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
09/27/26
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount not with a demand but with a blessing: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
He is not praising material want or low self-esteem. He is describing the person who has come to the end of self. The poor in spirit know they have nothing to bargain with before God. They cannot lean on pedigree, morality, ministry success, or religious performance. They stand empty-handed and admit it.
That admission is the doorway. The kingdom does not belong to those who think they have earned a place; it belongs to those who know they have not. Spiritual poverty is not despair. It is honest dependence. It is the posture of the tax collector who would not even lift his eyes to heaven but said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Jesus said that man went home justified.
The proud spirit tries to manage God. The poor spirit receives from God. One builds a résumé; the other opens empty hands. One keeps score, wthe other lives by grace.
This blessing is not a one-time event. Poverty of spirit is the daily confession that we still need mercy as much today as we did the day we first believed. It keeps us from becoming harsh with others and self-satisfied with ourselves. It makes room for the King.
So, the invitation is simple: stop pretending you are rich toward God. Come poor. The kingdom is already yours.
Lord, empty me of the illusion that I have anything to offer You except my need. Teach me to live as one who has received everything. Amen.