THE
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF FRESNO
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

FAITH EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND ADULTS

Growing in faith is a life-long process, and our church is always evolving in ways to both broaden and deepen a person’s faith experience and expression.  Some of these opportunities occur on a regular weekly basis:

Faith Adventures for children each Sunday involves the Learning Center rotational learning model, in which primary scriptural stories are first heard, then explored in multiple learning-intelligence centers: artistic, dramatic, improvisational, and kinesthetic

Lectio Divina is offered in two group settings: an 8:30 a.m. all ages group, and  in a Youth group setting that meets during worship. It involves a three step process:

THE FIRST reading (the text is actually read twice on this occasion) is for the purpose of hearing a word or passage that touches the heart. When the word or phrase is found, it is silently taken in, and gently recited and pondered during the silence which follows. After the silence each person shares which word or phrase has touched his or her heart.

THE SECOND reading (by a member of the opposite sex from the first reader) is for the purpose of “hearing” or “seeing” Christ in the text. Each ponders the word that has touched the heart and asks where the word or phrase touches his or her life that day. In other words, how is Christ the Word touching his own experience, his own life? How are the various members of the group seeing or hearing Christ reach out to them through the text? Then, after the silence, each member of the group shares what he or she has “heard” or “seen.”
 
THE THIRD and final reading is for the purpose of experiencing Christ “calling us forth” into doingor being. Members ask themselves what Christ in the text is calling them to door to become today or this week. After the silence, each shares for the last time; and the exercise concludes with each person praying for the person on the right.

Learning Circle is an after-worship gathering for all ages in which a presentation/discussion is offered that covers everything from contemporary church life, to book discussions; from social justice concerns, to spiritual disciplines; from intellectually stimulating topics, to experiential opportunities.

Vacation Bible School

The last week of June our church offers a week-long, morning program that is theme-based with biblical content.  A wide variety of activity and learning centers allow participants to be engaged by the theme for the day.  Large group activities incorporate music and dance, as well as worship.  VBS is open to children ranging in ages 4 to 11.  There is a nominal fee to participate.

The week culminates in a special V.B.S. Sunday service of worship that features the skills and spiritual talents of the children.  Art projects enhance and add to the unique worship setting.  For information on this year’s Vacation Bible School, contact the church for a registration form.  All children are welcome!

Youth Group (Junior and Senior High)

Throughout the year, youth gather at the church on the first and third Wednesday of each month, at 5:30 p.m.  Most youth gatherings have a central theme or activity that engages them in a host of learning, experiential, fellowship, and/or service opportunities.  There is frequent organized interaction with youth from other area churches, as this reinforces friendships and church connections forged through the UCC camping program.  Each fall and every spring, youth from across the Northern California-Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ, gather for a weekend retreat, further deepening those ties..  Many youth also participate as liturgists  in the weekly Sunday worship, and/or participate in the church’s music program.  Youth with a passion for doing mission have had the opportunity to build a home in Mexico through collaboration with Amor Ministries.

Confirmation

Confirmation, in the United Church of Christ, serves two purposes: (a) it provides an opportunity for young people to take upon themselves promises made on their behalf at the time of their baptizing; or, if never baptized, to make those promises on their own; (b) receives young people into the congregation as members of full standing.