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
10/10/25
In the raw aftermath of betrayal or pain, the absence of an apology can feel like salt in the wound. Yet, extending grace—choosing forgiveness unilaterally—holds profound importance for our inner peace and growth. Grace here isn't about excusing harm or restoring broken bonds; it's a deliberate release of resentment, reclaiming your narrative from the offender's grip. Psychologically, forgiveness without apology liberates the forgiver. It severs the emotional chains of anger, preventing it from festering into chronic stress that erodes mental health. By letting go, you foster resilience, transforming victimhood into empowerment. As one perspective notes, this act is a "superpower," lightening the heart and dissolving bitterness that might otherwise define your days. The physical toll of unforgiveness is equally stark. Holding grudges elevates blood pressure and cortisol levels, heightening risks of heart disease and weakened immunity. Conversely, practicing grace correlates with lower cholesterol, reduced heart attack likelihood, and even longer life expectancy, as evidenced by health studies. It's not mere sentiment; it's self-preservation, a balm for the body battered by emotional scars. Spiritually and ethically, grace mirrors divine mercy—unconditional and unearned. In traditions like Christianity, we're urged to forgive as we've been forgiven, not because the offender deserves it, but to embody humility and thwart vengeance's cycle. This doesn't demand reconciliation; apologies may be absent, but grace bridges the chasm within yourself. Ultimately, withholding grace imprisons you in the past, while offering it unlocks the future. It takes courage—true strength lies in healing solo. In a world quick to demand justice, choosing grace affirms your sovereignty: you decide when to be free.
Christianity's worship varies by denomination—Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox—but often centers on sacraments like baptism and communion, weekly Mass or services, and holidays such as Christmas. Salvation is primarily through faith in Christ, though good works play a role in some traditions.
Islam structures devotion around the Five Pillars: declaration of faith (Shahada), ritual prayer five times daily (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) if able. Salvation emphasizes submission to God's will, balanced by faith and deeds.
I hope this encourages you to study more about our faith and the faiths of others.