Our Services
Early worship begins at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday in the chapel, located at 13th & State. It is a smaller, more informal service – like a little country church.
Sunday School for all ages runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. There are classes available for adults, children, and the youth.
Fellowship Time is held at 10:30 a.m. in the Williams Room, adjoining the sanctuary entrance. It’s a good chance to visit and enjoy company.
Worship begins at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday in the main sanctuary – at 12th & State. This service is also broadcast each Wednesday on Cable Channel 20, at 7:00 PM.
Here are answers to some common questions about worship:
- Do I have to dress up? There is no dress code for worship at First Congregational Church. Come as you are.
- How long does it go? Both worship services usually last about one hour.
- What is the preaching like? Pastor Andrew McHenry favors expository preaching – meaning that his sermons are usually based on a single passage of scripture – with relevance for everyday life.
- When does the choir sing? First Congregational Church’s choir usually sings two to three times a month in the 11:00 a.m. service. Special music is often provided on other Sundays by individual singers and musicians. Choir rehearsals run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. New voices are always welcome. There are no auditions required.
- Is child care provided? Yes. First Congregational Church has a nursery with qualified staffing, and it is available for every Sunday service. However, older children are encouraged to attend worship services. There is a children’s message during the service, and we do our best to make the service interesting for kids as well as adults.
- Are your facilities accessible to persons with disabilities? Yes. Both the chapel and sanctuary are ramp accessible, and there are comfortable spaces for wheelchairs in the pew arrangements. We also have a sound reinforcement system and discrete wireless earphones for use in the main sanctuary.
- Does it cost anything? A free-will offering is taken during the service, but no one is required to give anything. It is a voluntary collection.
The Lord’s Supper is observed on the first Sunday of each month, in both services. First Congregational Church practices open communion, based on the fact that Jesus came into the world for everyone (John 3:16). All persons attending are welcome to participate.
There are also special services on the following Christian holidays…
- Ash Wednesday – 7:00 PM (40 Days before Easter - excluding Sundays)
- Maundy Thursday – 7:00 PM (the Thursday before Easter)
- Ascension Day – 7:00 PM (40 Days after Easter)
- All Saints Day (November 1st)
- Christmas Eve – 7:00 PM (December 24th)
Mid-week programs are held on Wednesday evenings during the school year. An open dinner is at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall, followed by small groups for all ages.