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.  

What is our COVID masking policy? Masking at FPC is based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.  Masks are available for convenience in adult and child sizes at various places throughout the building, including the Welcome Center and all entrances to the Sanctuary.  We will continue to update the congregation with the current COVID Community Level from the CDC to help individuals and families make their own decision.  Please click here for more information. 

We have two Sunday services every week, 8:30am and 10:00am

8:30am Service: Communion is served each week and we have individually wrapped, commercially prepared, gluten-free communion elements for participants. 
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10:00am Service: This service is in-person and livestreamed on YouTube. 
We continue to 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 encourage individuals to leave their offerings in the collection boxes on the way out of the sanctuary or donate online. Our Chancel Choir helps lead worship at this service September-May. 

We welcome visitors to come to worship.

​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 morning?

• We have Sunday School at 10am for children ages three through 5th grade every week.
• Children begin in worship with their families, and exit the Sanctuary after the Children's Sermon to go to Sunday School.
• We will be reopening our nursery for our infants and toddlers soon. We are currently looking for child care providers (click here for more info). 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. 

What are teens doing?

Teens are welcome to come to worship in the sanctuary. 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. 
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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 in-person, which is a 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 second Sunday, we have a 3pm, Rejoicing Spirits Service, which is a service on Google Meet.  Please click here to see our previous worship services on our YouTube channel. 

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 following the 8:30am and 10:00am services.

How can I find out more about the church or membership?
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Amy Zimmer is our Membership Coordinator and she will be happy to visit with you about the meaning and process of membership.  You may also contact Dr. Judson about membership.