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
11/15/26
Caring for the Temple: Our Bodies and Our Campus
When a roof leaks at church, we notice quickly. We get estimates, form a committee, and fix it before the damage spreads. We mow, repaint, and service the air conditioning, because a building left alone will decline. Yet many of us give less thought to the bodies we live in every day.
Scripture takes the body seriously. "Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, WEB). Paul adds, "Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31, WEB). That includes what is on our plates.
What changes as we age
Our bodies ask more of us with each decade. Many of us take daily medications, and blood pressure, blood sugar, and digestion need closer attention. Our sense of taste often dulls, so we reach for saltier and sweeter foods without noticing.
Packaged foods can work against us here. Many are heavy in salt and sugar, and many contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, and colorings. Not every additive is harmful, and some keep food safe. But a diet built mostly on ultra-processed food crowds out the vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains, and simple proteins that nourish us. Studies link heavy ultra-processed eating with poorer health, though they show association rather than proof of cause. The World Health Organization's cancer research agency also classifies processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and many deli meats, as cancer-causing to humans.
Wisdom in what and how we eat
· Wisdom here is not fear or perfection. It is paying attention.
· Read labels. A short ingredient list you can pronounce is usually a good sign.
· Cook simply from whole ingredients a few times a week.
· Season with herbs and lemon instead of extra salt.
· Drink water and go easy on sweetened drinks.
· Eat slowly and eat with others.
· Please talk with your doctor or a dietitian before big changes, especially if you take medication or manage a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
Why it matters for the whole church
The body of Christ is made of individual bodies. When one of us has the energy to serve, visit a neighbor, teach a class, or simply be present on Sunday, the whole congregation benefits. When illness keeps good people on the sidelines, we all feel the absence. Caring for our bodies is a way of loving one another.
We tend the campus because we want it to serve God's people for years to come. Let's give the same care to the people who fill it.