Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church Website
It's been wisely stated that spirituality wrongly understood or pursued is a major source of human misery and rebellion.
Left to ourselves, we're incurably sick spiritually. But Jesus announced the Good News that we're not left to ourselves! God has drawn near to us in His Son and offered us the "heart transplant" that we need. It's now possible to know God in a way that our hearts beat with His! We invite you to join us on the journey of a lifetime -- the journey into God's heart. We're not perfect; we're still in process and continually in need of grace. But we would love to have you join us on the journey.
-- Doug Brown, Sr. Pastor
Behind every face here is a personal story of the Lord’s grace and power – calling us to Jesus, rescuing and forgiving us, restoring His image in us, and sending us in His Name back into a needy world. We are increasingly awed by this great privilege and responsibility.
We are an intergenerational community of imperfect people on the journey of following Jesus. We are Jesus’ disciples (apprentices) learning from him how to live our new life in God’s Kingdom. We believe that Jesus knows the best way to live, and we are seeking to order our lives according to the wisdom of God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we learn to yield our lives to His influence, we are slowly being changed into a people who increasingly reflect His character and priorities. We know that we are not smart enough or strong enough to change ourselves. We need the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst.
We are a community of Presbyterian Christians rooted in the Reformed theological tradition. We desire to embrace and celebrate the best of the Presbyterian Church’s rich, historical heritage while remaining humble and open to the new and creative ways the Holy Spirit is moving today. We are a part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. For more information on the above topics, you may click on the headings below.
To be a Presbyterian is to follow in the Reformed tradition of Protestant Christianity. The Reformation, which began with Martin Luther in 1519, was an effort by the Reformers to “re-form” their faith on the basis of biblical principles rather than church traditions. The three great affirmations of the Protestant Reformation were the watchwords – grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone.
Presbyterians trace their roots back to the life and work of John Calvin (1509-1564). Forced to flee France under Catholic persecution, Calvin lived mostly in Geneva, Switzerland. Calvin mentored John Knox, a Scot, who eventually carried Calvin’s “Reformed” theology back to Scotland and England. The Reformed faith came to America through many different denominational groups. The Rev. Francis Makemie, a Scot immigrant, is often called the “father of American Presbyterians.” He was instrumental in forming the first Presbytery in Philadelphia in 1706 for the purpose of advancing the gospel in the American wilderness.
Generally, the Reformed tradition is distinguished by two characteristics:
- a particular form of church government (“polity”), and
- a particular system of Scriptural doctrine (“Reformed” theology).
The word “Presbyterian” is derived from the Greek word presbuteros– “presbyter” or “elder.” Scripture gives clear precedent for the office of presbyter or elder (Acts14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17-22; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-10). There is also precedent for the office of deacon as one of service to those in need (Acts 6:1-6). We believe that the New Testament uses the words “bishop” and “elder” to refer to the same office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7). From the church’s beginning, congregations have been led by those who demonstrated spiritual maturity.
Presbyterian churches are elder – led churches. In the Presbyterian form of government, the power does not reside in a single person or in the congregation. Instead, the power resides in the elders (called the “Session”), who are elected by the congregation to lead the church in the humility and wisdom of Christ. Thus, this representative leadership is recognized as a sacred trust from the Lord for which leaders will ultimately give an account to the Lord.
The Presbyterian form of government is also called “connectional.” Each local Presbyterian congregation is connected to a group of Presbyterian churches within a particular geographical region called a “Presbytery.” Each local congregation has certain inalienable rights, privileges, and duties, yet at the same time the unity of the church is maintained through a commitment to certain theological tenets, which are considered essential for all pastors, elders and deacons.
Your gifts of time and talent ARE needed! Take a look at all the opportunities available and give an Elder or Staff member a call for more information.
WE PRAISE: Facilitating and Leading the congregation into worship experiences that allow us to experience God’s heart. Marvin Easter (352-3030)
ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION: To lead, develop and oversee spiritually formative opportunities for people to become growing disciples of Jesus. Ken Wiggers (352-6883)
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES: Partnering with the Lord in drawing students to Him and to our church and ministering to them in ways that will bring glory to God and growth in their faith. Gary Cassedays (381-1253) Jennie Camp (785-9143)
YOUTH: Introducing and connecting students to the best possible life and the reality of following Jesus. Donny Butkus (352-3030 ext. 105)
CHILDREN: Together with parents, spiritually forming children to grow towards a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Zoe Adamson (352-3030) ext. 104
WE PRAY: To provide practical opportunities to individually and collectively know the Father’s character; grow spiritually and experience His power through the sacred gift of prayer. Gail Holmes (356-2491)
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS: Furthering the call to take Christ to all nations and to engage and equip our congregation in these endeavors. Marilyn Beattie (330-9787) John Trull (339-9038)
LOCAL OUTREACH: To follow Jesus in His call to be salt and light in our community. Jeff Evans (330-2118)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Formed to enhance the first visual, physical, emotional and spiritual impression experienced by those who enter our doors. Randy McSwain (330-2188)
HOSPITALITY: Helping to organize and facilitate community events with meal and kitchen ministries. Linda Randolph (352-3030, ext. 103)
MEN’S MINISTRY: The mission of the Men’s Ministry is to be leading Greeley and the nations to experience God’s heart in Jesus Christ. Randy Adamson (356-5243)
WOMEN’S MINISTRY: To provide opportunities for women to cooperate with God so that Christ may be fully formed in every woman of the church. Linda Randolph (352-3030, ext. 103)
“By Appointment”
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP: Oversees the finances of First Presbyterian Church, under the supervision of the Session (Elders) Don Wittnam (352-8020)
PERSONNEL: Facilitating the vision of FPC by working with the Session in their encouragement of staff in developing the full use of their gifts and talents allowing shared ministry to evolve. Sandy Jack (356-0458)
NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Facilitating the vision of FPC by providing for the vote of the congregation a slate of individuals to serve on the session or board of deacons for a term of one, two or three years. Sandy Jack (356-0458)
DEACONS: Allowing the Lord to direct service to His church and its members as needs present themselves, with a focus on the sick, the lonely or those in distress and then to follow His leading with action. Kay Stein (506-0262)
