Our Values
First Presbyterian values are deeply rooted in a commitment to faith, community and service. At its core, the First Presbyterian Church emphasizes the importance of scripture as the foundation of its beliefs and practices, encouraging members to engage with the Bible not only as a historical text but as a living guide for daily life. Values such as compassion, integrity and stewardship are central, promoting a sense of responsibility and care for one another and the wider world. The church fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, striving to create a space where all individuals feel valued and supported in their spiritual journey. Through various outreach programs and community initiatives, First Presbyterian members actively work to address social issues and support those in need, reflecting their commitment to living out their faith in tangible and impactful ways.
Welcome to the warm community of First Presbyterian Church! Our congregational life is deeply rooted in fellowship. At First Presbyterian, we believe in creating an environment where individuals and families can grow spiritually, support one another and make a meaningful connection. Our diverse congregation comes together through fellowship, worship, educational programs and various outreach initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
At First Presbyterian Church, Stewardship is not merely fund-raising to pay for the church’s budget, but a spiritual response to God’s faithfulness. Stewardship in its fullest dimension includes time, talent, and treasures (financial resources) and how one carries out a daily commitment to Jesus Christ. It is maintaining and/or using wisely the gifts God has bestowed on each one of us. In other words, Stewardship emphasizes the idea “Christian living involves Christian giving.”
At First Presbyterian Church, there are many opportunities to practice good Stewardship. They include things like singing in the choir, working with the Youth, teaching Sunday School, joining one of the many mission and outreach projects, or becoming active in one of the Bible study groups. One of the most tangible ways of practicing faithful Stewardship is through monetary offerings. We do ask for annual pledges to help us build a budget that will support ongoing mission and expenses.
Whatever form your Stewardship participation takes— time, talent, and treasures—remember Stewardship is not merely fund-raising, but essentially a spiritual exercise. It is faith development expressed in generosity and commitment in supporting Christ’s work in the world.
Children are welcome in worship; a gift to the church that reminds us the congregation is growing.
Yes, they’re wiggly and make a lot of noise, but they’re going to learn to worship by doing it; by being present, watching others, asking questions, and practicing it.
A part of each service, called Time With Children, is dedicated to helping them understand the scripture lesson.
If desired, a loving, caring nursery is available every Sunday morning for those under age five.
Presbyterian Beliefs (PC-USA)
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is governed by its Constitution, the Book of Order 2015-2017 and The Book of Confessions. The Confession of Belhar, a confession growing out of apartheid-era South Africa, was added the The Book of Confessions at the 222nd General Assembly (2016) in Portland, Oregon. You can also read the Foundations of Polity.
For more details, go to the Presbyterian Church (USA).
- We believe in God the Father and creator of the universe.
- We believe in Jesus Christ who suffered and died to free us from our sins.
- We believe in the Holy Spirit who is active in the lives of believers.
We believe in the Bible as the word of God. - We believe in the power of prayer to change the world and ourselves.
Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: they adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members.
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God’s purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God’s generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone’s job – ministers and lay people alike – to share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.