Jesus was from Nazareth, so he was called a Nazarene. This name reflects our understanding that Jesus was God in the flesh.  To learn more about how the Church of the Nazarene came into existence, check out the historical statement in the Nazarene Manual.

Each Sunday morning we gather to acknowledge and respond to God, first through small-group classes called Sunday School and then all together in a worship service.

Sunday School classes are groups of people who join together for about an hour on Sunday mornings to learn and grow in their faith. Because these groups are smaller than worship services, there is more opportunity to interact. These are an excellent place to develop relationships with God and with others. Classes are available for toddlers through adults. Nursery care is also available for children younger than two years of age.

Typical elements of a worship service including congregational singing, time to greet each other, prayer, an offering, and a sermon. The sacraments of Communion (Lord's Supper) and baptism are also celebrated during worship services, though not every week.

 

It is clear throughout the Bible that God loves children! He designed families to be the primary source of nurture and teaching for children. SLC First intentionally partners with parents to support them in this important task, and to help all ages grow in faith when we come together to worship and learn. Toward this end, there are age-based classes so adults, youth, and children can all learn in age-appropriate ways at 10:00am on Sundays. Typical class size is between three and eight students, usually led by two adults.

Children of all ages are always welcome in worship services. In addition, a professionally staffed nursery is available throughout each Sunday morning for those 0-3 years old. During the second worship service, after a time of worship with their families, kids in preschool and kindergarten are invited to participate in Stories of God with Miss Betty, which provides a foundational understanding of key Bible stories. Elementary-aged children sometimes have special opportunities at this time also, such as missions lessons and singing.

Of course, the safety and security of the children is a high priority. Potential leaders are screened carefully, which includes routine criminal background checks.

Beyond ordinary decency, particular clothing is not emphasized at SLC First Church of the Nazarene.  Variety in dress is common here, ranging from casual jeans or shorts to more traditional "Sunday best" attire.  What's more important than what we wear is whether we come ready to meet with God.  Know that you are welcome here!

First off, find a place to park. There are plenty of parking spaces. There are entrance doors about halfway back from Fremont Drive on both north and south sides of the building; enter through one of those doors on Sunday mornings. You can find the first worship service on the north side of the building, Sunday School classes in various rooms depending on age, and the second worship service at the southwest corner. Don't worry too much about those details, though, because there are always people around who are happy to answer your questions and help you find where you're going.

The east door, facing Fremont Drive, is used during the week. If you visit the office during the week, please enter through the east door.

Communion ("The Lord's Supper") is one of two sacraments in the Church of the Nazarene. It is done in remembrance of Jesus' crucifixion as the sacrifice which provides forgiveness for sin. The bread is a symbol of Jesus' body, and the juice of his blood, as described in the Bible (see 1 Corinthians 11:23-32, for example). It is not limited only to Nazarenes. Anyone who believes in God and has accepted Christ's forgiveness is welcome to participate. If you are not yet ready to take this step, you may simply pass the elements to the next person.

 

Baptism is one of two sacraments in the Church of the Nazarene. It has been called "an outward expression of an inward work" because it is an important ritual signifying that someone has accepted Christ.  People are not baptized into the Nazarene denomination, but into the Christian faith.  We most often baptize by immersion; sprinkling and pouring are also options. For more information, feel free to contact one of the pastors.