Worship has been described as "the primary work of the congregation." It is certainly critical in the life and ministry of the church. Worship is the one activity that involves the entire congregation. It is our primary contact with our community. When people are looking for a church they start by attending worship. And often it is worship that becomes the deciding factor in determining whether or not a person will continue a relationship with a church. Most people consider worship to be the primary motivation and encouragement for the life of faith.
At First Presbyterian worship is a vibrant blend of worship styles, music, the dramatic and visual arts, and participatory engagement of the congregation. Our aim is to capture the energy and spiritual quality of contemporary worship while embracing the richness of traditional worship.
Worship design and content are highly regarded at First Presbyterian. Staff resources are devoted to the careful planning of each service. We began 2024 with the annual worship theme: “Give Radically, Serve Radically”. A monthly theme is selected to support that theme. Recent themes include:
Baby Steps
Service With A Smile
A Message From Pastor RJ Leek.
04/25/24
In 1 John 1:1-11, the apostle John poetically illuminates the essence of Christianity: communion with God and fellow believers grounded in truth. John emphasizes the tangible reality of encountering Jesus, the Word of Life, who brings eternal life into our midst. As believers, we're called to bear witness to this truth, sharing our experiences of encountering Christ with others.
Yet, John also acknowledges the struggle with sin. He reminds us that walking in the light requires honesty about our imperfections and a humble reliance on God's forgiveness. Through confession and repentance, we experience the transformative power of God's grace, cleansing us from all unrighteousness.
Furthermore, fellowship with God extends to fellowship with one another. Authentic community flourishes when it's built upon the foundation of truth and mutual love.
Today, let's commit to walking in the light, embracing truth, confessing our sins, and cultivating genuine fellowship with God and fellow believers.
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04/19/24
The goodness of God is a cornerstone of our faith, providing comfort, hope, and assurance in times of need. In the Bible, we see countless examples of God's goodness, such as in Psalm 23:6, where it says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." This verse highlights the ever-present nature of God's goodness, which is always available to us, no matter the circumstances. One key aspect of God's goodness is His unwavering love for us, as demonstrated in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This verse reminds us of the incredible sacrifice God made for our salvation, showing the depth of His love and goodness. God's goodness is also evident in His provision for His children, as seen in Matthew 6:26, "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" This passage assures us that we can trust in God's provision, knowing that He takes care of even the smallest creatures and will do the same for us. Moreover, God's goodness is reflected in His desire to restore and heal our brokenness, as stated in Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." This verse highlights God's compassionate nature, longing to bring healing and freedom to those who are hurting. In conclusion, the goodness of God is a powerful reminder of His love, provision, and desire to heal us. As we meditate on His goodness, let us be encouraged and strengthened in our faith, knowing that we serve a loving and compassionate God who is always with us.
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04/12/24
In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to overlook the significance of the Sabbath. Yet, in God's infinite wisdom, He established the Sabbath as a gift to humanity—a day of rest, reflection, and restoration.
The importance of the Sabbath lies not only in its commandment but also in its purpose. It's a day set apart for us to commune with God, to reconnect with our loved ones, and to rejuvenate our souls. In the rhythm of the Sabbath, we find balance amidst life's demands, reminding us that our worth isn't tied to our productivity.
By observing the Sabbath, we acknowledge God's sovereignty over time and trust in His provision. It's a tangible expression of our faith, demonstrating our dependence on Him for sustenance and strength. As we honor the Sabbath, may we experience the deep joy and peace that comes from resting in God's presence.
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