About Sarasota Community Church
We follow Jesus Christ, believing that he not only provided a way for us to have peace with God, but gave us an example of how we should live. Our doors and arms are open humbly and joyfully to anyone who wants to learn with us how to follow Jesus Christ as Lord.
As we say, "Grace happens here."
As we say, "Grace happens here."
Our History
Tuttle Avenue Mennonite Church was started in 1950, when Sarasota was booming. By 1980 we had outgrown our building, so a new state-of-the-art facility was built on a new street, from which it took it's new name that would last 37 years: Bahia Vista Mennonite Church.
By 2017 our worshiping community could be described as multi-denominational, multi-generational, and multi-ethnic. While we were still following Jesus in the Anabaptist stream, we felt that the public perception of "Mennonite" did not describe us well. So we took on a new name to avoid confusion, and to better represent our makeup and our mission. On September 10, 2017 we became Sarasota Community Church, a church for the Sarasota community.
By 2017 our worshiping community could be described as multi-denominational, multi-generational, and multi-ethnic. While we were still following Jesus in the Anabaptist stream, we felt that the public perception of "Mennonite" did not describe us well. So we took on a new name to avoid confusion, and to better represent our makeup and our mission. On September 10, 2017 we became Sarasota Community Church, a church for the Sarasota community.
AFFILIATIONS & STATEMENT OF FAITH
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There are over 2 million people in the global Anabaptist community, gathered around these seven Shared Convictions. Mennonites in North America also have a Statement of Faith that explains a number of other commonly held beliefs, although there is some variance among the various groups.
Sarasota Community Church is "congregational" and autonomous, meaning, we generally make our own decisions about beliefs and practice. However, we value being part of the larger Church, and partner specifically with other churches in Southeast Mennonite Conference, which is part of a denomination known as Mennonite Church USA. As MCUSA becomes increasingly progressive in its theology and practice, SMC is united around the historic teachings of the Christian faith. We also partner with Sarasota churches of other denominations to give leadership and support for various ministries, including the following quality local ministries: |