OFCN is an abbreviation for our full name, Ontario First Church of the Nazarene.

Scholars believe that Jesus’ name was quite common during the time of His ministry. To differentiate Him from others named Jesus, He was called Jesus of Nazareth, since Nazareth was His hometown. Jesus’ followers were often called Nazarenes. The names, “Nazarene” or, “Church of the Nazarene” don’t make us special or better than anyone else; rather, it reminds us of Him who loved us in spite of our sinfulness.

On a typical Sunday morning, we have about 300 people between both services. [Including 25-50 attending online.]

Our building is two levels with a variety of rooms to meet, learn, pray and worship. We have specific areas for teens and children of all ages. Typically, there is a Mom & Baby Room where families can go and still listen to the service if the little one is fussy or has other needs. It is currently under construction, but there are other rooms available to meet this need. We also have a full gym, commercial kitchen, and play area outside as well as a multi-use field. There is ample parking on three sides with entrances at the east, north and south sides to our building.

Occasional events can be found under our calendar. For a more specific idea in regards to children, teens or adults, look under the Connect tab at the top of the page, and then click on Life Groups.

As a church body, we support various Christian ministries in our community, such as New Hope Day Shelter, Love INC, and Hope Pregnancy Center. We are also involved in a local elementary school backpack program, providing food for the weekend for needy kids and partner with Snake River Correction Institute by offering classes and assisting with Dads-4-Life program. Children, teens, and adults are invited to participate in various community service activities throughout the year (for example – our local Community Serve Day).

January-March, we offer Upward Basketball & Cheerleading which provides children in our community a fun, safe place to play and learn. We are committed to offering Upward scholarships so no child will be turned away.

Our Compassionate Ministries team connects members of OFCN with needs in our congregation and community, such as collecting donations for Thanksgiving food baskets.

Most importantly, we believe ministry isn’t something that only pastors do, or something that only happens inside a church building.  

Yes we do! In the past, our youth pastor has planned a mission trip for our teens, traveling to different destinations to serve.  Destinations have been Mexico and an Indian reservation in South Dakota. Adults of all ages are also encouraged to be involved in mission trips (often called Work & Witness trips). Groups have traveled to Seattle, Washington, Manchester, England, Manta, Ecuador and Guatemala in 2024.

Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00am, we participate in worship, and offer Children’s Church & Fusion (a Life Group for those in 6th, 7th and 8th grades). Children begin in the sanctuary with their parents and are dismissed during the service for a lesson geared just for them. We believe it is important for children to see their parents worship.  If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream from our YouTube page (youtube.com/ontarionazarene) for the 9:30am service, or on Facebook (facebook.com/ontarionazarenechurch) for the 11:00am service. 

You can find out under the "Connect" tab at the top of the page then either the Life Groups or Foundation Groups headings, or by giving us a call, 541-889-2155.

You’ll find a variety of dress at OFCN on a Sunday morning, from shorts and flip-flops to more traditional “Sunday best” attire. Whatever you wear, you are welcome here!

As a voluntary act of worship, we give back to God a portion of our income. We call this tithing.  Money given above that we call offerings. If you are visiting, you are our guest and are not obligated to participate in tithes or offering.

During both services, we sing a mix of hymns and contemporary songs with a worship team (vocalists, guitars, drums, piano, keyboard, and other instruments). A larger choir assembles for praise and worship musical programs at Easter and Christmas. [If you are interested in being a part of these programs, please reach out to Pastor Eddie here.] 

We have a Book Share lending library in the hallway leading to the children’s area. We don’t have a coffee shop exactly, but complimentary coffee is available on Sunday mornings.

Like any other relationship, simply showing up is the first step. The activities at OFCN create an environment for getting to know others in addition to our core goal of getting to know God.

Worship services are vital and uplifting times, and generally have the greatest number of people. The focus during these times is very much on God and generally offers fewer opportunities for interacting with others.

The small group format of Life and Foundation groups allow for deeper interaction. Participants often enjoy talking about what they are learning and hearing from others. It’s a great place to ask questions and explore issues from a God-centered perspective.

Check out “Connect” on our menu and/or Volunteer Opportunities

Communion (“The Lord’s Supper”) is one of two sacraments (communion & baptism) 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). It is not limited only to Nazarenes. Anyone who believes in God and has accepted Christ’s forgiveness is welcome to participate.

We typically have the elements available at the front of the sanctuary and those who want to participate come forward. If you’re not ready to take this step, you can stay seated. Those who are unable to come forward may have the elements brought to them.

There are several individuals serving OFCN as pastors. They serve in an official and public leadership role for the church, but ministry should never be limited to staff. We believe God invites all Christians to join in His mission to bring about reconciliation between God and humanity. The apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:11-13, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” We work together!

As Ephesians 4 teaches, pastors and staff provide guidance and direction for the congregation to accomplish our mission. A volunteer board is elected each year to provide leadership and wisdom to help the whole organization function effectively together. Within this structure, many serve in teaching, hospitality, worship, and other areas of ministry.