As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe we have been called by the Holy Spirit to WORSHIP God, KNOW God in community with others, and SERVE God by serving others. We believe church is a place where people should find welcome and acceptance. Whatever your background and wherever you find yourself in life, there is a place for you at ARC. We follow the teaching of the apostle Paul who said, “Welcom
e one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you” (Romans 15:7 NRSV). We also believe church should be a safe place to ask hard questions and explore your own spiritual journey. The community at ARC prefers open, respectful conversation and debate over simplistic answers. From our beginnings, ARC has been a church for “outsiders.” Our name comes from the fact that ARC was the first English-speaking (i.e., American) church in our historically Dutch community. We continue to be known as a church that is forward-thinking, diverse and hospitable, accepting toward all. Our name includes the word “Reformed,” which ties us to the Reformed Church in America (RCA) [hotlink to www.rca.org]. Reformed churches have their roots in the Protestant Reformation of the 1500s, which refocused the church on the centrality of Christ, grace, faith and the Bible. “Reformed” also means we are continually re-formed, ever re-forming. We are both deeply rooted and open to changing in response to God’s transforming grace.
