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 …
PCUSA News
- J. Herbert Nelson troubled by treatment of Haitians coming to USStated Clerk calls for US to 'critically analyze our foreign policy' September 24, 2021 © Argus / Adobe Stock We owe so much to the people of Haiti. They are a symbol of freedom in this part of the world. They came to our assistance during the Revolutionary War. However, we have been shameful partners. During Haitians’ call […]
- Mission co-worker serving as pastor for Moscow Protestant ChaplaincySeptember 24, 2021 The Rev. Jessica Derise has served as a mission co-worker for the past 18 months, but for the first time is able to do so in person.
- Jubilee Weekend is an opportunity for advocacy Oct. 15-17September 24, 2021 Presbyterians are being encouraged to support a weekend of advocacy by the Jubilee USA Network, a partner of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that promotes debt relief for poor countries and an equitable distribution of vaccines.
- Church embraces a history of serviceSeptember 24, 2021 The Welcome Table is the feeding ministry at Briargate Presbyterian Church on the southwest side of Louisville. Since April 2019, this small but mighty church of approximately 50 members is following the Matthew 25:31–46 call to actively engage in the world around us.
September 26, 2021
Worship – In-Person and Streaming at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Sunday Seminar: “Responding to Christian Nationalism” In-person and on Zoom at 11 am on Sunday morning.
Returning to In-Person Worship
As promised after its August meeting, Session revisited its decision to delay our return to in-person instruction at its September meeting. Session voted unanimously to return to in-person worship beginning this Sunday, September 26. We made this decision in the light of Julie Pryde’s presentation on September 12 and conversation with her following the adult seminar. She indicated to us that our positivity rate is relatively low and she believed it would continue to go down over the following two weeks. (One week in, it has.) She said that we are free to require vaccination along with the other mitigation measures, and that if we do that, she felt we would be as safe as is possible now for returning to in-person worship. Going forward, if you do not feel well, we encourage you to stay home and participate in worship online. If you do not yet feel comfortable returning to in-person person for whatever reason, please continue to participate in worship online.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back! Masking will be required. Social distancing will be required. Showing proof of vaccination will be required. You can show the ushers your vaccination card, or a picture of it on your phone, or use the U of I app, or the IDPH app. In order to ease checking in on Sunday mornings, you can email Cindy Ottemann a photo of your vaccination card. She will compile a list of verified vaccinations for the ushers. We can also place a sticker on your name tag to verify that you are vaccinated. For those under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible for a vaccine, we ask that a negative COVID test be taken within 3 days prior to attending. The U of I is offering its rapid saliva test free to members of the community at the Campus Recreation Center East at the corner of Dorner Dr. and Gregory St. Parkland College is also offering free rapid tests to residents of our community.
“Esther,” by Yehudis Jacobowitz, Hidur Design Works
Since my first glimpse of Gustav Klimt’s luminescent painting of Adele Bloch Bauer, I have sought to see all of his work. His painting of Judith just might be my favorite, especially given how it inspired the illumination of Esther in the pages of the Saint John’s Bible created by calligrapher, Donald Jackson. That illumination makes me wish that Klimt had painted Esther. The wishing led me to searching until I found this stunning Klimt-inspired creation by Yehudis Jacobowitz. The root behind the name of Esther means “hidden.” As a part of the king’s harem, and then as Queen, Esther had to conceal her identity in order to survive. As we read the wonderful story of deliverance that is the Book of Esther, we reach the point of crisis and we wonder, “Will she reveal her identity and save her people?” For so many Christians, the Book of Esther is a hidden story in that it is unknown. Join us on Sunday as we contemplate the courage of Queen Esther together, as well as the passage from the Gospel of Mark in which Jesus refuses to let his disciples place limits on the realm of God. Perfect readings for celebrating Pride week in Champaign Urbana.
Pastor David
Adult Seminars: On Sundays, September 19, 26 and October 3, Pastor David will address “Responding to Christian Nationalism”
Last Sunday – What is Christian Nationalism?
Sept 26 – What is Christian Nationalism – Biblical Wisdom Responding
Oct. 3 – How does Christian Nationalism overlap with racism and white supremacy
All seminars will be in-person and live streamed from the sanctuary. Plan to join us via Zoom at 11:00 for the seminar. (Same Zoom invite that is used for the service).
Join Us for Sunday 9:30 a.m. Worship and Seminar!
1. YouTube Channel:
www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Eiz3KggoReHXIW6ns5HWg
2. Facebook link to YouTube at:
www.facebook.com/FirstPresChurchUrbana/
Scroll down to the post from that morning
3. Zoom click on: zoom.us/j/8144246357
Meeting ID: 814 424 6357 (if necessary)
Password 475210
4. Landline or phone that is not a smart phone:
1 (312) 626-6799.
Meeting ID: 814 424 6357 (if necessary)
Password 475210
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.An important conversation about how pandemics impact individuals and communities.
*********** Returning to In-Person Worship ********************
As promised after its August meeting, Session revisited its decision to delay our return to in-person instruction at its September meeting. Session voted unanimously to return to in-person worship beginning this Sunday, September 26th. We made this decision in the light of Julie Pryde’s presentation on September 12th and conversation with her following the adult seminar. She indicated to us that our positivity rate is relatively low and she believed it would continue to go down over the following two weeks. (One week in, it has.) She said that we are free to require vaccination along with the other mitigation measures, and that if we do that, she felt we would be as safe as is possible now for returning to in-person worship. Going forward, if you do not feel well, we encourage you to stay home and participate in worship online. If you do not yet feel comfortable returning to in-person person for whatever reason, please continue to participate in worship online.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back!
*******Masking will be required.
Social distancing will be required.
Showing proof of vaccination will be required.*******
You can show the ushers your vaccination card, or a picture of it on your phone, or use the U of I app, or the IDPH app. In order to ease checking in on Sunday mornings, you can email Cindy Ottemann a photo of your vaccination card. She will compile a list of verified vaccinations for the ushers. We can also place a sticker on your name tag to verify that you are vaccinated. For those under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible for a vaccine, we ask that a negative COVID test be taken within 3 days prior to attending. The U of I is offering its rapid saliva test free to members of the community at the Campus Recreation Center East at the corner of Dorner Dr. and Gregory St. Parkland College is also offering free rapid tests to residents of our community.