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
02/13/26
Amid declining membership across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a positive trend stands out: per-member giving has risen significantly. According to the denomination's 2024 statistics, the average annual giving per member reached $2,161 in regular contributions—a remarkable 47% increase (inflation-adjusted) since 1994. Even as the PC(USA) lost nearly 49,000 members in 2024 (down to about 1.046 million), total regular contributions grew substantially, reflecting deeper generosity among remaining members, many of whom are older and more committed stewards. This upward trajectory in giving offers hope and practical solutions for local congregations facing financial challenges. At our church, for instance, a $34,000 budget deficit could be fully covered by adding just 16 new giving units (households) contributing at the denominational average of $2,161 annually. That's a manageable goal—fewer than two dozen families stepping up through pledges or regular offerings could eliminate the shortfall and strengthen our ministry without drastic cuts. Growing membership brings even more benefits. New members not only boost financial support but also lighten the workload around the church. Tasks like committee service, Sunday school teaching, property maintenance, fellowship events, and outreach become more shared, reducing burnout and allowing everyone to serve joyfully rather than out of necessity. Of course, maintaining our facilities remains a challenge in today's economy. Repairs and upgrades—such as roof replacements, new air conditioning systems, copiers, or building renovations—often cost tens of thousands of dollars due to inflation, supply chain issues, and labor shortages. These expenses can strain budgets quickly. Yet the story isn't one of decline alone. With increased per-member giving, targeted growth in giving units, and the shared load from new members, our church can meet these realities faithfully, sustain vital ministries, and continue proclaiming the Gospel effectively in our community