At First Christian Church we believe we are most like Christ when we give ourselves away to those who are under resourced or marginalized by society. Scripture clearly expresses the heart of God to turn to the poor, the sick, the immigrant, the prisoner, the widow, and the orphan. As Christ followers, therefore, we are commanded and called to serve others by giving ourselves away.

As an organizational strategy, we believe we are best able to do this when we partner with other organizations that focus on specific target areas rather than building program areas within the church. Therefore, we partner with organizations to see the body of Christ serve the community and to pursue community transformation.

Partnering with other local non-profit ministries in Napa and surrounding counties, First Christian seeks to be an agent of change and transformation. We seek to effect change that relieves suffering, overcomes oppression, and fights injustice — all characterized by the love that transforms and shows we care about what God cares about.

Local Mission Opportunities 

Benevolence

The Benevolence Ministry has chosen to commit our lives individually and corporately to following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible. This commitment includes learning to make Jesus’ priorities our priorities. We believe that asking God to help us see each human being as a unique creation of God, with physical, emotional and spiritual needs, does this. The same prayer must then be translated into service to all that cannot, at this time, provide for themselves.

Why we support those in need: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has not deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well, keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17closeJames 2:14-17 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (ESV) closeJames 2:14-17closeJames 2:14-17 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (ESV) 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (ESV)

The Benevolence Ministry has been an active ministry at First Christian Church for many years. We are funded entirely by contributions from the church body.

  • Receiving referrals from family members, friends, other churches, Catholic charities, Salvation Army, Social Services and various shelters in town.
  • Serving people from the community with food, medical needs, housing utilities, rent, car repair, clothing, emergency travel, toiletry needs, counseling and emergency housing. We do not give cash directly to any recipient.
  • Helping between 125-150 families annually during the Christmas holiday season with food and gifts for their children. FCC members provide the means of distribution for these items.

Community Care

Community Care (Pastoral Care) Ministry purpose is to provide love, concern and support for those in our community who are hurting. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3close2 Corinthians 1:3 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. . . . (ESV) close2 Corinthians 1:3close2 Corinthians 1:3 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. . . . (ESV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. . . . (ESV) .

Where can you serve the Kingdom of God in the Napa Valley community?
~Hospital Visitations ~Neighbors ~FCC Community
~Napa Jail ~Juvenile Hall ~Retirement Homes ~FCC Counseling

• Short-term illness/surgery/hospital stay: Meet those needs with prayer, visitation, sermon tapes, communion, family support (meals, house-cleaning when possible and child-care for brief periods).

• Long-term illness/home bound/Independent Living Community (ICL)/Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): Minister to the person through weekly communication via cards/phone, personal visit, sermon tapes, communion, family support (meals, house-cleaning when possible, child-care for brief periods and errands).
• Change of life event (divorce, loss of job, etc.): Guide the person to the appropriate person or small group for help such as counseling, career guidance, mentoring and support groups.

• Bereavement: Immediate support in planning a memorial service and coordinating meals for a brief period. Support in the grief process through appropriate people and “Grief Share Group.”

• Strained family relationships: Connect with the appropriate counseling and small group support. Suggestions for more in-depth counseling as needed.

• General relationship problems: Connect with opportunities to improve relationship skills such as counseling, seminars, small groups and mentoring.

Serving should be done with a joyful heart and filled with passion; therefore, we need to be alert to life by paying attention to the people already in our lives and preparing for those that God places in our lives.

There should be enough opportunities that any age can serve in a capacity and time frame that is best suited for them. Opportunities will be available seven days per week for individuals, couples and families willing to serve.

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Throughout the Napa Valley

“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” – Mark 16:5closeMark 16:5 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. (ESV) closeMark 16:5closeMark 16:5 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. (ESV) 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. (ESV)

The ministries of Outreach and Evangelism have been established to fulfill the Great Commission here in Napa Valley. We strive to share the gospel on a corporate and individual basis by reaching out into the community through different venues and opportunities.

How Does FCC Napa Share the Love of Jesus throughout the Napa Valley?

Special events in the community and strategic partnerships: FCC is present at several informational/ ministry booths throughout the Valley and local neighborhood evetns. In addition we partner with other organizations that seek to aid and encourage those in need (Napa Valley Food Bank, Birth Choice, COPE, Catholic Charities…).

In additional to local partnerships, FCC has a partnerhips with regional and national organizations such as Gideons International, Stadia Church Planting and William Jessup University. Scripture commands the saints to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is then fulfilled by individuals answering the call. This may involve financial support as well as direct and indirect involvement by FCC members. The purpose is to facilitate Christian education programs, distribution of bibles, equipping individuals for full time Christian service, and/or the planting of new churches or sending agencies. It is our desire to glorify Christ by taking an active role in missions.
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