What to Expect
We would love to have you worship with us this Sunday. Our Sunday worship services are the highlight of our week, and we invite you to join us.
Worship Time
We have one morning service on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Each gathering lasts about 60 to 75 minutes. For those unable to join us in person, a livestream is available here.
Ancient/Modern
Following an Ancient/Modern approach to worship, our services contain the Old and New Testaments as well as prayers and music from the early church up through present day.
Music
Music is one of the most profound gifts of beauty that God has given to human beings.
The Bible records the stories of people and their songs. People like Moses, Miriam, Deborah, David, Zachariah, Mary, and Simeon lived in a vital relationship with God, and their hearts overflowed with songs about His character and mighty acts. Likewise, our songs should remind us about Who God is, His works of creation and redemption, and our identity as believers.
Music connects us with truth in a powerful way. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing songs, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16). Music aids us in responding appropriately to God and His Word. It helps to elevate our view of the beauty and glory of God, to guide us in meditating on the saving work of Jesus Christ, and to encourage us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our music is carefully chosen to be in accordance with Scripture, focused on God, appropriate and helpful for corporate worship, and offered with excellence.
Striving for excellence in music is a means by which we can reflect God’s own character, and our music reaches its highest potential when it is offered to God in worship. It is to this end that First United Presbyterian seeks to cultivate a rich tradition of excellence in sacred music.
As believers gathered for worship, it is our joyful duty to “come into His presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2b). Congregational song is an important part of worship. Each Lord’s Day provides many opportunities to engage in worship through an expansive repertoire of psalms and hymns. We invite you to explore how your God-given musical gifts might be used to honor the Lord together with us.
Our music comes from a wide span of authors and eras, including ancient prayers and hymns that originated in the early church. Classic hymns of the Reformation era through the 20th century have been cherished and passed down, and we joyfully continue that tradition. The modern hymn movement helps us to learn old truths in new ways, and we love singing the works of Stuart Townend, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Sovereign Grace Music, CityAlight, Sandra McCracken, Shane & Shane, Matt Merker, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and others.
You’ll hear piano, guitars, and drums as well as organ and choir. Worship orders are handed to you as you walk in so that you can participate and follow along. English Standard Version (ESV) Bibles are available in each pew.
Scripture, Creeds, Confessions, and Prayer
The Sermon and the Bible readings are opportunities to hear God’s Word and to receive it personally. Sermons are given based on the scripture’s teachings.
The Assurance of Pardon and the Benediction announce God’s forgiveness and blessing. During these pronouncements, worshippers receive God’s blessing by faith.
The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed are recited corporately. These creeds are universally accepted summaries of the Christian faith.
The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms are our doctrinal standards. These documents are not infallible; however, we believe that these documents are faithful expressions of God’s word. Therefore, while our members are not required to subscribe to the Confession and Catechisms, they guide and shape our teaching and are sometimes used in our worship services. Learn more about the The Westminster Confession of Faith in Modern English.
Various prayers have particular emphases:
Prayer of Adoration- We adore God and pray for His presence and blessing in worship.
Prayer of Confession- We confess our sins to God silently or together.
Congregational Prayer and The Lord's Prayer- We pray to God with thanksgiving, supplication, and intercession for the Church and world.
Prayer of Illumination- We ask God to “illuminate” our hearts and minds so that we can understand His word.
Closing Prayer- We commit ourselves to believe and obey His Word.
Communion
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday morning of each month, and during some of our special evening services throughout the year.
All those who are baptized and have publicly professed their faith are warmly welcomed to receive communion. If you are not receiving communion, you are encouraged to contemplate the love of Jesus Christ during this time and come forward for a blessing.
Baptized children who have professed faith and spoken with an elder or staff about their profession may take communion. If your child is not receiving communion, please bring them forward for a blessing.
For those unable to come forward for communion, please raise your hand and an elder will serve you in your seat.
Gluten free communion wafers are available.
Giving
Guests are never expected or pressured to give. We don’t talk a lot about giving tithes and offerings, but there are four ways to contribute:
1. Offering box: A box is available at the front of the overflow room, to the side of the sanctuary.
2. Give by mail: First United Presbyterian Church, 801 16th St, Moline, IL 61265
3. Give through your bank’s bill pay service: There is usually not a fee for this service.
4. Give online (3% fee)
Dress
There is no dress code for worship. Come as you are and you will be welcome! You will find many of us dressed in casual, business casual, and dress attire. The most important thing we can do to prepare for worship is in our hearts. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)
What about children?
Children are welcome in our worship and our Church! We have a clean, well-staffed nursery for infants through three years old. Children aged four through 2nd grade are invited to attend Children’s Church during corporate worship. Parents are welcome to keep their children with them in worship. More info here.
How do you find us?
Click here for directions to the Church.
Parking
Details on where to park are found here.