What can I expect when I visit?
You can expect to find a welcoming group of people who are glad that you have come to worship with us. We proudly worship together as people from all walks of life, understanding that each of us is in need of redemption. We join together in praise thankful that God offers us grace and guidance for every step of life. You will be welcomed by one of our greeters on Sunday morning. They will help you find your way around and answer any questions you may have.
Would I be welcome at your church?
Yes, you would be welcome. All persons are welcome at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We welcome persons of different races, languages, educational levels, disabilities and backgrounds as part of our church family. We welcome people who are in school, employed, looking for work and retired. We are men, women, teens and children seeking to grow spiritually and to love God and neighbor.
Will my child be comfortable in your church?
Certainly. Children are an important part of our church community. They are invited to join the pastor at the front of the church near the beginning of each service for a message just for them. We believe children should be a part of the services at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, so we encourage them to stay in the sanctuary for hymns and liturgy. During the 8:45 service, before the sermon is delivered, they are invited to move to the chapel for an age appropriate faith experience.
Do you offer child care?
Yes, we have staffed child care in our nursery for both our 8:45 and 11:00 Sunday services, our Wednesday Connection, and most of our special services.
What kind of worship services do you have?
We have two Sunday morning worship services. Both our 8:45 and 11:00 services are “traditional” services which are about an hour long. We believe in the importance of liturgy and hymns in our services as opportunities for all worshipers to participate together. We sing many of the older hymns of the church, including many of the beloved southern gospel hymns. However, don’t be surprised if you hear some more modern hymns and worship music at times. You will also find screens in our sanctuary to make singing and liturgy easier for participants. Our sermons are typically 15-20 minutes long and are Biblically-based sermons that seek to lead people to salvation, discipleship, and meaning in life.
How should I dress for Sunday service?
You should dress however you are the most comfortable. While many of our people attend church dressed in traditional attire (coat, tie, dress, etc.), others choose to wear less formal attire (shorts, jeans, etc.). Your presence is much more important to us than your attire.
How often do you serve communion (the Lord’s Supper/Eucharist)?
We serve communion during both services on the first Sunday of each month. We also serve communion on Christmas Eve and Maundy Thursday. In the Cumberland Presbyterian Church all people are invited to participate in this sacrament.
Will I be asked to do anything?
Please know that we will not seek to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked to stand up or come up front. You are simply encouraged to participate in worship in whatever way makes you feel the most comfortable. Please be at ease! You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in worship as you are comfortable.
What kind of music programs do you offer?
We have several different music programs at the church. Our church is blessed to have many gifted musicians who participate in ministry. It is our goal to present music that glorifies God and draws all who worship with us into a closer presence with Him. We would always welcome your participation.
The Sanctuary Choir leads in congregational singing and enriches our Sunday morning worship experience through special music on two Sundays each month at the 8:45 and 11:00 services. They also prepare and present musical works for seasonal programs and other special occasions. Other worship ensembles, soloists and instrumentalists provide special music on Sundays the Sanctuary Choir does not sing.
The Hallelujah Handbells is a group of twelve musicians who ring five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and handchimes. On occasion ringers will come together to play arrangements written for smaller ensembles.