What to Expect - FAQs

What can I expect when I visit? 

You can expect to find a welcoming, inclusive group of people who are glad that you have come to worship with us.  We worship in a recently renovated sanctuary which comes alive each Sunday morning with the voices of children, singing and relevant discussions of the Bible.

Would I be welcome at your church?

Yes, you would be welcome.  All persons are welcome at First Presbyterian Church. We have persons of different races, educational levels, sexual orientations, gender identity/expression, languages, disabilities and backgrounds as part of our church family.  We have people who are in school, employed, stay-at-home moms and dads, looking for work and retired.  We are a mixed bag of adults, teens and children seeking to grow spiritually and to love God and neighbor.

Are teens and children welcome?

Yes, teens and children are an integral part of our community.  Senior high teens worship with adults each Sunday, middle school teens participate in an interactive learning time in the Youth Room after the first hymn, and children have a special time with the pastor at the beginning of worship and then move to exciting, age appropriate faith experiences in our CrossWalks and Worship Wonder classrooms. Children and youth participate in leadership roles in worship, our youth serve on committees and governing boards in our church, and participate in mission and outreach projects as equal members of the teams.

Do I have to know what I believe before I attend?

No, we have people in our faith family who know what they believe as well as those who are still trying to figure this God and Jesus thing out.    We are an inclusive community on a journey to figure out what it is that God desires of us.  Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome.

Do you know what you believe?

Yes, we understand ourselves to be followers of Jesus Christ who have committed ourselves to serving Christ by cultivating mission, inclusion and community.  In addition, as Presbyterians we are part of the Reformed Tradition which emphasizes the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit and the freedom of the individual conscience.     

What kind of worship services do you have?

We have three Sunday services, two in the morning (8:30am and 10:00am) which are more traditional (hymns, prayers and preaching) but eclectic in nature, and one on the second and fourth Sunday evenings at 5pm, our Rejoicing Spirits Service.  

How should I dress for Sunday service?

While many of our people attend church dressed in traditional attire (e.g. business casual, jackets, etc.). Many of our members and visitors dress much more casually (e.g. sport shirts, jeans, etc.).

Is there child care?

We have professional child care in our nursery for both our 8:30am and 10:00am Sunday services. Children are welcome at our "no-shush" Rejoicing Spirits service. 

How often do you serve communion (the Lord’s Supper/Eucharist)?

 We serve communion every Sunday at our 8:30am service and on the first Sunday of the month at 10:00am.  ALL are invited to participate in this ritual.

How can I find out more about the church or membership?
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Contact Dr. Judson and he will be happy to visit with you about the meaning and process of membership.