Editor’s note: The following information was provided by CCS.

 CCS (The Community of Christ the Servant) Celebrated 50th Anniversary October 3, 2021

               At a farm picnic one sunny Sunday in June, 1971,  a group of 35 dedicated people agreed to commit their time and funds to the formation of a new congregation.  In the late 1960’s, and early 1970’s, the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam War created tension and conflicts that divided people in Whitewater churches, as it did elsewhere.  Similar views and the willingness to act drew these Christians together to form the Community Church.

               On Sunday, October 3, 1971, the Community Church, Whitewater’s new inter-denominational Christian fellowship, met for their first worship service in the American Baptist Church, West Main Street, Whitewater.  No set Christian doctrine was required to join the Community Church.  Members of the Community Church had previously been members of the UCC (Congregational), Quaker, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptist denominations. 

               One of CCS’s purposes (was and) is to “bring the eternal truths of scripture to bear upon daily living” (CCS Constitution).  That is: “We believe in living in peace and harmony with our environment, with our fellow creatures, and with each other.  We believe in universal human rights and individual rights and choices.”

               Through the past 50 years seven pastors have served this group of committed Christians:

               1.  Darry Henneman, called in October, 1971, as the first pastor of this new Whitewater Community Church. 

               2.  Paul Kruger, July 23, 1972 – Summer 1974

At Paul’s urging the church name was changed to COMMUNITY OF CHRIST THE SERVANT (CCS) to  better reflect the character of this new Christian fellowship.                  

               3.   Olaf Lidums, Summer, 1974 – Summer, 1977. 

               4.   Paul Kruger, September, 1977 – April, 1987   

              5.  Nancy Breitsprecher served as co-pastor, starting October, 1980

,              6.  Michael Obinger, November, 1987 to present

              7.  Duane Goetsch, part-time pastor 1994 to present

               For several years, CCS continued to grow as members learned the deeper meaning of the word COMMUNITY–struggling to give expression to what it means to be the Church.   Although members are not pressured to give financially, they are encouraged to give in a spirit of thanksgiving a significant portion of their time, talents, and resources.  By being independent of a church hierarchy, by meeting in inexpensive facilities, and by keeping church needs simple, CCS faithfully fulfills its commitment to giving 25 percent of offerings to helping humanitarian causes as well as needy individuals in our community, our state, our nation, and our world.   Supporting one another is especially important.

               Convinced that the Church is not a building, CCS owns no building, but chooses to gather for worship where it can.  Through the years worship sites have included the American Baptist Church on West Main Street, the Episcopal Guild Hall, the Community Center in Starin Park, as well as Coopers’ Barn, and Pastor Mike’s barn, at RagApple.

               Although only seven of the 63 original charter members are currently active in CCS, the purpose and spirit of this Whitewater church community remain relevant and engaged:   Worshiping each Sunday morning, gathering during Lent for soup suppers and discussion, and providing hope to those in need–in body and spirit, wherever they may be.