Frequently Asked Questions about First Presbyterian, Clinton
What time are your services?
9:30am on Sundays. Sunday School following the children’s sermon (September through May)
How long are they?
Sunday worship lasts about an hour, sometimes a little more. Sunday School runs for 45 minutes.
Is there time for fellowship after the service?
Yes! Our members take turns hosting a “coffee hour” after the service in the side room just off of the sanctuary. It’s an opportunity for our members and visitors to drink coffee or juice, eat delicious goodies, and get to know one another. Anyone is welcome to join us for coffee hour!
When do you offer communion?
The Lord’s Supper is offered on the first Sunday of every month (with a few exceptions due to scheduling).
What kind of things do you have going on at your church?
Great question! Check out what’s happening on our Calendar!
What activities and events do you have for youth?
All kinds! From Sunday School to overnight “lock-ins” to Youth Sundays to mission trips to adventures at Noah’s Ark Waterpark! See our Youth page for details.
Is your sanctuary handicapped accessible?
Definitely. We have an elevator, hearing-assisted devices, and large-print bulletins, Bibles, and hymnals! We even provide gluten-free communion. If you have special needs that we aren’t already meeting, let us know and we will do our very, very best to help you enjoy worship fully with us.
Will I have to say, sign, or give anything?
No. If you are new to our church, we want you to feel as comfortable and welcome as possible. The Order of Worship is printed in the bulletin you will receive when you enter, and it gives all the information you need to follow along as you feel comfortable. You can enter our church from either the front or side doors. Once you’re inside, a greeter will say hello to you and show you the way in to the sanctuary.
An offering is taken in every service because we believe that returning a portion of our financial resources to God is an important part of our Christian faith. If you are new or visiting and do not wish to contribute, that is more than okay! Just let the offering plate pass you by.
How do I get in touch with the pastor or the church office?
You can call the church at (608) 676-5400 or email the church office at firstpresclinton@gmail.com.
Is your service traditional or contemporary?
Both! Depending on the Sunday you may see the pastor in a robe and stole (standard attire in our denomination) or jeans. We play hymns from the 1800s on the organ and contemporary choruses on the piano or guitar. Sometimes we even sing to worship DVDs! Some Sundays are more traditional, while others are quite contemporary. Our goal is to be a place where people from all walks of life can hear the message of God in a way that makes it understandable, engaging, and exciting.
What should I wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable wearing. Some people wear jeans, others are happiest in their Sunday best. You can’t go wrong in what you wear to our church, and we tend to lean more toward casual than dressy.
What do Presbyterians believe?
Presbyterians believe in the providential love of God for all humanity, the salvation offered to us in Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the unique authority of Scripture. We believe that humanity is sinful and in need of redemption, and that God meets us in our brokenness and calls forth our true selves to lives of transformation, discipleship, and peace. We also believe that God calls us to care for the poor and marginalized, and to spread the Good News throughout the world.
As for personal political and theological beliefs, you will find a wide spectrum at our church. Some of us are Democrats and others are Republicans. Some of us are quite conservative in our theology while others are more liberal. Some of us are Packer fans while others (gasp!) root for the Bears. Our faith in Jesus Christ unites us, and together we seek to learn from one another as we follow him together.
What are you doing to care for the world?
Our church is involved in a variety of mission organizations in our community and the world, including the following:
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•Clinton Community Outreach (see “Food Pantry”)
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•One Great Hour of Sharing, a mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
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• Project 16:49
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•Family Promise of Greater Beloit
If there is a Mission opportunity that you feel we are missing, please reach out to the head of our Mission Committee, Ann Brigham. We are always looking for more mission opportunities!
