Two young attendees hold welcome signs outside The Father’s House Yuba City during the church’s grand opening Sunday, Oct. 4. Photo courtesy of The Father’s House Yuba City

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - A new place of worship has opened its doors in Yuba City, welcoming residents seeking faith, fellowship and a sense of community. The Father’s House Yuba City celebrated its grand opening Sunday, Oct. 4, under the leadership of pastors Jake and Rachel Taylor.

The nondenominational Christian church was established as a church plant of The Father’s House in Vacaville, where the couple previously served in ministry for several years. For Jake Taylor, the decision to establish a church in Yuba City represents a return to a community that has held a special place in his heart since his teenage years.

“God broke my heart for this region in high school,” Taylor said.

A 2009 graduate of Wheatland High School, Taylor said he and his wife moved their family to Yuba City with the intention of putting down roots and serving the region for years to come.

“This wasn’t simply about finding a location where we could start another church,” Taylor said. “We fell in love with this community and believe deeply in what God is already doing here.”

A church attendee celebrates during a baptism at The Father’s House Yuba City during the congregation’s grand opening Oct. 4. Photo courtesy of The Father’s House Yuba City

Both pastors bring years of ministry experience to the new congregation. Rachel Taylor has served in children’s ministry and pastoral leadership, while Jake Taylor has worked in pastoral and teaching roles, most recently serving as a biblical studies pastor at The Father’s House in Vacaville. The couple hopes to create a welcoming environment for residents of all backgrounds, particularly those who may have never attended church or who have felt disconnected from organized religion.

“We’re also passionate about creating a church where someone who has never attended church—or perhaps hasn't been in years—can walk through the doors and immediately feel like there is room for them,” Taylor said.

The church emphasizes biblical teaching, worship, generosity, family involvement and opportunities to build meaningful relationships. Its programs include children’s ministry, small groups and opportunities for community involvement. While Yuba-Sutter is already home to numerous established congregations, Taylor stressed that the new church is not intended to compete with existing religious organizations.

“We believe healthy churches make a healthy community, and we’re grateful for the many pastors and churches that have faithfully served Yuba-Sutter long before we arrived,” Taylor said.

He added that building relationships with other churches and community organizations will be an important part of the congregation’s mission.

“We don't see ourselves as coming to Yuba-Sutter because there aren't already great churches here. There are,” Taylor said. “We're simply excited to add another table where people can find a seat.”

The Father’s House Yuba City holds services Sundays at 10 a.m. at 1100 Garden Highway, Suite 400, in Yuba City. For more information, visit http://www.tfhyc.org.

Worshippers gather for the inaugural Sunday service at The Father’s House Yuba City on Oct. 4, celebrating the new congregation’s opening with live music and worship. Photo courtesy of The Father’s House Yuba City