Christianity, at its best, is celebrated in community.  From the earliest days, followers of Jesus Christ have practiced fellowship in small and large gatherings (congregations!).  The author of the Book of Hebrews (10:24-25) wrote, “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day [of Christ’s return] approaching.”  A church community encourages spiritual discipline, reinforces our sense of God’s love for us and one another, and motivates us in the learning and the doing of God’s word.  Who among us doesn’t want to be with others in times of joy and times of discouragement?  We hope you will find a home, a community, at FPC, Victoria that brings you comfort, expands your faith, and allows you to enjoy the companionship of new-found friends.

FPC, Victoria is an open and inclusive church.  All are welcome among us.  Steeped in the Reformed Tradition, FPC, Victoria believes in worshiping God with both heart and mind.  While none of us can think our way into heaven, we are a congregation open to the intellectual as well as the emotional and spiritual study of the faith.  We believe in a loving and gracious God, but we do not embrace any notion of a “prosperity” Gospel.  We believe that Holy Scripture is the divinely inspired word of God, and we also find inspiration in the great Creeds of the church (the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed to name but two) and the writings of the great theologians of the ages (St. Augustine and John Calvin to name but two).  Finally, we believe that the Holy Spirit is constantly at work in the world to educate us, illuminate us, and open our eyes to truths unrevealed until God deemed us ready to receive them.  Having been a church often reformed in the past, we are open to the will of God to reform us again and again.  Come grow with us!

Of course not.  Members of FPC, Victoria visit families, take vacations, and attend to other commitments on Sunday morning.  Faith grows deeper and stronger with constant nurture, however, and we encourage regular attendance as a respite from the chaotic world of our culture and as an opportunity to examine, explore, and replenish your spirit in the beautiful worship services we celebrate each Sunday, and each Christian holiday, at FPC, Victoria.  We would rather that you be led by joy and desire to join us and worship with us every Sunday than that you be motivated by peer pressure or a sense of guilt.  “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”  Psalm 95:2.

Many people forget that Jesus never called himself a Christian (he was a Jew).  Even the early followers of Jesus believed they were following “in the way” of Jesus, and they did not see themselves as members of a sect bearing his Messianic name.  FPC, Victoria welcomes the curious, the inquiring, and even the doubtful who want to know more about the Good News that those who now call themselves Christians believe Jesus brought for the living of our lives, the forgiveness of our sin, and the hope of life-everlasting.  We want to share the Good News; we do not attempt to indoctrinate it.  If we were to do the latter, we would be trying to force our beliefs on you, but when we do the former, Christ works in your heart and makes his Gospel your own.  Come see us!  Whether you are a life-long Christian, or whether you just want to learn more about what “all the fuss” is about, we pray that you will find answers for your heart and comfort for your soul in the life that Jesus offers you in love.

There are many opportunities for ministry at FPC, Victoria:  choir, community service, liturgy, and even new ways to serve Christ in Victoria that we have yet to discover.  All of this is done on a voluntary basis, and nothing is required.  Various of our members have full-time careers, full-time family demands, and even jobs and responsibilities that require them to travel frequently.  Worship on Sunday morning is often called--  all unto itself--  a ministry of rest, recuperation, and restoration.  If you are anxious to serve, or if you find your spirit in need of being served, come experience the ministries at FPC, Victoria.

Nothing.  How much is it worth?  Your salvation.  There are no dues or minimum-donation expectations at FPC, Victoria.  Our Treasurer handles our financial affairs with absolute discretion and in complete confidence.  Neither our Pastor nor any member of our Session (other than the Treasurer) monitors the donations of our members.  We have a collection at every worship service, and, for the church’s financial planning purposes, our members are encouraged to pledge--  although, again, such matters are handled exclusively by the Treasurer.  Regardless of the amount, we treat each gift we receive--  from coins to charitable contributions from IRA’s--  with the care, prudence, and good stewardship we believe God requires.  We count on the joy within our congregation to support the church we love.  As Paul told the Corinthians, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).