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
09/19/26
"If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." — 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Hospitality is one of the clearest marks of a Christian home. Paul commands it, Peter urges it without grumbling, and the writer of Hebrews reminds us that some have entertained angels unaware. But Scripture never confuses generosity with gullibility.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about believers who had stopped working and were living off the kindness of others. He did not tell the church to keep feeding them indefinitely. He told them to withhold the meal. That sounds harsh until you see the heart behind it: enabling idleness is not love. It is a slow way of harming both the idle person and the community carrying him.
Jesus Himself modeled this. He fed the five thousand, then withdrew when the crowd returned wanting only bread. He gave freely but refused to be used. His compassion always aimed at a person's good, not merely their comfort.
When someone repeatedly takes what we offer without gratitude, honesty, or any intent to grow, continued hospitality stops being a gift and becomes a transaction they control. Saying "no" in that moment is not a failure of grace. It is stewardship of what God has entrusted to us, and it protects our ability to keep serving those who truly need it.
Open your hands wide, but keep your eyes open too. Wisdom and warmth belong together.
Prayer: Lord, make me generous without Give me discernment to know when helping heals and when it harms. Amen.