As you get to know us, you will discover a group of people that are at different places on their spiritual journey. We have different personalities, different gifts, and different opinions about what a life with God looks like.
We do not have a "creed," or set of beliefs to which anyone must subscribe or adhere. However, there are some principles that are important to us. We see these as three reasons why we are gathered:
Loving God
We understand that we are spiritual beings designed to be in relationship with God. We have found that is how our lives work best. We support and encourage one another in our spiritual formation. For us, that formation takes place as we become disciples of Jesus Christ. We therefore take seriously Jesus' commission to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)
Loving Others
We have found that one of the results of spiritual formation and discipleship to Jesus is a renewed understanding of what it means to be in relationship with one another. When asked what the most important commandment was, Jesus reply was “'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28).
For us, this means that we participate with one another in community, encouraging and challenging each other in our spiritual journey. Sometimes it is uncomfortable and awkward, but we strive to take off the masks we learn to use to protect ourselves and reveal ourselves to one another, knowing that the other will strive to accept us jest as we are.
We also understand that Jesus' teaching compels us to offer what we call "radical hospitality." Our church is among those whose doors are open to God's children of different cultures, races, genders, ages, sexual orientations, abilities, economic situations, and theological traditions. Once one enters the door, it's not a matter of "sit back, be quiet, speak only as we do." You, your heart's questions and your gifts, are vital to the congregation. Both we and you grow together in faith and witness. We make a holy difference in each other's lives, and, together, in the world.
Serving the World
In addition, we locate our selves squarely in the Judeo-Christian tradition understanding that the beliefs we claim make a difference in the way we live. The prophet Micah in the Hebrew scriptures understood that God is not as interested in our rituals and sacrifices as in how we live and act. Micah speaks for God, saying,
"He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)
So far, for us, that service has looked like feeding the homeless, reaching out to the homebound, working in disaster relief here in Florida, in Mississippi, and Louisiana, supporting our local elementary school, working on environmental issues, and working with migrants in our area and across the state.
Loving God, loving others, and serving the world; formation, community, and service; these are our reasons for gathering together as First Congregational Church of Lake Worth.
If you would like to learn more about what matters to us, click here.
Jason Fairbanks - Pastor
Two years ago, Jason Fairbanks "came home" to First Congregational Church of Lake Worth after spending the past three years serving First Congregational Church of Fort Pierce as pastor. For the previous nine years. Jason participated in the life and ministry of First Congregational Church of Lake Worth as a member.
His mission is to invite as many people as possible into a life-changing relationship with a God of love who accepts them as they are and wants them to become everything they were created to be.
He lives in Palm Springs with his wife, Trish, and son, Emerson. You can find podcasts of his past sermons as well as his thoughts on faith, culture, and church at his blog, Progressing in Faith.
In addition to being the Organist and Choir Director, Bruce Linser has acted and sung his way around the country and around the world for nearly two decades.
Theatrically, he’s performed Off-Broadway in New York City, as well as regionally in California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Locally he has appeared at Caldwell Theatre Company, FAU Festival Rep, GableStage, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, New Theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks and Take Heed Theater Company.
He’s appeared on TV in “All My Children” and “The View,” and in the movies “Drop Dead Gorgeous” and "Bumping Off Burt". Bruce has twice been a cover model for the Palm Beach Post, as the Barefoot Mailman and as the Go Guy. He also voiced a character for the animated holiday special, "The Littlest Light On The Christmas Tree".
In addition to acting and singing, Bruce is an accomplished pianist and musical director. See more about Bruce at www.brucelinser.com.
Carol Lewis, M.S., L.M.F.T. - Director of Christian Education and Youth Leader
Carol Lewis has been a member of First Congregational Church of Lake Worth for 21 years and has served on the staff as Christian Education Director and Youth Leader for 11 years. She has a B.S. in Education from Illinois State University and a M.S. in Family Relations from Northern Illinois University. Carol taught third grade and high school English in Illinois before her career as a marriage & family therapist.
Carol supervises the Sunday School program, provides teacher training, organizes holiday parties and special events for families, presents the Children's Lesson during the worship service on Sunday mornings, develops adult education classes and has initiated a small group ministry. She is the liaison with the Florida Conference for getting our children and families involved in summer camp programs and life-long education events. Carol is responsible for running an annual Vacation Bible School. She also is reorganizing our church library to make it more user-friendly.
In 1912 the town of Lake Worth established its first Post Office and completed construction on a one-room school house. Their next priority was a place of religious worship.
On November 25, 1912, families from the community gathered at the school. At least six denominations were represented, including Reverend McQuarrie, a Congregational minister, from Miami. It was decided that a non-denominational approach was needed and they subsequently adopted the name Union Church.
On February 5, 1913, Rev. A.H. Shipman was called on to be the first pastor. For almost a year the congregation met in the one-room schoolhouse, and then on August 1913 worship services were moved to the newly completed "Clubhouse," the site of the present City Hall.
After many sacrifices, in February 1919 the Union Church complete its new sanctuary on the northeast corner or 2nd Avenue South and Federal Highway.In April 1921 the Union Church became affiliated with the Congregational Conference. The congregation grew and the building was enlarged in 1925. In 1926 the first pipe organ in Lake Worth was installed in the new church. Pilgrim Hall was added in the 1930's. In 1946, a new Church constitution adopted the name First Congregational Church of Lake Worth . Under ministers such as Rev. Lillian Fulton, D.D., who had the longest tenure as minister (1924-1939), the church grew. In addition to having the longest tenure, Dr. Fulton was also the first female minister and the first to attain a Doctorate of Divinity degree.
To provide adequate facilities for the children and future generations, the First Congregational Church moved to its present location on North K Street. Dedication services conducted by Rev. H. A. Studebaker were held in November 1958.
The church bell located on the east side of the sanctuary originally hung in the bell tower of the first church on 2nd Ave. The bell would be rung signaling the beginning and end of the church services and upon special occasions. The bell was brought from the old church and placed at its present location when the new sanctuary was built.
The current wooden cross on the back wall of the sanctuary measures 18' tall with a 6' cross arm. In the 1980's this cross replaced a glass-block cross embedded in the wall.
The antique glass windows were imported from Germany, assembled in Zephyrhills, Florida, and installed in the 1970's. They include 12 panels with four scenes each that tell the story of Christ's life. Seated in the congregation one can look at the panorama of his life shining through the windows lining both the east and west walls.
Chancel Organ
The organ on our chancel is truly an exceptional instrument. The 1,800 pipes were built by the Schantz Organ Company of Ohio and were installed in 1974. The five-section manual console was installed in 1990 by Allan Miller Associates of Connecticut. This console, built in 1977 by Fratelli Ruffatti of Italy, was formerly in the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. The exterior of the console was completely reconditioned by Robert Ritcey.
Located in the back of the sanctuary is the echo organ, donated to the church in 1992 by the Willet family. In 2002 the organ was dedicated to Robert Hebbel in recognition for his 20 year of musical talent and service as organist for our church.
The Baldwin piano is a nine-foot grand piano. Donated in 1990 by several members, the Baldwin is the choice of America's foremost pianists, conductors, and composers. The instrument's responsiveness and glorious tone make it a joy to play and inspiration to hear.
Ministers
Throughout the years the First Congregational Church of Lake Worth has been privileged by the service of the following ministers:
1912 - 1923 Rev.A. H. Shipman
1924 - 1939 Dr. Lillian B. Fulton
1939 - 1942 Rev. Russell T. Loesch
1942 - 1945 Rev. Louis Schulz
1945 - 1947 Rev. Herbert Graetz
1948 - 1960 Rev. H. A. Studebaker
1961 - 1964 Rev. Alastair C. Sellars
1965 - 1976 Dr. Joseph Q. Mayne
1977 - 1986 Dr. John Button
1987 - 1995 Rev. Bruce Sylvester
1997 - 2002 Rev. Gary Fairbanks
2003 - 2007 Dr. Charles Mory
2007-present Pastor Jason Fairbanks
On the foundation stones of faith, prayer, and service, the First Congregational Church remains "a church to which generations yet unborn will turn to for inspiration."
"But lay up for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your Heart be also." Matthew 6:20-21
First Congregational Church of Lake Worth covenants and cooperates with the United Church of Christ.
The United Church of Christ came into being in 1957 with the union of two Protestant churches or "denominations." They were the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches.
The characteristics of the United Church of Christ can be summarized in part by the key words in the names that formed our union: Christian, Reformed, Congregational, Evangelical.
The United Church of Christ came into being in 1957 with the union of two Protestant churches or "denominations." They were the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches.
The characteristics of the United Church of Christ can be summarized in part by the key words in the names that formed our union: Christian, Reformed, Congregational, Evangelical.
- Christian. By our very name, the United Church of Christ, we declare ourselves to be part of the Body of Christ—the Christian church. We continue the witness of the early disciples to the reality and power of the crucified and risen Christ, Jesus of Nazareth.
- Reformed. All four denominations arose from the tradition of the Protestant Reformers: We confess the authority of one God. We affirm the primacy of the Scriptures, the doctrine of justification by faith, the priesthood of all believers, and the principle of Christian freedom. We celebrate two sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper (also called Holy Communion or the Eucharist).
- Congregational. The basic unit of the United Church of Christ is the congregation. Members of each congregation covenant with one another and with God as revealed in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. These congregations, in turn, exist in covenantal relationships with one another to form larger structures for more effective work. Our covenanting emphasizes trustful relationships rather than legal agreements.
- Evangelical. The primary task of the church is the proclamation of the Gospel or (in Greek) evangel. The Gospel literally means the "Good News" of God's love revealed with power in Jesus Christ. We proclaim this Gospel by word and deed to individual persons and to society. This proclamation is the heart of the leiturgia—in Greek, the "work of the people" in daily and Sunday worship. We gather for the worship of God, and through each week, we engage in the service of humankind.
- You can see "What Matters" to the United Church of Christ and us by clicking here.