Our Story

Our church is over 149 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 10:30 a.m., or check our calendar for spiritual growth or ministry opportunities.
 

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