Where We Come From--Our History

Rev. Fred Vermeulen, a pastor associated                                                                  with Biblical Ministries Worldwide (a non-profit,                                                           non-denominational religious association with                                                    headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia), began a                                                          French-language ministry in Luxembourg                                                                         in 1973.  Several English-speaking people                                                               began to attend after about a year, but had                                                          difficulty participating due to limited knowledge                                                               of French. The Vermeulens encouraged a                                                                 coworker to begin a woman's Bible study with                                                         several English-speaking ladies. These                                                                 studies became the catalyst for gathering the core group of families who first met in March, 1975 for a worship service in English, attended by nine adults and eight children. The following month, representatives of the committed families first met to organize Christian Community Church. 

 Sunday morning attendance Sunday morning attendance soon exceeded capacity in the meeting room in Limpertsberg - 42 seats - and the English language group looked for new facilities. An opportunity arose to rent two adjoining stores at 11, boulevard Pierre Dupong - one a grocery store, the other a butcher shop, both with roomy basements. After a seven-week remodeling effort, the new premises were dedicated in February 1976. One month later, the CCC constitution was signed, officers were elected and the process of forming a non-profit association was begun, a task completed in June 1977. Rev. Vermeulen became full time pastor of the English-language ministry and Rev. Timothy Heijermans replaced him in the French-speaking group, which shared the new facilities with CCC. 

In March, 1980, Rev. David Rozelle, who had come to Luxembourg with his wife, Lenore, in the spring of 1978 to minister in German, took over the pastoral leadership. The Rozelles ministered to both the English- and German-speaking groups through September, 1986, when they moved into full time work in German. Rev. Heijermans has served as pastor since the fall of 1986. 

Increased attendance by the end of 1986 led the church to approach the American International School of Luxembourg about the use of their auditorium for Sunday morning meetings. The school's administration approved the request and CCC began meeting in this new facility in January, 1987. In recent years it moved to the school's new auditorium in Merl, where CCC continues to hold its Sunday services with the International School of Luxembourg's kind permission. 

Already in 1987 it became clear that the church would need expanded premises. A Relocation Committee was formed and funds began to accumulate for a permanent location. In November 2005 a contract was signed toward the purchase of a brand new weekday meeting room in Bonnevoie on the rue du Dernier Sol. The move from Pierre Dupong to this roomier and attractive new venue took place in July 2007. 

CCC ministries over the years CCC has carried on a number of significant ministries throughout its brief history. Its very existence has been a boon to expatriates working temporarily in the Grand Duchy and separated from relatives and familiar surroundings. Social activities, such as seasonal dinners and special concerts, have made the stay in Luxembourg more enjoyable. Families have especially appreciated efforts to meet the needs of young people through teen group activities, a consistent Sunday School program, children's clubs and educational films dealing with family living. From its inception, the church determined to actively support outreach both in Luxembourg and elsewhere through the church offerings. CCC has frequently helped defray the expenses of Bible school teams visiting Luxembourg for their week of practicum or for summer ministries. In addition, the church has sought to address needs in the community through films, regular publicity in the English-language media, and visits to rest homes.