About Us

Our faith in Jesus Christ and the Bible compel us to be a welcoming church, providing spiritual growth through dynamic worship, Christian education, fellowship and service to others.

We provide two services of worship, at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., from the first Sunday after Labor Day through the Sunday prior to Memorial Day weekend. The 8:00 service tends to be traditional, while the 10:15 service tends to be more contemporary; the children's message is provided only at the second service. Children are welcome to attend either service. During the summer months, one worship service is provided at 9:30 a.m.

Visitors are welcome to join our members at Sunday School classes, which are held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., September through May. Christian Education instruction is provided for children and youth, from age 3 through high school. Christian Education for adult learners covers a wide variety of topics, announced in the bulletin and newsletter. Sunday School classes are held on the first (bottom) floor of our building and in the rooms adjacent to the Pastor's study on the second floor. Sunday School classes are not held during the summer months (although there are periodic Adult Bible studies).

LOGOS (1st-6th grades), Middle High Fellowship (7th-8th grades) and Senior High Fellowship (9th-12th grades) meet most Wednesdays from September through May. Please refer to the church bulletin or newsletter for specific meeting times and locations.

A staffed nursery for infants and toddlers is provided from 8:00 am to 11:15 am (from 9:30 am to 10:30 am during the summer months). The nursery is located in Room 109 on the upper level and is most easily accessed through the Waubaunuqua Trail entrance on the west side of the building. An Extended Session of learning and play is provided for children age 3 through first grade, beginning after the children's message during the 10:15 am service (during the 9:30 am service in the summer). The Extended Session is held on the lower level in the Preschool Room.

The parent or parents of children are those who ultimately determine when children are able to discern the meaning of the Lord's Supper and are ready to receive communion in worship. A communion training event for children and their parents is provided periodically. Youth are confirmed as active members during their 9th grade year. The confirmation class meets weekly from October through Confirmation Sunday in the spring. During worship on Confirmation Sunday, the confirmands are made active members, entitling them with the privileges of voting in congregational meetings and holding office as youth Deacons or Elders.

Sacraments: The Lord's Supper and Baptism

Our communion is "open"; all who profess belief in Christ as Lord and Savior are welcome to the Lord's Table. We celebrate the Lord's Supper (or Holy Communion) on the first Sunday of each month and at other special worship services as announced.

It is the custom of this congregation that when the loaves of bread are passed each worshipper is encouraged to consume her/his piece of bread when she/he feels led. With the wine, everyone is asked to retain his/her cup until all have been served. Then, we will partake together. ... In this church, with the hope that no one is barred from receiving the Sacrament, only unfermented grape juice is used.

At least one parent of a child presented for baptism shall be a member in good standing of this church. Baptisms must be scheduled in advance with the Pastor, and are not held on Sundays when the Lord's Supper is celebrated. Presbyterians believe that one baptism is sufficient as a sign and seal of God's grace and recognize the baptism of newcomers from other Christian traditions.

Elevator Access and Other Assistance

An elevator is located adjacent to Narthex (just inside the Webster Street entrance); turn right past the coat rack on your right, after you enter the Narthex. There are parking spaces marked "handicapped" on the same side of the building. Bathrooms equipped for handicapped persons are located in the gathering area just off the Narthex, in the Family Life Center and in the Koinonia Lounge. To locate the Lounge, exit the Sanctuary to the left through the doors on the choir loft side and proceed straight ahead to the Lounge. Listening devices for hearing-impaired worshippers are located on the table in the Narthex. Large print Bibles and hymnals are available from the ushers.

Joining Our Church Family Pastor Ted during the Children's Time

We offer opportunities to join our church at least twice a year. Adults and confirmed youth are welcome to join by transfer of membership from active participation in another Christian church, by reaffirmation of faith if not recently active, or by baptism and profession of faith. Children or youth not confirmed, but baptized, become members of the baptized roll until confirmation.

New members are expected to participate fully through prayer, study, service, and worship; the giving of time, talent, and money for the glory of God; and the sharing and proclamation of Jesus Christ in this place.

Our ushers would be happy to assist you with any questions you may have, as would our Elders and Deacons (look for those wearing maroon or green name tags). Maps of the building floor plan can be found near each stairwell. If you would like our minister to contact you, you're welcome to mention this to him after worship, or call him at the church office.

First United Presbyterian Church of DePere Vision Statement