Welcome

Welcome to First Congregational Church of Escondido .  We’re glad you “found us on the Web”!

On the pages of this website, you can read about, or listen to, some pieces of the life we share in this faith community.  But as the apostle Paul might say, that’s looking through the dark glass – it’s only a partial view.

To really get to know us, you’ll want to visit one of our worship services or study groups.  And I know that can be a little intimidating, walking as a stranger into a group of people who already know each other and have things in common.

Fortunately, you’ve found us at just the right moment!  First Congregational will soon be searching for a new senior pastor.  A special committee will discover and interview candidates, and their work can take as much as a year or more.

While that’s going on, we will be spending some time remembering what’s important to us, discovering what our community needs from us, and learning all over again how to welcome new faces into our midst.

So this is the best time to visit, to ask questions, and to get acquainted.  I’ll be doing that right along with you – as the new (and temporary) Interim Minister, I know what it’s like to walk in as “the new guy.”

Of course, I’ve had a lot of experience and training in leading people through this time.  I grew up in churches (my father is a retired minister), did my own questioning and rebelling, and have served as permanent pastor or interim minister for over 20 years.

I’ve already received a warm and open welcome here, and I know you will be welcomed, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey.

We offer two different styles of worship, traditional and contemporary, so that God can speak to you personally and with meaning.  Visit us this Sunday, and find your place in this joyful community!

In hope,

Steven Swope, Interim Minister

Team Leadership:
Mindi Arnold - Director of Youth Ministry
Barry Dubis- Contemporary Music Worship Leader                                               Cynthia Poole - Choir Director

Carol Valpreda - Director of Pastoral Care

Office Staff:
Debbie Cummings - Administrative Assistant

Michelle Vogel  - Church Secretary