Many questions get asked by visitors to church, newcomers to town, and friends and neighbors of our members. Here is a list of questions that may help you get to know First Presbyterian Church better.
What is a Presbyterian?
We are a mainline Protestant denomination (similar to Methodists and Lutherans) with more than one million members in the United States. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Bible is God’s Word. We believe in the secure hope in the grace of God given to us through Jesus Christ, a hope that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, empowers us to live lives of gratitude: “In affirming with the earliest Christians that Jesus is Lord, the Church confesses that he is its hope, and that the Church, as Christ’s body, is bound to his authority and thus free to live in the lively, joyous reality of the grace of God.” (Book of Order F-1.0204)
For more information on the denomination, you can visit www.pcusa.org
What time is your Sunday worship service?
We have one worship service on Sunday, held in our sanctuary. Our 10:00 a.m. service features familiar hymns accompanied by the organ, a children’s sermon, and songs sung by our choir.
What do you offer for children on Sunday morning?
Children are a special part of our congregation and we value them as full participants in the life of our church. Sunday School classes for children (preschool through the 12th grade) begin at 9:00 a.m (September- May).
Who goes to your church?
Our congregation truly spans the ages, from newborns to folks in their 90s. You will find just about every type of person here – married, single, divorced, widowed – professionals, workers, retired – life-long Kasson residents and those who have just recently moved to the area. But even more important than the kind of people who go here is the kind of people who are welcome here – everyone!
Do I have to belong to your denomination to attend?
Not at all! In fact, many in our congregation come from a church background other than the Presbyterian. We have many former Catholics, Lutherans, and Methodists. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Do I have to dress up to attend your worship service?
No! Dressing up is not a requirement to worship with us at First Presbyterian. Some do wear their “Sunday best” but you are also likely to see someone in slacks and a casual shirt, or even jeans. We believe the most important part about Sunday morning is showing up, ready to worship God.
Can a visitor take communion?
Yes! If you are visiting on a communion Sunday, you are welcome to participate in taking the bread and juice. We believe in open communion – that means that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is welcome to take communion, whether they are a church member or not.
Who is your church leadership?
Visit the Church Leadership page on our website to learn about our Pastor, our church Session, and our board of Deacons.
What kind of adult education/spiritual growth opportunities do you offer?
Adults have a church Bible study that is currently being offered twice during the week on Zoom. First Presbyterian also offers a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship outside of Sunday morning through groups like Presbyterian Women. There are other fellowship opportunities throughout the year please check out our newsletter for ways to get involved.
What kind of outreach is the church involved in?
First Presbyterian is active in a variety of outreach ministries, both here in Kasson and around the world. Our local outreach partners are SEMCAC and Faith in Action. We have an active Meals on Wheels ministry. Our global outreach ministry is an active part of the church, helping us share our resources with several varied ministries around the world. Our church supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to help with relief for natural disasters.
With whom do I talk if I want to know more?
We would love to answer any questions that you may have about First Presbyterian. If you did not find what you were looking for on our website, please email or call the church office, see the Contact Us page for more information.