ministries
Here at First, we believe one of the best ways to experience our community is through the various programs and ministries that occur throughout the week. We have programs for adults, youth, and children, as well as many inter-generational gatherings.
To learn more, please click on the connect tab below.
Discover First CRC
"Belong, Believe, Become" is a class for those who want to find out more about who we are, what we believe, and how be a part of it! The class is built on three compelling realities:
BELONG - Grace tells us who we are:
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live (Ephesians 2:1).
This class explores what we believe as a congregation as well as the legacy First CRC. You will have an opportunity to meet the leadership and staff, hear the story of First CRC, it's mission and vision, as well as how we see ourselves within the context of Hanford and Kings County.
BELIEVE - Grace tells us what God did:
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Our story as the collective human race is a small part of the greater narrative of God and his redemption for the world. Whether you are a Christian, seeker, or skeptic, this course engages the Biblical reality that God is always the first actor in our story of faith. This class explores what we believe as a church.
BECOME - Grace tells us how to respond:
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12).
In this class we will explore all of the various ministries of FIrst CRC and why we are motivated to do them. Also, if you are interested, we will explore ways in which you can get plugged into the congregation.
Our Discover classes are held twice a year (once in the FALL and once in the SPRING) and consist of three 45 minute sessions. They start at 11:00 AM in our upstairs loft.
Register online below or call the office.
The Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is a joyous event in the life of a Christian and their family as well as the entire faith community.
The sacrament of baptism reminds and assures us that “as surely as water washes away dirt from the body, so certainly Christ’s blood and his Spirit wash away . . . all our sins” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q. and A. 69).
Because “infants as well as adults are in God’s covenant and are his people,” they, “no less than adults, are promised the forgiveness of sin” and thus “by baptism . . . should be received into the Christian church. . . . This was done in the Old Testament by circumcision, which was replaced in the New Testament by baptism” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q. and A. 74).
We believe that covenant is the richest biblical concept to describe God's relationship with His people. In covenant God binds himself to His people in promise and commitment. God is always the first actor in our story of faith. The Covenant relationship is why God sent His son Jesus, because of a commitment to save His people. (Jer. 31:31-34) Baptism richly reveals the beauty of God's covenant with His people.
If you would like to learn more about the sacrament of baptism, please contact one of the Pastors.
Profession of faith
Those who have experienced the richness of God's mercy and grace in their lives and are ready to commit their lives to serving him are encouraged to share that joy with the entire faith community. All new followers of Jesus will be encouraged to take part in a Profession of Faith Class led by one of the Pastors. In almost every circumstance, you will meet one-on-one with the Pastor. There may be times when group classes are provided.
In those classes, we will have the opportunity to share the ways in which God has been at work in your life, how you came to faith, and discuss God's story and our part in it. Those who are members of church congregations are well aware that they are far from perfect. But the rich blessing of being part of the body of Christ is truly unquantifiable!
If you would like to learn more about publicly professing your faith and joining together in our faith community, please contact the office or one of the Pastors.
