Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Open Circle Church been in existence?
Open Circle held its first public worship in 1994. In 1996 we moved from our first rental space (a funeral home!) to our current location on Highland Drive. This year we celebrate our 20th Anniversary!
What do you mean when you say Open Circle is progressive?
Open Circle is progressive in several concrete ways. First, we do not read the Bible as the literal, inspired word of God. We read it in its historical context. We understand it as the voice of people of faith who were trying to discern God's presence and will for their lives in the midst of concrete historical situations. Sometimes they caught a grand, transcendent vision; sometimes they were unable to rise above their cultural prejudices. We believe it is necessary and possible to read the scriptures and discern where God is speaking and where historical or cultural situations got in the way. Second, we do not use the language of being born again. We prefer to talk about the Christian journey as following in the way of Jesus. Third, we welcome all as participants in our congregation, including gays and lesbians, curious pagans, and turned off Christians. We are committed to building a congregation where everyone is welcome and where diversity is celebrated. Finally, we also use progressive to talk about a way of approaching faith. To be progressive is to be essentially open to new insights and questions, to hold no absolute positions regarding God and faith issues. The will of God and the way of faith is revealed on a perpetually unfolding horizon that invites us to dig ever deeper as we learn and grow spiritually.
How do you respond to first-time visitors?
At Open Circle we appreciate the desire of most first-time visitors to remain anonymous. Therefore, we simply invite our guests to drop a form with their e-mail address in our collection basket if they'd like to receive church communications.
What Can I Expect at a Sunday Service?
The Sunday service at OCC is a time to gather with friends, gain clarity, find peace, join in song, and add to your spiritual being.
Our Sunday service is our more "traditional" gathering. We sing from a songbook that includes some contemporary pop as well as more traditional Christian music and hymns. On any given Sunday you might experience an ensemble choir singing, a drama, or poetry. Every Sunday children are involved in some way: through a children's story, a children's choir, or as part of a drama. A nursery is offered for infants and toddlers.
Our service is led by Pastor Jay Steele and Todd Lines. Todd is a gifted musician and vocalist who is a long-time performer in the Twin Cities. Todd has a unique ability to make the worship service come alive with his leadership. Each week Jay or a guest speaker delivers a message. You can expect to be engaged in thinking about scriptures in light of modern biblical scholarship, other faith traditions, history and politics, or contemporary social issues. A message discussion is offered on most Sundays.
Where do your members come from?
While the majority of church members come from the South-of-the-River suburbs (Burnsville, Eagan, Savage, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Lakeville, etc.) we also have members from Minneapolis, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Woodbury, Golden Valley and others. All are welcome.
Open Circle held its first public worship in 1994. In 1996 we moved from our first rental space (a funeral home!) to our current location on Highland Drive. This year we celebrate our 20th Anniversary!
What do you mean when you say Open Circle is progressive?
Open Circle is progressive in several concrete ways. First, we do not read the Bible as the literal, inspired word of God. We read it in its historical context. We understand it as the voice of people of faith who were trying to discern God's presence and will for their lives in the midst of concrete historical situations. Sometimes they caught a grand, transcendent vision; sometimes they were unable to rise above their cultural prejudices. We believe it is necessary and possible to read the scriptures and discern where God is speaking and where historical or cultural situations got in the way. Second, we do not use the language of being born again. We prefer to talk about the Christian journey as following in the way of Jesus. Third, we welcome all as participants in our congregation, including gays and lesbians, curious pagans, and turned off Christians. We are committed to building a congregation where everyone is welcome and where diversity is celebrated. Finally, we also use progressive to talk about a way of approaching faith. To be progressive is to be essentially open to new insights and questions, to hold no absolute positions regarding God and faith issues. The will of God and the way of faith is revealed on a perpetually unfolding horizon that invites us to dig ever deeper as we learn and grow spiritually.
How do you respond to first-time visitors?
At Open Circle we appreciate the desire of most first-time visitors to remain anonymous. Therefore, we simply invite our guests to drop a form with their e-mail address in our collection basket if they'd like to receive church communications.
What Can I Expect at a Sunday Service?
The Sunday service at OCC is a time to gather with friends, gain clarity, find peace, join in song, and add to your spiritual being.
Our Sunday service is our more "traditional" gathering. We sing from a songbook that includes some contemporary pop as well as more traditional Christian music and hymns. On any given Sunday you might experience an ensemble choir singing, a drama, or poetry. Every Sunday children are involved in some way: through a children's story, a children's choir, or as part of a drama. A nursery is offered for infants and toddlers.
Our service is led by Pastor Jay Steele and Todd Lines. Todd is a gifted musician and vocalist who is a long-time performer in the Twin Cities. Todd has a unique ability to make the worship service come alive with his leadership. Each week Jay or a guest speaker delivers a message. You can expect to be engaged in thinking about scriptures in light of modern biblical scholarship, other faith traditions, history and politics, or contemporary social issues. A message discussion is offered on most Sundays.
Where do your members come from?
While the majority of church members come from the South-of-the-River suburbs (Burnsville, Eagan, Savage, Rosemount, Apple Valley, Lakeville, etc.) we also have members from Minneapolis, Bloomington, Minnetonka, Woodbury, Golden Valley and others. All are welcome.