Mahomet Christian Church invites the community to celebrate 40 years of service this Sunday

Families change over time. But over the last 40 years, the Mahomet Christian Church family has grown through members who give of themselves and believe in the Word of God.

Mahomet Christian Church was founded in 1975 when a group of eight families decided to meet at Lincoln Trail on Sunday evenings. At the time, many families in Mahomet were attending church in Monticello.

Attendance grew so quickly that the group began to hold morning and evening services for the growing community within a few months. By 1977, five acres of land was purchased for a new building on Lake of the Woods Road. Services were first held in the Mahomet Christian Church building on August 5, 1979, and was dedicated on “Dedication Day” on September 30.

“A lot of people gave up a lot of things, and made a lot of sacrifices to get us to where we are,” Lead Pastor David Johnson said. “This didn’t happen overnight.”

Lifetime church member and Youth Services Pastor Jeff Dyson said two thirds of the building were built by church members who volunteered their time and talents. The church raised money for the new auditorium, which services are now held in, during 2000 and 2001.

“It wasn’t easy getting here,” he continued. “People had to give of themselves and their means. If we are going to continue to grow and reach our community, we have to continue to be giving of ourselves. We can’t just sit on our laurels and say look at what God has blessed us with. He’s blessed us with a great facility and staff, but we can’t just sit on that. We have to keep going, keep reaching and keep working.”

Johnson said members of the Mahomet Christian Church go above and beyond to make the building, services and programs in the church work.

“You’ve heard of the 80/20 rule, right?” he asked. “20-percent of the people do all the work? Well, it’s the opposite at MCC. We have about 85 to 90-percent of our congregation doing something. This is a very involved church.”

“It’s not a burden to anyone,” Johnson said. “It’s easier for everyone to do something than for one person to do everything.”

With the help of 11 original charter members, the Mahomet Christian Church is already making plans to further develop their preschool and youth programs, senior ministry, Bible studies, community care and Veteran’s Day program.

“People got us here because they believed very strongly in the Word of God,” Pastor David Johnson said. “And they believed very strongly that God wanted a church in this community. We’ve been building it for 40 years. As the Lord carries us into the next 40 years, we’ll continue to build on the same foundation.”

Those 11 charter members have also spent the last year working with other members in the congregation to plan a celebration that will take the church through the end of the year.

Mahomet Christian Church kicked-off the celebration with cupcakes after church in July. But this weekend, they want to invite the Mahomet community to “Pack the Pews” with former and current church members to remember where the church has been.

Sunday’s service will begin at 9 a.m. with Sunday School. Regular church service will begin at 10 a.m. with former Pastor Mac Burberry, who served the church for 15 years. Burberry’s message will lead into a 10-month series titled “We Believe.”

Following church, everyone is invited to join in a potluck and car show at the church. A praise service will continue throughout the afternoon.

“This is by no means the end of anything, Johnson said. “It’s a celebration of where we’ve come as we look forward to where we’re going.”

MCC also invites the community to join them when “Calling Glory,” a Christian group from Tennessee comes to the church on September 19. Tickets are $5 and available at all area churches.

On October 4, the church will also remember their musical group “The Chosen,” which began in the 1970’s, and traveled around Illinois performing a show titled, “Bind Us Together.” This event is free.

But Jeff Dyson, along with his dad, Mike, are really looking forward to the camaraderie they’ve known as members of Mahomet Christian Church.

“I grew up in this church,” Jeff said. “I was a charter kid, so to speak. It’s just always been family. Even when (my family was)  in Virginia or I was in college, it has always just been an extended part of my family.”

“This is what happens when you give of yourself,” Johnson said. “When you come, bring your suitcase because you’re going to want to stay for a while.”