YOU ARE WELCOME HERE (Q&A)
While many of those who call FPC home are from Rockwall and Heath, we draw from a large area. People come from as far north as Wylie, as far south as Forney and Sunnyvale, as far east as Fate and Royse City, and as far west as Rowlett, Garland, Mesquite - even Fort Worth!
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It's special when people are willing to put that kind of mileage on their cars to be a part of what's happening here. We hope you will too.
As a guest, we strive to provide you with a warm welcome, but not overwhelm your comfort zone.
We are reminded by our newest members that finding a new church home can be difficult and stressful. They report walking into some churches and feeling like they were surrounded by high pressure salesmen, preventing them from experiencing the true atmosphere. In other churches, they experienced being lost in a crowd so large that members couldn’t tell the visitors from the regulars. Still worse, unfortunately, many times they were made to feel guilty with probing questions about how long it had been since they were involved with a church or the type of churches they had previously attended.
Wherever you are on your journey of faith, we are happy to have you here. We want to be helpful, friendly and informative as you thoughtfully explore what our church has to offer. We hope you will find our church a wonderful place to worship God and to feel, rejoice and share in His love – and if you do, we hope you will consider making it your church, too.
Visiting a new church can be uncomfortable. How will this be different?
What is the congregation like?
We are a growing, vibrant, diverse, giving and loving congregation with members from Rockwall, Fate, Forney, Garland, Heath, Mesquite, Rowlett, Royse City, Terrell, and Wylie. We are active in the community and you will find evidence of our many community and mission activities throughout Rockwall and Dallas Counties. For example, our church was the founder of the Rockwall charity, Helping Hands, and we continue to maintain a closely supportive relationship with the group.
You are welcome to start your visit with the Sunday worship service, which begins at 11:00 a.m., in-person or livestream.
First time guests are also invited to join our Adult Sunday School from 9:30 to 10:30 during the school year.
No matter which time you choose to begin your visit, know that our members will be glad to welcome you and help you feel at home.
This is my first visit.
When should I arrive?
What happens once I'm there?
We have designated parking spots for visitors – watch for the signs.
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When you arrive, you will be greeted at the door by one of our members, and asked to fill out a nametag, so that we may greet you by name. Don’t worry – our members wear nametags, too. It will help us to get to know you and vice versa.
Our services are informal, and worshipers dress in a range of clothing from casual to business attire. We encourage you to be comfortable. We are.
What should I wear?
Our liturgy, or order of worship, is similar from week to week, but some details will change. As you enter the sanctuary, you will be given an order of worship, which will help guide you when to sit, stand, pray and sing. Each service features songs, prayers and affirmations of our faith that are connected to the week’s scripture lesson. In our church, children are welcomed in worship and even have their own time with the pastor during the service.
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Following the pastor’s time with children, elementary-aged children can go to children’s worship in Godly Play / Children of God.
What is worship like?
Yes! Childcare is provided every Sunday morning and at most congregational events and is open to kids 5 years and younger. Our nursery is staffed by experienced childcare providers. The staff and volunteers who assist in the nursery have been screened with background checks and have met the other requirements established by the church’s childcare policies.
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In addition, we offer Godly Play/Children of God, a children’s worship experience for elementary-aged children four Sundays each month during the worship hour (not offered in months with a fifth Sunday). Children come to worship with their families and leave after the Time for Young Disciples (a children’s sermon time) to learn about God through age-appropriate storytelling and activities.
Is childcare provided?
If I decide to join First Presbyterian Church, how do I?
If you feel called by God to make FPC your church home, there are three ways you can join:
1) By Baptism. If you have never been baptized into a Christian church and wish to profess your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you may join by undergoing the sacrament of baptism.
2) By Reaffirmation of Faith. If you have been baptized and were once a member of a Christian church, but no longer have an active membership, you may reaffirm your faith to join.
3) By Letter of Transfer. If you are an active member of another Presbyterian church (or any other Christian church) we can request that the church which holds your membership transfer it to FPC.
One of our Elders is available every Sunday between the baptismal font and the table to answer your questions, and to facilitate welcoming you into membership.
Communion is a celebration open to all! We celebrate the Lord’s Supper the first Sunday of every month, and on other special days, such as Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday and Easter. We believe that the table belongs to Christ, and Christ welcomes everyone to join in this joyful sacrament.
What about communion?
What is the music like?
Our church is blessed with wonderful music, helping us rejoice, reflect and reverberate in God's love and word. Our talented Music Director and musically gifted members inject a lot of passion into the music and always manage to strike the right tone. Our music ministry includes a contemporary band, an adult choir, a vocal quartet, a handbell choir, and many instrumentalists.
Can you accommodate mobility impaired worshipers?
Absolutely. We do not have conventional pews and we do not have a balcony. Any of the sanctuary chairs can be moved to accommodate wheelchairs. If you need assistance, let our Greeters or Ushers know as you enter the church and they will be happy to help you. Handicapped parking is available close to the front and rear entrances
I can't drive. Do you offer transportation services
At this time, we do not have a van or a bus, but we can arrange for congregation volunteers to pick you up and return you to your residence if you have no personal form of transportation available. Contact the church office to make arrangements
What if I have more questions?
You are invited to speak with our pastor after the worship service, or to approach one of our Elders who will be between the baptismal font and the communion table after worship. They would be happy to answer your questions about our church or church membership.