Some Questions for You
we have some questions for you - about life, family, church and faith.
- What are the important questions in your life today?
- Why not get to know some people who would like to get to know you?
- Why not put church back in your life this weekend?
- Could we be just the church you are looking for?
- Would you like to find a calm place in your hurried life?
- Now that you are a family, have you thought about a church home?
- Wondering about your kids and their Christian education?
- Do you have to go to church to be a Christian?
- Is thirty-something a good age to pick up where your spiritual life left off?
First, let's set aside the obvious. "How will I pay for the kids' education? Should I stay with the company or look for another job? Am I really overweight?"
Or how about this? "What is it that seems to be missing in my life?" If you've asked that question, the answer might have something to do with what marks us as peculiarly human: our spiritual nature. It can be identified with caring, loving, needing and sharing. When connected to God, these help make spirituality grow.
At First Presbyterian, we try to help this growth along. We do care - for each other and for our community.
If that might fill a need in your life, give us a try.
Slip into the back row of the sanctuary and be an observer. The last row is first out. But we'd rather you stayed and, over a glass of punch or a cup of coffee, talked with the folks who greeted you at the door.
Feel no pressure beyond that of a warm handshake and an invitation to visit again. Look around and tuck away some literature that will remind you of what our church home has to offer you and the family.
First Presbyterians come in all sizes and age groups - a place where all generations come together in worship and fellowship. You'll be invited to drop by again. If you like what you see, please do come again - just to be sure that it wasn't beginner's luck.
It's never too soon. On the other hand, it's never too late either.
We have a place where you can get started right away. A place where you can begin to seek and to find new meaning for your life. We are all seekers, yearning for that connection to God that makes our lives complete. And we help one another along the way, in a caring community of all ages.
It's always a special season to be drawn toward Christ, in church. Winter, spring summer and fall – His love knows no season. We're there every Sunday morning (and Wednesday evening) to welcome Him - and to welcome you.
It's a little unusual for a church to wave its hand in the air, like someone in a crowd trying to get your attention. But here we are, asking you to look us over.
We are warm, welcoming community of faith. We have inspiring messages, great music, a fine education program for all ages, and a sanctuary that just looks and feels like a house of God.
We care about the city, and we care about each other. That's because we try to love as Jesus Christ asks us to.
So, now that we have your attention, we extend our hand and urge you to stop in and find out about us. We are there every Sunday on Orange Street.
While vacation days offer a break, it's like resting in the eye of a hurricane. Relief is temporary. That's why the Lord declared the seventh day – the Sabbath – a day of rest. Sunday is meant to be the pause button on your fast-forward life.
So, next Sunday, why not drop everything and stop in for a visit at First Presbyterian on Orange Street? You'll not only fine it restful, but you'll also be treated to music that reaches you and an uplifting message that will nourish your spirit. And you'll meet other families, just like yours, who have taken time out to listen for a still, small voice.
Then on Monday, when it's back to business as usual (at work or at home), you may feel a new source of strength, helping to carry you through the week.
We have an Education Hour from 9:30 to 10:30 for children, youth and adults. And on some Sundays, we have simple social conversation for adults in that hour.
There's a lot of spare room in our home on Orange Street. Our mortgage was paid nearly 2000 years ago. And the welcome mat is always out.
Kidding aside, we are friends who welcome new friends. And we are a family affair, a place where all generations come to worship and to learn.
The professional staff offers good preaching, great music and programs that meet a variety of interests and needs, plus personal contact that builds strong relationships.
The Bible is our textbook, Jesus Christ is the Host, and good fellowship is offered in His name. Are you ready to find a church home? Stop in.
Maybe it's like chicken soup when you have a head cold. "Couldn't hurt." Or maybe it's much more.
At First Presbyterian on Orange Street, we believe it's important. In fact, Christian education and Sunday School were the reason for the major renovation of our church property. The new facilities provide bright, roomy classrooms. A dedicated teaching staff nurtures spiritual growth.
And we've tried to make it a family affair. That's why we set aside the hour between worship services for Christian education. Would you be interested in joining many other young couples who participate as families in a Sunday school program planned for all ages? Then you might consider going (as a family) to either of the morning worship services (nursery care is provided).
Chicken soup? Try it. You'll like it.
Some say it's possible to find God in the beauty of a quiet wood or by a rippling stream. It is no doubt true that God is everywhere.
But consider this: In church, God becomes multi-dimensional, like the sound and picture in an I-Max theater. In church, He speaks through the richness of music, the truth of the written Word, the inspiration in the spoken word and the beauty of a sanctuary which reminds us of God's greatness. And (surprise !) God speaks through the joy of fellowship with new and caring friends.
Why give up on the possibility that your life will be richer and full of even more meaning if you join hundreds of others in worship on Sunday?
If you don't have another church, try us out with a visit. And when you visit that quiet spot in the woods again, you might find you have more to reflect on.
It's never too early, and it's never too late.
Jesus spoke in the synagogue at age twelve and at thirty-three his death and resurrection became the foundation of Christianity. Jesus once told a story about workers in the field. Those hired at day's end received the same wage as those signing on early in the morning. That promise stills hold.
That's the beauty of it. We are all welcome at any time to begin or to renew the experience of a lifetime - the Christian experience. Drop by our place on Orange Street, and we'll do our best to help you see the promise. Meet people of every age, at every stage of their spiritual lives.
