Our Worship Experience

Join us for worship at 10:00 am each Sunday; gathering music begins at 9:45 am.

What to Expect

Our Sunday worship format is traditional. The hymns we sing are varied in style and origin, including recently composed music and music newly composed by staff members. Though we often stand for hymns and responses, we do not use kneeling benches.

We use a projection screen but also have regular and large print bulletins, hymnals and Bibles (New Revised Standard Version) for all to use. We have devices to help the hearing impaired -- just ask an usher as you enter our sanctuary. Our facility is barrier-free, with wheelchair seating in the front and back of the sanctuary.

Communion

All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are welcomed at the Lord's Table. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday on each month and elements (bread and juice) are normally distributed in the pews. Our elements are always alcohol free, with gluten-free bread available if arranged in advance. On the few occasions when communion is served at the front of the sanctuary, those unable to come forward are served in their seats.

Children in Worship

Children are welcome in our worship services. We feel they belong there. Children begin worshiping with their families. Young children are then invited to come forward for the Time with the Children, after which one of two things happens:

On communion Sundays (the first Sunday of each month) and during the summer, children in grades 6 and under can leave the sanctuary to play a worship game with our Christian Education Director. This simple board game is designed to teach children about worship. We play cooperatively in teams so no one needs to be an expert in order to have fun and learn. Children then return to the sanctuary after the sermon to continue worshiping with their families.

On all other weeks, children and youth preschool through 8^th grade leave the sanctuary for Sunday School. Children can be picked up after worship at 11:15 at their classes – preschoolers are in the nursery hallway classrooms, and older kids are in the classrooms upstairs. [diagram of church]

We offer Infant and Toddler care on Sundays, but Children and youth are always welcome to remain in worship with their families. You choose what is right for your family. We have more information for those with young children.

What not to wear

There's not a "what not to wear" at First Presbyterian; the gathering of believers is much more important to us than how those believers dress. Most adults wear anything from business casual to Sunday best. Anything your child or youth would wear to school will work here.