National Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is an open and inclusive progressive faith community, dedicated to social justice within a traditional and liturgical framework. Our commitment to God is reflected in our shared values of fostering artistic self-expression, advancing global justice, and following the teachings of Jesus. We embrace the richness of our diverse backgrounds and common narrative.
Working within our commitment to following the way of Jesus, NACC serves as an emergency overfow cold-weather crisis shelter, offering low-barrier, overflow shelter for individuals and families of all genders, including LGBTQ+ people, couples, and adult family groups, as well as their pets and service animals, on dangerously cold nights.
We are also home to Discovery Garden Montessori School (DGMS). DGMS operates as a non-profit childcare and Montessori school, providing high-quality education five days a week throughout the year. The mission of DGMS is to nurture collaboration, cooperation, and peace, offering children experiences that support their academic, social, and emotional growth. Through the partnership of child, caregiver, and teacher, DGMS provides a consistent Montessori framework that prepares students for a lifelong journey of learning.
Beyond our core programs, NACC hosts a variety of community organizations that enhance the cultural and social fabric of our neighborhood. These include several drug and alcohol recovery groups including Recovery Dharma (a Buddhist based recovery group), Light at the End of the Tunnel (drug and alcohol recovery), Bare Naked Serenity (N.A.), Bearing No Name (A.A.), Cocaine Anonymous (drug and alcohol recovery), Turning Point (A.A.), music lessons (Kirsten Weiss, viola), Springfield Tenants Unite, a local organization dedicated to supporting and empowering renters in our community, The Immigration Justice Collaborative, a commmunity organization dedicated to providing justice and care to our immigrant neighbors in Greene County, and two statewide non-profit racial & economic justice organizations.
Additionally, our space is used by yoga and tai chi instructors (find a class at NACC), the Boy Scouts, Ozarks Dharma Community, a Buddhist-inspired meditation and community-building group, two local neighborhood associations, Mahjong with Ellis (weekly Mahjong club/community), and Studio 55, an arts guild that offers visual arts education.
We are proud to share our space with these amazing organizations providing invaluable services to our greater community. Please feel free to click on their bolded names to visit their link or contact the NACC office for more info at 417-869-9176.