Frequently Asked Questions about First Christian Church
We meet in person and online at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, and worship is usually 45 to 60 minutes long. We’re an informal congregation—come as you are. Most services include elder prayers, scripture readings, a message from the pastor, communion, and a benediction. Oh yes, music! Piano and singing every week, sometimes other instruments. Songs are joyous, contemplative, and complement the message of the day.
People from the congregation participate by reading scripture and sharing instrumental and vocal talents. We do not have a fancy, robe-clad choir.
We’re small but mighty! With God’s grace we were able to pivot to online worship during the early years of the pandemic. Worship is now in-person and online. We’re good at adapting to our changing world while keeping commitments. We have helped unhoused people in our community for more than 25 years. For more than a decade, we have been an open and affirming congregation that particularly welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families.
1. All are welcome, and all means you!
2. Our awesome pastor, Amy LaCroix, is passionate about sustaining an open, affirming, and welcoming faith community.
3. We seek to do justice and be an example of God’s all-inclusive love in the world.
4. Communion is open to all.
5. Our music is a mixture of contemporary and folk songs, and traditional hymns.
Yes, yes, yes! First Christian is an open and affirming congregation that gathers in downtown Olympia, Washington, and online. We confess that the institutional Church has, at times, harmed people by denying them God’s unconditional love. As a people of faith, we affirm every person, in all of humanity’s diversity, is created in the image of God.
We are affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Communion is a central part of our weekly worship service. Communion is open to all.
We hope so! The number of people worshipping in person is still quite small, and “coffee time” is virtual. If you’d like, try us out virtually, on Zoom at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. If you come to in-person service, we will be delighted to see you!
Our ministries include New Hope Community in our covered parking area. These tiny homes house up to 10 people who previously lived outside. Several self-help organizations hold meetings in our fellowship hall.
We partner with these organizations: Interfaith Works, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Olympia Mutual Aid Partners (OlyMAP), and Faith Action Network (FAN).
Our international prayer group meets weekly to pray for others. The Sew Crafty/Prayer Shawl Ministry meets weekly to visit while creating handmade items.
Please do! As a small church, we have limited office coverage. You’re welcome to call 360-943-8025; you may have to leave a message. As an alternative, you can contact us by email.