What time are worship services?
We have one worship service every Sunday. The service begins at 9:00 a.m.
What time should I arrive?
It’s best to arrive about 5 to 15 minutes before the service begins. However, it is okay if you are late.
Where do I park?
Parking is available along State Street (east of the church) or Pearl Street (in front of the church by the park).
Is nursery care available?
Nursery care is available for infants and young children during the worship service.
The nursery is located in the basement.
What should I wear?
Whatever you’re comfortable in. Some people “dress up” for worship, but others dress casually.
Are my children welcome to attend worship with me?
Yes. Children are welcomed and loved here. We want children to learn to worship. Even if they don’t understand everything that is going on, hopefully they will know this is a church where they are appreciated, accepted, and loved.
When you enter the sanctuary (worship area) your child will be handed a children’s bulletin. It includes some word puzzles and other activities related to worship and the bible.
Is there a children’s time during worship?
Yes. At the appropriate time during the service the pastor will invite the children and ‘young-at-heart’ to come forward for a story or object lesson.
What time is worship over?
The service usually ends by 10:00 a.m.
What style is your worship service?
Traditional with a few contemporary elements included. Periodically, we have an intergenerational worship where children, youth, and adults help lead the worship service.
What kind of music is played and sung?
We believe, our worship experience is enhanced through music. There are a variety of styles of music. The congregation sings from a hymnal. The Choir sings everything from classical to comtemporary.
Are musical instruments played in worship?
Yes! All congregational singing is accompanied by organ, piano, or harpsichord. Sometimes, solo instruments are added to worship.
How often is communion served?
Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month.
Who is welcome to receive communion in your church?
Everyone is welcome to the table, regardless of their church membership (or lack thereof). Children are also invited to have communion.
How is communion served at your church?
Most often, we serve people in the pew. The bread plates and juice trays are distributed to people in the pew. The bread is eaten together as a sign of our unity as the body of Christ. The cup of juice is taken individually. On special occasions we offer communion by intinction. When serving by intinction we invite those who are able to come forward, take a piece of bread and dip it into a cup with juice, eat it, and return to their seats. Those who are unable to come forward are served where they are seated.
How long does the pastor preach?
Sermons are usually 12 to 18 minutes in length.
Is your worship space accessible for physically challenged persons?
Yes. An elevette is available for those who have difficulty with stairs. The elevette can be accessed on the southwest side (left hand side as you face the front of the church) of the church building near the front of the church. The church also has bathroom facilities in the basement that are accessible for the physically challenged.
Is there a time for Sunday School?
Sunday School begins 15 minutes after the 10:00 service has ended—so around 10:15 a.m. During the months of June, July, and August there is no Sunday School for youth and children. However, an adult Sunday School class is offered year round.
Who can attend Sunday School?
Everyone is invited to attend Sunday School! Sunday School classes are offered for children, youth and adults.
Is there a fellowship time?
Fellowship follows the worship service. Everyone is invited to join us in the Fellowship Hall which is located in the basement. Coffee, juice, water and snacks are provided.
What do you offer for families with children?
First Congregational church has an active family and children’s ministry. This ministry is called F.I.S.H. (Families In Spiritual Harmony). Parent/s or Guardian/s and their child/children are invited to participate. The age limit for children is infancy through the eighth grade. Once a month we offer a variety of activities and programs. For more information, contact the the church office at 309.944.3389.
Do you have a youth group?
We have two active and vibrant youth groups. D.O.G.S. (Depending On Gods Spirit) is for youth 6th-8th grade. F.R.O.G. (Faithfully Relying On God) is for youth of high school age.
DOGS
and FROG
meet the first Wednesday and on occasion the third Wednesday of every month during the school year at 5:30 p.m. At those gatherings a meal is served followed by an activity. For more information contact the church office at 309.944.3389. Come join us for lots of fun and great fellowship.