Frequently Asked Questions and What You Can Expect When You Visit Us
What do Presbyterians believe? The best explanation for this is straight from the Presbyterian Church (USA) website. Follow this link to explore everything about our denomination:https://www.presbyterianmission.org/what-we-believe/theology/. Presbyterians recognize that each human being receives grace and forgiveness from God. Our salvation through Jesus is God's generous gifts to us and not the result of our own accomplishments.
Do women hold positions of leadership in the Presbyterian Church USA? Yes, we believe in the equality of all people before God. We believe God calls women and men to every aspect of ministry. In 1971 the General Assembly, our denominations highest governing body, voted to approve the ordination of women. Here at First Presbyterian, it is not at all unusual to find women serving on the Session, preaching the Word or presiding at Communion.
What can I expect to happen during a regular church service and how long does it last? Services begin at 10:30 A.M. every Sunday morning. Pastor Nathan Sobers officiates with the assistance of a Lay Reader each week. The weekly Sunday bulletin contains a welcome with a listing of upcoming events and the content and order of the service is clearly printed and easy to follow. Our church chooses to stand, if you want, during most singing to help with wiggles and to add energy while singing. The average church service lasts approximately 45-60 minutes. Following services, all are welcome to gather in the adjacent Fellowship Hall for refreshments and conversation.
What should I wear to church? We never want what you wear to be a barrier to participating in worship, so we encourage people to wear what’s comfortable for you. You’ll see everything from folks dressed in their Sunday best, to jeans and cowboy boots.
Is there a Sunday School for children? We feel that one of the best ways for children to learn about God is to remain in the Sanctuary and participate with their family in the service. There are activity packs available, and a time is set aside for a Children's Message especially for the kids.
What about Communion? Our congregation celebrates Communion, often called the Sacrament or the Eucharist, on the first Sunday of each month. We practice what is referred to as open Communion. Anyone who wishes to have a closer relationship with God is welcomed and encouraged to participate. The elders and deacons bring the bread and grape juice to the congregation seated in the pews. The bread is prayerfully eaten when you receive it. The juice is taken as a group after everyone that wants to partake has been served.
What other activities do you offer? All of our activities are open to anyone interested in participating. In the spring, summer and fall we have a weekly gathering in the backyard of the church around the fire pit to eat, play and laugh together. A Community Ice Cream Social is always enjoyed in the heat of summer. Gospel Sunday service brings happiness by singing the familiar gospel songs with joy and love of God followed by a potluck dinner. In the colder months we have potluck dinners in the Fellowship Hall about once a month. The Presbyterian Women meet once a month for fellowship and planning of events. Weekly Bible Study is on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings. The Memorial Flower Garden is taken care of by the congregation, and fellow gardeners enjoy each other's company while maintaining the garden. The annual Community Soup Luncheon is usually held in February. It's an opportunity for our community to enjoy several different flavors of soups while having fun visiting with each other. The annual Harvest Bazaar is a community Thanksgiving dinner held the first Saturday of November. It is a much looked forward to community function that offers a terrific sit-down or take-out turkey dinner with dessert, Various other things to do at the Harvest Bazaar are to purchase delicious baked goods, candies, crafts, raffle tickets, and bid on silent auction items.
Do women hold positions of leadership in the Presbyterian Church USA? Yes, we believe in the equality of all people before God. We believe God calls women and men to every aspect of ministry. In 1971 the General Assembly, our denominations highest governing body, voted to approve the ordination of women. Here at First Presbyterian, it is not at all unusual to find women serving on the Session, preaching the Word or presiding at Communion.
What can I expect to happen during a regular church service and how long does it last? Services begin at 10:30 A.M. every Sunday morning. Pastor Nathan Sobers officiates with the assistance of a Lay Reader each week. The weekly Sunday bulletin contains a welcome with a listing of upcoming events and the content and order of the service is clearly printed and easy to follow. Our church chooses to stand, if you want, during most singing to help with wiggles and to add energy while singing. The average church service lasts approximately 45-60 minutes. Following services, all are welcome to gather in the adjacent Fellowship Hall for refreshments and conversation.
What should I wear to church? We never want what you wear to be a barrier to participating in worship, so we encourage people to wear what’s comfortable for you. You’ll see everything from folks dressed in their Sunday best, to jeans and cowboy boots.
Is there a Sunday School for children? We feel that one of the best ways for children to learn about God is to remain in the Sanctuary and participate with their family in the service. There are activity packs available, and a time is set aside for a Children's Message especially for the kids.
What about Communion? Our congregation celebrates Communion, often called the Sacrament or the Eucharist, on the first Sunday of each month. We practice what is referred to as open Communion. Anyone who wishes to have a closer relationship with God is welcomed and encouraged to participate. The elders and deacons bring the bread and grape juice to the congregation seated in the pews. The bread is prayerfully eaten when you receive it. The juice is taken as a group after everyone that wants to partake has been served.
What other activities do you offer? All of our activities are open to anyone interested in participating. In the spring, summer and fall we have a weekly gathering in the backyard of the church around the fire pit to eat, play and laugh together. A Community Ice Cream Social is always enjoyed in the heat of summer. Gospel Sunday service brings happiness by singing the familiar gospel songs with joy and love of God followed by a potluck dinner. In the colder months we have potluck dinners in the Fellowship Hall about once a month. The Presbyterian Women meet once a month for fellowship and planning of events. Weekly Bible Study is on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings. The Memorial Flower Garden is taken care of by the congregation, and fellow gardeners enjoy each other's company while maintaining the garden. The annual Community Soup Luncheon is usually held in February. It's an opportunity for our community to enjoy several different flavors of soups while having fun visiting with each other. The annual Harvest Bazaar is a community Thanksgiving dinner held the first Saturday of November. It is a much looked forward to community function that offers a terrific sit-down or take-out turkey dinner with dessert, Various other things to do at the Harvest Bazaar are to purchase delicious baked goods, candies, crafts, raffle tickets, and bid on silent auction items.
