Worship

This church welcomes you to worship no matter who you are, where you come from or why you are here. We are Christ's people, and this is Christ's place with its doors open wide. If you are passing through, Godspeed; if you are looking for a home, stay here; if you need instruction, learn from us as we learn from you. We invite visitors to join us, but most of all, to return often.

About the Services
Sunday worship services at First Presbyterian begin at 8:45 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m. Both services last approximately one hour. Greeters will welcome you and are available to answer any questions. Monthly, a Service of Wholeness is held in the Chapel which features contemplative Taize music and intercessory prayer.

The order of worship you receive as you enter the worship spaces will tell you which parts of our worship are participatory. Worship is divided into four segments: Gathering in God's Name, Proclaiming God's Word, Giving Thanks to God and Going Out in God's Name. Highlights include:

The Prelude
Usually a selection for organ or other instruments, the prelude gives worshippers an opportunity for private meditation at the outset of the service.

Typically an organ piece, the prelude helps worshippers prepare for the service to come.  Pieces are chosen to amplify musical or liturgical themes found in the service of the day.

The Passing of the Peace
One of the oldest traditions in the Christian church, the congregation responsively shares with the minister words of peace. Then, all are invited to pass the peace of God's forgiveness to one another with handshakes and welcoming words.

The Call to Confession and Assurance of Pardon
With the sounds of praise from the opening hymn still echoing through the sanctuary, worshippers are called to see themselves and the world in comparison to God. The Prayer of Confession, offered in unison, gives worshippers an opportunity to approach God earnestly. Following the prayer, the Assurance of Pardon is an expression of God's forgiveness poured out upon all. In turn, each person is able to continue to worship in the confidence of God's mercy.

The Children's Blessing 
All children (typically those ages 3-10) are invited early in the service to come forward for time with one of the ministers. In doing so, they are assured of their importance to the life of the church. If your child is hesitant, feel free to accompany him or her.

During this portion of the service, the biblical story for the day is shared in simple terms and a connection is made for the children between the story and their lives. At the conclusion of this gathering, the minister will invite the children to help lead the entire congregation in the Lord's Prayer. Then, children ages 3-5 may go with volunteers to the Education Building for a time of learning and play. Older children may return to their seats. If desired, there are children's worship bags with paper and crayons available at each sanctuary entrance.

The Sermon
The sermon in the Presbyterian tradition is virtually always an exposition of Holy Scripture. At First, our practice is to follow the Common Lectionary (i.e., "common" to many denominations) which suggests Scripture lessons from the Old and New Testaments including a Psalm, whether read or sung.

The Affirmation of Faith
Following the sermon and a time for personal reflection, the congregation affirms its faith by saying in unison a portion of the things it believes. The text for this practice is typically taken from one of the creeds, or widely accepted statements of faith, of the church.

Welcome and Concerns of the Church
At this time, visitors are welcomed and announcements are made about congregational concerns. It is also our tradition to sign and pass along a friendship roster to record attendance and allow worshippers to note the names of those nearby. While signing is optional, we like to extend our welcome to first time visitors with a brief letter or email during the week that follows. This ritual makes such a gesture possible.

The Offering
The presentation of offerings, tithes and gifts in the Presbyterian tradition is seen as an act of grateful response to God. The Offertory, usually a vocal or instrumental musical offering, gives the congregation a setting in which to reflect on its gratitude to God. Following the Offertory, the Doxology is an song of praise given to God by the whole congregation.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month at the 11:00 service and weekly at the 8:45 service. Members of our "Farthest Pew" ministry team serve communion to those in our congregation who are homebound or hospitalized. Please call the church office if you know a member of the church family who would like to receive communion.

Choral Music
Music chosen for the choir is based on one or more of the the lectionary texts for the service or on the season of the liturgical year.  Choral music in worship is sung as a prayer prayed by the choir on behalf of the entire congregation.

The Postlude
The postlude is selected by the organist to augment one or more of the musical or liturgical themes from the worship service.  This music accompanies our departure from the sanctuary - the departure being a liturgical act symbolizing our going from worship into the world where we share the grace and peace of Jesus with all we encounter.

A Word About The Nursery For Toddlers and Two Year-Olds
Loving, nurturing care is provided for the youngest members of our church family and those of our visitors. Excellent childcare and nursery facilities are available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. year 'round for families attending Sunday School and worship services. These facilities are located on the first floor off the Market Street entrance. Parents may request an electronic pager while attending Sunday School and/or worship (for information on Sunday School, please visit the Christian Education section).