Dear Friends of First Pres, This issue of First Pres Magazine is our third in a four-part series on the strategic priorities of the church. Those four are: (1) ministry to families; (2) the drive toward small communities within the congregation; (3) lay-led ministry; and (4) outreach through multiple worship sites. This issue of the magazine focuses entirely on lay-led ministry. Sometimes it’s hard to know what we mean by “lay-led” ministry. Is it different than volunteering? Is it something that necessitates training? Is it something I can do only if I’ve been a successful manager in business? Actually layled ministry comes out of a passion for God and for serving in a particular way. All kinds of people are ready for lay-led ministry. In the pages of this issue, discover First Pres folks who are leading and coordinating ministries. Some of these ministries are non-profits or programs developed in our community. Two examples are the English as a Second Language (ESL) and CPCD (Community Partnership for Child Development) organizations. Our First Pres involvement with each of these organizations relies on a First Pres person to assist with coordinating ministry partners who provide mentorship, logistical support and a loving and caring heart. Some ministries are traditional ministries, such as men’s and women’s, which are now entirely led by lay members of our community. The elders and deacons are great examples of laity providing significant leadership. As we continue to move in the direction of becoming a missional community, lay-led ministry is an essential component of a missional community. The contrast to this is a staffled congregation where staff members lead nearly everything. That is the model we are de-emphasizing. This move is not about resources (or lack thereof), but is about setting free God’s plan for this place and each of us who call First Pres home. It’s about intentionally living through our gifts and working daily, no matter where we find ourselves, for the kingdom. I love Toni Morse’s article on Women’s Life. When you get to those pages, ask yourself, “What is in your toolbox for God?” Many blessings to you all this month.
Jim Singleton, Senior Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs
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JULY 2011 contents Why Lay-led Ministry? . . . . . . . . . . 4 Jim Singleton Hey Rosie, What’s in Your Toolbox? . . . . 6 Toni Morse God’s Hands and Feet . . . . . . . . . . 8 Marni White You Are Being Connected! . . . . . . . . 9 Jennifer Oraker Holz Branching Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ruth Ann Ridley Praising God on the Fourth Floor . . . . 11 Norma Robinson
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First Pres North—a Lay-Led Ministry . . . 12 Hugh Eaton Partner in Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . 13 John Haney Alive Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
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E-News and Worship . . . . . . . . . . 15 Contributing Writers: Hugh Eaton, John Haney, Jennifer Oraker Holz, Toni Morse, Ruth Ann Ridley, Norma Robinson, Jim Singleton, Marni White Contributing Editors: Pam Bland, Alison Murray Graphic Design: Beryl Glass, Mark Rantal Photographer: Mark Rantal, Alison Smith Proofreading Team: Mary Bauman, Daisy Jackson, Betty Haney, Marty Kelley, Karen Kunstle, Gretchen MurphyBowman, Linda Pung Cover Photo: Left to right, Christina Harrell, Jeralynn Dix, Kirkie Morrissey, Megan Nilsen, Lay Leaders of Womens Ministry (Stef Hille missing) All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, © 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. First Pres Magazine July 2011, Volume Three, © First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, CO. Published by First Presbyterian Church, a non-profit organization. To contact First Pres Magazine: 719-884-6231 or 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1392 or magazine@first-pres.org. Printed in the U.S.A.
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why lay-led ministry? By Jim Singleton
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ack when I was a brand new pastor, a friend showed me a passage of scripture that powerfully affected my life. It came from Ephesians 4 —“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13). I was struck in this passage about the realization that the job of the pastor/ teacher was to “equip” the people of God for their work of ministry. I grew up in a Christendom model where the congregations were more pastor-centered. By that I mean that the pastor was the chief doer of
ministry—visiting all the sick, leading the youth group, making coffee for committee meetings. When I saw this verse I realized that a pastor-centered model was causing the ministry to be stolen from the laity. Ever since, I have tried to do what I could to equip the people of God (laity) to be ready for their ministry. At First Pres, I see lay-led ministry happening in all kinds of places. Men’s Ministry is almost entirely lay-led. A few of our pastors jump in for various functions, but people like John Moe, Bob Ewell, Brett Fugate, Chuck Allor and a host of small group leaders are doing a great ministry investing their lives in men. All of our Adult Sunday school classes have been wonderful training grounds for a host of marvelous lay leaders. So many classes are guided week by week by great teachers and able leaders! Our Children’s Ministry in
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [Ephesians 4:11-13] 4 | www.first-pres.org | 7/11
the Connection is filled with devoted teachers and shepherds doing ministry week by week. This past year I have had the privilege of working to equip a whole team of teachers in Women’s Life to do the ministry God has called them to do. There is an article in this magazine about their work. I have loved watching them flourish as teachers of God’s Word. There were times when they graciously asked me to teach, but I usually declined because I did not want to rob them of the experience of growing as teachers. Their growth in teaching was my highest joy. There are so many other avenues of ministry beyond the walls of the church where impressive ministry is happening— driven by the laity. The Soup Kitchen, Ecumenical Social Ministries, Al Anon/ Alcoholics Anonymous groups, Alpha Groups, Servant Singers, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)—all have
people doing ministry in ways that build up this city. And still the expression of daily vocation in our workplaces is one place where the ministry of the laity is expressed, and that continues to need more equipping. I don’t see a day when there will be no use for the pastor/teachers. But I do see a day where the profound nature of Lay Ministry begins to express itself more and more at First Pres. This congregation has the largest number of gifted people I have ever seen. Too often we have taught only to keep people coming back for more teaching. Now we must teach to build up the body of Christ so that the people of God can do what God is calling them to do. When a majority of this congregation sees itself set free to do ministry, watch out world! Jim Singleton is the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church
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Now here was a girl who wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves. Rosie the Riveter, bold, strong and willing to do her part at a time when America was at war. Representing the American women who worked in factories during World War II, she stirred up some controversy over women in the workforce; but that aside, I like to ponder Rosie’s unquestionable courage, character, and willingness to pitch in. Perhaps I have an idealized view of this cultural icon; but I like to think that right beside her toolbox, Rosie also had a jewelry box, high heels, a pretty dress or two, and probably an oven mitt and gardening gloves. She possessed a feminine strength; she was ready to go where needed, to do what she could do to make a difference. I like Rosie. And I love being in the company of women with that same “we can do it” fortitude. And, it’s why I like being a part of Women’s Life at First Pres. Here’s a group of women who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves—women of deep faith, strength, courage, conviction, and wisdom. Whether they are digging deep into God’s word or literally going to work building God’s kingdom, these are women of action. They carry toolboxes full of their God-given gifts and talents and go to work wherever they’re called. It’s lay-led ministry at its finest.
What a little “We Can Do It” spunk can do for lay-led ministry
Lay-led ministry. This ain’t your granny’s coffee klatch. I’ll never forget the words of a woman who 6 |6 www.first-pres.org | 7/11 | www.first-pres.org | 7/11
By Toni Morse declined my invitation to join me at Women’s Life (formerly called Branches and Sisters in Strength). She daringly told me that she wasn’t interested in “sitting around a table with ladies with quilted Bible covers who just nod and smile at each other and only talk about safe and fluffy topics.” Urrrch! What? Back up the bus! That wasn’t the Women’s Life I knew (even though I’ll admit, I think I have one of those soft Bible covers around somewhere). Her notion of a quaint little gathering of nods and smiles is hardly the real story. Especially now, with our mission to “love, grow, go— together” as a whole church community, there’s inspiring fresh momentum … a lot less “what’s in it for me?” and much more “how and where can I contribute?” Ah, the beauty of people rolling up their sleeves!
Lay-led ministry. What it is and what it isn’t.
So what is it that you love to do? What makes you tick? What is it that comes so naturally, it’s woven into your very being? It’s that sweet spot—that very place where your gifts and talents converge with real life and real need that is the essence of lay-led ministry. It is not about shortages of clergy or budgets…time to call in the volunteers. Nor is it about a bunch of one-woman bands. Instead it is all about the abundance and beauty that springs from collaborative hearts in concert.
Women’s Life. Who we are and who we aren’t. Women’s Life is not about any particular gathering on a specific day of the week. We’re not a certain age group. We’re not a club. We’re not a social network. We are an intergenerational community…vibrant, active, alive. Simply, we are the women of First Pres united by a desire to be fully alive to God’s
desire. What that looks like individually is wonderfully unique. Woven together it’s astounding. We propose that every woman in our church family is a vital strand in the tapestry of Women’s Life. Are you part of the Tuesday morning gathering? MOPS? Precept Studies? Women of the Bible? A neighborhood study? A prayer circle? A mission team? Teaching teens? Knitting layettes? Preparing lunch for Get Set kids? Extending hospitality? Mentoring other women? That is Women’s Life.
So, what’s in your toolbox?
Ladies of First Pres: do you see the potential here? We want you. We need you. You are Women’s Life. We’re serious about the call on our lives to be the hands and feet and heartbeat of Jesus to our city and our world. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, join hands together, and declare, “We can do it!” So, what’s in your toolbox? Toni Morse attends Women’s Life and is regularly assessing what’s in her toolbox!
“ Lay-led ministry empowers the Spirit to move in creative and invigorating ways. Plain and simple. Do you feel God calling you to enter in at a deeper level of an existing ministry? Do you feel Him challenging you to start a new thing? In the lay-led model, the sky is the limit.” —Megan Nilsen 7/11 | www.first-pres.org | 7
God’s Hands and Feet By Marni White
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magine putting ten to twenty families, total strangers to each other, in one small room. Then picture one to three preschoolers per family. Add to this mix four more adults in charge of the gathering, plus a handful of volunteers. What happens? Relationships take place! Not all at once, but over time. This is what takes place at our Downtown Campus the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. At First Pres, we assist in several ways. We provide the room where the families gather for socialization, and we provide volunteers who help where needed. The planning and leading of the meeting is done by two Community Partnership for Child Development (CPCD) teachers, who have developed relationships with the families through weekly home visits. CPCD, or Community Partnership for Child Development, approached us to assist in this home-based head start program two years ago. As one of the volunteers, I often am the “greeter” inside the Weber Street entrance, waiting to welcome families and direct them to the meeting room. There volunteers and CPCD staff interact with both the parents and children at one of the centers or in free play. Parents have the chance to learn more about how their child gets to know and play with
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other children. They also see how the staff person guides their children’s behavior (by giving them choices for example) and will get ideas they can try at home. During the morning, the teachers have a planned activity. It may be a visit from a dentist, librarian, fireman, or zoo docent. We have made pizzas and planted seeds in cups. There are also opportunities for parents to learn about safety, nutrition, and discipline, and to share what they know with other parents and staff. They learn that they are not alone in the challenges and joys of raising a young child. The families come by bus, taxi, and car. They appreciate the downtown location, and the wonderful facilities, including the Manna Grill on third floor where lunch, delivered by Harrison School District, is served by the volunteers. Following lunch, the children take their backpack, provided by First Pres, to a nearby room. They and their parents choose items donated by our members—books to be read, puzzles, activity books, art supplies, snacks, and personal care items. Last summer I had the opportunity to go to Mongolia and be God’s hands and feet as I built friendships that continue now by e-mail. In the same way, my involvement with CPCD families is all about building relationships as I minister to them. Marni White actively participates and leads in all sorts of ministries at First Pres.
You Are Being Connected! Jennifer Oraker Holz
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recently made a call looking for information about getting a new social security card for my daughter. I had a very specific question—one that was not anticipated by the automatic service provided by the number I called. After pressing buttons and speaking loudly (very loudly) and as clearly as I could into the phone receiver, I still couldn’t figure out what it was going to take just to talk to a person on the other end of the line. My frustration grew; my patience waned. “I just need a real, live human being to listen to my question!” I yelled into the phone at the computer. In a world full of information and technical advances, how do we as the body of Christ respond to the ever-present need to have a face-to-face, person-to-person, in-the-flesh encounter with one another? That’s an especially important question as we move towards a lay-empowered model of ministry. The Christian Formation Team is committed to providing incarnational resources for First Pres ministry teams. We believe that empowering laity for ministry isn’t just about leaving you to find your own way or navigating a maze of “one-way” communication in a world already saturated with information. Instead, our hope is to connect your ministry team with a person offering his or her full attention: attentive listening, good questions, a human face,
perspective on our church’s vision and mission, and deeply shared love for Jesus. Yes, we will recommend materials and resources that can fit in your hands, and we will point you to experiences that will help grow you and your teams. But our main contribution will be relational. Jennifer Oraker Holz, a First Pres Associate Pastor and mother of three, is still working through the maze of Social Security!
For individualized help and encouragement for your ministry teams: Retreat planning Soul care for lay teams Outreach opportunities Collaboration ideas Team building Problem solving Curriculum possibilities Assessment tools Book recommendations… …contact Carolyn at 884-6122 or clemp@first-pres.org. The Christian Formation Team meets the fourth Tuesday night of each month.
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By Katie By Ruth Ann Ridley Dayton
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esterday I went exploring: turning off the lights and clicking the doors shut to the church library, marching through the plaza, out the smoothly sliding automatic doors and across the street to the Weber Street Center. Upon entering the Center, I spotted a retro bubble gum machine and a ping-pong table. I smiled at the picture of young people having fun pinging balls and popping bubbles. But I was looking for a different treasure. Noticing an office window on the other side of the game room, I strode toward it. And there, at last, I saw them: the books that were the foundation of First Pres’ new, and first, branch library. Student ministry director, Collin Grant, is heading up the effort to establish the branch. “Our goal,” he says, “is to have the best resources available for students, parents and leaders.” There will be books on a multitude of topics from Bible studies to parenting teens,
spiritual disciplines, marriage issues, dating, culture, media and much more. Collin and the rest of his staff are excited that they will be able to partner with the church’s main library. The Gardner Memorial Library will resource the Weber Street branch with some of their books and assist with new acquisitions. Strategically situated in the Weber Street Center near the offices of the staff of Student Ministries, the library will give the staff opportunities to become acquainted with their patrons, and assist them with their needs. Nineteenth century essayist, E.P. Whipple, wrote, “Books are lighthouses erected in the great sea of time.” They can guide us, teach us, make us wise, entertain, motivate, challenge, and inspire us. Check it out at the new Weber Street branch of our library. Ruth Ann Ridley, a regular volunteer in the First Pres Library, is currently partnering with Dale McClure (First Pres Archivist) on a cook book titled “Inspiring Cuisine.”
Entirely lay-led, our main library is located at the top of the stairs on the West end of Fellowship Plaza, the new branch by Student Ministries in the Weber Street Center.
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Praising God on the Fourth Floor “Lay leader. That’s a person who helps the pastor?” Ghasem, a pastor and refugee from Iran, asked me this question, when I told him I was writing an article for the First Pres Magazine. It hadn’t required much time for me to decide two years ago to accept the lay position of liaison between the church and School District 11, when the district contacted our mission office about hosting English classes for refugees at our Downtown Campus. For more than thirty years I have exercised my gifts of hospitality, giving, patience and love in hosting internationals and teaching conversational English. I have been involved in both local and global missions. It was a good fit for me to venture into a leadership role, which includes coordinating volunteers and being the contact person for D11 staff and our mission staff. My journey continues and I realize there are always more things to learn to be a good leader, not just the role of worker that I’m most comfortable with. Ghasem and his family’s journey has been much more difficult. He grew up in an Islamic
culture, with an Islamic name, but at the age of 20 was “born again.” His wife, Mojdeh, had a similar story. Because they gave their children “Christian” names of David and Erika, there were always problems with schools. The Iranian schools didn’t accept the children because they were Christians and the Christian schools wouldn’t accept the children, thinking their parents might be spies. One year ago Ghasem’s family was able to come to the U.S. as refugees. Ghasem attends English class four days per week and has progressed from beginner to intermediate level. Before he takes Mojdeh to her housekeeping job at a local hotel, they pray together for 30 minutes. Then he prays in our fourth floor chapel, across from the ESL classrooms, for one hour before class begins at 10 a.m. He praises God, prays for the other ESL students, for the teachers and volunteers, for the pastors at First Pres, for “good thinking” of the U.S. and other governments, and that the Holy Spirit will “cover” the governments. He’s also teaching the Alpha course in Farsi once a week to three Iranians in our city. As lay leader for the ESL for refugees program, I am privileged to work with motivated students like Ghasem, dedicated teaching staff and exceptional volunteers. The journey continues! Norma Robinson can be found in all sorts of places around First Pres. She has also been host mom for 6 Amicus (Young Life) high school exchange students.
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First Pres North A Lay-led Ministry
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he first meeting of the first local church, recorded in Acts 2:42–47, is the model for a successful lay ministry. Following scripture, First Pres Staff Leaders and the Session are pursuing seven Strategic Objectives, one of which is to “Equip and deploy the congregation for service and leadership in the church and community.” But strategic objectives aren’t achieved just because they are written on a piece of paper. Dr. Robert Strauss and his wife, Carole, are First Pres North “pioneers.” Robert is President and CEO of Worldview Resources that trains church leaders internationally. He says, “lay-led ministry is a concept which must be endorsed and communicated at the highest levels of the church so the congregation will accept the changes being made with a minimum of chaos.” “Laity with leadership potential must be identified, but that is only the beginning. They must be trained, coached and mentored to improve their ministry leadership skills, since even sincere volunteers may not always be ready for leadership. It is important they understand the church’s vision.” Current Elder, Ralph Gates, was recognized early as one with leadership skills who grasped the First Pres North vision. Ralph is 12 | www.first-pres.org | 7/11
By Hugh Eaton
Chair of the First Pres North Campus Team and liaison to the Session. He says, “Lay ministry was built into the very fabric of the First Pres North start-up. Jim Singleton started the adventure with weekly Bible studies. As we’ve grown, lay people are involved in all aspects of the church. “These lay people give strategic direction to the church, lead the Sunday school program, set up and run the worship each Sunday, actively participating in our worship services. Lay people are developing children’s and student ministries under very different circumstances than at the Downtown Campus. Lay people are leading our small communities, potlucks, communications efforts and a myriad number of ministry activities.” “Today we have over 60 volunteers offering their time, energy and leadership as we grow and reach out to our surrounding community. This lay involvement builds community and brings new people to First Pres North. We are trying to find more ways for people in all ages and stages of life to be involved. Our continuing goal is to focus on developing a lay-led missional community that expresses the Body of Christ at work.” Hugh Eaton, a regular contributor at First Pres North, is one of the founding leaders and current member of the First Pres North Campus Team.
�artner i� �inistry By John Haney Editor’s Note: Looking for a personal testimony, FPM asked John Haney to explain how involvement in ministry has shaped his life. John is a member of the First Pres Involvement Ministries vision team. “Ministry Involvement” has been the most powerful experience to shape my life and bring it the most meaning. To me the term simply refers to how God has used me in His service. It’s those activities where I know for certain his hand has been involved and I know he has called me to perform successfully, in spite of pressures from career and family. God has shown me how the church experience can be so much more than just sitting in my customary pew, drawing it all in, but giving little back. One directive came quite To explore your naturally. I loved singing in choirs for years, and personal gifts and discovered that I could serve in the ministry of the passions through Sanctuary Choir and also worship! So, one way to individual coaching learn about the unique ways we can serve God is by or to dive right into asking Him to show us how to use the gifts with which partnering with we are already familiar. others in ministry, Another avenue of gift discovery has come through contact Judy Bosin others who know me and have asked me to become a in Involvement Deacon. I have been encouraged to serve as an Elder, Ministries, Trustee, Capital Personnel Committee Chairman, and 884-6162 or Stewardship Committee Chairman. I was asked to help jbosin@first-pres. create the Deacon’s Ride and Handyman Programs. org. God called me through others to harness my gifts of organization and administration. Praying to be open to others’ needs has brought new avenues of service. A friend told me about giving wheelchairs to people living on the streets in Egypt which led to a First Pres short-term mission trip to Cairo. Also, my wife, Betty, and I recently volunteered as overnight hosts to Interfaith Hospitality Network families staying at our church. I’m retired now and I have time to give back to this place that has given me so much and to my God who has given me so many opportunities to use my gifts. It’s not about how much you can do though, it’s about serving God through your time, talent and treasures. God has truly blessed me as I’ve sought His hand in showing me how to help others. Mine has been a wonderful adventure, and I hope yours is as well! John Haney can be seen week-to-week singing in Big Blue’s tenor section. 7/11 | www.first-pres.org | 13
Alive
to God’s Desire to Go “Christ came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” Ephesians 2:17. Here are a few opportunities to go serve with others and come alive to God’s desire to go together. Here is the specific contact information for the communities described in this edition of FPM. Christian Formation Team. If you have a passion for theology, spiritual growth and people, consider the Christian Formation Team. This team, a partnership of laity and pastors, provides resources and coaching to ministry teams for spiritual development and support. Contact Jennifer Oraker-Holz, 884-6214 or jorakerholz@first-pres.org for further information. CPCD/HeadStart. Community Partnership for Child Development prepares over 1900 preschool children living below the poverty line for school through Head Start programs. To know more about this Colorado Springs non-profit and to get involved in the First Pres ministries with homeless preschool families served by CPCD, call Pat Dickinson, 884-6108, pdickinson@first-pres.org. ESL. First Pres partners with District 11 to provide English as a Second Language support for U.S. State Department-sponsored refugees. If you would like to help with this ministry or be part of a mentor team, contact Pat Dickinson, 884-6108, pdickinson@firstpres.org. June Pauline Gardner Memorial Library. Our church library is lovingly cared for and managed by a team of volunteers led by Janet Wilcox. To become a part of this ministry, contact Carolyn Lemp, 884-6122 or clemp@first-pres.org. Women’s Ministries. There are many opportunities to serve in ministry to women. Whether you serve as a mentor mom in MOPS, a table leader in Women’s Life, lead a book study, host a small group in your home or work behind the scenes, we can find a place for you. For MOPS, contact Lydia Countess, 884-6138, lcountess@ first-pres.org. For women’s Ministries, contact Judy Beltz, 884-6233, jbeltz@first-pres.org. Other opportunities to serve? www.first-pres.org/volunteer Judy Bosin, 884.6162, jbosin@first-pres.org 14 | www.first-pres.org | 7/11
E-News Connecting to your community within First Pres is just a mouse click away. Access our website to sign-up for our regular e-newsletters and to find our Facebook sites. www.first-pres.org/enews to locate e-newsletters for the following areas:
Children Route 56 (5th & 6th Grade) I-78 eBlast (7th & 8th Grade) 912 eBlast (High School) Community Life
Men’s Ministry Missions Women’s Ministry
Click on the tab on the First Pres Home page to access our First Pres Facebook page. For the Student Ministries Facebook page, click on tab on www.first-pres.org/students. http://vimeo.com/firstpres for First Pres Videos. If you don’t have access to a computer, call Congregational Support at 884.6144 for further details about these ministries.
Join us in Worship on Sundays First Pres Downtown—219 East Bijou Worship with Choir—Sanctuary, 8:20 a.m. & 9:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship—Fellowship Hall, 9:45 a.m. & Sanctuary, 11:10 a.m. Contemplative Worship—Sanctuary, 5:30 p.m.
First Pres North—Discovery Canyon High School, 1810 North Gate Blvd. Contemporary Worship—11:00 a.m.
First Pres—Inn at Garden Plaza – 2520 International Circle Traditional Worship—10:15 a.m.
First Pres Online—first-pres.org Live streaming broadcast of Sanctuary services beginning at 8:20 a.m. For church information, call 719.884.6144 or mail@first-pres.org
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
219 East Bijou Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903
For information about signing up or volunteering go to first-pres.org/children
Join us again this year in backyards and parks all across the city as we celebrate Vacation Bible School in God’s BIG Backyard
JuNE 27 - July 1
VBS is coming!
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