It can be intimidating to visit a new church. Maybe it’s been a while since you were at church, or perhaps you grew up in a different religious tradition, or none at all. Let us try and put you at ease–we’re easygoing and it’s pretty hard to “do it wrong” at FPC.
Our Sunday Worship Services take place in our sanctuary, begin at 10am, and last about an hour. Most people arrive 5-10 minutes before we begin. Our building has many entrances; signs inside the building help direct you to the sanctuary.
Please wear some clothes. You’ll see folks in suits and dresses, and people in jeans and shorts. Wear something that is comfortable for you.
Worship is led by the pastor and other worship leaders. There’s a printed worship bulletin that provides responses you may not know and helps you know where we are in the service. When we celebrate communion (also called the Lord’s Supper), our table is open to all; and the insider secret is that what’s in the cup is grape juice rather than wine.
Children are always welcome at FPC, FOR EVERYTHING! We believe children are a vital part of our life together, so to help children recognize their important-ness to us, there’s a special part of worship just for children each Sunday. Children are encouraged to begin worship with their family or friends, and most Sundays, younger children (Kindergarten–fourth grade) can participate in “Children’s Chapel,” a worship experienced designed for their age level—after the time of worship for children. Older children are encouraged to remain with adults in worship. For the youngest children, a nursery is provided with paid staff. And for all who may be prone to restlessness or need something extra, we have worship bags with activities to provide additional outlets for energy or learning while worship is happening.
FPC is accessible. But it’s not perfect. For those with wheelchair needs, the covered entrance on Hill Avenue on the west side of the building has the self-opening door and is nearest our elevator that provides access to the sanctuary on the middle level. Our front entrance to the sanctuary along Main Street, has a wheelchair ramp. Inside, we have accessible facilities, but may require your traveling extra distances, but you can access any area we use for public events. If you have accessibility issues, please talk to us about how we can help with your needs or concerns.
Parking is available along the street in front of the church or along the side streets; we also have a main parking lot behind the church. Marked Handicapped or accessible parking spaces are located on Hill Avenue, or behind the church near the corner of Hill Avenue and Elm Street. You can use the nearest building entrance; there are blue signs inside to direct you to the sanctuary.
Our Office Hours are 8:30am to Noon, and 1:00pm to 4:30pm. Church Offices are located nearest Jackson Avenue and Elm Street, behind the Church. Unless there’s a special event or activity, the only open entrance is the marked, Office Entrance.
