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.  

This summer we have two services, 8:30am and 10:00am

8:30am Service: Participants are required to be fully masked and maintain 6-foot social distancing. This service is an option for those not yet comfortable attending a service where fully vaccinated individuals are unmasked. Communion is served each week and we have individually wrapped, commercially prepared, gluten-free communion elements for participants. 
​
10:00am Service: The 10:00am worship service is in person and livestreamed on YouTube. Per the latest CDC recommendations, given the current classification of Oakland County as an area of “substantial” COVID spread, we encourage fully vaccinated persons to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Persons age 2 years and older who are NOT fully vaccinated MUST wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth.  Participants will space themselves according to their comfort level. We will encourage the use of alternative passing of the peace gestures (avoiding physical touch such as handshakes, hugging, etc. based on the comfort level of both parties). We will not be passing the offering plate but encouraging individuals to leave their offerings in the plate on the way out of the sanctuary or donate online.

We are taking attendance at the entrances on iPads and welcome visitors to come.

Is congregational singing allowed?
​
Yes, congregational singing is now allowed. At the 8:30am service, everyone will need to wear a mask while singing. At 10:00am, fully vaccinated persons are encouraged to wear a mask, but unvaccinated people age 2 and older must wear a mask covering their mouth and nose. 

​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.

What's happening for children on Sunday mornings this summer?

Beginning June 20, 2021 children ages three through 5th grade will meet outdoors at 10:00am for the summer in and near the parking lot under tents.

• Please sign in your children near the back door to the church. While children ordinarily begin in the sanctuary, they will begin outdoors for the summer months. There will be signs and adults to guide you.
• Please dress your children in casual clothes for outdoor activities.
• Children and adults are not required to wear masks outdoors, however unvaccinated children age 2 years and older and adults will need to wear masks to enter the building to use restrooms or to go into the sanctuary. 
• We will not have a nursery this summer for our infants and toddlers. Please know that you are welcome to bring your children into the worship service with you.  If you prefer, there are rocking chairs available in the narthex. In addition, there is a family lounge where you may sit and watch the service on a screen. We hope to offer nursery care in the fall.  ​

What are teens doing this summer?

Teens are welcome to come to worship in the sanctuary. Persons that are not vaccinated will be required to wear masks. Please check the Youth Ministries page on the website for more information on activities and/or contact Rev. Bethany Peerbolte, Pastor of Youth and Mission. We will be outdoors as much as possible this summer. 
​
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 Sunday services at 8:30am which is a traditional service with communion served each week, and 10:00am in person and livestreamed which is more traditional (hymns, prayers and preaching) but eclectic in nature, and on the fourth Sunday, we have a 5pm, Rejoicing Spirits Service, which is done through Google Meet.  Please click here to see our previous worship services on our YouTube channel. Masks and 6-foot social distancing are required at the 8:30am 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.).

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

We serve communion every week at the 8:30am service and on the first Sunday of the month at 10:00am.  ALL are invited to participate in this ritual. We have individually wrapped, commercially prepared, gluten-free communion elements for participants. 

Is there a Coffee Hour after worship?
We have Coffee Hour OUTDOORS on the lawn by the parking lot after the 10:00am service with coffee, tea, water and commercially packaged snacks. 

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