Worship

Sunday morning worship at First Presbyterian Church is both traditional and formal with the historical sanctuary and engaging music ministry helping to create a reverent environment. The feeling of reverence is enhanced by stained glass windows, which date from 1898. The displays of light through these works of art (two are reportedly Tiffany) elicit introspective yet uplifting emotions from worshipers, thus assisting in worship preparation.

Church services follow the liturgical year and involve weekly lay readers of the scripture, hymns both new and traditional, corporate confessions and prayer, a children’s lesson and homily to the congregation at large.

The church year begins with special services during Advent including a Christmas Eve service of Lessons and Carols. During Holy Week, First Presbyterian joins with other Presbyterian churches in the area for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter sunrise services. World Communion Sunday, Reformation Sunday and All Saints Day are also examples of special services held throughout the year. In addition, Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month with two Elders serving communion to homebound members.

Children from age five through eight are dismissed after the Word for Young Disciples to attend their own worship service. The service includes Bible lessons that follow the church calendar. The lessons are reinforced using crafts, skits, games, music and prayer. Additionally, to help children transition into the regular service, aspects of Presbyterian doctrine and worship are discussed such as the Apostles’ Creed, the Gloria Patri, the Lord’s Prayer and the Doxology.