New Here?
Whether you are new to the area, seeking a home church, visiting for the first time in a while, or have never been to church at all, you are welcome at First Presbyterian! Sunday worship starts at 10:00 am in the sanctuary and includes music drawn from The Presbyterian Hymnal and sacred choral tradition, reading of prayers and Scripture, a sermon grounded in the Word and Reformed theology, and the administration of the Sacraments.
Jesus welcomes all people to God’s Table, and you do not need to be a member to fully participate in worship. After service, you are invited to join us for fellowship at our Welcome Table with coffee and snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park (and which door should I use)?
The owners of Building 111 permit our congregants and visitors to use the parking lot on the other corner of 4th and Alby Street and we recommend most people use that lot and enter through the main sanctuary doors on the corner. If you have mobility issues, you are invited to park on Alby Street and use the lower door on Alby Street, as that is where our elevator is located.
When and how long are services?
Our weekly Sunday service starts at 10:00 am and lasts about 60 to 75 minutes.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code in the Kingdom of God! You are welcome to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Several of the longtime members at First Presbyterian wear formal clothing for service, while some of the newer members wear business-casual.
Where are the bathrooms?
If you follow the doors to the right of the chancel (stage), you will find a hallway. The women’s bathroom is directly on the right and a men’s is down the hallway on the left. When in doubt, please ask an usher, and they will help you!
I'm new to liturgy. How do I know what to say and when to say it?
When you arrive, an usher will hand you the service bulletin. The bulletin includes basic information regarding the church (including upcoming events and service opportunities) as well as the script for that week’s worship service. Worshippers are invited to pray aloud with the bolded text and stand when indicated. Most hymns will be found in the Hymnal in the back of the pew, although some will be included as inserts. The creeds used for the Confession of Faith and the Lord’s Prayer can be found in the front of the Hymnal on pages 14-16.
Are there services available for children?
Visiting church as a family, especially with young children, can be a challenging maze to navigate! Some parents are not comfortable sending their kids to Children’s Church on a first-time visit, whereas others are eager to get a bit of peace and quiet away from them. We encourage you to choose whichever option makes sense for your family.
For children who stay in service, an optional basket is available in the narthex (or welcome area) with quiet activities. For children ages 5-12, we typically have a Children’s Church service that departs after the Passing of the Peace. This service includes a Scripture reading from that week’s lectionary, a short teaching provided by one of our Children’s Church volunteers, and a craft or activity.
How should I prepare for a first-time visit?
We recommend arriving 10 minutes early to park and orient yourself to the building and its space. An usher will hand you a service bulletin as you walk in. Some worshippers like to spend the time right before service in quiet prayer, while others spend it checking in with their neighbors. If you have children, you can ask an usher, and they will connect you with a Children’s Church volunteer. We also encourage filling out a contact card found in the back of the pew (which you will be invited to leave in the plate during the Offering).
Who is permitted to take Communion?
All people who identify as Christians are welcome and invited to the Table of God – you are not required to be a member of this church or jump through any hoops to do so. The Table belongs to God, not to this church or the members of this church. If you have questions regarding the Lord’s Supper and its particular meaning in the Reformed tradition, we welcome you to ask Pastor Ian.
What resources are available for those with unique needs?
Our main entrance is wheelchair accessible but there is also an elevator accessed through the lower Alby Street door. Hearing aids for the service and larger-print hymns are available upon request. We encourage you to ask an usher for additional help.
Other questions – practical, rhetorical, and theological?
For any other questions, please reach out to us directly. We’re more than happy to share about our church and services!