Through
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of
Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.
– From the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) A Brief Statement of Faith
We are children, youth and adults striving to be faithful to the call of God in our lives. We are committed to worship, education, service and fellowship. We blend traditional and contemporary elements in worship and enjoy making “a joyful noise unto the Lord” through music. We are inclusive, ecumenical, curious and engaged. We care for one another and the earth. We are active in our community and the world.
We are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), a national denomination of more than 2,000,000 people and 10,000 congregations. As a reformed church that is ever reforming we are open to the Spirit leading the church in new directions as guided by scripture and in accordance with Christ’s teachings.
We understand that faith is a gift that engages our minds and hearts, and we work to articulate our beliefs with respect to the beliefs of the larger Presbyterian Church. We welcome and value diversity of thought; deep and sincere discourse; and love and respect as we grow and seek to be faithful disciples of Christ in a community of faith.
As a mid-sized church, with about 260 members and active participants, we are big enough to engage you but small enough to know you.
Our Mission Statement
First Presbyterian Church of Urbana is a community of believers that exists to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, guided, united, and revitalized by the Spirit. We will serve our Lord Jesus Christ by growing in faith and number, supporting and nurturing one another, and making visible God’s unconditional love in the world. As we move into the future we prayerfully seek God’s transforming power in striving to meet our goals.
Decision-Making
The Presbyterian Church (USA) uses a form of governance very similar to that of the United States government. Elected representatives at three levels (Congregation, Presbytery, General Assembly) make decisions as and for the church, guided by scripture, our Book of Confessions, and the Book of Order. At the local level, Session members, called Ruling Elders, are elected by the congregation, ordained, and installed as the decision-making council for the congregation. Pastors, called Teaching Elders, call congregation members to an ever closer relationship with God through preaching, teaching, administration of the sacraments, support and counsel. Pastors moderate the Session but do not vote on motions.
Our History
For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. – Psalm 61:5 Our Beginnings: 1856 – 1900 First Presbyterian Church of Urbana was organized in 1856 with 29 members – at least seven of these founders coming from First Presbyterian Church of Champaign. Our first pastor was Isaac P. Stryker of…
Church Campus
The property of the Presbyterian Church (USA), of its councils and entities, and of its congregations is a tool for the accomplishment of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.– Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order We have been blessed with a large church campus, including a sanctuary, office wing, education building, large parking lots and the house on Elm Street…
Partnerships
Our Partners First Presbyterian Church of Urbana has a long history of partnering with others. We currently have formal partnership arrangements with the Korean Church of Champaign-Urbana; the Jeanes Church of Domasi, Malawi; the Cooperative Nursery School of Champaign-Urbana; and Boy Scout Troop 6. Korean Church of Champaign-Urbana Since 1974, First Presbyterian Church of Urbana has shared its building with the Korean…
Ecumenical Connections
Being Christian means doing so with others. Since no single denomination embodies the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ all by itself, we seek to embody the life of the Church together with our sister communions. Since 1998, the Presbyterian Church (USA) has been in full communion with four other denominations, the Reformed Church in America, the United Church of Christ,…