The Birth of a Church

On Sunday, February 27, 2005, seven people who love Christ’s Church sat down in a San Marcos living room and decided that San Marcos needed a church actively focused on the needs of San Marcos families.  Each shared their personal Christian journeys and their idea of the “perfect” type of church they envisioned.  They decided the name of the church would be Christ the Redeemer Church (CTRC).  It would be non-denominational in that it would not be affiliated with any national or international denomination, but minister to the needs of the San Marcos area.  The Lectionary Bible Plan will be followed by all age groups in the church.  By following this plan, entire Biblical scripture will be covered in three years.

Basic principles of belief were formulated for the purpose of UNITY in Christ and to enable the church to complete its mission of faith. These principles include baptism by immersion, the existence of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, purposeful giving of time, talents and money to the church, regular attendance and active participation in church activities, and participation by both men and women in the leadership of the church. Holy Communion will be observed at each worship service and will be open to all believers.

The founders decided to organize as closely to the early ways of Christ’s church, in design and language. Three Elders were selected, as was done in the early days of the Christian church (70 A.D.). Elders of the church will select and work with Deacons, each of whom will be responsible for a particular ministry of the church. For instance, the Elders want a strong youth program to meet the needs of San Marcos youth. So there will be a Deacon of Youth Ministry recruited, selected and then totally supported with financing and resources to run a full youth program.

The first time the Elders met to take communion was the evening of March 13 in a private home. News of the new church had spread by word of mouth and thirty two people gathered with the Elders to sing, pray and take communion. The young people in the group helped lead the singing and also signed the lyrics. This was followed by a Palm Sunday service on the evening of March 20 was also held at the residence, with 87 persons in attendance. That evening it became evident that the church had outgrown the home’s facilities and a larger temporary facility was needed until land could be purchased and a permanent facility constructed. The 2005 Maundy Thursday service was held on March 24 at 7:30 p.m. in a local roller skating rink. It was a special service in our new home filled with music, communion and prayer.

CTRC held our first Sunday morning service on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005. About 45 volunteers worked hard all Easter weekend to get skating rink ready for the Easter Morning Service. Because the rink is open to the public during normal hours, the volunteers worked before and after operating hours. On Easter Morning the skating rink had become a sanctuary and a youth center. One hundred twelve people gathered to celebrate Easter. Children hunted Easter eggs and adults enjoyed breakfast at 9 a.m. A beautiful worship service began at 10 a.m. with a 10-person Worship Team and organist leading the music which included both traditional hymns and contemporary songs. A moving Easter vocal/ballet performance “Arise my Love” was presented.