First Presbyterian Church – We're so glad you're here!

We are all on a journey of life, seeking meaning, seeking belonging, and hope, seeking joy, as we explore the intersections between faith and life. Our church is home to a unique collection of people who come from different places, speak different languages, love differently, think differently, and who have vastly different ideas and opinions, and yet still come together to worship, to work, to care for each other, to learn, and to make this world a better place. If that speaks to you, then there’s a place for you here.

We are a very loving and flawed group of people. We try to walk in Christ’s footsteps, and sometimes we do well, and other times not so well. It is actually those times when we don’t do so well that are the most important for us, for when we become aware of how we have failed to love as Christ loves, we have an opportunity to look at ourselves and learn from that, which helps us to not only deepen our own faith, but to enrich our relationships with others. I’ll be honest – if you are perfect, this may not be the right church for you! You may become frustrated with our imperfections. But if you are simply needing a place to accept you as you are, if you are looking for a church home where you are loved in spite of your flaws, if you are looking for people who share your journey, if you are looking for a place to make a difference, and if you want to be a part of something special, then there’s a place for you here.

We WELCOME children in worship! They are a gift from God and where better to be than in the midst of God’s people? We recognize that younger children can be sometimes squirmy and are not always the quietest of worshipers – and that’s OK! “Make a joyful noise to the Lord”. Says the psalmist. We know that children learn by osmosis – hearing, watching, and doing – which is why we have created a special CHILDREN’S WORSHIP AREA just inside the entrance to the sanctuary, right up front, so they can see all that is going on in worship. The Children’s Worship Area is filled with quiet toys, children’s books, coloring activities, etc. so that while their creative minds are occupied and at play, they can still observe, hear, and participate in worship. We also realize that sometimes parents are more anxious about their children’s antics than other worshipers, so if at any time you feel you want to step out to attend to your child or give them a break, we do have a COMFORT ROOM. It is located outside the North sanctuary doors (the ones at the front of the church). Just exit those doors, walk down the hallway, and it is the first door on the right. It is not staffed; however, we do stream the worship service into that room, so if you need to step out for a short time, turn on the TV and you can still be a part of the worship, and then come back into the sanctuary when you’re ready!

Suggestions to make worship more fun for your kids:
Sit toward the front of the sanctuary where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on. They tire of seeing the back of other people’s heads!

Explain the parts of the worship service to help them understand what’s going on. There are pictures next to each part of the service in the worship guide to help your child know what we’re doing.

When the congregation sings, invite your child to try singing along. When the congregation prays, invite your child to pause their activity and pray as well. They learn by copying you!

If at any time you do need to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so and know what we encourage you to come back. As Jesus said, “let the little children come to me.”

We’re so glad you’re here! We are unashamedly a Christ-centric, justice-seeking, liturgical, contemplative, diverse church, who welcomes all, regardless of any label one may embrace, including labels of race, economic status, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.