July 26, 2026 – Tom Schoffelman Guest Pastor – “A Better Word”
Overview
On July 26, 2026, First Presbyterian Church gathered for a worship service centered on the theme “A Better Word,” with Tom Schoffelman delivering the message from Romans 8:26-39.
The congregation reflected on how nothing can separate us from the love of God, moving through prayers of confession, words of assurance, and the Apostles’ Creed together.
Worship included the hymns “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!,” along with special music and prayers of the people.
It was a morning of grace, remembrance, and renewed trust in God’s steadfast faithfulness through every season of life
July 19, 2026 – Installation of Deacons/Elders – “The Great Ends of the Church: Handle the Truth”
Overview
On Sunday, July 19, 2026, First Presbyterian Church gathered for a special Ordination and Installation service, welcoming new Deacons and Elders into leadership. The congregation opened in praise with the hymn “Be Thou My Vision,” moved through a time of confession and assurance, and heard Pastor Katie Estes deliver a sermon titled “The Great Ends of the Church: Handling the Truth,” drawn from 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5.
The heart of the morning centered on the ordination and installation liturgy, during which the congregation affirmed their support for the newly recognized Deacons and Elders, promising to pray for them, encourage them, and follow their leadership in service to Christ. It was a meaningful morning of transition and renewal, marking new beginnings in leadership for the church community.
July 5, 2026 – Baptism & Communion – “The Great Ends of the Church: An Appointment To Praise”
Overview
First Presbyterian Church gathered for a service centered on Baptism and Communion, two of the most sacred sacraments in the life of the church. Worship opened with a joyful call to praise drawn from Psalm 150, inviting the congregation to let “everything that breathes praise God,” followed by a time of confession and assurance that reminded worshippers they were loved and forgiven.
Katie Estes delivered the sermon, “The Great Ends of the Church: An Appointment to Praise,” exploring the church’s calling to proclaim the gospel, nurture community, maintain worship, preserve truth, promote social righteousness, and exhibit God’s kingdom to the world. The service closed with the congregation affirming their faith through the PC(USA) Book of Order’s Great Ends of the Church, followed by a final hymn, charge, and blessing that sent worshippers out to live out what they had celebrated together.