First Congregational United Church of Christ is a spiritual home to people from all walks and stations of life, believers and questioners, people from a range of backgrounds and faith perspectives, who come together to worship God, and serve God’s creation.

We recognize that many people who visit a church for the first time do so with a bit of anxiety.  We offer these points of information about our Sunday morning activities and service with the hope that you will feel more at ease as you consider whether we are the right fit for you.

What happens during worship?

 As you enter the church, a greeter will welcome you and offer to provide you a name tag.  Then an usher will give you a bulletin to help guide you through the 10 a.m. service. Our services feature reading, preaching, prayer, and music and are open to worshipers of every age. At times, you will be invited to stand, sing, pray, be in silence, or read responsively. FCC likes to offer a mixture of different types of music and worship styles to help us achieve what is called a Blended Worship experience.  We hope this keeps the ritual of worship fresh and of interest to all types of people.  First Congregational Church is one church family that meets together to worship and hear God’s call to mission in the world. We are a diverse congregation of all ages, backgrounds, and tastes, which is reflected in our blended style of worship service.  Please note that if you or a child needs to leave the sanctuary during worship, there are speakers available in the Wheeler Room so you may still hear the service.

Childcare is available for those with children, infants through kindergarten on the lower level. We welcome children 1st grade and up to join their parents in the worship service.

There are worship bags and clipboards with helpful materials for children available in the Narthex (area in the rear of the sanctuary). Please feel free to utilize them and know that we love to have all ages in worship.  

There are blue “Welcome” cards in the pew rack.  Please fill it out to help us know of your presence. This is of course optional but you might find it helpful to receive our weekly emails and monthly newsletters.  

At our services we maintain the ancient Christian practice of receiving an offering to support the church’s ministries. The loose change supports Food For Lane County.  We welcome your gifts and encourage everyone to live a life marked by generosity. If you are unable to give financially, please consider an offering of time or talent to the church, another organization, or a neighbor in need.

Can everyone participate in Communion?

Yes, our communion table is open to everyone—baptized or not.  The Sacrament of Communion is offered during the first Sunday of the month and special services like Maundy Thursday.

Sharing communion with each other, children, and visitors is a special, sacred, shared event. We offer bread, a gluten-free option, and grape juice for the elements which are shared in a variety of way. By walking to the front of the sanctuary to pick up your elements, or staying seated as they are passed down the pews on plates for the congregation to serve themselves. Our tradition is to hold the elements until all are served, and partake together when directed by the Pastor.

Do you offer childcare or Sunday School?

We offer classes for all ages on Sunday at 9 a.m. during the school year (In September after school begins, until June after school ends). Adult education classes change periodically and are posted on Adult Education and the kiosk in the church lobby. Childcare and Sunday school for children are held in the same classrooms each week by age-level. For details on what is currently being offered, check out Children & Family Ministries.

Summer Childcare

Throughout the summer, childcare will be offered for children ages 0-6 years old during our 10 a.m. worship service. Parents, if you are interested in attending a 9 a.m. education session but require childcare to do so, please contact Gretchen, 541-345-8741, at least 3 to 4 days in advance and individual 9 a.m. childcare can be arranged as needed.[

Is there a coffee hour or fellowship time after church?

After each worship service, the Fellowship Hall is open for a time of fellowship and refreshment. We invite you to stick around for an intergenerational social gathering downstairs for coffee, cookies and conversation (or juice, crackers, and playtime).  Strike up a conversation, and make some new friends!

What should I wear?

We believe that God cares more about the state of our hearts than the state of our attire, and encourage you to dress the way that feels most appropriate to you.  Some people come dressed in their Sunday best, and others in jeans and a tee shirt.

Is the church handicap accessible?

Yes. FCC offers a range of accessibility accommodations. There is handicap parking available in our upper and lower parking lots and the building is fully accessible by way of our elevator located next to the Fellowship Hall downstairs and the Sanctuary upstairs.  Large print bulletins, Bibles, song sheets, and hearing assist earphones are available in the area just outside the sanctuary.