Welcome
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. Read more …
Sunday, September 20, 2026
The image is “Dorothy Day with Homeless Christ,” an icon written by Kelly Latimore.
“Did you know that there is a long tradition of resistance to helping the poor? Indeed, there is. In the US, there have been court cases where property owners have challenged programs intended to assist the poor, arguing that such programs take private property for public use. Funny how taking such private property for military adventurism leaves these same people untroubled. Others have argued that aid assistance negatively impacts local economies by undermining local businesses. Herbert Spencer wrote, “The poverty of the incapable, the distresses that come upon the imprudent, the starvation of the idle, and those shoulderings aside of the weak by the strong, which leave so many ‘in shallows and in miseries,’ are the decrees of a large, far-seeing benevolence.” Such a sentiment is not uncommon in our society. Of course, the problem with this lies in the way it completely individualizes economics and misfortune. Systems are never questioned. Policies and political choices are never examined. If someone is poor, it’s always their own fault. Join us on Sunday to hear a parable that presents a different economy and a justice that bewilders the affluent.”
Pastor David
Join us in-person for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!
The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery.
Wisdom Group: Our next meeting will be Sunday, September 20, at 10:45 a.m. in the library. We will discuss the hymn # 821, “My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)”. We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley (Donald.greeley@carle.com or 217-369-4304).
Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning TODAY (Sunday, September 20) at 4:30 p.m. in the Church Library. The next meeting will be determined by the group.
Higher Power Faith Exploration Group: We had a good first meeting of this group. We had an easy, low-key discussion about a number of topics related to the interface of us with the Higher Power (God). We are initially going to focus on communication (two-way) with God. Prayer is one big aspect of this. Join us on Tuesday morning, September 22, 7:30 - 8:15 AM at Café Bene near campus (at the corner of Nevada and South Gregory – parking available on the street, coins accepted on the Nevada Street side only). For more information, click on this QR code. If you have questions, please call or email Don Greeley (217 369-4304) or (donaldgreeley@prairienotes.com).
Adult Seminar: First Followers: Thanks to our Mission Committee, three people associated with the Champaign-Urbana nonprofit, First Followers, will join us on Sunday, September 27, at 10:45 am in the Chapel, to talk about how First Followers helps formerly incarcerated people successfully re-enter the community through peer mentorship, transitional housing, and workforce development. Darren Anderson, Tamara Woods and James Corbin all work for the organization and will be with us to present and to address questions.
Little Food Pantry Open for Business! The little pantry has been put in place and stocked with ready-to-eat food items and personal toiletries. There is a basket in the church meeting room to collect donations to stock the pantry. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. Contact a pantry team member if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.
Food & More Program Item of the Month: For September the item is Coffee (instant or regular). Please place donations in the box near the church office.
Framed Art at the Shop: We are bringing the larger framed art upstairs out of storage over the next few weeks. Now’s a great time to shop for it. And for photo frames. If you are cleaning out a closet we still need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS and POTS & PANS. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!
Little Food Pantry Open for Business! The little pantry has been put in place and stocked with ready-to-eat food items and personal toiletries. Pantry donations can be taken to the church during Office hours. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.
Sunday, September 13, 2026
The image is “Merciful Mother,” a multi-media piece.
“Live long enough and you will experience mercy. Being able to articulate the experience does not always come easily nor quickly. But some of the most beloved stories involve the experience of mercy. There is the moving scene in the movie The Mission, in which Robert DeNiro’s character, who had been a pirate and a very abusive man, comes to his senses and puts himself at the mercy of the native tribe he had mistreated. He comes unarmed, hauling his armor behind him, not knowing how the tribesmen will treat him. When they embrace him, expressing their mercy, he breaks down into tears of thanksgiving. Join us on Sunday when we will contemplate passages about mercy and the absence of mercy to learn about the nature of forgiveness.”
Pastor David
Join us in-person for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!
The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery.
The Next Noisy Offering will be Sunday, September 13. Children will collect your coin offering in small metal buckets (with as much noise generated as possible) and then present the offerings at the chancel. Money will donated to several charitable organizations that our children’s Sunday school units relate to: Heifer Project International, Food and More, and Crisis Nursery. So… dig out your jars of coins and plan to help make some noise!
Fall Bounty Exchange! This Sunday, September 13 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Gardeners, bring in produce to share! All are invited, whether you have produce to share or not. Bring your own bag, basket, etc. Make sure the produce is clean and bug free and please take home what is left. We will also collect cash donations and non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the new FPCU Little Free Pantry (please see the Little Food Pantry announcement below for detailed guidelines).
New “Higher Power” Faith Exploration Group: The first meeting of the new “Higher Power” group will be on Tuesday morning, September 15, 7:30 – 8:15 AM at Café Bene near campus (at the corner of Nevada and South Gregory – parking available on the street, coins accepted on the Nevada Street side only). If you have questions, please call (217 369-4304) or email (donaldgreeley@prairienotes.com) to Don Greeley.
Wisdom Group: Our next meeting will be Sunday, September 20 at 10:45 a.m. in the library. We will discuss the hymn # 821, “My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)”. We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley (Donald.greeley@carle.com or 217-369-4304).
Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning September 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the Library. We will begin with a broad overview of spirituality, then move on to talk about Benedictine spirituality (yes, there are Protestants who practice it), and Celtic spirituality (both Irish and Scottish), and Reformed spirituality. We’ll round out the survey with a session on pilgrimage. If you want to be part of this series, please let Pastor David or the office know. Background readings will be provided (no purchase necessary for materials). But if participants want to bring treats to share, they will be gladly welcomed.
A Little Food Pantry will be going up outside on the east side of Twice Is Nice which will be stocked with ready to eat food items and personal toiletries. As food costs have increased it has become harder for some people to meet their needs. We want to help. There will be a basket in the meeting room where donations will be collected to stock the pantry. Please refer to the list provided for appropriate items to donate. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. You can also join our team to keep the pantry stocked which currently includes Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. Contact any of us if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.
Food & More Program Item of the Month: For September the item is Coffee (instant or regular). Please place donations in the box near the church office.
Framed Art at the Shop: We are bringing the larger framed art upstairs out of storage over the next few weeks. Now’s a great time to shop for it. And for photo frames. If you are cleaning out a closet we still need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS and POTS & PANS. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!
Sunday, September 6, 2026
The image is “Woman Asking God for Wisdom,” by David Ayibiowu Olusola.
”We will hear beloved passages of scripture on Sunday. Exodus will present how the Hebrews in Egypt prepared for the Passover. They did so in community. Part of the instructions involved making sure the very poorest had what they needed to prepare. No “survival of the fittest” for those delivered by God. A kin-dom of giving and receiving prepared to leave the kingdom of slavery and exploitation. The Apostle Paul wrote profound closing exhortations in his letter to the young church in Rome. “Owe no one anything except to love.” Profound and not easy. Then in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches the disciples about reconciliation. As with the other texts, Jesus presents the ethics of a different kind of realm, not of quid pro quo, but of overcoming sins and wrongs in a different kind of way, a way that benefits the church. Join us on Sundy as we contemplate these passages together.”
Pastor David
Join us in-person or via YouTube for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!
1. YouTube Livestream click on: www.youtube.com/@firstpresbyterianchurchofu7455
We have switched to streaming worship services on YouTube because it presents a clearer image and much better sound quality. Click on the link above to go to the church’s YouTube channel. If you subscribe to this channel, you will receive notification of new recordings.
The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery. The Office will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.
Wisdom Group: Our next meeting will be this Sunday, September 6 at 10:45 a.m. in the library. We will discuss the hymn #69 “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky.” On Sunday, September 20, we will also meet, and will discuss the hymn 821, “My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)”. We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley (Donald.greeley@carle.com or 217-369-4304).
The Next Noisy Offering will be Sunday, September 13. Children will collect your coin offering in small metal buckets (with as much noise generated as possible) and then present the offerings at the chancel. Money will donated to several charitable organizations that our children’s Sunday school units relate to: Heifer Project International, Food and More, and Crisis Nursery. So… dig out your jars of coins and plan to help make some noise!
Fall Bounty Exchange! Sunday, September 13 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Gardeners, bring in produce to share! All are invited, whether you have produce to share or not. Bring your own bag, basket, etc. Make sure the produce is clean and bug free and please take home what is left. We will also collect cash donations and non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the new FPCU Little Free Pantry (please see the next announcement for detailed guidelines).
Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning September 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the Library. We will begin with a broad overview of spirituality, then move on to talk about Benedictine spirituality (yes, there are Protestants who practice it), and Celtic spirituality (both Irish and Scottish), and Reformed spirituality. We’ll round out the survey with a session on pilgrimage. If you want to be part of this series, please let Pastor David or the office know. Background readings will be provided (no purchase necessary for materials). But if participants want to bring treats to share, they will be gladly welcomed.
A Little Food Pantry will be going up outside on the east side of Twice Is Nice which will be stocked with ready to eat food items and personal toiletries. As food costs have increased it has become harder for some people to meet their needs. We want to help. There will be a basket in the meeting room where donations will be collected to stock the pantry. Please refer to the list provided for appropriate items to donate. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. You can also join our team to keep the pantry stocked which currently includes Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. Contact any of us if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.
Food & More Program Item of the Month: For September the item is Coffee (instant or regular). Please place donations in the box near the church office.
Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop: Students are back and furnishing their dorm rooms and apartments. Thank you to all the folks who’ve been bringing in donations. It gives us something new to put out every day. If you are cleaning out a closet we need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS and POTS & PANS. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!
Sunday, August 30, 2026
The image is “Burning Bush,” an arrangement of leaves from Euonymus alatus, otherwise known as Burning Bush, by Joe Schumaker.
“Following in the way of Jesus of Nazareth, as that way is presented by the Gospels, leads us to good things unlike any others. Salvation, wholeness, peace, and community. But it does not always feel good, and for American Christians, that can be a really confusing thing. The texts we will hear on Sunday tell the truth. For Moses, the call of God pulled him away from safety into a confrontation with the superpower of his time. For the Apostle Paul, life in the Spirit means so much that contradicts with ways of the world. For Jesus, following him means taking up a cross. Join us on Sunday as we hear and contemplate these passages together and learn, in deeper ways, how we can live peaceably with all.”
Pastor David
Join us in-person or via YouTube for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!
1. YouTube Livestream click on: www.youtube.com/@firstpresbyterianchurchofu7455
We have switched to streaming worship services on YouTube because it presents a clearer image and much better sound quality. Click on the link above to go to the church’s YouTube channel. If you subscribe to this channel, you will receive notification of new recordings.
The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery.
Welcome Back from Summer Ice Cream Social: Sunday, August 30 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Bring your favorite topping to share.
Wisdom Group: Our next two meetings will be Sunday, September 6 and 20 at 10:45 a.m. in the Library. On September 6, we will discuss hymn #69, “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”, and on September 20, hymn 821, “My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)”. We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley (Donald.greeley@carle.com or 217-369-4304).
Fall Bounty Exchange! Sunday, September 13 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Gardeners, bring in produce to share! All are invited, whether you have produce to share or not. Bring your own bag, basket, etc. Make sure the produce is clean and bug free and please take home what is left. We will also collect cash donations and non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the new FPCU Little Free Pantry (please see the next announcement for detailed guidelines).
Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning in September. We will begin with a broad overview of spirituality, then move on to talk about Benedictine spirituality (yes, there are Protestants who practice it), and Celtic spirituality (both Irish and Scottish), and Reformed spirituality. We’ll round out the survey with a session on pilgrimage. If you want to be part of this series, please let Pastor David or the office know. We will set a beginning date once we have heard from those who are interested. Background readings will be provided (no purchase necessary for materials). But if participants want to bring treats to share, they will be gladly welcomed.
Little Food Pantry - suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.
Food & More Program Item of the Month: For August the item is Laundry Detergent. Please place donations in the box near the church office.
Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop: Students are back and furnishing their dorm rooms and apartments. Thank you to all the folks who’ve been bringing in donations. It gives us something new to put out every day. If you are cleaning out a closet we need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS and POTS & PANS. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!