Determining Your Next Step...
We'd love to have you visit us!
Our church is made up of a very friendly congregation that invites everyone from every background to join us for worship. No one will ever feel out of place here, as we welcome your questions, we like to have fun, and our church is a sanctuary that is safe for all members of the family.
Check out the various ministries we offer: youth, women’s, men’s, special interests, and retreats.
You can watch our recent services and hear the sermons. Check out our latest series here.
Learn about our amazing youth programs, meet our youth director, and see the fun we’ve been having!
FAQs of Visitors
Visiting a new church can sometimes feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you to feel more relaxed and immersed in the worship service. If you have any other questions, please reach out via our contact form.
The worship begins with music and acolytes light the candles on the communion table that represent Jesus Christ’s presence with us. There will be singing of hymns and songs. We will pray for and celebrate forgiveness of sins. There will be Special Music offered by the choir, soloists, the organist or pianists.
At 10:30, the service starts with announcements and the ringing of the church bell. At the beginning of the service people fill in their contact information in the attendance pad located in each pew (row of seats). This is completely optional. If you choose to provide contact information, we will send you a note.
Introverts, have no fear: you won’t be asked to stand up or introduce yourself during the service, but you can count on our friendly extroverts to say hello before or after the gathering!
During the service, there is dialogue on the screen at the front of the church which helps everyone participate in the prayers, songs, and worship. Speaking or singing is not required, but always encouraged.
Young children come forward for the children’s message. Parents are welcome to come down with them and sit in the front row. As the children depart for their Sunday School classes, the whole congregation joins in singing a blessing to them called “Go Now In Peace.”
During the summer months, the children stay in the service the entire time with their families.
There is a staffed nursery available year-round for those who want their babies and toddlers to have a safe space to play or rest. Our children sometimes make noise, have to get up to attend to needs, and squirm! It is okay! We truly love our young families and want them here.
Scripture is read and proclaimed in a sermon by our Pastor. The sermon teaches us some background on the passage, explains what is meant to the original audience, and challenges us to apply it to our personal lives and the life of the church.
There is then a time to reflect on this message. Some of the ways we do this reflection time are by a song to sing or listen to, a question to ponder, or something active like lighting a candle to signify a change we want to make.
The pastor leads us in a time called “the prayers of the people.” The service closes with an upbeat song and a blessing by the Pastor. Then, we all sing Amen!
Afterward, many people stick around for a while to talk, while some leave right away.
On special occasions or celebrations, we may have refreshments or a light snack after the service.
People wear comfortable clothing – anything from jeans and a T-shirt to dresses and suits.
There is plenty of parking on the street and at the library and office building across the street.
Handicap Parking is available in our lot on the south side of the building. Our elevator is at the south door.
The worship gathering is in our sanctuary, except on 5th Sundays it is downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.
Near the front (north) doors to the sanctuary, there will be ushers to hand you a program and answer any questions you might have. This space is called the narthex – here you will find a recent church newsletter, other information about the church, and upcoming activities.
There is also an information table at the front of the church for those who enter from the south side. Before the service, you will find people chatting about their week.
On the second Sunday of each month, we celebrate communion.
As a guest, you are welcome and invited to participate, but you don’t have to. The elements of bread and juice will be received as you come forward to the communion table. You will eat the bread, and then save the cup for all to drink together once everyone is served. If you can’t come forward, please raise your hand for an usher to bring the elements to you.
Members of the church support the ministry by giving of their time, talents, and tithes (monetary gifts). The amount is up to the individual to decide.
First Presbyterian Church is one of the more progressive churches in Preble County: women may fully participate in the leadership of the church, our LGBTQ+ neighbors are welcome and may fully participate in the ministry of the church, and we do this because we take the Bible seriously as we follow Jesus.
We do ministry intergenerationally as much as possible. We have youth and children’s ministries, but we like to worship and serve together with all ages included. Our youth and children often lead parts of the worship service. We all worship together and do mission projects together four times a year at our popular Brunch Church. Our monthly Wednesday night service is a unique worship experience for all ages called Messy Church.
Membership
Membership in the church is for youth and adults.
For youth, we offer confirmation classes for those in Middle School or High School. The pastor coordinates this using age-appropriate curriculum to teach the youth about church history, church government, local church practices, Bible overview, and how to live your faith in Jesus Christ.
For adults, the pastor will either lead a membership class or meet with individuals to review the same type of material as the confirmation class.
To become a member of the church, an individual must be baptized, receive instruction, and be approved by the Session.
