First Congregational Church

About

Our church is over 135 years old, but we have a contemporary and progressive outlook. You will find people of all ages, sharing God's love in Christ.

Story

Adult Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Worship & Children’s Sunday School: 11:00 a.m. (childcare can be arranged)

Come as you are. No admission. No dress code. No judging.Bring your doubts, questions and noisy kids.God doesn’t reject people. Neither do we.

Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here!

Our church is over 135 years old, but we have a contemporary and progressive outlook. In this congregation, you will find people of all ages, in all sorts of life-situations, sharing God’s love in Christ with each other, our community and our wider world. Join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

On October 4, 2009, First Congregational UCC Tulare voted to become an Open & Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. We adopted this statement about including all people:

“We, as the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Tulare, California proclaim that we are an Open and Affirming congregation. That we welcome all who seek to follow Christ, irrespective of gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, cultural background, political persuasion, and/or life experiences. And we boldly proclaim a Christ-like love for all of God’s children, no matter where they are in life’s journey.”

Our church and the wider UCC believe that we do not have to agree on everything to be in communion and community with one another. We don’t have to have all the answers– in fact, we value our questions and doubts, trusting that they help us to find a more authentic faith.

“Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” Gracie Allen, 20th century American comedian

“There is more truth and light yet to break forth from God’s holy word.” – John Robinson, 17th century pastor to the Pilgrims

We believe that God is still speaking to us today, and asks us to offer God’s extravagant welcome to all, especially those who have felt like they had no place in the church: the excluded, the spiritually homeless and the questioning

Mission

The mission of First Congregational Church of Tulare, United Church of Christ shall be to implement the Great Commandment:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they mind, and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Around this commandment shall be built the program of the Church:

To nurture the Body of Christ by being a believing and loving congregation
To share our faith and love with those whose lives we touch
To impart Christianity throughout the wider community
To join those who vision we share of a world of caring, faithful people

Products

Our sermons are available at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6N1dh_BWAQ5o4bnpD3WRAQ