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
04/03/26
Mercy is God's active compassion toward the undeserving, withholding deserved judgment to extend grace instead. It's not mere pity but divine intervention that transforms lives, rooted deeply in Scripture as both God's character and our calling.
Old Testament Foundations
In the Torah, mercy (Hebrew chesed, often "lovingkindness") shines in Exodus 34:6-7, where God proclaims Himself "merciful and gracious, slow to anger." David's plea in Psalm 51:1—"Have mercy on me, O God"—shows mercy as forgiveness for sin. Micah 6:8 commands us to "do justice, love mercy, walk humbly," tying it to ethical living.[1]
New Testament Fulfillment
Jesus embodies mercy: healing the sinful woman (John 8:1-11), forgiving the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43). The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) reveals the Father's eager welcome. James 2:13 warns, "Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful," while Ephesians 2:4-5 declares we're saved by "great mercy" through Christ's resurrection.
Living Mercy Today
Mercy isn't earned—it's received and reflected. As the sermon’s testimonies show, it rolls away graves of shame, addiction, despair, birthing eternal adventure. Abraham received it unmerited; disciples left dust for it. We're called to forgive "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22), mirroring God's heart.
Embrace mercy: receive it fully, extend it boldly. In a harsh world, your merciful act echoes the empty tomb—life from death, dust to glory. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7).[1]