First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, IL

09/11/2026

09/10/2026

This worship service at First Presbyterian Church in Sterling invites the congregation to reflect on God’s abundant grace and what it means to live as people shaped by that generosity. The service includes prayers for peace and justice, congregational worship, a children’s message about thinking beyond ourselves and considering the needs of others, and a reading from Matthew 20:1–16—the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.

Join us at 9:30am Sunday for our in-person sermon or watch for our online service to be posted here by Saturday evening.

09/09/2026

"The commandments—
no committing adultery,
no killing,
no stealing,
no coveting,
and all the others—
are summed up in this one:
'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

09/08/2026

In August, the World Service School Kits were packed during the potluck on August 16. We were able to provide 100 bags which will be delivered to Presbytery in September. Thank you to everyone who helped with this project! At our meeting, we also approved funding to two programs within the Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery — Cledy’s House of Hope in Rock Falls, a holistic, residential recovery program for women, and Tevin’s Tribe, which works to prevent drug and alcohol abuse.

Important dates: September 15th: Mission Meeting

09/07/2026

Session Corner & Building Updates

The Session discussed property work going on — two workdays to clean up weeds around the church building; waiting for parts for the water fountain in the basement; and drain in the exterior stairwell unclogged and repaired. Session approved Lisa Zacharski as a member of the Personnel Committee. Christian Education Committee discussed the success of VBS. VBS was able to collect $1,287.91 for Buddy Bags. First Presbyterian Church had a wonderful group of volunteers for the meal for VBS. Mission Committee discussed that 100 bags with school supplies were packed during the potluck on Sunday August 16th, 2026. The bags will be taken to Stronghold, then they will be transported to Indiana.

Important dates: September 22nd: Session Meeting
September 27th: Rooted in Love. Welcome Home Cookout

09/05/2026

View our online service here and we welcome you to join us at 9:30am tomorrow for in-person worship!

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this week's worship service, we explore Matthew 16:21–28, where Jesus challenges His disciples—and us—to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This powerful message looks at what it means to put God first, resist the pull of worldly priorities, and faithfully live according to God's will.

The sermon also examines the different “crosses” we encounter in everyday life, from grief and illness to family responsibilities, conflict, difficult circumstances, and the consequences of our own choices.

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this week's worship se...

09/03/2026

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this week's worship service, we explore Matthew 16:21–28, where Jesus challenges His disciples—and us—to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This powerful message looks at what it means to put God first, resist the pull of worldly priorities, and faithfully live according to God's will.

Join us at 9:30am Sunday for our in-person sermon or watch for our online service to be posted here by Saturday evening.

09/03/2026

Dear FPC Family,

One year ago, we officially began our journey together, and I am even more excited about our lives together now than I was then — something I didn’t think would have been possible.

This past Sunday, mom and I went to her Wisconsin church. People asked about the church I serve, and I told them about the way we love, our feeding of children, our commitment to the community, including hosting 8 different organizations in this space. It is the same story I have told since I learned about you, and yet…I noticed something different. I realized that I was talking about our ministry, instead of their (FPC’s) ministry.

I don’t know at what point in this year those pronouns shifted in the story, and I am grateful they have. I am grateful to be a part of the story of FPC — the story of God’s work within us…within this community.

In the past year, we have laughed and cried, prayed and shared, wondered and wandered, worshipped and broken bread together…and cookies…and pies…and…so much more. We have packed food bags, pulled weeds, mopped up spills, moved chairs…and tables…and the entire worship space. We have felt joy and grief, frustration and overwhelm, confusion and grace, love and love and more love.

Through living together, we have become one…or, well, we have realized it. The Holy Spirit took care of that a long time ago!

I’m pretty sure that’s exactly how we’ve been doing things for the past 182 years here in Sterling…and I have a hunch it’ll look like that for the next 182…

On September 27, we are going to pause and give thanks for us…for the us God has created and equipped to live and love and serve in this community. I hope you’ll be there, and I hope you’ll invite others to join us — to give thanks to God for all who have journeyed here — yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I can guarantee love…laughter…and great food!!

Peace,
Pastor Katie

09/02/2026

"Then Jesus said to the disciples, 'If you wish to come after me, you must deny your very selves, take up the instrument of your own death and begin to follow in my footsteps.'"

Matthew 16:24