They have a great web site. Maybe there are other churches out there like this one that are not reflected on our web site. If you come across others let us know.
With love,
Rev Dorris
To All:
Autumn Creek Church has been in existence since 1995. We began life as an independent New Thought church, connected to the Institute of Ancient Wisdom.
We went on our own in 1998 as a Free Church, a concept that we hold today.
As we grew, many of our congregation felt that our unique values were better expressed by establishing an affiliation with the new AUC.
As with all churches any change in the status quo starts a congregational fight.
This mild disturbance (yea,right) continued over several years until in October of 2006 we became a part of the American Unitarian Conference.
During the following year war really broke out. Our membership dropped to 8. (we never were a large church) We almost went under. But due to the determination of the folks we had left, we survived and never missed a Sunday service or a rent payment.
Our membership is now at 20 with a few guests every week.
We have just finished remodeling our sanctuary and rest rooms. New carpet, new fixtures, and new stained glass. All fully paid for by donations from the new and very enthusiastic congregation. Later this year we will begin advertising on the local NPR radio station. We plan on and are working toward continued growth.
I am glad that you like our website but it is sadly out of date and does not reflect the changes made in the past year. I really hope that we can get that done soon.
We would also really like to be included on the AUC website since we are a "real for sure" functioning church. We weathered the storm and have come out stronger than before. We are very pleased to be AUC!
Rev Stephen J Carl
Senior Pastor
Autumn Creek Church
Centerville, Ohio
http://autumncreekchurch.org/index_003.htm
Autumn Creek Church
Interesting...is anyone familiar with this church?
Seems to be kind of a Unity / Unitarian blend.
Rev. Carl, I am really surprised that conflict would erupt over a simple affiliation but I know how fickle church congregations can be.....glad to see that things are back on the upswing. I wish something like your church existed near me.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Rev. Carl.
euronen,
Of course it is not "just" the affiliation with AUC.
It was also the change in the way we did things as we made the change over: (classes taught or not) and a less exclusive, more inclusive tone from the front on Sundays ( you no longer had to have had several classes to understand the message) and a more welcoming attitude from the congregation. It just wasn't the same old church any more. Which we consider a good thing.
Steve
Autumn Creek
Steve,
Have you been able to put together RE materials? I know this is a frequent request to the AUC for beginning fellowships/churches or even individual instruction.
euronen,
So far we have borrowed from the UU's and a few of the New Thought traditions and are in the process of re-writing some of it to better fit our congregation and AUC.
It would be nice if AUC had the materials available.
I know, we are a volunteer organization.
When we get it put together we would be happy to share.
Steve
Autumn Creek
Good Afternoon,
I thought that I would add a few things about Autumn Creek and its' programs since the web site is not up to date.
We are located in a 1200 sq ft unit that is part of a small commercial center about 1 mile south of the I-675 bypass south of Dayton, Ohio. This has always been our home.
We have a 150 + volume church library for members use.
Part of our space is the Creekside Gallery which displays the work of local artists. (we get a small % when things sell)
During the month we have these activities:
2nd Thursday Meditation & Discussion Night
3rd Friday Food, Fun & Fellowship a pot luck & fun (last month we had a drumming circle)
4th Wednesday Movie Night (a movie followed by discussion)
More info to follow:
Steve