Worship

Welcome to Worship and Praise at First Presbyterian Church! 

Watch our Worship Here

We come together each week to praise God and hear God’s word for hope and healing in our lives and in the world. Sunday worship is the foundation of our church life. We also have holiday services, from Ash Wednesday to Christmas Eve. You're always welcome to join in!

I'm new to Presbyterian worship, what should I expect?
Worship is about an hour long and includes prayers, scripture, special music, singing, and a sermon. There's space to share prayer requests. Most of our music is traditional, with accompaniment on the keyboard or organ. You can look at our screens or read a paper bulletin to know what will happen next, and to read along with communal prayers. Most folks don't wear suits, and several of us wear jeans. There will probably be some laughing during worship. After worship, you can say hi to the pastor and pick up a mug to take home, or skip straight to coffee and cookies.

I haven't been to worship in a while because of my kids/mobility/hearing/illness/anxiety/schedule/etc.
You're not the only one!
Because it helps to be able to plan ahead: we have wearable hearing assistive devices and sermon transcripts ready to go. There are large-print bulletins, or screens if your hands are full. There's no-step entry and an elevator, as well as a family bathroom. Nobody cares if you come to worship late or have to leave early. There's a nursery with toys, a changing table, and livestreamed worship. Your kid won't be the only kid making noise in worship (and the organ is pretty popular with young babies). You won't be the only person walking around in the back if you need to move. You won't be the only person who's divorced, or LGBTQ, or checking their phone. And you can always email the pastor (katiestyrt@gmail.com) if you need more questions answered before you show up.

When do you celebrate communion? Can I take part?
Of course! Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month, and is open to everyone who wants to be closer to Jesus. Children are welcome to share in communion at their parents' discretion. We use grape juice and bread - please talk to us if you have allergen questions.

What's there for my kids?
There are coloring books for little ones in worship, and a nursery is open for families who need more space to play. A weekly children's message introduces God's love in a way children can grasp. Children are encouraged to stay in worship on the first Sunday of the month to share communion and music with the rest of the congregation. After the children's message on other Sundays, children are dismissed to Sunday School for most of worship. Children are in one classroom, and teens are in the classroom next door. Our teachers are caring, experienced, and follow our Child Safety Policy.

What about music?
We love to sing together in worship! Our small but talented choir presents an anthem most Sundays, under the direction of Wade Rogers. We also have a handbell choir, as well as special choirs and soloists throughout the year. If you'd like to get involved, vocal and bell choirs rehearse Wednesday evenings (with snacks in between).

Scriptures for December
Below are the scriptures that we planned to explore in worship during the month of December. Please take some time to read them so you can better hear and feel God’s truth and grace.

December 1-   1st Sunday in Advent                  Jeremiah 33:14-16 
    “Homesick”                                           Luke 3:3-7, 10-11, 15-16
 December 8 -  2nd Sunday in Advent              Malachi 3:1-4          Luke 1:57-58, 67-79   
            Cantata w/Milan & New Hope Choirs, “Call the Baby Jesus”

December 15-   3rd  Sunday in Advent          with Julia White
“A Home for All”                                          

December 22- 4th Sunday in Advent                           Micah 5:2-5a
    “Seeking Sanctuary”                                               Luke 1:39-45
           
December 24 – Christmas Eve                                     Isaiah 9:2-7
 “Invited Home”                         Luke 2:1-20                   Psalm 96

December 29 -     Rev. Dr. Joyce Chamberlin  (guest preacher) 

God is Good.  We hope you will join us in worship soon!