First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, a Member Church of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and More Light Presbyterians

Welcome Letter

Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana! We believe that everyone who enters these doors is God’s guest. This is a safe place, to search for and find God, to ask questions along with others who know that the life of faith is not about having all the answers, and to open doors to paths that might be familiar and some that might be entirely new.

Here you will find a diverse family of faith that is rooted in a deep and rich Christian tradition which we believe is best shared ecumenically. You will find a lively curiosity motivating our discipleship, in education, in interfaith endeavors locally and beyond, and in our care for creation. You will find excellent companions who are ready to share the journey of faith with you.

One of the great thinkers and ministers of the ancient church wrote that when we sing in worship, we pray twice. As you experience the excellent music that anchors our worship, we hope that you will accept the invitation of one of our hymns:

Come! Live in the light!
Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!
We are called to be light for the kingdom,
to live in the freedom of the city of God.
We are called to act with justice;
We are called to love tenderly;
We are called to serve one another,
to walk humbly with God.

Grace and peace,

David Oliver-Holder,
Pastor and Head of Staff