Building Relationships Between People of all Ages and Walks of Life
At Family of Christ, All Are Welcome! Jesus loved everyone without exception. He had His arms wide open and so do we. Wherever you are or have been on your journey of faith and life---your economic status, history, religious background, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, or sexual orientation---there is a place for you!
At Family of Christ we believe the gifts of God’s life giving Grace and Faith are for all. That means no one is left out! No one is beyond the reach of God’s love. In fact, part of our mission is to invite folks into the love relationship God wants with all of creation. We understand this relationship to be like a strong and healthy family where each person is valued for who they are, and can grow, learn, and explore faith in a safe, loving and supportive environment. So, if you are looking for a place where you will be accepted, loved, and encouraged, we invite you to join us. Come share what we have found!
Family of Christ is a Church with a Mission! As followers of Jesus Christ we understand that we are called, gathered, and sent to participate in God’s mission to bless the world. Our purpose is to bring the love of God to life in real and meaningful ways. As a congregation we worship, learn, and serve our neighbors with this in mind. In fact, everything we do within the congregation is intended in some way to equip our members and friends to be “the Church” out in the world in the ministry of our daily lives.
The Holy Trinity helps us understand the reality of a God that is far greater than human imagination or language can express. As Lutherans, we believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world.
We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God’s word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story. The convictions shared by Christians from many different traditions are expressed in statements of belief called creeds. These ecumenical creeds that Lutherans affirm and use in worship confess the faith of the church through the ages and around the world.
For more information on Lutheran Theology and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, click here.
At Family of Christ, All Are Welcome! Jesus loved everyone without exception. He had His arms wide open and so do we. Wherever you are or have been on your journey of faith and life---your economic status, history, religious background, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, or sexual orientation---there is a place for you!
At Family of Christ we believe the gifts of God’s life giving Grace and Faith are for all. That means no one is left out! No one is beyond the reach of God’s love. In fact, part of our mission is to invite folks into the love relationship God wants with all of creation. We understand this relationship to be like a strong and healthy family where each person is valued for who they are, and can grow, learn, and explore faith in a safe, loving and supportive environment. So, if you are looking for a place where you will be accepted, loved, and encouraged, we invite you to join us. Come share what we have found!
Family of Christ is a Church with a Mission! As followers of Jesus Christ we understand that we are called, gathered, and sent to participate in God’s mission to bless the world. Our purpose is to bring the love of God to life in real and meaningful ways. As a congregation we worship, learn, and serve our neighbors with this in mind. In fact, everything we do within the congregation is intended in some way to equip our members and friends to be “the Church” out in the world in the ministry of our daily lives.
The Holy Trinity helps us understand the reality of a God that is far greater than human imagination or language can express. As Lutherans, we believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God's Spirit is active in the world.
We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God’s word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story. The convictions shared by Christians from many different traditions are expressed in statements of belief called creeds. These ecumenical creeds that Lutherans affirm and use in worship confess the faith of the church through the ages and around the world.
For more information on Lutheran Theology and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, click here.
MEET our staff
Pastor Kathleen "Kit" Neeley
Pastor Kit brings to her ministry a deep love of Jesus, the scriptures, and a life-long passion for ministries of compassion, care and service. Once asked how she would best describe her approach to ministry, Pastor Kit said she much prefers to be a pastor “in the trenches” with the congregation. All ministry is team ministry lived out in healthy and strong relationships. Pastor Kit frequently reminds us at FOC that the mission of the congregation is not about “the pastor” it’s about the family of God being the body of Christ out in the world. What we do ”in church” is all about equipping us to “be the church” out there where we bring the love of Christ to life in real and tangible ways.
Pastoral care is another important focus for Pastor Kit. Her ministry motto is, “pastors show up.” She believes that it is a humbling privilege to walk through the tender and sacred spaces of people’s lives. What this means is that she want to be there for you, to support you no matter what life throws your way.
Pastor Kit is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and is a “multi career” pastor who came to the ministry later in life. In the off time, Pastor Kit and her husband Dan enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, gardening, walking, reading, exploring the countryside, and remodeling their home. Pastor Kit also expresses her artistic side in oils acrylic and water colors.
Pastoral care is another important focus for Pastor Kit. Her ministry motto is, “pastors show up.” She believes that it is a humbling privilege to walk through the tender and sacred spaces of people’s lives. What this means is that she want to be there for you, to support you no matter what life throws your way.
Pastor Kit is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and is a “multi career” pastor who came to the ministry later in life. In the off time, Pastor Kit and her husband Dan enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren, gardening, walking, reading, exploring the countryside, and remodeling their home. Pastor Kit also expresses her artistic side in oils acrylic and water colors.
ADAM ADOLF, CHURCH PIANIST
Jackie Ochsner, Preschool Director
I have been the Preschool Director here at Family of Christ Christian Preschool since its inception in 1999. I have watched this program grow from 22 kids to 110, 2 classes to 8, and from 2 staff members to 7. I have been in the Early childhood field since 1981. My husband and I have been members here at Family since 2000. Outside of my work here at FOCCP I enjoy spending my time with my family and volunteering my time with the WHO Program. I have 6 children and 5 grandchildren.
Click here to go to preschool website. Preschool direct # 360-546-0731. Email the preschool at: FOCCP@comcast.net
Click here to go to preschool website. Preschool direct # 360-546-0731. Email the preschool at: FOCCP@comcast.net
bookkeeper
I’m a recent Retiree with a “Call” to Vancouver from Eugene, OR. Career was in diversified Financial management roles for small/mid-size private corporations. Married (Bonnie), with 4 outstanding professionally employed Children residing in the Northwest. I/we are Christians with an avid desire to grow my/our relationship with Him and others. I’m amply blessed with both the latter and the sincere opportunity to join the FOC Team.
Michael O' Connell
Bookkeeper@foclutheranchurch.org
Vicki McCay, Nursery Attendant
Vicki faithfully serves every Sunday in our nursery during both services for children age 0-4+ years old.
Family of christ christian preschool staff
Preschool Staff:
Jackie Ochsner, Preschool Director.
Teachers: Carmella Good, Adria Christensen
Julie Dodds, Kelli Lindsay & Karen Rossiter
Besides our paid staff, Family of Christ has many members that comprise our lay leadership staff. We have dedicated men and women serving as youth and family leaders, Sunday School teachers, and Wednesday Family Night leaders. Everyone that serves at FOC has a national background check ran every two years to ensure the safety and security of all our members and friends. We welcome your talents too! If you would like to serve at Family of Christ, reach out to our Pastor or give us a call.
IAN CATON, volunteer CHOIR DIRECTOR
Ian Caton sang in the symphonic choir at San Jose State University and has been singing in church choirs since grade school when his mother was the junior choir director. Ian has previously filled the roll as assistant choir director when Family of Christs choir director was out of town and, combined with his experience as assisting minister, he is excited for this new role as choir director. He says he wants the choir to “start where they left off” (before the pandemic caused the choir to shut down) singing many of the same spiritual and praise songs they’ve been singing during his 14 years at Family of Christ.
