The American Church in Paris
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The American Church in Paris is the first American church established outside the United States. It started in 1814, when it was officially chartered and the first sanctuary was built in 1857. The present site located on 65 Quai d'Orsay 75007, Paris dates back to 1930.
[edit] History
In the beginning, the American Church was an interdenominational fellowship, theologically situated in the historic Christian tradition as symbolized by the Apostles' Creed. Throughout its history, it has served not only the expatriate American community, but a wide variety of English-speaking people from different countries and denominational backgrounds who find a hospitable spiritual home and connection that enhances their faith experience while living and working in France. The American church in Paris is indeed a church of all nations, that prides itself in the appellation "God’s own United Nations Organisation" with people from over nearly 50 nations and 35 Christian denominations worshiping every Sunday in its Sanctuary. People from all nations receive communion in the Church of Jesus Christ - residents of Paris, along with visitors, represent many cultures, races, languages, and denominational traditions.
The church is led in worship by the senior pastor, the associate pastor, the youth pastor and retired a pastor who handles all weddings. The American Church in Paris is staffed by people from diverse backgrounds and Christian faiths who serve on the church council represented by committee of ministries namely: Congregational Nurture, Christian Education, Development, Finance, Membership and Evangelism, Property, Social Concerns,Stewardship and Worship and Music. With a multi-faceted mission and rich in history, the American Church in Paris serves as one of the world heritage sites and community centre, providing space and resources for a variety of community activities and groups. More than 2000 people use its resource and facilities everyday. The building hosts two bilingual nursery schools, a variety of "twelve step" recovery groups, aerobics classes, kung fu, basketball leagues, a free concert series, an "Ad Board" for housing and job opportunities, and many more community-based services are housed in the building under the auspices of a non-profit association, the Franco-American Community Center in Paris.
