Welcome! Sunday Worship at First Church is at 10:00AM and lasts one hour. If you want to worship on-site at First Church, we encourage you to be vaccinated against COVID-19. While in the sanctuary or the hallways of the building, please wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and observe safe social distances. You may also join us via YouTube. To get a feel for our services, download a bulletin or two or watch a recorded service on our YouTube channel.
Our “First Friends” (hospitality ministry) will help you find a seat, answer your questions, and help you find your way around the building.
If you have children, we’d love to see them in Kids’ Church! We encourage kids to begin worship in the sanctuary, and after a brief “Not for Children Only” message, they may depart for Kids Church. On the first Sunday of a month, kids return to worship for communion. On fifth Sundays we practice intergenerational worship for all ages, but generally with a children’s activity offered inside the sanctuary.
After worship, please join us for Coffee Fellowship in Memorial Hall. Snacks and refreshments are provided, so feel free to unmask while in the space.
Our worship will feel traditional to people who are familiar with mainline Christian churches. We begin worship with tolling the church bell and an acolyte lighting the candles. We say responsive and unison prayers. We sing out of hymnals. There’s an organ, bell choir, and chancel choir. Please email our Director of Music if you would like to join either choir!
That being said, we recognize that our church — and Christianity at large — is navigating a time of great transition. What worked well in the past doesn’t necessarily work well now, and we are thoughtfully exploring how our worship might evolve to meet this moment.
Sometimes we jazz things up, literally — the Oîkos Jazz Ensemble provides our music worship several times annually. We have also incorporated blues, rock n’ roll, and modern music. We are fond of creative artistry in worship, such as our Advent-time Jesse Tree, our hanging displays of liturgical art, and even removing the pulpit in favor of trees on occasion!
Praising God and sharing in the beauty of the Creator can take many different forms. We welcome you to be part of the beauty we’re creating together!
Communion (Sacrament of Christ’s Table)
Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month and on Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday. Our table is open to all — there is no religious test or age requirement.
We serve only gluten-free bread. We provide both wine and grape juice in order to accommodate everyone.
Most times, communion is served as people are seated in their pews, with the bread first and the cup afterward. Occasionally communion is served by intinction, with worshipers coming forward to receive the bread, dip it in grape juice, and eat. Anyone who prefers not to take communion is welcome to come to the pastor for an alternative blessing.
Seasons of First Church
We observe the customary Christian Year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Times.