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, October 25, 2026
The image is from this Spring’s choral performance of Faure’s Requiem.
“Join us on Sunday to savor a choral performance of Mozart’s Vespers. Karl Barth liked to say that when God enjoys sacred music with the angels in heaven, God likes to listen to Beethoven. When God is alone, God listens to Mozart. Our Gospel reading will feature Jesus teaching the Great Commandment: to love God with all that we are, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. What better way to celebrate the extravagant love of God than with gorgeous sacred music.”
Pastor David
Join us in-person for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. or livestreamed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@firstpresbyterianchurchofu7455
The Church Office will be open Monday – Wednesday, plus Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. On Thursdays, Tracy works remotely, mostly for the Presbytery, and checks FPCU emails and voicemails.
Wisdom Group: Our next meeting is this Sunday, October 25, in the Library, after worship, to discuss “The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound.” We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, 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).
All-Church Outing: Let’s meet to enjoy “the World’s Best Ice Cream” this Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Sidney Dairy Barn (311 W Main St, Sidney). We’ll enjoy the fall weather at this outdoor location. Bring family and friends!
"Higher Power” Faith Exploration Group: Join us on Tuesday, November 3, 7:30-8:15 AM. at Café Bene on campus (700 S. Gregory Street – not the east-west Gregory Drive which goes by the Morrow Plots and the Library). This is the corner of South Gregory and Nevada. The parking on Nevada takes coins or Mobilemeter app by phone. The parking on South Gregory is U of I parking and takes only the Mobilemeter phone app.
Click on this online link (firstpresurbana.org/ministries/education/adult-education/higher-power-group/higher-power-group-meeting-information/ )for more details on our great discussions.
For our November 3 meeting, we will continue to think together about the nature of praying to God and consider some meaningful passages from the Christian scriptures.
If you have questions, please call or email Don Greeley (217-369-4304) or (donaldgreeley@prairienotes.com).
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.
Thrift Shop Update: Halloween décor is out now. Also look for fall décor as well as clothing for cooler weather. Our Tool selection has expanded to a front porch cabinet as well as inside. 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!
Troop 6 Christmas Wreath Sales: From now until November 13, Scouting America Troop 6 will be taking orders for evergreen wreaths and other Christmas decorations! The Troop is partnering with Mickman Brothers who provide high-quality evergreens for holiday decorating. Funds raised will go to help pay for outings and camping gear. There are two ways to buy a wreath and support Troop 6:
1. Talk to a Troop 6 Scout (like James Champion) or adult leaders (like Brett Champion or Jamie Ellis). Wreaths will be available for delivery November 29.
2. As an alternative, you may order directly from Mickman Brothers at the link below. If needed, type in TR6IL002 when it asks for a fundraising code. Conveniently pay online and wreaths will be shipped directly to you. You can place orders up until December 7! giftitforward.com/fundraising-code/TR6IL002.
Questions can be directed to Jamie Ellis, james.ellis72@gmail.com.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Ultimate allegiance can be taken less than seriously in American culture, even among disciples of Jesus. I mean, we don’t have to choose just one, right? We love the Bears and the Cubs (except for the two Cardinal fans and one Packers shareholder among us). We love Champaign and Urbana (except for the one who still insists on calling the other municipality West Urbana). We love Alison Krauss and Union Station and Buddy Guy. We love having financial security and Jesus. We can love multiple entities, right? Join us on Sunday when we will hear the response Jesus gave to the religious leaders about ultimate allegiance. It remains unsettling in its clarity.
Pastor David
Join Us for Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship! 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 will be closed Friday, October 16. Next week, the office will be open Monday – Wednesday, plus Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. On Thursdays, Tracy works remotely, mostly for the Presbytery, and checks FPCU emails and voicemails.
Pride Fest 2026 – Tomorrow, Saturday, October 17!
It is always a fun and meaningful event, a great way for our church to show our love to our community. Sixteen years ago, Uniting Pride said, “Let’s make space — real, loud, glitter-filled space — for LGBTQ+ people in East Central Illinois.” Now we’re celebrating 16 years strong.
The Fair is from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 in downtown Urbana, and the Parade is at 1:00 p.m. We will march with other Presbyterian Churches in the area as a group, and we are hoping that our booths will be close together as well for solidarity! So far, we plan to pass out water (with our church’s sticker), candy, and host our Share A Prayer Board. Other ideas welcome!
We will need helpers!
1) Set-up – 11:00 a.m. (involves loading items at the church and unloading at the booth site)
2) Hosting the Booth – welcoming visitors – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (any time you can join is great!)
3) Marching in the Parade – gather with other Presbyterian Churches at 12:30, should be done by 2:00 at the latest.
4) Viewing the Parade – be a gathering point for other church members to watch together (on the west lawn of the Methodist Church at Lincoln Square? This worked well last year)
5) Booth Take-Down – 5:00 p.m., help to bring items back to the church.
Please contact Pastor David or Karen Mortensen (karen.pinney.mortensen@gmail.com) for more information or to volunteer.
“Higher Power” Faith Exploration Group: Join us on Tuesday morning, October 20, 7:30-8:15 AM. at Café Bene on campus (700 S. Gregory Street – not the east-west Gregory Drive which goes by the Morrow Plots and the Library). This is the corner of South Gregory and Nevada. The parking on Nevada takes coins or Mobilemeter app by phone. The parking on South Gregory is U of I parking and takes only the Mobilemeter phone app.
Click on this online link (firstpresurbana.org/ministries/education/adult-education/higher-power-group/higher-power-group-meeting-information/ )for more details on our great discussions.
On October 20 we will start thinking about how communication from humans to God can work.
Wisdom Group: Our next meeting will be Sunday, October 25, in the Library, after worship, to discuss “The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound.” We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, 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.
All-Church Outing: Let’s meet to enjoy “the World’s Best Ice Cream” next Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Sidney Dairy Barn (311 W Main St, Sidney). We’ll enjoy the fall weather at this outdoor location. Bring family and friends!
Malawi Inspired Worship: On Sunday, November 8, our worship service will be inspired by Malawi in honor of the 25th anniversary of our church’s partnership with the Jeanes Church of Malawi.
International Inspired Potluck: Everyone is invited! Sunday, November 8 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Our international potluck theme follows our Malawi-inspired worship service and is in honor of our partnership with Jeanes Church in Malawi. A kids’ Malawi themed craft will be provided.
Also at the Potluck—Yarn! Marilyn Dewey was a knitter who felt you could never have too much yarn. Her husband will bring 65 pounds of yarn and a large supply of knitting needles, etc. to the November 8 potluck. Take what you want and make a donation for what you feel is right to Twice Is Nice.
Thrift Shop Update: Halloween décor is out now. Also look for fall décor as well as clothing for cooler weather. Our Tool selection has expanded to a front porch cabinet as well as inside. 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, October 11, 2026
An idol always comes in a convincing disguise. Although this painting captures the festive nature of the scene we will hear about in Exodus on Sunday, it is mis-titled. The Hebrew word in the passage is best translated as “bull” rather than “calf,” which sure lifts other connotations of what happened (humor here). Bulls are vigorous and powerful, strong and impressive. Perfect for passing the handmade statue off as God. It’s not an alternative to God, but proclaimed as the very One who brought the Hebrews up from the land of Egypt. That’s how it is with idols: they are always incognito. On the surface, they look like good, respectable, maybe even holy things. Worshipping the idol feels pious. Join us on Sunday to hear this passage once again and then contemplate it together. An idol may look impressive, but it will always be nothing more than bull.
Pastor David
Join us in-person for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. or livestreamed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@firstpresbyterianchurchofu7455
The Noisy Offering This Sunday: 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. This month money will be donated to The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. So… dig out your jars of coins and plan to help make some noise!
The Church Office: This week, the office was open only Monday – Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Next week, the office will be open Monday – Wednesday, plus Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wisdom Group: We will meet this Sunday, October 11 at 10:45 a.m. in the library to discuss the hymn “The Church’s One Foundation.” The next meeting after that will be Sunday, October 25 to discuss “The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound.” We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, 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.
Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David is leading multi-week study of Christian spirituality. The next meeting will be this Sunday, October 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the Church Library.
Pride Fest 2026 – Saturday, October 17! It is always a fun and meaningful event, a great way for our church to show our love to our community. Sixteen years ago, Uniting Pride said, “Let’s make space — real, loud, glitter-filled space — for LGBTQ+ people in East Central Illinois.” Now we’re celebrating 16 years strong. The Fair is from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 in downtown Urbana, and the Parade is at 1:00 p.m. We will march with other Presbyterian Churches in the area as a group, and we are hoping that our booths will be close together as well for solidarity! So far, we plan to pass out water (with our church’s sticker), candy, and host our Share A Prayer Board. Other ideas welcome!
We will need helpers!
1) Set-up – 11:00 a.m. (involves loading items at the church and unloading at the booth site)
2) Hosting the Booth – welcoming visitors – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (any time you can join is great!)
3) Marching in the Parade – gather with other Presbyterian Churches at 12:30, should be done by 2:00 at the latest.
4) Viewing the Parade – be a gathering point for other church members to watch together (on the west lawn of the Methodist Church at Lincoln Square? This worked well last year)
5) Booth Take-Down – 5:00 p.m., help to bring items back to the church.
Please contact the church office for more information or to volunteer.
All-Church Outing: Let’s meet to enjoy “the World’s Best Ice Cream” on Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Sidney Dairy Barn (311 W Main St, Sidney). We’ll enjoy the fall weather at this outdoor location. Bring family and friends!
Malawi Inspired Worship: On Sunday, November 8, our worship service will be inspired by Malawi in honor of the 25th anniversary of our church’s partnership with the Jeanes Church of Malawi.
International Inspired Potluck: Everyone is invited! Sunday, November 8 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Our international potluck theme follows our Malawi-inspired worship service and is in honor of our partnership with Jeanes Church in Malawi. A kids’ Malawi themed craft will be provided. There will be 50 lbs of yarn available for a donation to Twice Is Nice.
First Fridays is meeting at Harvest Market, 2029 S. Neil, Champaign. Our next meeting will be Friday, November 6 at 9:00 a.m. Order from the Farmhouse Restaurant, coffee bar or get a donut/pastry in the bakery and join in the conversation! The upstairs can be accessed by stairs or elevator. Come join in on the conversations we never seem to have enough time for on Sunday morning! Questions? Contact the church office.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
The image is “The Ten Commandments,” a woodcarving in a church in Paszyn, Poland.
“Perhaps too commonly, the Ten Commandments are understood archaically, as from an ancient time, arbitrary, and outdated. What if they are not merely rules to be kept because “God said so,” but the basics of how to be human with other humans? And what if they were given not because God only wants people to follow the rules, but because God loves us? Join us on Sunday when we will hear from the Book of Exodus about the giving of the Ten Commandments and then contemplate together what they mean for us today.”
Pastor David
Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion: We celebrate an open communion believing that Jesus Christ has invited not only members of this congregation, but all others who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of faith. All are welcome to partake of this sacrament of grace.
Join us in-person for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. or livestreamed on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@firstpresbyterianchurchofu7455
The Church Office will be open only Monday – Wednesday this week, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy is taking PTO this Thursday. Melissa is taking PTO this Friday. The October 11 bulletins will be printed Wednesday, October 7.
Blessing of the Animals Service: A Time to Remember, Give Thanks, and Bless Pets. Next Sunday, October 4 at 4:00 p.m. in the Green Street Courtyard. Usually celebrated on a day close to the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, the blessing offers a time to give thanks for the pets that enrich our lives, remember pets we have lost to death, and offer a blessing for them for the year ahead. Well-behaved and on-leash/contained pets are welcome. If your pet doesn’t fit this category, you are welcome to bring a picture. If your pet has died, you are invited to bring an item of remembrance. All pets must be accompanied by an owner. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet and ensuring the safety of those offering the blessing. In case of rain, we will meet in Fellowship Hall. We hope you can join us! If you don’t have a pet, come anyway, and enjoy the fun and furry (or not!) companionship. And of course, invite friends!!
New “Higher Power” Faith Exploration Group: Join us on this Tuesday morning, October 6, 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). At our last meeting we shared a lot of ideas on the nature of God’s interaction with the earth and humans. On October 6, we will begin our consideration of how God might be communicating with us humans and how humans might communicate with God. 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).
Wisdom Group: This month, we will meet Sundays, October 11 and October 25 at 10:45 a.m. in the library. We will discuss the hymn “The Church's One Foundation” on October 11 and “The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound” on October 25. We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, 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).
We are coming up on Pride Fest 2026! It is always a fun and meaningful event, a great way for our church to show our love to our community. Sixteen years ago, Uniting Pride said, “Let’s make space — real, loud, glitter-filled space — for LGBTQ+ people in East Central Illinois.” Now we’re celebrating 16 years strong. The Fair is from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 in downtown Urbana, and the Parade is at 1:00 p.m. We will march with other Presbyterian Churches in the area as a group, and we are hoping that our booths will be close together as well for solidarity! So far, we plan to pass out water (with our church’s sticker), candy, and host our Share A Prayer Board. We will need helpers!
All-Church Outing: Let’s meet to enjoy “the World’s Best Ice Cream” on Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Sidney Dairy Barn (311 W Main St, Sidney). We’ll enjoy the fall weather at this outdoor location. Bring family and friends!
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.
Fall/Winter Clothing Arrives! The thrift shop Summer/Winter clothing switch is happening Sunday, October 4, after worship. Thanks to the folks who’ve helped get the shop prepared for the switch! Halloween décor will come out right after the switch. 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 27, 2026
The image is a scene from the movie A River Runs Through It.
“How far we have come from the days of the 1920s when a hearing aid looked like the image featured here. These days (Thanks be to God), hearing aids can be programmed to compensate exactly for the degree and the specific range of one’s hearing loss. The aids can be connected to an app on a phone that allows for tracking, adjusting for different settings, and use as ear buds. Join us on Sunday when we will hear about some religious leaders who could have used spiritual hearing aids. Modern aids would have been no use to them because being able to hear is one thing. Listening is something altogether different.”
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.
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.
Blessing of the Animals Service: A Time to Remember, Give Thanks, and Bless Pets. Next Sunday, October 4 at 4:00 p.m. in the Green Street Courtyard.
Usually celebrated on a day close to the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, the blessing offers a time to give thanks for the pets that enrich our lives, remember pets we have lost to death, and offer a blessing for them for the year ahead. Well-behaved and on-leash/contained pets are welcome. If your pet doesn’t fit this category, you are welcome to bring a picture. If your pet has died, you are invited to bring an item of remembrance. All pets must be accompanied by an owner. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet and ensuring the safety of those offering the blessing. In case of rain, we will meet in Fellowship Hall. We hope you can join us! If you don’t have a pet, come anyway, and enjoy the fun and furry (or not!) companionship. And of course, invite friends!!
New “Higher Power” Faith Exploration Group: On Tuesday, October 6, we will begin our consideration of how God might be communicating with us humans and how humans might communicate with God. We meet at 7:30-8:15 AM at the Café Bene near campus. We have a welcoming environment for anyone who is interested. More information can be found by clicking on this QR code or by emailing to higherpower@firstpresurbana.org or to Don Greeley at donaldgreeley@prairienotes.com.
We are coming up on Pride Fest 2026! It is always a fun and meaningful event, a great way for our church to show our love to our community. Sixteen years ago, Uniting Pride said, “Let’s make space — real, loud, glitter-filled space — for LGBTQ+ people in East Central Illinois.” Now we’re celebrating 16 years strong. The Fair is from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 in downtown Urbana, and the Parade is at 1:00 p.m. We will march with other Presbyterian Churches in the area as a group, and we are hoping that our booths will be close together as well for solidarity! So far, we plan to pass out water (with our church’s sticker), candy, and host our Share A Prayer Board. We will need helpers!
All-Church Outing: Let’s meet to enjoy “the World’s Best Ice Cream” on Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Sidney Dairy Barn (311 W Main St, Sidney). We’ll enjoy the fall weather at this outdoor location. Bring family and friends!
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.
Sales at the Shop: Women’s and Children’s clothes are on sale this week (excluding shoes and purses). We are getting ready for the Summer/Winter clothing switch, coming up on Sunday, October 4. Thanks to the folks who’ve helped get the shop prepared for the switch! 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!