Walla Walla First Presbyterian Church: October 2008

Family Ministries

Wednesdays @ First & Birch (WFB)

WFB has opportunities for all!

The Rock (3rd-5th grades) meets from 4:30pm - 6:00pm.

Dinner for all is at 6:00pm (suggested donation: $2/children, $4/adults, $10/families)

Adult Choir rehearsals have moved to Thursdays in the month of February.

Youth Bible Study & Adult Study starts at 6:45pm.

Need childcare for younger children? Contact Sarah and let her know!

Bluewood Ski-Van

Every Saturday in January & February Kevin is driving the church van up to Bluewood for skiers in our congregation and community. It's a free ride, leaving the church at 8am and returning a bit after 5pm. Whether the whole family, parents, teens, or kids, we can get you to the mountain! Please reserve your spot (we have spaces for 11 passengers) by emailing Jenny Maxon before Fridays at 10pm, or text Kevin at 503-866-8904 the morning of to see if we have availability.

Worship Services & Your Family

We hope that you and your family find a home with us here at First Presbyterian. We know that our lives are better when we come together in the name of our Lord and live intentionally with one another. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask any of our staff, elders, or congregation members.

While both of our Sunday morning services welcome all ages, our 9:01am service is designed with families with younger children in mind. The music is more contemporary, Sunday School for pre-K through 5th grade meets, and the message is delivered at a more accessible level for children. Teenagers' Sunday School meets during the 10:31am service to provide a chance for teens to attend service and then meet together to dig deeper, play games, and generally enjoy each others' company. Nursery care is available at both services.

More information coming soon. In the mean time contact us with any comments or questions.

Outreach: Missions & Service

As a congregation seeking to know Jesus and make Him known, we are active in Outreach and Service ministries, from the corner of First and Birch, to the ends of the earth.

We believe every member of the congregation is called to be a minister of the good news of Jesus Christ. The particular Service and Outreach ministries of the congregation are led, coordinated and supported by the Service and Outreach Mission Area. Members of this Mission Area meet regularly to plan and pray for the engagement and outreach of the congregation, and to seek new ways to glorify God through service to others in the manner of Our Lord.

Here are some of the ministries we support with our prayers, time, energy, talent, and treasure fulfilling the needs of others to the glory of God, and for the advancement of His Kingdom:

At First Presbyterian Church

"Life Changes" Support Group
Sunday, January 22nd, at 4:00pm in the Fireplace Room/Library

There are many reasons that we grieve. This group will a place for those who are asking "What's next?" after losing a loved one, employment, or a relationship. Join with others who have had similar experiences and learn together how to carry on and grow in the aftermath. Group discussions will take place in an atmosphere of listening and respect for one another. For questions or details, contact Doug or Patsy Warnock (849-2264) who have both faced and risen from the loss of a spouse. This group is open to anyone in need of support, whether part of our, or any, church congregation.

Pantry Shelf Food Bank

The Pantry Shelf is one of four Food Banks in Walla Walla supported through the Blue Mountain Action Council. In addition, the Pantry Shelf was founded and continues to be supported and governed by a cluster of downtown churches. Pantry Shelf is housed in our church basement, and we are pleased to be a major provider for this highly-utilized compassion ministry. We support the ministry through our Outreach budget, weekly food collection, annual Thanksgiving and Christmas food drive, and many volunteer hours. The Pantry Shelf reaches out to feed heart, hand, and body in the name of Jesus Christ.

Directions

Local

Christian Aid Center

The Christian Aid Center is a compassion and restoration ministry to the homeless and needy of Walla Walla. The Center is a ministry that offers hope through housing, food, and spiritual support throughJesus Christ. We support the Christian Aid Center through our Outreach budget as well as volunteer hours. The congregation provides a meal monthly, the Youth ministry provides meals periodically, and other members of the church regularly volunteer with meals, teaching, and leading of devotions.

Whitman Christian Fellowship

The Whitman Christian Fellowship is the InterVarsity ministry on the campus of Whitman College a few blocks away from our church building. This fellowship exists to provide a Christian presence and witness within the Whitman Community. Through regular worship, small groups, and mission efforts WCF grows and equips followers of Jesus to be life-long Christians. We support WCF through our Outreach budget, as well as with members who volunteer, and pastors who speak to the weekly worship. We are also pleased to be a worship home for some members of the Fellowship.

Helpline
Helpline is a compassion agency within the Walla Walla region, working directly with applicants to identify needs and facilitate access to appropriate community services. Supported by area churches, individuals, and other community partners, Helpline exists to, “Affirm the worth of every person, address the needs of individual and families and our community and advocate for positive life transformation.” We participate in Helpline through our Outreach budget and many volunteer hours. Our Youth ministry and individuals give time to help enable the ongoing services of Helpline.

Young Life
First Presbyterian of Walla Walla provides financial support for the local chapter of Young Life, a large non-denominational ministry which engages mid-high and high school age youth for Christian gatherings, activities, camps, and motivational Christian speakers and leaders.

Mending Wings Native American Youth Ministry
This Native-American led ministry is on the Yakama reservation in Wapato, WA. Corey and Gina Greaves work with both tribal elders and with the youth of the tribe to grow its young people in the Jesus Way. Integrating native worship forms with solid Christian doctrine, the programs emphasize Bible study, tribal history, and service on the reservation as the young people learn to take their place as witnesses to their people of the love and grace of Jesus Christ for all. Our congregation provides financial help and ministries of presence through both our own youth activities and congregational delegations to the reservation.

Matthew House
This Christian organization located in the Seattle area buses wives and children to Walla Walla to visit inmates incarcerated at the Washington State Prison. Families are allowed an overnight visit on the third Saturday of each month. Our church provides sleeping space in the basement for wives and children.

Central Washington Presbytery
As a connectional church we contribute funds to our Presbytery and Synod each year to make a difference in our own region. Two special areas of interest are the Presbytery-operated youth camps and the importance of camp ministry for young and growing Christians. We provide assistance through the Presbytery for pastoral ministry at small churches throughout Alaska. Through our Per-Capita payments the entire ministry of Central Washington is supported.

National/International

Northern Ireland

A Ministry of Reconciliation (video)

We are a supporting church and in regular communication with Doug and Elaine Baker, Mission Co-Workers of the PC (U.S.A.), working toward reconciliation between Protestants and Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland. We believe the ministry of Jesus Christ is a ministry of reconciliation - reconciling us to God and to one another. There is a particular command from Jesus that his followers love one another in the same way that Jesus has loved us. Presbyterians in the United States have a rich heritage and history with Presbyterians in Northern Ireland, and we are particularly interested and invested in the effort toward reconciliation that is taking place there.

Costa Rica

We work with Craig and Shelly Rice who are missionaries with Latin American Missions (LAM). Craig works to train evangelists with the Evangelism In Depth ministry, reaching out to the Latin world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Shelly works with the Rahab Foundation, an outreach to women and families enslaved by prostitution. Her ministry enables them to find restoration and the ability to re-enter society with productive skills and a faith in Jesus Christ.

Thailand/Burma (Myanmar)
Missionaries David and Karen Eubank and their family have been working among the Wa people in the mountains of northeastern Burma since the mid 90’s in response to a call by the foreign minister who journeyed to Thailand asking for missionaries to come and evangelize his people. The Wa are traditionally a hill-tribe people who grow opium as their main crop and who worship spirits. They were headhunters until the late 1970’s and only recently ceased to be communist. David and Karen, based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, oversee the Wa Old Testament translation project, and the Wa Youth Hostel there. They are leaders in a new and exciting outreach ministry, Christians Concerned for Burma, which is supported in part by Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship. David and Karen have made many risky trips across the border from Thailand into Burma teaching, preaching, planting Christian churches, and founding the Good Life Club for native Wa children. They are also very involved with ministry to the internally displaced people along the Thai-Burma border, who are victims of ethnic oppression by the Burmese government. The Eubanks’ frequent reports to us describe how they organize teams of medics, pastors, and teachers who travel inside Burma carrying Bibles, hymnals, medicine, and educational supplies.

We also assist in support and education of 13 of the orphaned refugee children displaced from northern Burma to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Pakistan
Our two main areas of interest are the Pakistan Bible Correspondence Institute and the

Pakistan Christian Recording Ministries. Shamshad Khokhar is involved with the work of the Bible Correspondence Institute and their efforts to provide Christian literature and teaching to Muslims through correspondence classes and retreats. Edgar Pace directs the Christian Recording Ministries, broadcasting Christian programs into Pakistan as well as overseeing the recording of Christian cassettes. For many seekers in this Muslim-controlled country, this ministry is their only contact with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Rev. LeRoy Selby is a retired missionary from Pakistan and member of our congregation

Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship
Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship is a validated mission support group of the PC(USA). Their mission is to assist the Global Mission and Evangelism Units of our national church to plant churches within the unreached people groups in the world, and to help newly developing indigenous Christian fellowship grow strong. This organization has been involved in the support of the Wa tribes people that are a part of the ministry of David and Karen Eubank. Bill Young is the Executive Director for Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship.

Presbyterian Related Colleges
Our church is involved in support of higher education through contributions to Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. In addition, our Presbyterian Women’s organization provides scholarship funds each year to youth from our church who are attending Whitworth University.

Seminarians
Traditionally, our church has been supportive of individuals from our congregation who have felt God’s call to the ministry. If you feel the call to pursue ordination via a Seminary education, please contact us.

World Mission of the General Assembly
Each year a portion of our mission giving to our national church is left undesignated for the Worldwide Ministries Division. These funds are used in a variety of ways in countries all over the world.

Child Sponsorship, International Child Care Ministries
Currently our congregation supports two children through International Child Care Ministries. The Mission Committee sponsors one of the children, and our own Sunday School Children sponsor the other child as they learn about our global connection as a caring, Christ-centered community of believers.

One Great Hour of Sharing for Disaster Relief
Through contributions to our yearly One Great Hour of Sharing offering, and special offerings that are collected, we share a commitment to our brothers and sisters around the world. Through this offering we join the denomination, dedicating of a portion of our abundant resources to assist in feeding the hungry and for food security through the world, in programs of self-development of persons in countries of poverty, and in assistance wherever natural disasters threaten the lives and homes of others.

Christmas Joy Offering
Each December, we participate in the special Christmas Joy Offering. This offering supplies supplemental income to retired ministers, missionaries and church workers, and assists the eight racial ethnic schools and colleges associated with our denomination. As a congregation we also direct support from this offering to the Monta Vista Grove retirement community (a Presbyterian community for retired pastors, educators and missionaries in the Presbyterian Church) to help with housing support for those on more limited incomes who live there.

Moms in Touch International
Moms In Touch International impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering mothers to pray. Prayers do make a difference not only for our children but also for us!

"Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift up your hands toward Him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street." Lamentations 2:19

To learn of an area group for your child's school or how to start one, call the church office at
509-525-1093 or e-mail mitiwa@momsintouch.org

Children's Sunday School

Sunday Mornings
9:01 - Graded Sunday School Classes
Preschool – 5th grade

Children begin worship with their families in the sanctuary. After opening songs, they will join their leaders and head upstairs for Sunday School time. There they will enjoy classes that are faithful to scripture, kid friendly, and - of course - lots of fun!

Classes are divided by age and grade:

Preschool
K – 1st Grades
2nd – 3rd Grades
4th – 5th Grades

10:31 - Worship with Families

Children are invited to worship with their families in the sanctuary during this service. Kid-friendly bulletins and crayons are available from the ushers.

Our Curriculum

Walk With Me
We believe that the Sunday School hour should be the best hour of a child’s week. That’s why we use the Walk With Me curriculum to educate, nurture, and play with children Kindergarten through grade 5 on Sunday mornings. Walk With Me is a curriculum developed by Christian Reformed Church Publications in cooperation with the Presbyterians for Renewal. You can learn more at WalkWithMeOnline.org

Gospel Light
Gospel Light is the curriculum used for our preschool class.

Walk With Me Goals

To nurture and encourage each child to know, love, and serve God.
To nurture the faith of children and leaders within a caring community.
To teach children the story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
To help children understand biblical truths from a Reformed perspective.
To challenge children and leaders to live their faith.
To equip children to share their faith and serve others in the community.
To partner with families in the faith nurture of their children.
To encourage children to make the church’s teachings their own.

Adult Ministries

Specific Info:
Seniors | Families | Young Adults

First Presbyterian Church offers programs and study groups for all ages.

Adult Sunday School Class
9:01am in the Fireplace Room every week.

- Current Series: The Story
Starting January 1st, "The Story Bible" reveals the unfolding, grand narrative of the Scriptures. Using the clear, accessible text of the NIV, this rendering of the Bible allows its stories, poems, and teachings to come together in a single, compelling read. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, “The Story” sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. we will start with the first 8 Chapters from January 1st - February 26th.

Pick up your book at the church office for this study.

Mid-Week Study

Part of Wednesdays @ First Birch, Adult Bible Study starts at 6:45pm, after a common meal at 6:00pm with elementary students, teens, and the choir.
- February: An informational series on issues that we are facing as a congregation, Presbytery, and denomination, led by Pastor Albert.

Young Adults
We are currently planning on meeting twice a month, the first Thursday, and then a Monday later in the month. We will be meeting in one another’s homes, that of Kevin Gates on February 13th for chill time together. As we form this group, we will begin simply; sharing food, playing games, talking, planning, studying the Bible, watching movies, or whatever else seems to be a common interest among those who meet together. Contact Kevin or Sarah, call us at the church, or just show up at one of the gatherings!

Chancel Choir
Choir will be meeting on Thursdays during the month of February so that all members who wish to attend the Denomination Series on Wednesdays may do so.

The 10:31 Worship Service music is provided by the Choir, which meets on ~~Wednesdays~~ at 6:30pm to practice, and prior to the service each Sunday that they are scheduled to sing. Interested or have questions? Contact Eric Aeischelman for more details.

"Life Changes" Support Group
Sunday, February 26th, at 5:00pm in the Fireplace Room/Library
There are many reasons that we grieve. This group will a place for those who are asking "What's next?" after losing a loved one, employment, or a relationship. Join with others who have had similar experiences and learn together how to carry on and grow in the aftermath. Group discussions will take place in an atmosphere of listening and respect for one another. For questions or details, contact Doug or Patsy Warnock (849-2264) who have both faced and risen from the loss of a spouse. This group is open to anyone in need of support, whether part of our, or any, church congregation.

Women Equipping Women (WEW)

Women of the community are invited to participate in this 10-week Bible Study, offered multiple times each week; Mondays at 1:00pm or Thursdays at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall. Each meeting offers small group discussion of the home study book, a teaching video, prayer and fellowship time.

Please contact Mary Stanton (529-6392) to register for Thursdays (begins January 26th) or Sonya Peick (525-2036) to register for Mondays (begins January 30th). Study books are available (suggested donation: $18), and Childcare can be arranged for the Thursday morning class by contacting Mary.

- Current Study: Beth Moore's "James: Mercy Triumphs" based on the Book of James. "Bible scholars compare James to the prophet Amos. In other ways James more closely resembles the Book of Proverbs than any New Testament book. Come along with Beth Moor on a journey to get to know both the man and the Book of James. You will never be the same again."

Men's Bible Study
Fridays at noon in the Library/Fireplace Room
Meet with other men to delve into what the Bible tells us about how we are to live as fathers, husbands, sons, and men of God in general. (feel free to bring your lunch along)

Dinner For Eight

Want to meet new people and make new friends? Dinner for Eight are small dinner groups meeting in one another's homes once a month. Each pair hosts a dinner once every 4 months. Meals can be potluck style, provided by the host, or constructed as each group decides. It is best if each pair (a couple, or 2 singles) can make a year-long commitment. The dinners are currently scheduled for the 2nd Sunday or Thursday of each month at 6:00pm.
Pastor Albert provides current sermon questions and scripture readings that can be included at these social events. Contact the church office for more details, or stop by; a sign up sheet is located on the main office counter.

Prayer Meeting

Every month members of the congregation and community meet to lift up our neighborhood, church, and city in prayer. Subjects vary from Join us as you are able. Next meeting: Tuesday, February 21st @ 6:30pm

Information will be updated as new opportunities arise. If you have any questions, please Contact us.

Pastor's Page

I am first and foremost a child of our heavenly Father by my union with God through Jesus Christ in the power of His Holy Spirit. In short I am a whosoever... (look it up - John 3:16)

I am glad you have logged onto our website. Please spend some time to learn about us and contact us if we can answer any of your questions, or be a blessing to you in any way. With joy my family and I are pleased to be part of this great community and congregation.

The Gillin Family

I believe that in Jesus Christ we see and experience the great gift and grace of God. We are called by God’s Holy Spirit into a dynamic and vital relationship with the living God. God desires that we would have an intimate, authentic and growing relationship with Him. To this end, at the end of my life I hope to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

God also has given us the church, the body of Christ, to enable and assist us in this relationship. Through the church we hear and are reminded of the gospel of Christ; through the church we have a place where children are nurtured in faith; through the church we reach out with compassion to those in our community and the world with the love of God. In the church we find encouragement, instruction, fellowship, nurture, support, pastoral care and friendship, all of these and much more await you at the First Presbyterian Church of Walla Walla.

I am honored to be serving at First Presbyterian; we are a blessed congregation. We are blessed with a great tradition and history, we are blessed with a membership that live real and authentic lives. We are blessed with study and fellowship groups to encourage and equip us. First and foremost, however, we are blessed with peace with God, a peace we have and know through Jesus Christ. We are blessed beyond any real ability to say thanks and with these blessings we are called and seek to be a blessing to the world around us.

In our worship, our ministry and our outreach we the body of Christ that gathers at the corner of First and Birch in Walla Walla Washington are scattered from there in order extend the kingdom of God in our world. We give a warm welcome to all those who would come and visit or join us in our worship and service.

Albert Gillin
Pastor
Albert was blessed to grow up in a believing home with parents who loved him and two brothers who helped him learn much about life... some of it worthwhile! Growing up in Lewiston, Idaho, Albert graduated from Lewiston High School in 1983, Lewis-Clark State College in 1988 (B.S.), Princeton Theological Seminary in 1992 (M.Div.), and is currently enrolled at Columbia Theological Seminary (D.Min).

Vacation Bible School

About VBS

Each year at First Presbyterian Church over 125 children from the community join us the week after school lets out for an exciting time of Bible lesson, games, crafts and worship. Over 60 volunteers come together to provide a fun, safe and adventuresome learning atmosphere for God’s precious children of Walla Walla.

VBS 2011: Hometown Nazareth - Where Jesus Was A Kid

June 13-17 2011
Everyone knows what it’s like to hear your mom tell stories from your childhood. Can you imagine the stories Mary could tell? Your kids will go back to Hometown Nazareth, where they’ll stand up for their faith among people who doubt that the carpenter’s son is really God’s Son. Don’t miss out—register now to be part of this Nazareth VBS!

VBS 2011 website

Volunteer for 2012 now!
Contact Sarah Thomson:

509-525-1093

Resources

Many churches in our denomination are hoping to envision a new future for congregations that share our Presbyterian, Reformed, Evangelical heritage while remaining faithful to the example set in Scripture for those called to be children of God's Kingdom. Find out more...
Fellowship of Presbyterians website

Also regarding the Fellowship and how it can and/or will affect our denomination is this website by the Presbytery of Central Washington Fellowship.

Links for Spiritual Growth

Daily Devotional:
Our Daily Bread - Daily Devotional

Daily Readings From theologian John Calvin's Institutes:
Princeton Theological Seminary - Daily Readings

Do you need and want peace with God?
Billy Graham - Steps to Peace with God

Search the Bible:
Bible Gateway

The Rock

Wednesday Afternoons
from 4:30-6:00

“I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Luke 6:47-48

Who we are
The Rock is a place where children can begin to ask questions about who they are and who God wants them to become. We want The Rock to be a safe place where they can come have fun, play games, eat yummy food, make new friends and learn more about Jesus and how to build their lives on a firm foundation. The Rock is aimed at changing lives and strengthening their faith as they enter their teen years.

What we are learning
We will be learning about the Heroes of the Bible this Fall & Winter. In the Spring we will be learning about Godly Characteristics and how we can develop the character and integrity that best reflects God in our own lives.

Questions? Contact Sarah for details, schedule, comments, etc.

Welcome to Our Website

As you've probably noticed, this site is quite a bit different from many church websites. It's more than just a look though- the design (similar to a blog) gives us exciting ways to share information.

The site is always a work in progress, and there are a few things that can appear a bit wonky, so thank you for your patience and know that we're working on it. In the mean time if you find any typos or persistent errors, please feel free to send an email to our webmaster (wwpcusa@gmail.com).

Here is some basic information on how the site is organized to help get you started:

The website is divided into three areas (columns)- left, middle and right- and each area has a unique purpose:

Left Side

This area is used primarily for navigation of the site. Here you will find links to our most important and commonly accessed pages.

Middle

This area is where the main content of the site is displayed. Individual pages, such as About Us, Calendar or Staff are displayed here. When new content is posted to the site it appears here on the Home page.

Right Side

This area is used to help you navigate all of our posts more efficiently (read more on what we mean by "posts" below). The names of the latest five posts are displayed at the top. The "Sort By" section allows you to filter posts by type. The archive includes all posts ever made to the site organized by date.

"Posts" (New Entries)

This is where our site is very similar to a blog. When we add new content, such as the latest newsletter or photos from a recent event, we "post" it to the site. The Home page displays the five newest posts in the middle column. Older posts can be accessed using the Sort By and Archive functions on the right hand side.

Get Email Updates

One last feature worth highlighting at this time is Get Email Updates, which is located on the left side below the navigation menu. This is a wonderfully simple way to stay in touch with everything that is happening at the church. Just enter your email address, click "Subscribe", follow the simple instructions and all new posts will be sent directly to you via email.

That's all for now. Take a moment to browse the Home page, watch a video or catch up on the latest newsletter. If you have any questions you can leave a comment on this post by clicking "Post a Comment" below or contact us personally.

Session

The Session is the governing body of a local congregation and consists of the pastor and 18 elders, all of whom are entitled to vote. The Session is responsible for the mission and government of a particular church.

Moderator
Pastor Albert Gillin

Clerk of Session
Donna Hansens

The Session is organized into seven Mission Areas which have spiritual direction and oversight of ministries and functions within that area of ministry. The Mission Areas shall oversee, plan and implement the mission of the Church approved by the Session through ministry teams and organizations. Each Mission Area shall establish ministry teams they feel necessary to accomplish the ministries within their oversight.

Worship and Congregational Care
Steve Stanton (Chair)
Joleen Ferguson

Karen Leier

Discipleship and Equipping
Michelle McKibben (Chair)

Mira Gobel

Fellowship and Spiritual Growth
Donna McComas (Chair)
Dick Bunnell

Vera Perry

Service and Outreach
Jared King (Chair)
Liz Campeau

Evangelism and Church Growth
Joan Records (Chair)
Valerie Caldwell

Buildings and Grounds
Doug Warnock (Chair)
Don Didelius

Organization and Leadership
Kay Schisler (Chair)
Jerry Cummins

Susan Cripe

Harvey Crowder

Deacons

The office of Deacon is one of service to our congregation and to our community. The Deacons mission is to show the love of Jesus Christ through caring and helping.

Lynn Cummins

Lois Hahn

Patsy Adams

Don Baker

Dawn Nicholson

Marlene Fields

Carolyn McAnlis

Lori Gillin

Gail Bunnell

Margaret Roser

Dixie Ferguson

Barbara Stanford

Marjie Erickson

Russ Smith

Al Skoglund

Children

Welcome!

Our purpose at First Presbyterian Church is to “Know Christ and make him known.” We strive to guide children in the beginning of their faith journeys’, while intentionally building ways for children, teens, and adults to grow, not just as individuals, but as a family.

We offer programs twice weekly (Sunday and Wednesday). If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Sarah Thomson, Director of Children's Ministries.

Programs

Children's Sunday School
Preschool – 5th grade
Sundays at 9:01

The Rock (a part of Wednesdays @ First & Birch)
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade
Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00

Nursery
ages 5 and under
Sunday mornings (both services)

Vacation Bible School (VBS)
K - 5th grade
The first full week after public schools are out for the Summer.

Upcoming Events

Nursery

Welcome to the nursery at First Presbyterian Church! We are very excited to have your child here with us.

The church Nursery is located in the second room in the Education wing, just past the Children's Library bookshelves. Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers up to age 4 during both Sunday morning worship services.

Requests for additional nursery care may be made to the church office at least 2 weeks ahead of the event. In addition to our Nursery Care providers, we have adult and youth volunteers that help care for the children. We are always looking for more people to add to our volunteer list. Contact Sarah with any questions, concerns, ideas, or to volunteer.

Nursery Guide for Parents

Our nursery workers have a special heart for ministering to the youngest of God’s children. Please take a moment to acquaint yourself with the policies and procedures we have set up to make this a supportive environment.

Registering

Please completely fill out the nursery registration form. The Nursery Attendant often serves a snack and juice, so please be sure to list any allergies on the form or write “no allergies” in the appropriate space. If someone other than the parent or guardian needs to pick up the child, please make sure you have listed that person on the registration form.

Adjusting to the Nursery

Please hand your child to the Nursery Attendant when dropping off your child. We ask parents not to enter the nursery in order to prevent other children from leaving the room. This also eases the child’s transition.

The nursery opens 15 minutes prior to services and other scheduled events. A crying infant or toddler is common in any nursery program. Please do not hesitate to attend your activity while your child is going through this period of adjustment. Our workers are well qualified and will make every effort to help your child to enjoy the nursery. If your child seems very anxious, please check on them after the first 15 minutes and then again during the activity. Please check by listening from around the corner or by peering briefly in the door’s window.

To help your child to feel comfortable in the nursery, please bring everything that the child will need, such as an extra bottle, diapers for a baby or a special blanket for a toddler and a change of clothing. Please make sure that all of your child’s belongings are properly labeled. Utilizing the nursery on a regular basis can also help your child to adjust successfully.

Security & Safety

The nursery is for your use and convenience while attending church functions. Should we need to find you in case of an emergency, please stay on the property at all times.

Picking Up Your Child

Please return to the nursery promptly at the conclusion of your activity. As other parents arrive, your child will be expecting you. Your prompt arrival will help your child to feel secure about your return the next time you leave.

For safety reasons, no child will be released to a person other than the parent unless that person’s name is on the registration form.

Illness Policy

We ask all parents who use the nursery to bring healthy babies and toddlers to our nursery. If a child with a clearly discernible cold, rash, or fever is brought to the nursery, we will not accept the child into the nursery that day. Children who repeatedly bite other children may be asked to leave the nursery. If you know your child has been exposed to any communicable diseases (such as chicken pox, pink eye, fifths disease, etc.), we ask that you not bring that child to the nursery. If a child who has been in our nursery contracts a communicable disease, we ask that you contact us so that we can notify the families of the other children who were in the nursery with the sick child.

How Parents/Grandparents/Guardians (Just About Anyone!) Can Help

Pray for the children in the nursery
Suggest ways to improve the nursery
Become involved in the nursery- your volunteer service is greatly needed and valued!

Seniors

We have an active congregation of all ages with many “senior” members. Seniors are part of every aspect of our church as leaders, volunteers, and participants. Many of our seniors are members of “supper clubs” or "Dinner for Eight"; fellowship groups that meet regularly for dinner, programs, prayers and support. Many of our senior women are active in our vibrant Women’s ministry, attending either the weekday Beth Moore Bible studies or the monthly bible studies and monthly luncheons.

During Vacation Bible School, yard work days, community outreach, fellowship events and most any other church activity you will find our seniors involved and leading the way!

We also offer periodic events through our “Prime Timers” program. These events are day or half day activities in town or around the Walla Walla region. Times of exploration, discovery, and fellowship characterize our vibrant community of Senior Adults.

We have many of our members in a number of the fine senior communities around Walla Walla and have a growing outreach to those communities. We help to provide worship services at Odd Fellows and Wheatland Village and are looking for ways to expand those offerings to other communities.

For those who are less mobile, or even home bound, we offer regular in-home communion from our pastor, elders, and deacons. In addition we have a congregation calling team that checks in on more home-bound folk. These folk find our services being broadcast over the radio on 1320 AM particularly helpful. Let us know if we can be of service to you in your particular situation.

Whether you are new to Walla Walla or a long time resident, if you are looking for a church home you are invited to join us as we seek To Know Jesus and Make Him Known.

Worship

What Is Worship?
Worship is our acknowledgement and praise of the Lord, God Almighty, the One who gave and gives us life. It is in the way we live our lives honorably, how we treat each other respectfully, and how we understand that God alone is God. Our worship takes many forms as we live day to day as Christians, as seekers of Truth, and as people living authentic, intentional lives of excellence in response to what we know of God through the Scriptures and His Spirit...

Sunday Morning Worship
Walla Walla First Presbyterian offers two Spirit-filled opportunities for community worship on Sunday mornings. The services are at 9:01 and 10:31. The same text provides the sermon foundation in each service. We stand during the reading of these Scriptures in honor of our Lord who has given us His Word.

9:01
The 9:01 service is a more casual, family-oriented service and is led musically by a praise band, with an emphasis on congregational singing. Ben VanDonge is the leader of this energetic and contemporary styled group. The theme verse for this service is Psalm 9:01, “I will praise you O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of Your marvelous works.”

10:31
The 10:31 service is more traditionally styled, led musically by organ and a congregational choir, and has more of a teaching emphasis. Liturgical elements are taken advantage of, including written prayers, readings, and responses. Eric Aeischelman is the director of music and arts for Walla Walla First Presbyterian, and as such is the conductor of our Chancel Choir. The theme verse for this service is Psalm 103:1, “Bless the Lord O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name.” This service is also broadcast live on the radio on 1320 AM (KGDC).

Each worship service provides opportunities for reflection, study, community, and praise. In addition, services provide the worshipper with an open door for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Prayers for others and the world. The reading and teaching of God’s words in our sermons believe this to be true: “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17.

In addition to these weekly services we have special worship opportunities throughout the year including a Thanksgiving service, Christmas services, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, National Day of Prayer, and other occasional services. These special services often take on a more reflective, contemplative nature.

We seek to communicate the unchanging truth of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ in ways that honor God with excellence, integrity, and authenticity. We use a variety of artistic medium in worship including orchestrations, visual arts, drama, interview, and multi-media.

Children are always welcome in worship, though the 9:01 service is more designed with families in mind, including Sunday School after the opening songs. Children's bulletins and crayons are available during both services, as well as quality childcare in our nursery for the convenience of parents.

Please check other opportunities in our Children's Ministries, Youth Ministries, and Nursery sections.

Walla Walla First Presbyterian Church

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