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

Who Are We

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 175 members and active participants, we are big enough to engage you but small enough to know you.

We Welcome You

We believe God calls us into community. Since God does the inviting, we understand our role is to welcome with extravagant hospitality. Whatever your age, race, ethnicity, physical or mental ability, education, financial status, employment, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, there is a sacred space for you to participate fully in the life of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana. All people are created in the image of God, and are worthy of full acceptance into the life of faith.

As a member congregation of More Light Presbyterians, we endorse their mission statement: “Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.”

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.