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WHAT WE BELIEVE
Following God's Word
A New Testament Church Since 1875
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That the Bible is God’s Inspired Word and the authority of the Bible is the only guide to personal and public faith and practice (II Timothy 3:16)
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That Jesus is God’s Son (John 3:16)
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That Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-34)
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That all have sinned (Romans 3:23)
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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)
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That Jesus is the only source of our salvation (John 14:1-6)
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That Jesus will come to claim the saved (John 14:1-6)
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That when we accept Christ as our Redeemer and are obedient to Him, we receive the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
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That Jesus gave us the ordinance of The Lord’s Table (Communion) (1 Corinthians 11:26)
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According to the custom of the Early Church, we celebrate communion each first day of the week
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That where God’s word, the Bible, speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent
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That faith in Christ, repentance from sin, confession of Christ as Lord, and water baptism as an outward expression of inner change are our guiding principles
OUR LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
Meet the Spiritual Team
Elders
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Julie Henke, Chair; Jayne Maxey; Gayle Hanson; Ev Van Pelt, Kathleen Eggers and Shirley Leeper, Elder Emeritus
Deacons
Shawn Hanson; Denise Juhl; Monty Button, Tricia Gardner; Donna Coulter; Becky Button, (Butch Gorham not pictured)
The purpose of serving as Elder or Deacon of the Early Chapel Christian Church is to glorify God by showing dedication to the leadership of the church, by being Teachers, Shepherds and Overseers.
Serving God willingly and humbly. Reaching out to others. Showing concern & help in any way you can. Being a regular church attender and participating in bible studies and fellowship activities. Prepare and administer communion during worship services and to those unable to attend. Be informed about congregational spiritual life, and work in harmony with the pastor to oversee activities, solve problems and promote unity of the church body.
MISSIONS WE SUPPORT
CHURCH HERITAGE
Over 138 years ago this church was organized and met in the Jackson township school. In 1890 Thomas Early sold the church one acre of land for the price of $5.00. Not long after that the name was changed to Early Chapel Church. The first church was completely destroyed by fire after being struck by lightning on June 9, 1915. It was then decided more land was needed and Mr. Early was approached. He sold two more acres to the church for an additional $5.00.
By May, 1916, a new structure had been erected and later a parsonage. On Sunday February 28, 1965, the church burned down again. Once more the small congregation deliberated what to do and decided to rebuild as long as it didn’t cost more than $35,000.
By October of 1965 the church could meet in the new basement. The first service upstairs was January 9, 1966, and the new building was dedicated in May of that year. Out of the disasters of both 1915 and 1965 this church rose stronger than ever to serve Christ.
Over the years descendants of some of the original members along with new members have come to worship and serve the Lord at Early Chapel Church. In January, 2012, the Church board was challenged to make our basement fellowship hall handicap accessible.
A Building Committee was formed and met for over a year considering options, visiting other churches, meeting with potential builders, and reviewing possible plans. In June, 2013, the Building Committee presented their plan for a Handicap Accessible Fellowship Hall Addition to the entire congregation for approval. The plan was to be supported financially through commitments and pledges. The proposed plan vote passed with a 96% congregation approval. Ground breaking was held July, 2013. Building began following the Hog Roast in August that year and proceeded quickly. Soon after the first of the year we were able to start using the Fellowship hall while final touches were added to bring it to completion.
September 28, 2014, we held a Dedication Service in our new Handicap Accessible Fellowship Hall. Today we continue to remember all who have gone before us and those who have worshiped here at Early Chapel. Our members continue with our purpose -- to serve our Lord Jesus Christ!
Today going forward let us continue to do so by Following God’s Word and witnessing to our community through all we do. 2 Corinthians 13, 14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”