FAQs

How big is First Presbyterian Church?

We have about 1500 members with average weekly worship attendance of about 450.

When are worship services held? What about parking?

From September through June, we have traditional worship services at 8:30 and 11:00 am in the sanctuary. We also have the "Open Door" contemporary service at 11:00 am in the recreation room.

From July through August, we have a casual Open Door contemporary worship service in the rec room at 9:00 am. and one traditional service in the sanctuary at 11:00 am.

We have a large parking lot accessible from Lock Lane, and there is plenty of nearby on-street parking.

Does the church provide a nursery during worship services?

Yes, we have a fully staffed nursery each Sunday for infants through age 3 from 8:15 am until 12:15 pm. Three-year-olds attend Sunday School from 9:30 - 10:30 am.

What activities are there for children during worship services?

During worship, there is a Time for Children when the pastor speaks to young children at the front of the sanctuary. Children age 4 through grade 2 may then attend Children's Worship in room 208 with our Children's WorshipCoordinator, and parent volunteers. Worship notebooks with quiet activities are also available from the ushers for children to use at their seats during worship.

Does the church provide worship aids for those who are hard-of-hearing?

Wireless personal amplification devices are available for the hard-of-hearing. Please see an usher for assistance and remember to leave it on the pew or return it to an usher when you leave.

How do I become a member?

Those interested in joining FPC may do so by baptism, transfer from another church, or by reaffirmation of faith. The first step toward membership is attendance at a one-hour "newcomers class" to become acquainted with FPC and its programs. For more information, go to How to Join.

How can I give to the church?

At every worship service, we pass the offering plates. This is an opportunity for those in worship to make a gift (check or cash) to the ministry of Christ in this place. We also understand this to be a moment in worship when we offer our whole selves to God. Individuals may also mail a check to the church as a way of giving. Some people make gifts of stock and our church bookkeeper, Terrie Sears, can assist with that transaction.

Do I have to give money to be a member?

There are no "dues" or required fees to be a member. Members are asked to prayerfully consider all that God has done for them, and to respond by offering their time, talent, and resources. In the fall stewardship season, pledge cards are distributed. With these cards, we ask members to make a commitment to support the ministry of Christ in the year ahead.

How do I leave a phone message after hours?

To leave a general message when the office is closed, dial 358-2383 and leave your information at the end of the recorded message. It will be forwarded to the appropriate person on the next business day. To leave a message for a specific individual, you may use the directory, enter the person's extension number, and leave your message at the end of the recorded greeting.

How do I make a prayer request?

Prayer requests may be recorded in the notebook located outside the chapel in the memorial corridor. Written requests may also be made by completing one of the prayer request cards found in the sanctuary pew racks. Completed request cards may be handed to one of the ministers or left in the offering plate. Prayer requests may also be phoned into the office or expressed orally to any staff member.

How do I sign up for childcare for a specific program, event or ministry?

Childcare is available during Sunday worship services (8:15 am - 12:15 pm), Wednesday night programs (5:30 - 6:45 pm), and for Presbyterian Women monthly luncheons (10:15 am - 1:30 pm). Advance sign-up for these events is not required. Extended care is available on Wednesday nights until adult program's end upon advance request. For other church programs, childcare may be available by advance request. Please contact the person in charge of registration for the program in question to request childcare.

How do I request a copy of a sermon?

You may request a copy of any sermon by calling the church office at 358-2383. There may be a modest fee to cover the cost of duplication.

Does the church have a preschool program?

Yes, the First Presbyterian Preschool serves approximately 180 children ranging in age from 8 months to five years. For more information, click on Preschool.

What service projects does the church provide?

FPC supports and participates in a number of services projects here in Richmond and beyond. For a complete list of service projects, click on Ways to Serve.

Does the church have a youth program?

The youth ministry of First Presbyterian Church exists to empower youth to worship God, study the scriptures, grow in faith, build the community and to love one another. Through various ministry opportunities, FPC offers a safe, welcoming environment in which youth are encouraged and supported in their faith development. For more information on our youth ministry, click on Children, Youth and Adults.

What Sunday School classes are offered?

For a complete description of current offerings and class locations, click on Children, Youth and Adults.

What time do Sunday School classes meet?

All Sunday School classes begin at 9:30 am. September through May.

How often does the church serve communion?

Communion is served at all worship services on the first Sunday of even-numbered months.

Does the church have a dress code?

There is no sign at the door that says "Shirt and Shoes Required" or "Coat and Tie Only." On Sundays, our members tend to wear a coat and tie or dress to the traditional worship service, but not all do. Those attending our alternative service, "The Open Door," tend to wear open-collared shirts, slacks, and blue jeans. Most church functions find people of different generations dressing in the way they feel most comfortable.

Does the church have handicapped access?

Handicapped parking is available along Lock Lane and in our parking lot. Both the Cary Street and parking lot entrances are wheelchair accessible. Our building, which has an elevator, is entirely navigable by wheelchair. Wheelchair seating is available in the sanctuary.

What weekday services, activities, or programs does the church offer?

FPC offers a wide range of weekday activities for children, youth and adults. For a complete list and description of current offerings, click on Ways to Grow in Faith.