🌟 Join Us This Sunday for Worship Service at First Congregational Church, UCC of Bakersfield!

Are you curious about the roots of hate and how to address it in today's world? Whether you're new to church or a seasoned member of the congregation, we invite you to join us for an engaging and thought-provoking Worship Service this Sunday.

In this sermon, we'll explore the timeless wisdom found in Acts 3:12-19, shedding light on the long-standing issue of hate and its effects on our communities. Regardless of your background or beliefs, our service offers a welcoming space for reflection and growth.

Come and be a part of our diverse and inclusive community as we seek to understand and address the challenges of hate in our world today. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms this Sunday!

Join Us for a Special Service: Kirkin ‘o the Tartans

Celebrate with us at First Congregational Church, UCC of Bakersfield, on Sunday, April 7th, at 10 AM for our Kirkin ‘o the Tartans service. Immerse yourself in a tradition of honor and gratitude as we pay homage to our Scottish heritage and ancestors.

Accompanied by the enchanting melodies of professional bagpiper Travis Combs from Tehachapi, we'll gather to recognize the resilience and spirit of our forebears. Whether you have Scottish roots or not, we welcome you to participate—wear your kilts, tartans, or family plaid, or bring a token representing your lineage.

During the service, we'll offer prayers of gratitude for the perseverance of our ancestors and honor our Scottish members and loved ones who have passed away. This tradition traces back to the eighteenth century, when Scots secretly carried pieces of tartan to church to receive blessings, symbolizing God's favor upon their resilience.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a cherished tradition and experience the power of community and heritage. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms on April 7th at 10 AM for our Kirkin ‘O the Tartans service!

The Fred and Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert series is excited to present a special auxiliary concert featuring Cory Pesaturo, a world-class accordionist at 4:00 pm on Easter Sunday, March 31. 2024.

This concert will be the first appearance Pesaturo makes during his several-day visit in Bakersfield. The concert is free, and tax-deductible contributions will go directly to compensate the musician.

Pesaturo has enjoyed breaking the stereotype of the accordion as “only for polkas” by appearing on several TV shows, such as CBS’s Let’s Make a Deal and NBC’s That’s My Jam with Jimmy Fallon.

This Concert can be the highlight of your Easter Sunday celebrations. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear an exciting performer who will create music on the accordion you never dreamed possible. The Fred and Beverly Dukes Memorial Concerts are FREE and kid-friendly, too!

Celebrate the joy of Easter with us at First Congregational Church of Bakersfield!

This Easter Sunday, we invite you to join our vibrant community as we proclaim "Yes! ¡Sí Se Puede!" echoing the resounding affirmation of possibility and hope. Anchored in the powerful narrative of Mark 16:1-8, we rejoice in the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair.

As we gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we embrace the promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities.

Whether you're a long-time member, a first-time visitor, or somewhere in between, you're warmly welcomed to experience the joy and renewal of Easter with us. Let's come together to embrace the transformative message of hope, love, and endless possibilities that Easter brings.

Looking for a different way to connect this Good Friday? Join us at First Congregational Church for a special service that's anything but traditional. Whether you're new to church or a seasoned congregant, you're invited to experience something unique.

Our meditative and reflective service will draw you in with Taize chanting, offering a space for quiet contemplation and deep spiritual connection. This Good Friday, we're exploring the profound story of Jesus' journey, from the trials of temptation to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. It's a time to pause, reflect, and find meaning in the midst of life's challenges.

So, whether you're seeking solace, exploring faith, or simply curious, come as you are and join us as we journey together in remembrance and hope.

Come one, come all to First Congregational Church of Bakersfield this Palm Sunday, where all are embraced with open arms. Let us gather in unity as we contemplate "A Gathering of Darkness" through the lens of Mark 11:7-10 and Mark 15:1-15.

At our church, diversity is celebrated, and every individual's journey is honored. We’ll explore the depths of this narrative, finding meaning and relevance in our lives today. Join us as we illuminate the path of faith, hope, and resilience amidst the shadows. Your presence enriches our community, and we invite you to share in this experience of worship and reflection.

Whether you're a seasoned churchgoer or just curious, you're totally welcome here.

Experience God’s Everlasting Love with Us This Sunday!

Join us at First Congregational Church this Sunday as we gather in worship, inspired by the theme 'God’s Covenant of Love Will Continue.' Our service will be a journey of reflection and renewal. Through scripture readings from Jeremiah and the Gospel of John, we'll explore the unbreakable bond of God's love and the promise of a new covenant.

Whether you're seeking solace, community, or spiritual growth, all are welcome to join us as we come together in fellowship and praise. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us this Sunday at First Congregational Church, UCC of Bakersfield for an uplifting Worship Service centered on "Light and Dark." Experience the message of God's love and mercy, beautifully woven into our reflections and music.

All are welcome to explore with us, whether you're a seasoned churchgoer or new to the faith journey. Come as you are and discover the warmth of community and the joy of worship.

Embrace a moment of reflection, prayer, and connection. Let's journey together, finding hope and renewal in Christ's teachings.

We can't wait to welcome you!

David Green will direct this group of woodwind instrumentalists performing classical favorites. More on this concert to come!

Get ready to breathe some fresh air into your Sunday routine with us at First Congregational Church, UCC of Bakersfield! This week's service is all about embracing life and diving into some powerful passages from the Bible: Psalm 139:1-10 and Romans 12:9-18.

We're calling this Sunday's sermon "Born, Now Come Alive," and let me tell you, it's going to be something special. We're talking about finding purpose, embracing the goodness within ourselves and others, and feeling alive in the midst of it all.

Whether you're a regular church attendee or just looking for a little inspiration, we'd love to have you join us. It's not about being perfect; it's about being real and discovering the beauty in every moment. So come as you are, grab a seat, and let's journey together towards a deeper understanding of what it means to truly come alive. See you there!

🌟 Join us this Sunday at First Congregational Church of Bakersfield for an uplifting and interactive experience! 🌟

Let's dive into the power of love and how we can bring more of it into our lives and the lives of those around us. 🌈✨

Our Intergenerational Service is a unique opportunity to explore our Christian faith together through discussion, art, drama, and music. 🎨🎭🎶

Don't miss out! See you this Sunday for an inspiring time of connection and reflection. ❤️🙏

Join us this Sunday at First Congregational Church of Bakersfield for a transformative worship experience centered around "The Universal [Forgotten] Covenant." Drawing inspiration from Genesis 9:8–17, we'll explore the profound significance of God's covenant with humanity, often overlooked in today's fast-paced world. Through thoughtful reflection and communal prayer, we'll delve into the timeless promises of renewal and grace embedded within this scripture. Whether you're seeking spiritual renewal, community connection, or simply a moment of peace, you're warmly invited to join us as we rediscover the depth of God's love and commitment to all. Come as you are and be a part of something beautiful this Sunday at First Congregational Church of Bakersfield.

Join us Wednesday evening, February 14th, at 6 p.m., for a Taize Ash Wednesday Service. Since it will be Valentine’s Day, you will receive chocolate hearts with your ashes. Ash Wednesday challenges all of us to intentionally grow closer to God through the season of Lent. The ashes are a symbol of our mortality and the chocolate will remind us to live and love fully while we are alive.

Come and join the lovefest of this Lenten journey!

Join us this Sunday for a special service titled "Sons of Thunder" where we explore the profound message of love and compassion found in the Bible passages 1 Corinthians 13:1–7 and Matthew 9:36–38. In 1 Corinthians, we delve into the essence of love, understanding its transformative power and its indispensable role in our lives. We reflect on the characteristics of love as described by the apostle Paul, inspiring us to embody these virtues in our daily interactions.

In Matthew, we witness Jesus's deep compassion for the crowds, likening them to sheep without a shepherd. Moved by their plight, he urges his disciples to pray for more workers to join in the harvest of souls. This passage challenges us to emulate Christ's compassion, to see beyond ourselves and reach out to those in need, both spiritually and physically.

As we gather together, let us heed the call to be Sons of Thunder, not in loudness or forcefulness, but in the thunderous power of love and compassion. Join us this Sunday as we explore these timeless teachings and discover how we can become agents of love and compassion in our world today.

February 4th will be a service of healing, please invite your friends or neighbors who would like prayers of healing for any reason, whether physical, emotional, or behavioral. Jesus and his followers can be seen healing others throughout the Gospels. A healing service is not magic and it might not be curative. God does not promise that we will be cured of all ills or that we will avoid suffering.  However, laying on of hands and anointing with oil can provide an atmosphere for healing with the power from the support of others in the midst and mystery of God’s grace. Much of the service will be as usual, with a scriptural focus on healing. After the service, people will be invited to stay and receive individual prayers for healing, per their requests.

Local accomplished performers will be Julia Lawson Haney and Timothy Swanson on violin, Paulette Shires on viola and Alex Wilson on cello. They will present a concert of lovely classical music for us to enjoy.

Join us for a transformative Sunday Worship Service at First Congregational Church-UCC of Bakersfield on January 14, 2024, as we delve into the profound themes of being "Accepted In The Beloved" and explore the powerful narrative of "The Woman at the Well." Embrace a morning of spiritual enrichment and community connection, where we come together to celebrate acceptance, love, and the richness of faith. Our vibrant congregation welcomes everyone with open hearts, creating a warm and inclusive space for reflection and inspiration. Whether you're a longtime member or a first-time visitor, join us at 10:00 AM to share in the joy of worship and the fellowship of a supportive community. We look forward to having you with us on this meaningful journey of faith.

We extend a warm invitation to you for our Worship Service on January 7, 2024, at First Congregational Church of Bakersfield. Reverend Nancy Bacon will be delivering a thought-provoking sermon titled "The Baptizer: Dangerous Sandals to Follow," exploring the scripture from Mark 1:4-11.

In this passage, John the baptizer appears in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He foretells the coming of someone more powerful, whose sandals he is unworthy to untie. As Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan, the heavens open, and the Spirit descends like a dove, with a voice declaring, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased."

Rev. Nancy Bacon will delve into the profound symbolism of this moment, unraveling the significance of baptism, repentance, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It promises to be a spiritually enriching experience.

Join us for a unique Christmas Eve Worship Service at First Congregational Church-UCC of Bakersfield on December 24th at 10 am! 🎄✨

This year, we're bringing a special twist to the traditional Nativity story – an impromptu, Bakersfield-style nativity! 🤠👼 Imagine Mary and Joseph creating an instant delivery room, nursery, and home for Jesus using what they had at hand right here in Bakersfield. It teaches us that Christmas blessings can be crafted from what we have right here, right now.

Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas through improvisation, laughter, and the joy of coming together as a community. 🎶🤗 Bring your friends, family, and anyone looking for a unique and heartwarming way to celebrate this special season.

Sunday, December 17th marks the celebration of the 3rd Sunday of Advent. We’ll gather in joy and anticipation on this sacred Sunday and we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each one of you.

In the spirit of this season of hope and reflection, let us come together to embrace the boundless love that unites us all. Join us in a worship service that will uplift your spirit, deepen your connection with the divine, and foster a sense of community filled with love and compassion.

Come as you are, and let the warmth of love surround you as we journey through this special time of Advent. We look forward to sharing this special Sunday with you, as we illuminate the third candle, symbolizing the enduring flame of love that lights our path.

A Special Service of Comfort and Hope

We come from different backgrounds, from different families, and from diverse faith traditions. But this past year all of us have experienced hurt, sorrow, and often despair. We have reeled from having our world turned upside down. Many of us have found our lives filled with empty dreams. Here we acknowledge our losses and pain, our search for hope. So we turn to God, remembering the promise of the psalmist. “He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

This interfaith service is for all of us who desire to move from a place of sorrow and despair to a place where we can receive comfort and hope.

Join us for our Sunday Worship Cantata Service on December 10th!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies and meaningful messages delivered by our dedicated musicians. This special service promises to uplift your spirits and bring a sense of joy and community as we celebrate the season together. We invite you, your friends, and family to join us in this harmonious blend of music and worship.

What a great way to kick off the holiday season!

The December 3rd Dukes Concert will feature the Bakersfield High School Advanced Chorale, as well as the Chamber Singers, who are sopranos and altos that have been learning the more advanced “treble literature” throughout the year. Choir director, Amanda Isaac, says she is “very proud of the amount of music the students have learned and memorized, and how they have been focused and diligent in preparing for this event.” The concert will include carols and Christmas selections from all over the world, from the traditional Irish Wexford Carol to the 1960's classic, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” to the more recent, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” All choir numbers are a cappella. There will be a few audience participation numbers, with instrumental accompaniment, intermittently during the concert.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here! Join us this Sunday at 10 am for a thought proking service!

Bakersfield College, CSUB, and the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop are producing some of the finest jazz musicians in the Central Valley, and the Dukes Concert Series is proud to host one such group, The Paul Cierley Quartet, in our  2023-24 series. They will appear on Sunday, November 5 at 4 p.m. in our sanctuary at First Congregational Church, 5 Real Rd, Bakersfield.  The doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Paul's group consists of Kyle Burnham on drums, Kris Tiner on trumpet, and Mason Heath on bass.  Fans of traditional jazz will truly appreciate the skill, joy, and musicality they offer audiences in their many performances locally. This concert (as all our concerts over the past years) is co-sponsored by Valley Public Radio (KVPR, 89.1, Bakersfield) and hosted by First Congregational Church/UCC.

Our concerts are free of charge, but door donations help us pay our musicians and have kept our series going for many years. We appreciate the generosity of our donors. Hope to see you soon!

saints with a little”s”

Join us this Sunday for our interactive, intergenerational worship service starting at 10 am in Plymouth Hall where we will explore the theme saint with a little "s". Many Christians think of a "Saint" as someone who has been recognized by church leadership as having an exceptional degree of holiness, likeness, or closeness to God. Other Christians recognize all of our faithful deceased ancestors as "saints" in heaven. On Sunday, we will have time to remember and share stories about some of the saints who have influenced our individual faith journeys.

Richard Noel on digital accordion, and Janice Hubbard on voice and percussion. They will offer a wide repertoire of music from country to classical, swing to tango, Beatles to blues - there is sure to be a favorite song for every concert-goer!  

As an added feature to this event, Johnny Young, President of the Happy Music Center, will present Noel with the prestigious HAPPY MUSIC AMBASSADOR recognition award.

Join us on this last Sunday of September as we gather together for our Monthly Interactive Intergenerational Sunday Worship Service. Where we explore our Christian faith together through discussion, art, drama, and music. ‘We Belong to God, What do you believe belonging to God means?’ will be discussed during this service. Join us in this non-traditional church format.

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