Christ's Church Ottumwa

09/07/2026

Monday Morning Ministry
Sept 7, 2026

The Wednesday night service and Bible study at the church building is as inconvenient a habit as you can have. You have to rush home from work and rush through supper or delay supper until late. It plays havoc with sports schedules, hard to tell the coach you cannot make Wednesday night games or practice. If you have kids, it means organizing them when they are tired and getting them to sleep past their bed-times. There are probably other drawbacks if you think about it but suffice to say that Wednesday night service is no picnic to attend on a regular basis.

But if you do make the effort, here are some of the benefits that you will receive.

1. YOU GET OFF THE MERRY-GO-ROUND.
One thing about church, it's unlike anything else you experience. When you come to church you know, unlike the other places you might be, that you are absolutely welcome and people are genuinely glad that you are here (and not because you may buy something). The objective here is to do good, think good, speak good and so there is no fear of ugliness, violence, or sexual impurity.

When you leave you are usually better off than when you came: you have learned something; you got a hug or a smile; you made some important decisions.

The world pushes you to perform at a dizzying pace and for a moment on Wednesday night the focus is not on performance or perfection but on people and peace.

2. YOU RECEIVE SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT.
No one would think of going more than a day or two without food and water. The body would not be able to function, fight disease, etc. The spirit needs spiritual food also in order to remain strong, healthy, productive in keeping a person able to serve, able to resist sin, able to continue to believe so that they can remain united to Jesus. Our faith is our lifeline to Jesus and the Word is what keeps that strong and secure.

It's not just "being here" or "punching in" that is important. It is what we do here that is important.

Some ask, "Is it necessary to go to Wednesday services?" No it is not a command of God. But staying faithful is a command of God and the spiritual exercises we do on Wednesday evening contribute immensely to remaining strong and vital.

I believe that there is a relationship between strong faith, strong marriages, dynamic Christian living and regular attendance on Wednesday. I rarely see one without the other.

3. YOU GET A CHANCE TO CHANGE.
There is no one in your daily routine (boss, teacher, co-worker, government official or internet star) who will explain and encourage you to draw closer to God, to believe in Jesus, to lay your life down for the Lord. But every Wednesday night, you are given a chance to make a new start because you can be sure that when you come here, you will be encouraged to save your soul and receive forgiveness by repenting and being baptized. You will be asked to return to God and renew your Christian commitment if you have fallen away. You will be offered the prayers of the church if you are sick or struggling with problems. You will be invited to join our congregation by placing membership.

There is a lot in it for you every Wednesday night so come regularly!

-David Howard
Elder/Youth Minister

09/06/2026

Worship with us at 10:00

September 6, 2026 Worship led by Christ's Church Praise TeamCommu...

09/05/2026

Join us tomorrow. 10am.

Come be a part of the family.

09/02/2026

Work is being done on cleaning and painting the crosses! Thanks to each one involved with the hard work.

08/31/2026

Monday Ministry Minute
August 31, 2026
-David Howard, elder/youth minister

Acts 9:1-19
Focus verse: Acts 9:15 "But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel."
We are on the topic of answering the call. In Acts 9, you will read about Paul's conversion, and it's a powerful one that changed the world forever. Paul went from hunting down Christians to killing them to seeking them out to save them.
We may say that is not me. Paul was heading to Hell just like you and me before coming to Christ Jesus. He just had his conversion recorded for our benefit. I love the whole chapter here, but one verse stood out to me, and it was our focus verse of Act 9:15 "But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel."
We have something else in common with Paul: God's chosen instruments that are called to spread the Good News. To help you and me, we see that in the latter part of verse 17, Jesus sent Ananias to Paul "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
To become an instrument of God, we need the Holy Spirit. We don't need to be qualified to spread the word; the Holy Spirit will give us the words. We don't need a Master of Divinity to speak of the Good News of Christ. As Paul showed, you don't need to live a perfect life before taking Christ as your Savior.
You simply need to answer the call!

On a scale of 1-10, how confident do you feel in spreading the Good News of Jesus to others?
If that number is low, pray to God to help you with that.
If that number is high, when was the last time you shared Jesus with someone?

I challenge us all to listen and respond to the call of God. Will it be scary? Maybe. Will you be blessed? YES!

08/31/2026

We had a great turnout for our Back to School Family Bash. Some yummy food, great fellowship and a lot of fun. We prayed for our students, teachers, staff, PTYC, and parents for a safe school year ahead. Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed the evening together and for all those involved in making it happen.

08/31/2026

August 23rd Sunday Ministry Transition Installation Service

08/30/2026

Our church property looks so well maintained and beautified thanks to the hard work of Pat & Faith Trachsel and Charlie & Mable Hart. We appreciate you!