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
03/20/26
In the Bible, grace (charis) is more than a polite greeting; it is the heartbeat of the Gospel. It is often defined as "unmerited favor," but more deeply, it is God’s personal act of reaching down when we could not reach up.
The Old Testament introduces grace through the Hebrew word chen, often describing a superior showing kindness to an inferior. However, the New Testament explodes this concept. It reveals that grace isn’t just a divine attitude; it is a divine Person. John 1:17 tells us that "grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
For the Apostle Paul, grace was the "scandalous" engine of salvation. In Ephesians 2:8-9, he makes it clear: grace is a gift, not a paycheck. If we could earn it, it wouldn’t be grace. It is the bridge built by God to cross the chasm of our brokenness.
But grace doesn't stop at salvation. It is also our sustaining power. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God promises, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Grace is the fuel for the Christian life—it provides the strength to endure trials, the humility to forgive others, and the power to change our character.
Today, remember that you are not defined by your performance, but by God’s pursuit of you. Grace means you are fully known and yet fully loved. Let that reality settle your heart and empower your steps.