Church Life
First Presbyterian in South Saint Paul is an active, progressive, service-oriented church. Caring for one another in the congregation and beyond is an important aspect of our church life. There are many opportunities to participate for all ages in the areas of education and inquiry, fellowship and service projects.Education
Education and learning are hallmarks of our faith. We encourage questions and nurture discovery and growth. The best Christian education takes place over a lifetime of opportunities, so our programs include weekly Sunday morning classes for all ages with occasional speakers, all-church events, and special retreats.
Adult Education
First Presbyterian in South Saint Paul is a family of faith, always learning. We believe questioning is part of growing in faith. With that in mind, adult education is a core part of our mission.
There are educational forums held on current topics. The church utilizes guest speakers, videos, and member led presentations and discussions. Times and locations vary.
See the calendar for schedule details.
Sunday Morning Forums
Our Sunday morning classes for adults meet from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. and feature speakers and theologians from around the Twin Cities area as well as experts from within our own congregation. Recent topics have ranged from social justice issues to personal faith exploration and Biblical scholarship to styles of prayer.
See the calendar for schedule details.
Weekly Study Groups
We enjoy learning especially when combined with fellowship. There are a number of standing groups that meet regularly.
The weekly Thursday Morning Men’s Group has met continuously in the church library since the 1960s to read, study and discuss subjects of interest to members and friends of the congregation.
The Wednesday Morning Study Group selects topics of interest to group members.
The Wednesday Evening Study Group also reads and discusses subjects of interest to members and friends of the Congregation.
The Saturday Morning Book Group meets monthly in the church library for breakfast and discussion of the book of the month. Books are chosen by the book group and selections are usually chosen from County Library “Book Groups in a Bag.” Book group members decide if the monthly selection should be added to the church library collection.
Church Library
The Library is a warm, welcoming space in the center of the church used for small group gatherings or a quiet retreat for all ages. The reserve collection contains recognized theological reference works helpful for studying. The circulating collection covers a relatively broad selection of books, both religious and secular, fiction and non-fiction, for all age groups. There is a substantial DVD section, some audio books and even some jigsaws puzzles. Come in and check out the Children’s corner, browse or ask a member for help.
Children’s Education
There are education offerings for children and youth from age three through senior high school. On Sunday mornings there is Sunday School for elementary age children and Confirmation class for middle schoolers. Senior highs often participate in teaching the younger students.
Learning extends beyond Sunday morning through weekend retreats, summer camp at Clearwater Forest, and mission trips for middle school and senior highs. Each summer the elementary children participate in “Camp in a Van” at our church. The middle school and senior high youth enjoy serving as counselors for the program they once happily attended themselves.
Sunday School
Children ages 3 years through grade 6 are invited to be a part of our Sunday morning programming in our Education wing starting at 8:45 am.
The morning begins with all ages together for music – singing, drumming, bell ringing, and other musical opportunities. Children often learn some of the songs and responses featured in that day’s worship service so that they may more fully participate. They also have an opportunity to sing or play instruments in the service throughout the year.
Sunday School classes follow with opportunities for stories, crafts, games, and discussions.
We host a Kid’s Club activity once a month outside of Sunday School. Activities include swimming parties, movies, craft-making, picnics, attending plays, and sledding. Youth may also be asked to help lead worship services at a retirement home.
Confirmation
Senior High
Fellowship
An important aspect of our church life is making friends and having fun together. We offer fellowship opportunities for all ages. Donuts and refreshments following worship, potluck dinners and other events bring the entire congregation together. Separate fun activities are offered for kids in elementary school, middle school and senior high. Theater outings, baseball games, etc. give everyone a chance to get together at relaxed and enjoyable events. Come join us!
Get Involved
Join Us at Any Event!
Worship
Our Sunday morning schedule
8:30—9:45 Education for all ages
10:00—11:00 Worship service
11:00—11:30 Fellowship & refreshments
Kids Club
3rd Sunday of the Month
Families can bond during a variety of arranged events and field trips around the metro area such as museums, roller skating, waterparks, and more.
Middle School
8:30—9:45 Sunday morning confirmation Classes
Middle school youth have monthly activities outside of their confirmation schedule that include movie night, pool parties, retreats. lock-ins, and more.
Senior High Youth Group
Two Monthly Meetings + Retreats
Youth events include bowling, pool parties, movie nights, and several weekend retreats during the year. One week each summer the group goes on an out of town Service Experience, helping those in need.
Intergenerational Events
Throughout the year
Events include Shrove Tuesday's pancake dinner and Dixieland jazz band, traditional Advent events, potluck dinners, theater outings, plus service events like Feed My Starving Children and Project Home.
Adult Opportunities
Throughout the Year
See the calendar or call the office at 651-451-6223 to check for specific times and locations.
Congregational Care
Deacons meet monthly to plan and review our service to our Community of Faith. Throughout the year they:
- Host social events, as well as organize the fellowship time following worship services on Sunday mornings (During the Covid shutdown we have been creative with some drive through events)
- Coordinate visits or phone calls, send cards or flowers to those who are homebound, in senior care facilities, ill, hospitalized, or otherwise in need
- Send cards for birthdays, anniversaries, births, weddings and other significant celebrations
- Host receptions for memorial services
- Prepare and assist with communion in worship and with shut-ins.
It is the duty of our Deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith.
If you are in need or know of someone in need of a call or contact from the church, please reach out to our church office or the pastor at 651-451-6223 or admin@FPCSSP.org.
Prayer Chain
Every day, the people on our prayer chain include those members of our congregation, their family and friends, who have specifically asked to be held in prayer.
Enrich the Lives of Others
Look at how they love one another. This statement is often given as the primary reason why people were drawn to the early church and remains vital to the life and ministry of the community of faith.
At First Presbyterian, we are dedicated to caring for members of our congregation and their families, especially those who are going through crises, who are sick, dying, grieving losses, homebound, or elderly and not able to get around. At the foundation of the many ministries performed by our very active Board of Deacons is a devotion to caring for and nurturing those in our church family who have special needs.
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