October 6 & 13, 2019

Going For Gold

Sunday, October 6, and the following Sunday, October 13, have been designated Gold Challenge Sundays. Gold Challenge is when we all look inward to the current operation of our church to support its budget, so we may then look outward to the needs of our congregation, community, and the world to accomplish our mission.

 At the end of August, total contributions to First Presbyterian Church were running behind by $64,000, or about 8% of the annual budget for contributions. Since it is typical for contributions to slow down over the summer, Gold Challenge is the perfect opportunity for each of us to help our church catch up and finish 2019 in a healthy financial position. As we enter into this season of gratitude, please consider the blessings in your life that might lead you to a spirit of extra generosity. 

Could this mean an additional contribution to the church this year? Or, if you haven’t yet fulfilled your commitment for 2019, is this the right time to do so? The Gratitude Team hopes you will consider this carefully and prayerfully and respond in the way that is right for you during the Gold Challenge. Thank you!

First Followers

First Followers is a year-long practical study of the process of becoming your best self for the world. The journey takes participants through an intensive exploration of their personal God-narratives, the work of the Spirit, spiritual practices, and community. The format of the experience includes reading, reflection, gathering and retreat.

Four Phases

While the process of spiritual formation is deeply integrated, for the purpose of learning we have divided it into four phases.

Narrative

We all live out narratives that have been shaped in us over time. In this phase we explore the false nature of our old narratives and discover ways they can be replaced with new ones that guide us toward living in the Kingdom of God.

Yielding 

Everyone’s soul is aiming toward a perceived version of the good life. But scarcity, fear, insecurity and jealousy tempt us to covet other lives and project a false life. This can be exhausting and destructive to the soul. By surrendering to the Spirit and the resurrection power Christ, we aim in the direction of his love for our lives.

Practice Spiritual 

Practices help believers to live like Jesus Christ and develop awareness of the soul’s health. God gives us these tools and we must learn when and how to use them. Fortunately, we have many centuries of teaching from faithful guides from which to learn these ancient ways.

Community

The two greatest commandments are really two sides of the same coin. We cannot love God without also loving others. Spiritual formation does not happen apart from community and a commitment to be with and for each other helping one another become our best for the world.

OUR HISTORY
In April of 1831, The Rev. William A. Stevens was assigned as organizing Pastor for a group of Chester County citizens of Presbyterian Ancestry. The cornerstone for this new church was laid on July 3, 1832. However, the building went on more slowly than was expected and it was not covered until the summer of 1833. Not until January 1834 was it in a condition to be occupied for public worship. A Sabbath School Society was organized on July 22, 1832. Public worship was held in the church for the first time on January 7, 1834 with 52 original members.

On January 15, 1834, the charter was obtained from the Supreme Court of the United States incorporating the program as “The First Presbyterian Church of the Borough of West Chester.” The church design was the first commission of Thomas U. Walter, America’s preeminent Greek revival architect, who later designed the dome of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

In the 1840’s the small congregation began to grow and reach out. Things went so well that by 1861-62, the church was overflowing and an addition was added during the ministry of Rev. William E. Moore. The old Sunday School Chapel was constructed in 1893, where our educational facilities now stand. In 1905 a much larger pipe organ was constructed and new stained glass windows were added. The organ was electrified in 1934.

Additional property was purchased from 1955-57 to add the present educational facility where the old Chapel had stood. In 1962 the Kell Memorial Organ was installed in memory of a beloved pastor, the Rev. J. Garrett Kell, and changes were made in the Chancel area. New pews were added in 1966.

The church continued to grow, stretching all existing facilities for education and ministering. The church undertook a major renovation program in 1986 connecting the original sanctuary to the education building. The congregation undertook a similar renovation and expansion in 1995, adding an elevator, classroom space, air-conditioning and remodeling throughout the building. The strengths of the congregation are worship and music, mission outreach, education, ministry to its youth and families, and its preschool program.

The building now known as The First Presbyterian Church has continued to grow and meet the religious needs of the surrounding communities. There are currently three full-time pastors serving our 1,300+ members, who call this church their home.


OUR BIBLICAL STORY
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:8-11 (NRSV)


LOCAL MISSION
First Pres is honored to partner with a wide variety of organizations serving the people of Chester County. From hunger to homelessness, legal aid to medical assistance, these non-profit and faith-based groups are God's hands and feet in the community. Our congregation supports their service through volunteer hours and financial assistance.


NATIONAL MISSION
​First Presbyterian supports the national mission efforts of the PC(USA) through gifts to disaster relief agencies and organizations promoting peace and justice in our country and abroad.


GLOBAL MISSION​
From rural medical care, anti-human trafficking efforts, and clean water initiatives to education for girls living in poverty, the mission-workers and international organizations supported by First Pres are serving people on three continents and in dozens of countries across the world. Through partnerships with local communities, these groups and individuals serve God by working for justice, healthcare access, and educational opportunities for all.