Have you ever put together a complex puzzle only to find that one piece is missing? First Central Presbyterian is always missing a piece or two of the puzzle. Maybe that puzzle piece is you! We invite you to explore this website to see where you might fit in.
“FCPC” is a group of followers of Jesus who knows that we travel better together. We need each other. None of us is a whole, independent, self-sufficient, super capable, all powerful hotshot….
Here is a verse of scripture describing what we aim to do together:
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13 NLT)
New to FCPC
First Central Presbyterian is located in the downtown area of Abilene. Our church is the oldest in town. In fact, we were organized on February 27, 1881 as not only the first Abilene church but the first organization! Our first “building” was a tent down by the railroad tracks. Now we have a beautiful spacious facility located at 400 Orange Street.
If you are a first-time visitor and would like to join us for worship in-person, we suggest you try either the 8:30 am or 11 am services each Sunday. The two services follow the same format, so choose the time that works best for you.
We livestream our 11 a.m. service each Sunday on our Youtube channel, which you can visit by clicking here. We also post the worship services after the livestream ends, so you might want to watch one or more to get a feel for worship at FCPC. On Sunday mornings, the livestream is available starting at about 10:45 a.m. (Central Time).
Our Church School program is for all ages. We welcome visitors, of course. If you are between the ages of 0 and 150 we have a great class for you. There are seven adult choices plus senior high and middle school classes. Our young children enjoy a variety of educational opportunities.
WELCOMING
We pray that God sends people just like you into our lives. And just as God has done with us, we seek to take people wherever they are in their walk with God. Often, we ask our members why they united with our church – and the most common answer is that we are “welcoming.” Walk through the church doors and see how many people smile and say hello.
ENCOURAGING
We need each other in the church. We are convinced that everyone has a part to play in the Body of Christ. The encouragement of others in the church helps give us the courage to step out in faith. We don’t want you to run the race alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is FCPC’s sanctuary?Our sanctuary is located on the north east corner of the building’s first floor. It’s a beautiful space complete with stained glass windows, soaring ceilings, and beautiful craftsmanship – a place designed to glorify God and to turn our attention to holy things. We think you will love it! The exact location of the sanctuary can be seen on our facilities map.
Where is FCPC located?Set that GPS to 400 Orange Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 We are easy to find, and if you want help finding us – give us a call at 325-677-3501.
Where do I park? Where do I go for different church activities?A parking and building map of FCPC can be viewed here. During normal office hours (Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM), one of our staff members is available at the church office window to direct you where you need to go. On Sunday mornings, we have volunteers waiting at an information desk outside of sanctuary in the foyer to greet you and answer any questions you might have.
What time do services start?We have two worship services on Sunday morning: one at 8:30 AM and another at 11 AM. Church School is held between services and begins at 9:45 AM.
We also livestream our 11 a.m. worship service; the stream begins at 10:45 am each Sunday on our Youtube Channel. In-person worship may not be available due to current COVID-19 precautions; please check the church news and Facebook for the latest info. Church school is held during the Sunday School hour starting at about 9:45 a.m. depending on the class. Not all classes are currently meeting in person. You can contact the church office for more information.
Do you have activities for the whole family?YES. COME! C is for children. O is for older adults. M is for those in the middle. And E is for everyone else! Visit our “connect” page for more details.
Do you have a separate service for children?Yes. Though we LOVE it when our parents choose to keep their children with them in the worship service, we do provide a special worship opportunity for our Kindergarten and 1st grade students called Music and Movement in the 11 AM service. Children learn songs with motions, use musical instruments, and play games during the sermon portion of the service. We ask that children older than 1st grade stay in the service and use one of our children’s worship bags.
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Do you offer childcare on Sunday mornings?Children are welcome in our worship services. However, childcare is available for children 4 years and under. After our “Time for Young Disciples” during the 11 AM worship service, Kindergarten and 1st grade students are welcome to join us for our “Music and Movement” time during the sermon.
What about Sunday School?Around here, we call it “Church School.” The Church School hour is held between when our first service ends at around 9:45 AM until 11 AM worship service begins. Our Church School program is for all ages. We welcome visitors, of course. If you are between the ages of 0 and 150 we have a great class for you. There are six adult choices plus high school and middle school classes. Our young children enjoy a variety of educational opportunities depending on their age range.
What is the dress code?We do not have a dress code; we want everyone to feel welcome regardless of what they have to wear.
What are your worship services like?Our worship style is “traditional” in format and “alive” in spirit! We have a full choir, an organ with a wonderful organist, a handbell choir, and several scholarshiped vocal performance university students we utilize for offertory meditation music. We also tap our congregants with musical abilities, like guitarists, flautists, and violinists, to assist us in worship on a regular basis.
Do I have to give an offering?No, not unless God has so impressed you. We believe that the church is supported by the tithes and offerings of its members. As a visitor, you are not expected to participate in giving.
Are there opportunities for me to serve?Two thirds of God is “go!” A priority of our church is our mission out into the world. We have plenty of opportunities for service that makes a difference. Come get your hands dirty in our community garden where we give our produce away. Be a part of the Presbyterian Food Pantry which gives food for 30 to 60 families every week. Get us real early on Thursday morning and serve at Breakfast on Beech Street where we provide a hot meal for anyone who shows up. And there there is the Presbyterian Medical Care Mission that is staffed daily by many of our members. The list goes on. We “GO” as far away as newest mission to the Massai in Africa, and our long-standing mission to orphans in Romania. Check out the “serve” section to explore more service opportunities.
How do I join FCPC?An invitation to join FCPC is offered at the end of every worship service on every Sunday morning. Remember, the FCPC puzzle is not complete without YOU! |