We have two different worship services with the same message: none of us are perfect, but God’s love for us is.
Sundays at 9:30am
Rooted in Celebration, Word, and Song
Through the ancient pattern for worship described in the Didache, the earliest known book of church organization written around 100AD, our morning service is structured to give you confidence to know what is coming next, and follows a regular rhythm of hymns, scripture readings, sermon, prayers, and communion. Services last a little over an hour and include hymns, and global music featuring contemporary instruments, organ, piano, choir, and handbells depending on the season. Communion is offered weekly to everyone at the same time, and if you'd like a blessing but aren't comfortable taking communion, you can fold your arms over your chest and receive a verbal blessing instead, or stay seated. Children are encouraged to join their families at the start of worship, but before the scripture and sermon, they receive their own children’s message before their invitation to join Sunday School, where they have their own age-engaging lessons, music, and activities. Children reconvene with their parents in the sanctuary when it is time for communion.
Sundays @ 5pm
Reimagined through Music, Message, and Movement
Our evening service invites you to respond as you are, in the moment. The music is more intentionally modern, led by guitars, piano, drums, and vocals. Worship leaders dress in everyday clothing. The service has a basic structure of music, a sermon, and prayers. But throughout the time of music, the space is open for individuals to choose ways in which they connect with God. Candles are set out so that you may light one and remember the light of Christ in your life. Prayer ministers are available to pray with you one on one. Cushions are set out around the cross so that you may pray at the foot of the cross. The baptismal font is placed in the center of the worship space so that you touch the water and remember the promises God has given you in baptism. Once a month, communion is given to anyone who feels called to receive it. These elements are invitational, and all optional. The service lasts just under an hour, and because it is both shorter and celebrates spontaneous movement, children are encouraged to stay in worship for the full service. Sunday school is available for the whole length of the service for children 6 and under.
Holy Week (Easter)
Holy Week is an observation of Jesus's death and resurrection, starting with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and ending with his resurrection on Easter Sunday. On Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter), we process into worship with palm fronds (which –fun fact– are later burned to make ashes for Ash Wednesday). We like to make a whole event out of it, and process in with whatever horse is on hand; usually a mini-horse, but we've even used a big, stuffed horse on roller blades! Next is Maundy Thursday, a gathering in commemoration of the Last Supper. Maundy Thursday serves as a preparation for Good Friday, the day that commemorates Jesus' crucifixion which takes place the next day. On Saturday is our annual Easter Vigil, followed by Easter Sunday, where we proclaim, "Alleluia, Christ is risen!" Easter includes an Easter egg hunt for toddlers and grade schoolers, each with age-appropriate egg-hunting areas. Worship includes jubilant choir music with flowers that deck out the sanctuary, making Easter Sunday arguably our most uplifting and colorful service of the year.
Lent and Ash Wednesday
Lent is a 40-day period which begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday. The number 40 is significant because after his baptism, Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting, praying, and communing with God in preparation for his public ministry. The season of Lent is a time of reflection and reconciliation, deepening one's faith, and growing spiritually as Jesus did. On Ash Wednesday, we mark our foreheads with ash in the shape of a cross. This is called the "Imposition of Ashes," and serves as a reminder that we are human; remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. And during the season of Lent, we tend to take on service projects, like serving with Chico Project S.A.V.E. to ship medical supplies to places that need medical supplies (pictured top right).
Advent and Christmas
The season of Advent lasts 4 weeks and leads up to Christmas. We love Advent. Each year, we host our Advent Workshop where anybody in Chico and the surrounding areas can make wreaths and other Christmas crafts, bring the kids for children's activities, hear live music, and partake in warm drinks. We also decorate the church and put up our Christmas tree in the sanctuary! Each year, we host a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with handbells and choir playing and singing in the glow of the candlelight, as well as a small, pajama-friendly Christmas morning service.
Ecumenical and Interfaith Services
We are blessed to partner with churches of different faiths. Each Lent and Advent season, we host ecumenical soup suppers lead by faith leathers of other Chico congregations including Bethel AME, Trinity United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, Chico First Baptist, the U.U. Fellowship, Congregation Beth Israel, and St. John's Episcopal Church. Evenings open with soup and bread in the fellowship hall, followed by worship in the sanctuary. Our partners are also participants of the Chico Interfaith Pride Service, an annual, multi-congregational service advocating for the inclusion of queer people of all faiths.
Blessing of the Animals
We have a place at the table for everyone no matter how big, small, furry or scaly! In observation of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology, we celebrate Blessing of the Animals one Sunday in October. Pets are invited to church to be blessed before the service and process into worship. Well behaved pets can hang out in the sanctuary during worship, or play on the grass during the service. Pets are family, and it's important to have a day to show our love for them, too!