Worship & Music
Join in person at 667 E. 1st Ave. in Chico, California
or from anywhere in the world by joining ONLINE
Join us in person at 667 E. 1st Ave. Chico, California, or Online from anywhere in the world!
We really are a community reflecting God's love with a place at the table for everyone, which is why we made this our mission statement. We want you -regardless of age, ability, who you love, or who you are- to know that there is a safe space for you to worship as you are. Worship, communion, small groups, teaching, preaching, and playing are for everyone.
WHAT DOES WORSHIP LOOK LIKE?
When you arrive, we will say hello, offer you a nametag (optional), hand you a bulletin with an overview of the service and scriptures, and welcome you into the sanctuary. Our ushers can sit you with a family to worship with, find a more secluded space if you'd like more privacy, make room for a walker or wheelchair, give you a hearing aid device, or help in other ways that will grant comfort during worship.
Our services include hymns and global music featuring contemporary instruments, organ, piano, choir, and handbells depending on the Sunday and season. Communion is offered to everyone, 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 seating during communion. The service includes a sermon, children's participation and music, scripture reading, and prayer. Worship lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. Children participate in some elements of worship, then go to Sunday School where they have their own age-engaging lessons, music, and activities, reconvening with their parents in the sanctuary at the end of class/worship.
After worship we have coffee hour. On special days, we have potlucks, games, rallies, bake sales, boutiques, fundraisers, and similar events. Often times we have a class or two after worship which are always free and open to the public.
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!