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
06/26/26
The Breath of God: Neshamah and Ruach in the Old Testament
In the beginning, God formed man from the dust of the ground and “breathed into his nostrils the breath [neshamah] of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). The Hebrew word neshamah speaks of vital breath—the life-giving essence imparted directly by the Creator. It is not mere air, but the divine spark that animates body and soul.
Neshamah appears alongside ruach, the broader Hebrew term for breath, wind, and spirit (used over 300 times in the Old Testament). Ruach captures the dynamic power of God: the Spirit hovering over the waters in Genesis 1:2, the wind carrying His word, and the life force sustaining all creation. In Job 33:4 we read, “The Spirit [ruach] of God has made me, and the breath [neshamah] of the Almighty gives me life.” Both words reveal that our every breath is a gift from the living God.
This truth echoes powerfully in Ezekiel 37. In the valley of dry bones, God commands the prophet: “Prophesy to the breath [ruach]... ‘Come, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live’” (v. 9). What was dead comes to life by the breath of God—a vivid picture of resurrection and renewal.
Today, pause and inhale deeply. That simple breath declares your dependence on the God who formed you and sustains you. In the New Testament, Jesus breathes on His disciples, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22), fulfilling the Old Testament promise. The same divine breath that created Adam now indwells believers, empowering us for new life, courage, and mission.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for every breath. Fill me anew with Your ruach and neshamah. Revive what is dry in me, that I may live fully for Your glory. Amen.