The Importance of Worship in the Life of Faith

Presbyterians have a long and rich tradition of thinking deeply about what we do in worship. We lift up worship as an essential practice of discipleship and indispensable means of grace. Our Book of Order affirms that:

"Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In Worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives. As they respond to God's claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God's service in the world."

Since the earliest days of the church, God's people have gathered together on the Lord's Day, on Sunday, to affirm our faith, confess our sin, receive forgiveness, hear God.s word read and proclaimed in both Word and Sacrament, respond to the Word with acts of faith and, finally, to be sent forth into the world for witness and service in the name of Jesus Christ. Worship has always been understood as fundamental to the formation and nurture of Christian disciples. That is also our view at First Presbyterian.

While the shape and forms of worship have changed many times over the 20 centuries of the church, the essential role of worship as an encounter with God, through the Risen Lord, remains unchanged. Preaching has always played an important role in Presbyterian Churches. In most Presbyterian congregations, preaching remains the central focus of our gathering on the Lord's Day. That is certainly the case at First Presbyterian. Still, we enjoy our prayers, hymns, anthems by our choral and bell choirs and the opportunity to share joys and concerns with the gathered community of faith.

At First Presbyterian Church, worship is not just important; it is essential!

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