sings. After a children’s song, with children leading the dancing, those through third grade are invited to leave for children’s church. Children above third grade remain in worship. Afterward, children and adults meet together in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday School’s child classes cover kindergarten through sixth grade. The children’s education and nursery ministry is headed by Sue Evans, while Todd Loschen serves as youth leader.
Thrive: Wholeness for Mind, Body, and Spirit
Thrive is First Christian Church’s faith-based mental health initiative, rooted in the belief that God desires wholeness for all people. It provides support, education, and care through workshops, prayer, and community connection for people facing anxiety, those supporting a loved one, and those seeking a deeper sense of peace.
Its care ministry seeks to foster resilience of mind, body, and spirit for church members and neighbors throughout the Greeley area. It also works to reduce mental health stigma with the message “It’s OK to NOT be OK,” and provides prayer and care for people facing mental health challenges and their families.
- Workshops and seminars address stress management, trauma recovery, and Christian mindfulness.
- Support groups offer safe, confidential spaces for sharing and mutual support.
- Educational resources include articles, videos, and scripture-based reflections on mental health and faith.
- Prayer and spiritual support include guided prayer, scripture meditation, and pastoral care.
Six Partnerships
Its partnership and ministry relationships are:
- District 6 Family Center
- Compassion International
- Greeley Cold Weather Shelter
- Habitat for Humanity
- Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado
- Weld Foodbank
Vince Endris and the Ministry Team
Rev. Vince Endris serves as senior minister. He grew up in Leesville, Louisiana, and worked as a public school teacher for 20 years before entering ministry. He was ordained in the Disciples of Christ church in 2015 and received a graduate degree from Boston University in New Testament and Historical Studies. He moved to Greeley in 2024.
Endris has participated in panels about Christianity and inclusion, spoken at conferences, and published papers on biblical interpretation.
Ministry leaders at First Christian Church include Sue Evans as head of children education and nursery, Alicia Loschen as worship coordinator and Thrive chair, and Todd Loschen as youth leader.
Sermons, Giving, and Church Funds
Sermons are available through YouTube.
Online giving through Tithe.ly supports one-time or recurring gifts by credit card, debit card, or bank account. The Tithe.ly mobile app is available for iPhone and Android devices. An optional extra gift can cover processing costs.
Checks can be made payable to First Christian Church Greeley and mailed to 2230 13th Street, Greeley, CO 80631.
Offerings and donations fund the church and its missions.