8:30 AM Sunday Service

8:30 AM

10:30 AM Sunday Service

10:30 AM

CHURCH LIFE

FPC Waco Posada 2021

Children

SPIRIT BOX The child(ren) that adopt the Spirit Box each week present it to the pastors just before we read the scriptures each week. The children put whatever they might choose in the box and the contents of the box are a surprise to the pastor, who interprets the context in light of the faith.

Weekly Worship Prayer
We close each children's time with the same prayer: "God be in my head. God be in my heart. God be on my left. God be on my right. God be beneath me. God be above me. God be in the faces of all who love me. Amen."

Children, 2nd grade through 5th grade, continue in worship with the congregation. Activity bags filled with Christian- themed books and activity pages that relate to the sermon are available in the Narthex.

Children ages Pre-K through 1st grade go to Children’s Church for a Bible lesson, activities, and play.


  • Sunday Morning Christian Formation Classes

    Building back from the pandemic, our classes are broad-based for children.   Our teachers share the lesson and do activities in an environment in which the children can interact with the teacher and one another. Activities include games, arts and crafts, journaling, reading books from our Children’s Library, and time for prayer and reflection with one another. 

     


  • Children's Music Education

    Because music is a gift and an integral part of worship and life, First Presbyterian partners with Music Education majors from Baylor School of Music to help children feel confident singing, and playing to the rhythms of sacred music. 


    Our Pre-K through 5th grade children receive their music education from 9:35- 10:00am each Sunday morning during the Christian Formation hour. 


  • Confirmation

    Our Confirmation program is for our 6th through 8th grade students. The next season of confirmation is scheduled for fall of 2024.   Confirmation is the time in a young person's life when they confirm their interest in and commitment to the church.    Throughout the year, they learn about the history of the church and the specifics of the Presbyterian Church USA, the mission of the church, both locally and globally, and various aspects of theology and faith. 


    Each young person chooses an adult in the congregation who becomes their Covenant Partner.  This faithful adult agrees to walk with them through the Confirmation process, helps them write their faith statement, and participates in a mission project with them. In the spring, the Confirmands are welcomed into membership of the church.  


    Marla Jaynes and Emily Stottlemyre co-facilitate the class and lead in-person and online through Zoom.

  • Children's Library

    Our robust Children's Library enjoys many titles for youngsters to teens.   These library books are available to members for checkout and their enjoyment. 




Teens

  • Sunday School

    Youth Christian Formation Class:


    Youth, 9th - 12th grades, meet at 9:15 in the Youth Suite for a lesson with their teachers. 


    Each week the students are invited to deepen their faith through active questioning and critical thinking of the Bible and its relevance to their lives.  We believe that authentic dialogue with our young people helps them develop an honest and mature relationship with God.



    Youth Ushers:


    Every 4th Sunday, when we worship together in person, a team  of youth serve as ushers to greet the congregation and visitors that arrive for Sunday Worship. We also help collect the offering, and fulfill other ushering duties.

  • Brewing Connections and Connecting Bites

    We are developing our youth community following the pandemic.  You will find us out in the community meeting the youth for coffee  or a breakfast beverage during Brewing Connections.  Mr. Jeremy Davis will also be meeting with youth for lunches or Connecting Bites!

  • Special Events

    The youth of First Pres stay busy with special events throughout the year. Each year is a little bit different, but there are always opportunities for mission projects like the 30 Hour Famine or Mission Waco’s Poverty Simulation, parties to celebrate Christmas or the Super Bowl, and outings for meals or fun. 


    Our youth are always particularly excited about summer, because this means conferences at Mo Ranch for high schoolers (Youth Celebration) and junior high (Junior High Jubilee). There is also a leadership camp at Mo Ranch called Teen Leadership Conference (TLC) and a mission trip. Mission trips have taken our youth to the Stewpot in Dallas, Mission Arlington in Arlington, to New Orleans, and in 2018 and 2019, to Pine Grove Indian Reservation in South Dakota.  

Young Adults

  • Young Adults

    For our Young Adults, here are some programs:


    Faith on Tap:

    Fellowship that takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Slowrise in Woodway at 6 pm. Join us and get to know other young adults in the church.


    Reel Spirituality:

    The first Friday of each month, a group meets at Pinewood Pub at 6pm to talk about a particular movie. Everyone from the filmophile to the amateur has a place at the table. Contact Rev Chris Palmer to get on the email list. 


     Seasonal Activities:

    Throughout the year, our Young Adults gather for special activities, in addition to Faith on Tap and lunches together. These include Super Bowl parties, Christmas parties, cookouts, Easter feasts, road-tripping to a Rangers game, or a sand volleyball league.  Contact Rev.Chris Palmer to learn more and join the Young Adult email list

  • Emerging Young Adults & Jacob's Ladder

    Whether you are a student at a 4-year college, a two-year college, or are launching into the workforce, our hope is that you will be able to draw strength from First Presbyterian for your continued journey.  Whether this has been your church home for a long time or if we need to be your home-away-from-home, it will be our privilege to know you a bit better as we consider God's call upon us all. 


    We are very happy to be offering a new publication to keep Emerging Young Adults between 18 and 26 years old connected.   You can find copies of Jacob's Ladder on our Read and View page of the website. 


    Check us out on Instagram firstpresjacobsladder,  Facebook Jacobs Ladder First Presbyterian Church of Waco, and Twitter  #FPJacobsLadder to share your view of the world.  



The technical definition of young adults is 25-40 years old, but at First Pres, we think about it differently. We offer separate programming for Emerging Young Adults, 18-26 years old, and Young adults 26 and above.  These age ranges are approximations.  So, we invite you to join in the fun as you feel comfortable.

Adults

Adults at First Presbyterian are invited to a number of small group experiences. These periodic offerings help one to experience First Presbyterian as something more than a church: it's an extended family where we can laugh, learn and discover more about God's world together.

  • Adult Christian Formation

    We have several adult Christian Formation classes on Sunday mornings from 9:15 - 10:15.  Some classes meet in person, via Zoom, or both. Each has its own distinct style and curriculum. We hope you find the one that is a fit for you.


    Sunday Morning News: 


    This class examines the intersection between current events and Biblical narrative and wisdom. Using the Wired Word Curriculum, participants enjoy dialogue and discussion within a class covenant. A space for trust and understanding keeps relevant topics from becoming unnecessarily hot topics. Come visit with us on Sundays in the Chapel Parlor.


    Facilitators are Amy Goodman and Scott Wagner. 


    Weaving Science and Faith : Canonization


    This class will be a discussion that examines the science of Canonization.  Participants are invited to bring their experience of prayer into the conversation. Please join us on Sundays in C203 or on Zoom!


    Facilitator : Leslie King


    Covenant Class: 


    This is a traditional Bible study class that uses the Present Word curriculum. The class enjoys conversations that strengthen Biblical

    literacy, the meaning of the Reformed tradition and sharing life experiences. The class will be meeting primarily on Zoom and may be

    considering a hybrid option.


    Facilitators are Dick Kannwischer and Craig Clarkson.


    Faith Alive: 1 and 2 Samuel


    The Acts of the Apostles "depicts life in the disrupting presence of the Spirit of God"
    Jennings). In other words, disruption is where

    Christianity starts - that is, in the promise that God is doing a new thing. This class will explore themes that are prescient to the now, but also helps ask where the Spirit might be leading us within the

    disruption; join us on Sundays in C201 or on Zoom.


    Facilitator:  Chris Palmer 


    Family Matters

    Family Matters is led by Kris Olson, Drew Risinger, Charlotte Henderson, and Wes Field. This is a class

    that will address a host of conversations around life transitions and interesting family dynamics, while learning a bit about

    the ancient families in the Book of Genesis. Some of the early topics include: the vocation of singleness, sibling rivalry,

    trauma, and infertility. These are conversations you won't want to miss!


  • Men's Breakfast

    Third Friday of every month, all men of the church are invited to breakfast at 7:00 am.  We welcome you to join us in Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian.  (Enter at the Franklin and 11th Street parklot) You can expect good conversation, plenty of coffee, and meaningful fellowship.

  • Presbyterian Book Club

    Presbyterian Book Club meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of the month.  Right now they meet via Zoom.   Jackie Lott coordinates this group.  Call the Church office for more information at 254-752-1665.  Next gathering is April 16, 2024  when we will be discussing Lauren Groff's The Vaster Wilds.

  • Presbyterian Women

    Presbyterian Women meets the 2nd Monday of the month in person...hybrid is always an option via Zoom.  A bible study is faciliated by the pastor. They gather at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.  The 2023-2024 Study is Sacred Encounters

Music

Joining our Chancel Choir or Handbell Choir are two great ways to connect with others and contribute to the worship of the church. All ranges of skills are invited!

The Chancel Choir rehearses each Wednesday evening from 7-8pm. Contact Austin Ingalls if you have questions or would like to join. 

The Handbell Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from September to May from 6-7pm. Contact Amy Goodman if you have questions or would like to join the bell choir.
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