WELCOME!

Each month Pastor Steve hosts a "Question and Answer Barbecue" that is designed to allow interested persons to explore the vision and purpose of the church, partnership with the church, eat some Texas BBQ, and discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. These barbecues and classes take place at Pastor John's home. Call the church office to find out the dates of upcoming BBQ's and classes.

If you have been worshipping with us and are interested in becoming a partner with First Congregational Church, there are three ways to unite with the church: transfer of membership from another United Church of Christ church family, transfer from another denomination, or by profession of faith. If you have been baptized, it is not necessary to be baptized again. If you have not been baptized, you can be baptized when you join. The pastor holds a "Question and Answer" class for those interested in pursuing partnership. This is an informal gathering with ample time for questions and answers, and time for discussing what church partnership entails. The Question and Answer Barbecue takes place monthly at the Pastor's House. If you would like further information on becoming a partner or any information regarding First Congregational Church, the pastor and or deacons would be happy to visit with you at any time. Please call the church office at (760) 745-3320 to arrange a visit or schedule to be at the next "Question and Answer BBQ!"

2 Keys to Partnership:
There are two central questions we ask of persons joining our church family.

Partnership Vows for First Congregational Church

1) Do you profess faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
The fundamental and core belief of Christianity is a firm belief that Jesus Christ is the son of God, lived out his mission from God by living as an example, and then ultimately died on the cross as a ransom for our sins. Furthermore, through the power of God he was raised from the dead, and as he ascended into heaven promised to send us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, counselor, and guide for living.

2) "Will you be loyal to the First Congregational Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?"

Prayers
Our commitment to uphold the Church through intercessory prayer is based upon the fundamental reality that we are not simply a human agency seeking to meet human needs: we pray because we require God's guidance in order to be the church. When we pray for our pastor, for our teachers, for one another, and for those who may never even enter our doors, we express our dependence on God so that we might in turn express the will and compassion of Christ.

Presence
Our commitment to uphold the Church by our presence is a visible witness of our faith, both in the pew and in the world. Our relationship to Christ is nurtured by our presence in worship where we find spiritual guidance, comfort and strength. But our relationship to Christ is not confined to Sunday morning alone. We also uphold the Church by our presence at home, at work, at school, and in the community. Wherever we are, our presence should be an expression of our commitment to Christ.

Gifts
Our commitment to uphold the Church by our gifts is a thankful response from the heart for all God has given us. Such a commitment serves to remind us of our role as stewards over what God has entrusted to us. The systematic giving of our money also helps to establish and maintain ministries that no individual or single congregation could fund alone. These worthy causes include hospitals; colleges; rehabilitation centers; food and clothing distribution; evangelistic and educational work, and emergency relief.

Service
Our commitment to be loyal to the Church and uphold it by our service further reflects our commitment to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). God has entrusted all of us with certain talents and abilities, and sharing these gifts is a means of sharing ourselves out of love and gratitude toward God and love for one another.

Information for Partners
If you are a partner with First Congregational Church, and need to make address, telephone, etc. changes to your record, please call Debbie Cummings at 760-745-3320 or email the church at info@fcceonline.org.

Helping us to keep your information current is greatly appreciated.

See you in church Sunday!

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