What to Expect

What should I expect during the Worship Service?

We want you to feel warmly welcomed and comfortable. You will be welcomed at the side entrances of the church by our greeters and by the ushers at the main entrance to the Sanctuary. We enter the sanctuary from both the front and rear doors. An usher will offer you a bulletin for the worship service, help you find a place to sit, direct you to our nursery and Church School or answer any questions you may have. You will have everything you need in the bulletin. A Bible, hymn books and song books are provided in the pew backs.

Our services are traditional and include readings from scripture and a sermon, joys and concerns of the congregation and prayer, and wonderful music. We sing hymns as a congregation. The Chancel Choir enriches worship each week and frequently are joined by the Bell Choir. We celebrate Communion the first Sunday of the month. We share the Lord’s Supper with all who wish to receive the bread and the cup. You will find that the pastor wears a robe and acolytes carry the cross and other items, e.g. a Bible, into worship. Worship services in the summer are held in the air conditioned Chapel. We post the bulletins on the website if you would like to explore further.

What should I wear?

You will experience a little of everything. There are those who come to worship in their “Sunday best,” others who are a bit more casual, especially in the summer.

How long does the worship service last?

Our worship service lasts about a little more than an hour. Afterwards, we have refreshments and education opportunities for youth and adults in the downstairs Litten Hall, except in June, July and August.

Can I get into the Church with a wheelchair, walker, or stroller?

If you come into the parking lot off Pine Street (Chapel entrance), there is a paved drive that will take you close to the entrance of the church. Here persons who have difficulty walking can be let out of cars. A greeter also will be there to help with wheelchair and walkers and give assistance for getting into the church. Handicapped parking spaces are located nearby. There is space in both the Sanctuary and the Chapel for a wheelchair. Handicapped restrooms are available on two stories of the church building, on the main floor in the southwest corner between the Chapel and Sanctuary and on the lower floor across from the elevator.

What is available if I am vision-impaired?

Large print bulletins are available which also include large print copies of the hymns for the service. Braille material may be available if requested in advance.

Becoming a Member of First Presbyterian

Once you have had a chance to worship with us at First Presbyterian Church, then you will want to know more about who we are and what we are about as a congregation. The best way to find that out is to talk with people. Visit with us during fellowship hour in Litton Hall after worship service or come a few minutes before worship and mingle with those around you. There is a Welcome Table located in the area just as you enter the church at the Chapel entrance. Here you will find additional information about the life and ministries of First Pres. Please let an usher know if you would like to take a walk around the building to get a feel for the beauty and use of the facilities.

When you are ready to think more seriously about membership at First Presbyterian Church, then watch the Sunday bulletin or the online calendar for an announcement of a New Members Informational Class. These classes consist of a meeting after church during which specific issues involved in church membership are addressed as well as general information on the history, program and structure of First Church. We would love to have you join us!
Contact the church office with questions: (517) 482-0668.