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 2025 with the annual worship theme: “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Grace”. A monthly theme is selected to support that theme. Recent themes include:
A Message From Pastor RJ Leek
05/02/25
Word Study: Peace (Eirēnē) in Jesus’ Usage Regarding Peace Between God and Man
The Greek word eirēnē, translated as "peace" in the New Testament, carries profound theological weight in Jesus’ teachings, particularly concerning reconciliation between God and humanity. Rooted in the Hebrew shalom, eirēnē denotes not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness, harmony, and restored relationship. Jesus employs eirēnē to describe the divine peace facilitated through His redemptive work, emphasizing restored fellowship with God.
In John 16:33, Jesus declares, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace (eirēnē).” Here, peace is tethered to His victory over the world, offering believers tranquility through union with Him. Similarly, in Luke 2:14, the angels proclaim “peace on earth” at Jesus’ birth, signaling the arrival of the Messiah who reconciles humanity to God. Romans 5:1, though not directly from Jesus’ words, reflects His teaching: through faith in Christ, believers are justified, receiving eirēnē with God.
Jesus’ use of eirēnē underscores His role as the mediator of a new covenant, restoring what sin fractured. This peace is both objective (reconciliation with God) and experiential (inner assurance), culminating in eternal communion with the Father.