Worship
We want you to feel like we have all been waiting for you to join us. Before you even enter the building, you will find special parking spaces near the front doors reserved just for you. We aren’t kidding, use them.What to expect
New to First Presbyterian?
- Our Sunday worship service begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 60 minutes. It is a traditional service with a wide variety of musical styles depending on the Sunday. You will not be asked to stand up and introduce yourself. While an offering will be taken, you are not obligated to contribute. All you need to do is worship God, enjoy the service and be filled by the Spirit to go back out into the world.
- Communion is served monthly and also for special events. Our Communion table is open to all.
- Each service has a Children’s Time. Afterwards children may return to sit with their family or, if they are of kindergarten age or younger, they may leave the Sanctuary for organized play until the end of the service.
- Following the service we invite you to share refreshments with us. Throughout the year we also have special brunches to honor specific groups in the congregation, and pancake breakfasts to raise funds for special causes. We hope that if you come on one of these Sundays you will make yourself right at home.
Parking
There is plenty of free parking, including designated spots in front for handicapped and visitor parking.
No Dress Code
Wear whatever you think is appropriate and comfortable for you.
Restrooms
Gender specific restrooms can be found on the main floor to the right of the main door, around the corner to the left. Gender neutral restrooms are on the lower level to the right of the main door. An elevator is available. The Christian Education wing has gender specific restrooms on both floors.
Nursery
Childcare is available during the service, but it’s completely optional. We celebrate the sound of small voices in our church!
Accessibility
Our building is handicapped accessible, with the exception of the classrooms on the second floor of the education wing.
Intentionally Inclusive
All are invited to fully participate in the worship life, activities and leadership of the church, regardless of any particular element of his, her or their total humanity.
First Presbyterian of South St. Paul has been serving our community for over 100 years. Our doors are open to all who seek comfort or who seek to make a difference. This is a great place to start.
How to Find First Presbyterian Church of South St. Paul
We are located at 535 20th Ave. N. in South St. Paul, MN.
Our Vision Statement
We strive to be a vibrant Christian community that is loving, nurturing, open, sustainable and renewing, and one that inspires people of all ages to live in the Christian faith and serve the world.
Our Statement of Inclusiveness
All people are created in God’s image, and each child of God is unique and wonderful. We celebrate the universal truth proclaimed in Galatians 3:26 and 28, “In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave of free, there is no longer male or female: for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
As members of First Presbyterian of South St. Paul, we strive to love one another as God loves us. Knowing that we are all one in Christ, we embrace all who share with us a common faith in God and welcome them into the life and full leadership of our congregation. We do so regardless of a person’s race, ethnic origin, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, economic condition, cultural or religious background, or any particular element of his, her, or their total humanity.
We welcome and encourage all persons to share in community life, worship and sacraments, including offices and ministry of the church. In response to the call to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we pledge our congregation to oppose by word and action injustices toward all persons, as we would oppose injustices toward ourselves.
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.
Church Sacraments
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you celebrate Communion?
Our worship includes the Sacrament of Communion once each month and on special occasions. We are pleased to share the Lord’s Supper with all who come to the table—there is no membership requirement. We believe that Jesus is the host and we are all his guests, from wherever and however we come to be filled.
The elements of communion in our setting include gluten-free bread and grape juice—trays of each are passed along the pews and shared together. Children are welcome to participate in communion at the discretion of their parents or grandparents. An annual workshop for families helps children and their parents understand more about this sacrament.
Can we be married in your church?
Weddings mark the joining of two people in God’s love. Weddings are available for members and non-members alike.
Weddings in the church are occasions of worship and the celebration of love, and First Presbyterian is a beautiful place to begin married life together! Couples wishing to be married in the church should contact the church office at least six months in advance of the desired date. A deposit is required at the time of booking. Normally the pastor of the congregation officiates at any wedding held in the church, but guest pastors may be invited in special circumstances. The guidelines and policies for weddings may be found here.
Would you baptize my child?
The Sacrament of Baptism is a sign of belonging to the church and an affirmation of commitment by the parents and the congregation. It is offered for infants of members and their extended families, older children, youth and adults. Baptisms are an act of the congregation and always take place in the midst of a regular worship service.
In infant baptisms, members of the church promise to help parents and families raise their child and nurture them in faith. It is a very special occasion in our worship life together.
What holiday traditions do you celebrate?
Special seasons and times in the year bring additional services and opportunities for worship. Lent, the six weeks leading up to Easter each spring, is a time for reflection and prayer in our tradition and features a Wednesday evening service of music and story in a casual setting preceded by a simple supper of soup and bread. Easter Sunday is a glorious time of celebration and features two services of worship. Christmas Eve is also a special time of celebration and includes several evening services highlighted by the music of the season.
Will you perform a funeral or memorial service for my loved one?
These services are open to members and non-members alike. Funerals and memorial services in the church are opportunities for the family and community to gather in grief at the loss and celebration of the life of a loved one.
The worship service focuses on a witness to the resurrection and sharing the memories of the deceased. A simple reception of coffee and cookies may be held following the service and is hosted by the Board of Deacons of the church. A meal may also be catered in, and the Deacons will assist in serving and clean-up.
Do you bury ashes?
The Memorial Garden is available to members and non-members for the interment of human cremains (ashes from cremation) in a common vault or in individual plots. The main area is a sealed vault below the ground where ashes are poured and co-mingled with the ashes of others. A limited number of individual plots are also available where ashes are poured directly into the ground in a spot determined by the church and plotted on a grid. Sprinkling of ashes is not available in the Memorial Garden. Information about the Memorial Garden and pre-planning interment is available here.
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