We believe a church should be a community of people trying to live and treat each other the way Jesus lived and treated people. Being Presbyterian, we are part of the Reformed tradition. Here are three key principles from our church's constitution:

1. "The Church universal consists of all persons in every nation.. who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and commit themselves to live in fellowship under his rule." (G-4.0101)

2. "God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word, or beside it, in matters of faith or worship." (G-1.0301)

3. "the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of faith and manners; that no Church governing body ought to pretend to make laws to bind the conscience in virtue of their own authority" (G-1.0307)

In short, our stance is much like that of John Chrysostom (374 A.D. - 407 A.D.) who wrote: "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, charity. In all things, Jesus Christ."

The beliefs of our church over its history are contained in our Book of Confessions. The very first entry, the Apostles' Creed, is perhaps the most succinct statement of what we believe:

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

+++   +++   +++ 

Worship    

We offer two distinctly different worship opportunities here at First Pres. While recognizing we are one body and one spirit, we also recognize that generational, societal, educational, and technological shifts have demanded new approaches to congregational worship.

Traditional Service 9:30am:

This service emphasizes beloved classical hymns led primarily by organ and choral accompaniment. Handbell, youth, and children's choirs are sprinkled into the regular worship mix. The service reflects a more traditional approach to Sunday morning worship.

• Nursery care provided
• Sunday school for all ages

South Ridge Service 11:00am:
(http://www.southridgeworship.com/)

This service emphasizes current worship music led primarily by praise band accompaniment. Prayer stations, visual arts, and contemporary music are regularly used. The service reflects the wants and needs of emerging worshiping generations.

• Nursery care provided
• "Son Kids" (During the offering, children up to 2nd grade may leave with their teachers for an informal Sunday school experience. All other children are invited to remain in worship.)