Perhaps one of the best descriptions of Worship is "the simple pleasure of our looking at the One we love and enjoying God's presence."
Worship
Perhaps one of the best descriptions of Worship is “the simple pleasure of our looking at the One we love and enjoying God’s presence.” In a Sanctuary rich with meaning and design through stained-glass, carillon, and organ pipes, First Presbyterian Church gathers to worship and praise Almighty God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While open to new forms and styles emerging today, we cherish and embrace the rich heritage of the Presbyterian and Reformed Tradition that has shaped our faith community for the last 115 years.
In his book Good Morning Merry Sunshine, Chicago Tribune columnist Bob Greene chronicles his infant daughter’s first year of life. When little Amanda began crawling, he records:
"This is something I’m having trouble getting used to. I will be in bed reading a book or watching TV. And I will look down at the foot of the bed and there will be Amanda’s head staring back at me. Apparently, I’ve become one of the objects that fascinates her…. It’s so strange. After months of having to go to her, now she is choosing to come to me. I don’t know quite how to react. All I can figure is that she likes the idea of coming in and looking at me. She doesn’t expect anything in return. I’ll return her gaze and in a few minutes she’ll decide she wants to be back in the living room and off she’ll crawl again."
Perhaps these words also serve as an appropriate illustration of our hopes for Christian Worship - “The simple pleasure of our looking at the One we love and enjoying God’s presence.”
Morning Prayer Service at 9:00 a.m.
Prior to Sunday School and Worship, Morning Prayer is held in the Chapel for 15 minutes. The service is brief, yet meaningful and offers an opportunity to join others in our church as we share the Joys and Concerns of our congregation and read Scripture together.
Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages (infants through adults) begins at 9:30 following Morning Prayer. Periodic Inquirer Classes are offered 3 times a year for those interested in joining our church family.
Worship Service at 10:50 a.m.
Our church gathers in the Sanctuary at 10:50 for Worship following the traditional liturgy of the Presbyterian Church USA Book of Common Worship. Acolytes, choral anthems with occasional contemporary solos, lay leaders, and preaching come together in the hope of fulfilling the words of the psalmist: “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6) Nursery Care for infants and toddlers is available during Worship and following the children’s sermon preschool children enjoy a special worship service in the Sonshine Choir Room (Preschoolers at Worship Service or PAWS).
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is celebrated several times a year during Worship on Sunday mornings at 10:50 a.m. and on other holy days in the Christian calendar. The following schedule is for 2008:
| January 6 - Epiphany - First Communion of the Year |
February 10 - First Sunday of Lent |
| March 20 - Maundy Thursday |
April 6 - First Sunday of Quarter |
| June 8 - First Sunday of Summer |
July 13 - Intinction |
| August 10 |
October 2 - World Communion Sunday |
| November 2 - All Saints Communion |
December 24 - Christmas Eve Communion |
Midday Prayer Service on Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m.
Each Tuesday at 12:10 p.m. a Midday Prayer Service is held in the Chapel conducted by one of our church staff members. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is celebrated the first Tuesday of each month. The Midday Prayer Service lasts approximately 20 minutes and those who attend are invited to a lunch prepared by our Weekday School staff and served in our Fellowship Hall.
Service of Wholeness and Healing
Celebrated in the Chapel, this service of Scripture, hymns and prayer includes the Lord's Supper as well as an invitation to receive laying on of hands and annointing with oil. The following is the schedule of Wholeness and Healing Services for 2008:
| February 24 at 5:15 p.m. |
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April 27 at 5:15 p.m.
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| September 14 at 5:15 p.m. |
| November 9 at 5:15 p.m. |
Special Worship Services
During the holy seasons in the Christian calendar, Special Worship Services are planned especially during Advent and Lent, as well as on holy days such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve, Easter, and Pentecost. The following Special Services have been scheduled for 2008:
Ash Wednesday February 7 @ 6:30 p.m.
Maundy Thursday March 20 @ 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Communion December 24 @ 5:30 p.m.
