In 1955 there was a bold group of Houston Christians driven by a vision to invite people of all colors and cultures to grow together spiritually as a church. They did it, and the church, First Congregational Church of Houston, survives today. In doing so, they set an example for the nation’s most racially and ethnically diverse city, and for Christianity in the American South, that all people are welcomed and loved by God. That same spirit exists today in FCC's membership, and our purpose remains as it was: to do what we can to fulfill God’s vision of love for all people.
As part of our mission to further engage our community, we want to open our doors wider and invite more of Houston’s residents to worship with us in a less-traditional way. Starting December 1st, 2013, we begin holding two worship services on Sunday: our traditional service at 10:00 am, and a new modern service at 1:15 pm. In between the two worship services there remains Coffee, Tea and Conversation at 11:00, and Christian Education classes at 11:30. We are also introducing a community lunch at 12:30, open to all.
The new service is designed to be accessible to anyone, in particular those who do not attend church because they feel uncomfortable with traditional worship. The music and format of our 1:15pm service is contemporary, and the focus is very much on building a spiritual connection with God and community. Those who self identify as “spiritual but not religious” should find home here. Theologically, FCC is progressive. You won't find proselytizing here, where we believe you are welcome whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey. This means you can be an atheist, a seeker, a devout Christian, a confused Christian, or anything else and you will be welcomed to join in the conversation and rediscovery of what it means to be Christian in the 21st Century.
The service itself is at times be more energizing and spirit lifting, yet also more contemplative, with long silent reflection. Language is simple and everyday. Prayer is interactive, inviting people to speak aloud, and sometimes sung. Music is central. We sing simple but emotionally engaging songs, supported by piano and string bass. The aim is to be down to earth, relevant and meaningful, and to continue to focus on our core values. These values are to be open to the new and different, spiritual at our core, reflective and thoughtful as we go, and responsive in the way we put ourselves into action to support what we believe.
If you've ever attended FCC in the past, or thought of doing so, we invite you to come now and try the new contemporary, spiritual service. Invite a friend and come together, because at FCC we're all about community.
If you don’t attend church but are interested in finding a church that can feed you spiritually and not ask you to check your brains at the door, come give this a try. And if you really want to explore questions of faith, come to our adult classes preceding the service at 11:30 am. Bring your children, too, because there are classes for children of every age up to adult. These classes allow you to go more deeply into the issues and ask questions, and to meet others who are doing the same.
Or maybe you are just looking for a contemporary Christian church that truly values all people as they are, regardless of their skin color or culture or sexual identity or any other trait. In the words of one member, remarking about their first visit to FCC, "I was amazed to find such a remarkably open and embracing Christian church here in Houston, in the middle of the fundamentalist Christian South." Indeed for many, who's perception of Christianity is based solely on the pervasive conservative and fundamentalist rhetoric circulated by media, you will find FCC a breath of fresh air, and you may start to see faith in a whole new (and intriguing) light.
In faith,
Eric
