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December Events at First Pres Portland
Christmas Eve Services at First Pres Portland
Christmas Eve Family-Friendly Service | December 24 at 5:00 PM – Join us for a family-friendly Christmas Eve Service at our historic church in downtown Portland at 5:00 pm. This special service will feature a delightful pop-up Christmas pageant, bringing the story of Christ’s birth to life in a fun and engaging way for all ages. We invite you to share in this joyful celebration of the season, as we come together to honor the birth of our Savior. All are welcome! We look forward to celebrating with you! Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service | December 24 at 9:00 PM – Join us for our traditional Lessons and Carols with candlelight service at 9:00 pm in our beautiful, historic downtown church. This sacred service will weave together scripture readings and beloved carols, illuminating the story of Christ’s birth [...]
Joel Nickel’s Artwork
Joel Nickel’s Artwork We are excited to invite you to explore a beautiful collection of eight paintings by retired Lutheran minister and abstract geometric artist Joel Nickel. These stunning works of art will be on display in our Chapel Narthex until Advent, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Old Testament passages often associated with the season of Lent. Each painting is a visual narrative, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the stories they represent. Joel Nickel’s unique approach blends vibrant colors and geometric forms, encouraging a fresh interpretation of these sacred texts. Throughout the display, we will provide special announcements where you can learn more about the stories behind the paintings and how the artist conveys these powerful themes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our friends at St. James Lutheran for sharing this wonderful collection with [...]
Women’s Open Circle Group
Join us for Open Circle, a wonderful women’s group dedicated to study and fellowship. We meet every Thursday in the Heritage Room on the second floor of the Parish House. Our gatherings start softly at 10:00 a.m. when our Zoom link, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88908907928, goes live. We begin our study time with prayer at 10:15 a.m. This season, we will be studying From Judgment to Hope: A Study on the Prophets by Walter Brueggemann. You can purchase your book at the first meeting for $11. We hope you’ll consider joining this amazing group of women every Thursday. [...]
Monthly Birthday Celebration
Join us for our monthly birthday celebration during Coffee Hour on the first Sunday of each month! We look forward to celebrating with you! Upcoming Dates: Sunday, January 5 Sunday, February 2 [...]
Julia West Redevelopment Update as of September 2024
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Julia West Property Redevelopment
Julia West House has been a part of First Presbyterian Church since 1988 and has served those in need in our community well over that time. For a time, it served as refugee housing through the Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR) program of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, the home of Operation Nightwatch in downtown Portland, and a similar program for hospitality to the unhoused during the day. Later, Julia West House became the home of GED programs and a men’s clothing center called Best Foot Forward. Over time the broad array of services decreased as other agencies evolved, certain public funding disappeared, and the congregation became less able to support the activities while trying to maintain a building that was over 125 years old. By early 2018, Best Foot Forward had become independent and relocated. Although FPC provided over [...]
Weddings at First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church (FPC) is a unique treasure nestled in the heart of the city. With its Victorian Gothic-inspired architecture, it is the perfect location for a large or intimate affair. Built in 1890, it is one of the oldest and largest churches in Portland. The hammer-beam trusses, original hand-carved pews, Povey stained glass windows, and magnificent Jaeckel pipe organ provide the perfect setting for a romantic and unforgettable wedding ceremony. Click here to learn more about booking your wedding at First Presbyterian Church. [...]
Columbarium Dedication on September 26th
Please join us for the dedication of the recently completed Memorial Garden and Columbarium on Sunday, September 26th, after worship. The dedication service celebrates the culmination of a three-year project spearheaded by Columbarium Committee Chair, Joyce Evans, and Committee Members Laurna Shively, Ann van Bever and Jon Bates. The installation of the Memorial Garden and Columbarium is a timeless and welcome addition to the church’s Plaza and provides a peaceful place for quiet meditation and remembrance. [...]
All are welcome!
The Presbyterian Church (USA), of which First Presbyterian is a part, works to affirm the worth of all persons, including those in the LGBTQ community. Our church’s governing body, the Session, affirms ours as a welcoming and affirming congregation. All are welcome to join in worship, fellowship, and service! Our PCUSA Mission staff penned this prayer as we continue to work and hope for the reign of God to be established: God of justice, hope, love, and mercy, help us to continually live into the church that you have called us to be. Compel us to stand against injustice wherever it may be found. Provoke us to hold firm to the gospel message of inclusion and equity. And empower us to continually be salt and light in a world that so desperately needs more representation of your Spirit. We love you and [...]
Statement on Racial Justice from the Pastoral Staff of the First Presbyterian Church of Portland, Oregon
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Lectionary Adult Bible Study on Zoom
Every Sunday morning, Dr. Will Deming leads an Adult Bible Study on the lectionary Scripture passages for that day’s worship, using the lectionary. This is a wonderful way to dive into the Scriptures before hearing them in the worship service. Join study class on Zoom on Sundays from 9 – 10 am via this link:(https://zoom.us/j/92285138816), the Zoom Meeting ID is 922-8513-8816. This is a recurring meeting, the above link can be used until further notice. [...]