WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE

At FIRST PRES we understand and appreciate that God has not only blessed each of us with an individual and unique character, but also has worked through us to create a church community with its own distinct characteristics. While, ultimately, life and worship at FIRST PRES must be experienced to be understood, here are a few things that we think make us a little different from other churches you may have experienced:

FIRST PRES is:

• A church that welcomes all people, wherever they are on their spiritual journey.
• A church that understands that a spiritual journey is neither a constant value nor a straight line, but a variety of experiences, some of which are individual and some of which are best experienced within a shared and supportive community.
• A church that values diversity in ideas, discussion and dialogue as we seek to be God’s people in this time and this place.
• A church that believes that God speaks to us not only through the Bible and prayer, but also through our day to day lives, and especially through each other. We try to listen for God’s message and purpose for us as we live each day.
• A church led by a Pastor with a Ph.D in Chemistry and an Associate Pastor with two law degrees. We value the modern perspectives, differing worldviews, and open discussion of ideas that they bring to our worship and our community. We believe that a diversity of people and a variety of ideas make a vital congregation.
• A church that supports and embraces the arts. In worship, we our music ranges from the classics to the present. We provide support for a local concert series and house a music academy on our campus. Artwork by the renowned artist Laddie John Dill welcomes you to our campus. Our historical collection of stained glass windows from the Louis C. Tiffany Studios is currently being restored for display. We have a young, enthusiastic Arts program that is exploring spiritual development through drama, film, paintings, and other arts.