Welcome Visitors

The First Christian Church Vision

“An open community of faith, learning, growing, making a difference through Christ.”

First Christian Church is an historic congregation in the heart of the Rose City. Our membership represents the diversity of the surrounding metropolitan area with many members coming from other religious traditions. We believe Jesus Christ is Lord and seek to witness to our faith in a way that speaks to real life situations and offers hope, with worship that is varied in style and opportunity, allowing for diversity of liturgy, music and practice, encouraging openness and acceptance of other persons.

We are committed to a ministry that serves all people regardless of race, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital, economic or social status.

We invite others to commitment and participation in the mission and ministry of First Christian Church by:

  • Proclaiming the Good News of God’s saving grace made known in Jesus Christ;
  • Teaching the Word of God through worship, study and fellowship;
  • Providing a supportive community, strengthening individuals in their personal lives, faith and witness;
  • Helping to meet spiritual, emotional and physical needs through social concern that is non-judgmental and non-sectarian;
  • Caring for God’s creation of land, water and sky;
  • Developing an understanding of world outreach that expresses the spirit of Christ’s love for all people;
  • Cooperating ecumenically in the common ministry of serving God in and for the world. First Christian Church is an historic congregation in the heart of the Rose City.

How to get to First Christian Church

  • From South

Take I-5 N into Portland and follow signs to I-405 N. Once you exit onto I-405 N, get into right hand lane. Take the 6th Street/City Center exit. Follow 6th Avenue (a one-way) down several blocks. Turn left on Jefferson and stay in far left lane.  Just past Broadway is the entrance to the parking garage under Ladd Tower.  Elevator entrance to Sanctuary is in garage.  The church is off Broadway, directly across from The Oregonian building.

  • From North

Take I-5 S toward Portland. Follow signs to I-405 S/Industrial Area, which will exit you off I-5 S. Cross the Freemont Bridge and continue on I-405 S. Take the 6th Avenue/City Center Exit and get into the left lane. Turn left at the first light onto 6th Avenue. Follow 6th Avenue (a one-way) for several blocks. Turn left on Jefferson and stay in far left lane.  Just past Broadway is the entrance to the parking garage under Ladd Tower.  Elevator entrance to Sanctuary is in garage.  The church is off Broadway, directly across from The Oregonian building.

  • From West

Follow Hwy. 26 into Portland. Take Market Street/City Center Exit. This puts you onto Market Street, one-way heading East. Follow this five blocks and turn left onto 6th Avenue. Stay in the left hand lane and at the next street, turn left onto Jefferson.  Just past Broadway is the entrance to the parking garage under Ladd Tower.  Elevator entrance to Sanctuary is in garage.  The church is off Broadway, directly across from The Oregonian building.

  • From East

Take I-84 W into Portland. Follow signs to I-5 S. Once on I-5 S take Morrison Bridge exit. Follow Morrison Bridge over river and continue on into downtown. Turn left onto Broadway and follow up eight blocks, turn right on Jefferson and immediately get in the left lane to enter the church parking garage under Ladd Tower.  Elevator entrance to Sanctuary is in garage.  The church is off Broadway, directly across from The Oregonian building

  • Parking

First Christian Church has a parking garage located on SW Jefferson between SW Broadway and SW Park Avenue.  Entrance on Jefferson under Ladd Tower.  

 Sunday Worship Services

9:00 am
The early worship service at First Christian Church is more contemporary in nature. It features piano accompanied singing and weekly performances of the Joyful Noise Choir. All believers are invited to share in communion around a common table and to join in the closing circle.

11:00 am
Later worship follows a more traditional approach to worship, with organ music and a full Sanctuary Choir. All believers are invited to participate in communion, as the juice and bread is passed.

Worship Activities for Children
Children age three to ten are invited to join the extended session, following the Children’s Moment in each service. Activities pertain to the morning’s scripture and worship theme. Older children are encouraged to remain with the congregation for worship.

Church School: for Children and Youth

Teeny Disciples (Nursery)
The nursery provides care on Sunday mornings for infants and toddlers while family members attend worship and classes. These littlest disciples learn about God and stories of the Bible through songs, games, and craft activities. And, there is plenty of time for interactive play.

Tiny Disciples
This class welcomes children ages 3-5. The Tiny Disciples come to know God through Bible stories, craft projects, songs, learning rhymes, games, puppet shows and participating in mission work.

Little Disciples
Children in K-2nd grade attend this class. This age level learns more about God by reading stories of the Bible, singing songs, doing craft projects, playing games, having fun with role-playing and becoming involved in mission work.

Young Disciples
This class is designed for youth in grades 3-5. Students become better acquainted with God by reading and discussing the Bible, then applying its meanings through mission work.

Worship Activities for Children-Extended Session
Children ages 3-10 are invited to come forward during the Children’s Moment in worship. Children will then join their friends in the Extended Session. Children participate in a variety of activities and crafts related to worship. Older children who attend Children’s Moment are encouraged to remain in worship.

Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) and Chi Rho (Youth)
Middle and High School aged youth are invited to facilitated discussions focusing on current events and topics of interest. There’s also plenty of time for socializing. Members of CYF and CHI RHO often meet mid-week for community based activities and missions.

For Adults

The Faithseekers
Known for their in-depth study and lively interactive discussions, this member-led class seeks to explore and understand biblically based concepts and incorporate current topics of interest. Adults of all ages are invited to attend and participate.

Logos
This new class utilizes a thematic approach to the in-depth study of the Bible and will incorporate discussion and opportunities for further self-study. This approach to biblical study is grounded in the conviction that Christians have a religious heritage that finds its origin, continuation, and fulfillment in The Story of the faith and life of God’s people as presented in the Bible.

Marriage Preparation Classes
This five-week session class is offered to couples planning to be married at First Christian Church. Through discussions and participation couples learn from married couples what to expect after the ceremony.

How to Join First Christian Church

We welcome all people who want to join us in service to God. You may become a member in one of two ways:

  1. You may transfer membership from another congregation, regardless of denomination. Transfer of membership does not require a letter from your previous church and may be accomplished at any Sunday service.
  2. If you have no prior church membership, you may join by affirmation of faith and baptism.

A conference with the minister beforehand is helpful, but not required. If you wish to know more about joining First Christian Church, please contact the church office.

Fellowship Groups

Mid-Disciples
Made up of young adults, both couples and singles, with ages ranging typically in their mid-twenties to mid-forties. Monthly activities include educational opportunities, mission projects, and fellowship.

Book Group
All are welcome to join the book group for monthly discussions in an informal setting. Book selections are made by group members.

Children’s Ministry
The Children’s Ministry meet weekly for classes and crafts. They also have mission projects and parties from time to time. The Children’s Ministry includes children from birth to age 10. The children have the opportunity to participate in the regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oregon summer camps.

Youth Groups
Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) and Chi Rho youth meet weekly for discussions, service projects, and fun activities. CYF includes youth in high school, grades 9-12. Chi Rho is open to youth in middle school, grades 6-8. Youth also have the opportunity to participate in regional activities through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oregon, including weekend retreats and summer camps.

Joyful Noise and Sanctuary Choir
If you enjoy singing, consider joining one of FCC’s choirs. The Joyful Noise performs at 9:00 am Sunday worship and features contemporary music. Rehearsal is Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.

The Sanctuary Choir performs more traditional choral music during the 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship. Rehearsal is Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

CW/CMF
Christian Women’s /Christian Men’s Fellowship (CW/CMF) has been a long-standing tradition within First Christian. Smaller groups meet the second Tuesday of each month and then join together for a monthly general meeting the fourth Wednesday of each month. Group members participate in fellowship, discussions, service, and mission projects.

Sew and Sews
Members sew quilts, lap robes, and clothes for teddy bears, which are then donated to domestic violence shelters and local hospitals.

Men’s Breakfast
Men from the congregation meet for breakfast at a local restaurant every Friday at 7:00 am.

Covenant Group
This group sends birthday cards to church members, provides outreach to people who are unable to attend church, participate in bible studies and service projects.

Bus Trips
Bus trips are open to everyone. Day-trips to various local destinations are made throughout the summer and fall months.