Welcome

You will be warmly welcomed by ushers/greeters who will guide you on your way to the sanctuary. They can also answer any questions you may have.

Worship services are at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. from September through the beginning of June. There is one worship service at 10:00 a.m. during the summer months. Arriving a few minutes before a worship service gives you the opportunity to come into the sanctuary, take a breath, and center yourself as worship begins.

The large parking lot across from the church is a state-owned "Park-and-Ride." By our agreement with the state, you have permission to park there for any church events. You may also park in any of the parking lots around the church. Well-marked Handicap-parking spots, with easy access to the building by ramp, are on the south side of the building. Other reserved spots are clearly marked. Accessible bathrooms and elevators make the interior of the building comfortably available for all.

Our church family has 450-500 members on the roll, plus children, other family members, guests and visitors.

A wonderful mix of people attend First Church—young, old, black, white, gay, straight, people from different countries and cultures, teachers, government workers, scientists, grocery store clerks,dancers … you get the idea!

Dress comfortably. Most attendees wear casual dress attire, but you will find dresses and a coat and tie mixed in with jeans and a clean shirt.

Worship at First Pres is relaxed and reverent. We grow by listening and responding to God. Through scripture and song, liturgy, music, art and dance, we grow in faith and community with one another.

Yes, anyone who believes and trusts in Christ or who is exploring what that might mean for them, is welcome at Christ’s table. The elders and deacons serving communion that day will bring the individual servings of bread with individual cups to you where you are sitting. Please feel comfortable eating and drinking the bread and cup as it comes to you, or simply pass the plate to the next person. Even those who doubt may come to the table with the knowledge that God loves and accepts them.

Anyone—adults and children—can be baptized in a PC(USA) church. It is the beginning of a life-long journey of faith. In baptism, God claims us as beloved children. Presbyterians describe baptism as God’s gift to all who trust in Christ and seek to live as Christ taught.

All children are welcome! There is childcare available during worship; a nursery for little ones, Godly Play (ages 4-7) and Worship Bridge (grades 2-5). Children are welcome to sit with their families during worship as well. Cards in the sanctuary have helpful ideas for how to involve children in the worship experience. Activity bags with children’s bulletins, and children’s story bibles are available as well.

The Presbyterian Church (USA), abbreviated PC(USA), is a mainline Protestant denomination in the United States and is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country, with roots back to the colonial era. The PC(USA) is more theologically diverse than other smaller, more conservative Presbyterian denominations. PC(USA) allows ordination and full inclusion of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. All are welcome and encouraged to contribute their gifts!

Yes! Any two people who commit to loving and supporting each other throughout their lives can be married here. Presbyterians believe marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellbeing of the entire human family.

There are many ways to find answers to your questions. You may find what you’re looking for on the church’s website firstpreshc.org. or by calling the church office. And of course, you can always simply ask a friendly church member and they will guide you to what you need.

All are welcome! If you are interested in church membership, you can call the church office or the pastor and let them know you’re interested. They would be happy to talk with you about joining the church family and answer any questions you may have.