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 current masking policy?
Per the latest CDC recommendations, given the current classification of Oakland County as an area of “substantial” COVID spread, we strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, 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.  ​

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

8:30am Service: Participants are required to be fully masked and maintain 6-foot social distancing. We have a string quartet that leads worship. 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: 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 strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, 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. Our Chancel Choir helps lead worship at this service. 

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

Is congregational singing allowed?
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Yes, congregational singing is now allowed. At the 8:30am service, everyone will need to wear a mask while singing. At 10:00am, we strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. 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 morning?

We have Sunday School for children ages three through 5th grade every week.

• We meet in Calvin Hall first and then proceed to classrooms. 
• Children should wear masks in the building. 
• We will not have a nursery 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. 

What are teens doing ?

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. 
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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 which is a service with communion served each week and a string quartet, 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 a Zoom Coffee Hour following the 10am service for those worshiping at home. We will not have an indoor coffee hour until case counts improve. 

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.