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.