http://www.firstpresurbana.org/

First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, 602 W Green Street, Urbana, IL (2026)

09/11/2026

Sunday, September 13, 2026

The image is “Merciful Mother,” a multi-media piece.

“Live long enough and you will experience mercy. Being able to articulate the experience does not always come easily nor quickly. But some of the most beloved stories involve the experience of mercy. There is the moving scene in the movie The Mission, in which Robert DeNiro’s character, who had been a pirate and a very abusive man, comes to his senses and puts himself at the mercy of the native tribe he had mistreated. He comes unarmed, hauling his armor behind him, not knowing how the tribesmen will treat him. When they embrace him, expressing their mercy, he breaks down into tears of thanksgiving. Join us on Sunday when we will contemplate passages about mercy and the absence of mercy to learn about the nature of forgiveness.”

Pastor David

Join us in-person for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!

The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery.

The Next Noisy Offering will be Sunday, September 13. Children will collect your coin offering in small metal buckets (with as much noise generated as possible) and then present the offerings at the chancel. Money will donated to several charitable organizations that our children’s Sunday school units relate to: Heifer Project International, Food and More, and Crisis Nursery. So… dig out your jars of coins and plan to help make some noise!

Fall Bounty Exchange! This Sunday, September 13 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Gardeners, bring in produce to share! All are invited, whether you have produce to share or not. Bring your own bag, basket, etc. Make sure the produce is clean and bug free and please take home what is left. We will also collect cash donations and non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the new FPCU Little Free Pantry (please see the Little Food Pantry announcement below for detailed guidelines).

New “Higher Power” Faith Exploration Group: The first meeting of the new “Higher Power” group will be on Tuesday morning, September 15, 7:30 – 8:15 AM at Café Bene near campus (at the corner of Nevada and South Gregory – parking available on the street, coins accepted on the Nevada Street side only). If you have questions, please call (217 369-4304) or email ([email protected]) to Don Greeley.

Wisdom Group: Our next meeting will be Sunday, September 20 at 10:45 a.m. in the library. We will discuss the hymn # 821, “My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)”. We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley ([email protected] or 217-369-4304).

Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning September 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the Library. We will begin with a broad overview of spirituality, then move on to talk about Benedictine spirituality (yes, there are Protestants who practice it), and Celtic spirituality (both Irish and Scottish), and Reformed spirituality. We’ll round out the survey with a session on pilgrimage. If you want to be part of this series, please let Pastor David or the office know. Background readings will be provided (no purchase necessary for materials). But if participants want to bring treats to share, they will be gladly welcomed.

A Little Food Pantry will be going up outside on the east side of Twice Is Nice which will be stocked with ready to eat food items and personal toiletries. As food costs have increased it has become harder for some people to meet their needs. We want to help. There will be a basket in the meeting room where donations will be collected to stock the pantry. Please refer to the list provided for appropriate items to donate. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. You can also join our team to keep the pantry stocked which currently includes Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. Contact any of us if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.

Food & More Program Item of the Month: For September the item is Coffee (instant or regular). Please place donations in the box near the church office.

Framed Art at the Shop: We are bringing the larger framed art upstairs out of storage over the next few weeks. Now’s a great time to shop for it. And for photo frames. If you are cleaning out a closet we still need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS and POTS & PANS. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!

09/04/2026

Sunday, September 6, 2026

The image is “Woman Asking God for Wisdom,” by David Ayibiowu Olusola.

”We will hear beloved passages of scripture on Sunday. Exodus will present how the Hebrews in Egypt prepared for the Passover. They did so in community. Part of the instructions involved making sure the very poorest had what they needed to prepare. No “survival of the fittest” for those delivered by God. A kin-dom of giving and receiving prepared to leave the kingdom of slavery and exploitation. The Apostle Paul wrote profound closing exhortations in his letter to the young church in Rome. “Owe no one anything except to love.” Profound and not easy. Then in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches the disciples about reconciliation. As with the other texts, Jesus presents the ethics of a different kind of realm, not of quid pro quo, but of overcoming sins and wrongs in a different kind of way, a way that benefits the church. Join us on Sundy as we contemplate these passages together.”

Pastor David

Join us in-person or via YouTube for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!

1. YouTube Livestream click on: https://www.youtube.com/

We have switched to streaming worship services on YouTube because it presents a clearer image and much better sound quality. Click on the link above to go to the church’s YouTube channel. If you subscribe to this channel, you will receive notification of new recordings.

The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery. The Office will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.

Wisdom Group: Our next meeting will be this Sunday, September 6 at 10:45 a.m. in the library. We will discuss the hymn #69 “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky.” On Sunday, September 20, we will also meet, and will discuss the hymn 821, “My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)”. We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley ([email protected] or 217-369-4304).

The Next Noisy Offering will be Sunday, September 13. Children will collect your coin offering in small metal buckets (with as much noise generated as possible) and then present the offerings at the chancel. Money will donated to several charitable organizations that our children’s Sunday school units relate to: Heifer Project International, Food and More, and Crisis Nursery. So… dig out your jars of coins and plan to help make some noise!

Fall Bounty Exchange! Sunday, September 13 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Gardeners, bring in produce to share! All are invited, whether you have produce to share or not. Bring your own bag, basket, etc. Make sure the produce is clean and bug free and please take home what is left. We will also collect cash donations and non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the new FPCU Little Free Pantry (please see the next announcement for detailed guidelines).

Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning September 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the Library. We will begin with a broad overview of spirituality, then move on to talk about Benedictine spirituality (yes, there are Protestants who practice it), and Celtic spirituality (both Irish and Scottish), and Reformed spirituality. We’ll round out the survey with a session on pilgrimage. If you want to be part of this series, please let Pastor David or the office know. Background readings will be provided (no purchase necessary for materials). But if participants want to bring treats to share, they will be gladly welcomed.

A Little Food Pantry will be going up outside on the east side of Twice Is Nice which will be stocked with ready to eat food items and personal toiletries. As food costs have increased it has become harder for some people to meet their needs. We want to help. There will be a basket in the meeting room where donations will be collected to stock the pantry. Please refer to the list provided for appropriate items to donate. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. You can also join our team to keep the pantry stocked which currently includes Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. Contact any of us if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.

Food & More Program Item of the Month: For September the item is Coffee (instant or regular). Please place donations in the box near the church office.

Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop: Students are back and furnishing their dorm rooms and apartments. Thank you to all the folks who’ve been bringing in donations. It gives us something new to put out every day. If you are cleaning out a closet we need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS and POTS & PANS. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!

08/28/2026

Sunday, August 30, 2026

The image is “Burning Bush,” an arrangement of leaves from Euonymus alatus, otherwise known as Burning Bush, by Joe Schumaker.

“Following in the way of Jesus of Nazareth, as that way is presented by the Gospels, leads us to good things unlike any others. Salvation, wholeness, peace, and community. But it does not always feel good, and for American Christians, that can be a really confusing thing. The texts we will hear on Sunday tell the truth. For Moses, the call of God pulled him away from safety into a confrontation with the superpower of his time. For the Apostle Paul, life in the Spirit means so much that contradicts with ways of the world. For Jesus, following him means taking up a cross. Join us on Sunday as we hear and contemplate these passages together and learn, in deeper ways, how we can live peaceably with all.”

Pastor David

Join us in-person or via YouTube for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!

1. YouTube Livestream click on: https://www.youtube.com/

We have switched to streaming worship services on YouTube because it presents a clearer image and much better sound quality. Click on the link above to go to the church’s YouTube channel. If you subscribe to this channel, you will receive notification of new recordings.

The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery.

Welcome Back from Summer Ice Cream Social: Sunday, August 30 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Bring your favorite topping to share.

Wisdom Group: Our next two meetings will be Sunday, September 6 and 20 at 10:45 a.m. in the Library. On September 6, we will discuss hymn #69, “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”, and on September 20, hymn 821, “My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)”. We begin each meeting with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley ([email protected] or 217-369-4304).

Fall Bounty Exchange! Sunday, September 13 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Gardeners, bring in produce to share! All are invited, whether you have produce to share or not. Bring your own bag, basket, etc. Make sure the produce is clean and bug free and please take home what is left. We will also collect cash donations and non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the new FPCU Little Free Pantry (please see the next announcement for detailed guidelines).

Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning in September. We will begin with a broad overview of spirituality, then move on to talk about Benedictine spirituality (yes, there are Protestants who practice it), and Celtic spirituality (both Irish and Scottish), and Reformed spirituality. We’ll round out the survey with a session on pilgrimage. If you want to be part of this series, please let Pastor David or the office know. We will set a beginning date once we have heard from those who are interested. Background readings will be provided (no purchase necessary for materials). But if participants want to bring treats to share, they will be gladly welcomed.

Little Food Pantry - suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.

Food & More Program Item of the Month: For August the item is Laundry Detergent. Please place donations in the box near the church office.

Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop: Students are back and furnishing their dorm rooms and apartments. Thank you to all the folks who’ve been bringing in donations. It gives us something new to put out every day. If you are cleaning out a closet we need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS and POTS & PANS. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!

08/21/2026

Sunday, August 23, 2026

The image is “Shiphrah, Puah, Jocheved, Miriam, Pharoah’s Daughter, and the Infant Moses,” a painting in a house church, Dura Europos.

“Dura Europos is now in eastern Syria and is mostly an archeological site, but 1,900 years ago, it was a vibrant community. Before the conversion of the Emperor Constantine, Christians met in someone’s home. The small house church in Dura Europos that was uncovered in 1933 is the earliest surviving example of what one of those house churches looked like. The image shown here depicts a scene from Exodus where Hebrew women, living in Egypt in slavery under a Pharoah who “no longer remembered Joseph,” resisted the unjust edict of the Pharoah to save the life of at least one infant, Moses. Join us on Sunday as we contemplate this and the other passages of scripture we will hear, passages which demonstrate practices strong enough to resist unjust powers and sustain small communities. Pharoah was ruler of the superpower of that day, yet the practice of the women ultimately brought that strong man down and liberated their people.”

Pastor David

Join us in-person or via YouTube for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!

1. YouTube Livestream click on: https://www.youtube.com/

We have switched to streaming worship services on YouTube because it presents a clearer image and much better sound quality. Click on the link above to go to the church’s YouTube channel. If you subscribe to this channel, you will receive notification of new recordings.

The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery.

Welcome Back from Summer Ice Cream Social: Sunday, August 30 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Bring your favorite topping to share.

Fall Bounty Exchange! Sunday, September 13 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Gardeners, bring in produce to share! All are invited, whether you have produce to share or not. Bring your own bag, basket, etc. Make sure the produce is clean and bug free and please take home what is left. We will also collect cash donations and non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the new FPCU Little Free Pantry (please see the next announcement for detailed guidelines).

Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning in September. We will begin with a broad overview of spirituality, then move on to talk about Benedictine spirituality (yes, there are Protestants who practice it), and Celtic spirituality (both Irish and Scottish), and Reformed spirituality. We’ll round out the survey with a session on pilgrimage. If you want to be part of this series, please let Pastor David or the office know. We will set a beginning date once we have heard from those who are interested. Background readings will be provided (no purchase necessary for materials). But if participants want to bring treats to share, they will be gladly welcomed.

A Little Food Pantry will be going up outside on the east side of Twice Is Nice which will be stocked with ready to eat food items and personal toiletries. As food costs have increased it has become harder for some people to meet their needs. We want to help. There will be a basket in the meeting room where donations will be collected to stock the pantry. Please refer to the list provided for appropriate items to donate. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. You can also join our team to keep the pantry stocked which currently includes Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. Contact any of us if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.

Food & More Program Item of the Month: For August the item is Laundry Detergent. Please place donations in the box near the church office.

Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop: Students are back and furnishing their dorm rooms and apartments. Thank you to all the folks who’ve been bringing in donations. It gives us something new to put out every day. If you are cleaning out a closet we need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS and POTS & PANS. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!

08/14/2026

Sunday, August 16, 2026

The image is “The Daughter of the Canaanite Woman,” a painting by Peter Koenig.

“How extravagant is the mercy of God? All of us want to think that God’s mercy is broad enough to include us. Yet how many who profess their allegiance to the Jesus of the New Testament take no issue with showing no mercy to immigrants, with proscribing the presence of transgender people from public life, with blaming the poor for their condition, and with paying women less than men and insisting that some jobs should only be done by men? Join us on Sunday when we will hear from the Gospel of Matthew about a desperate woman who was a foreigner who came to Jesus seeking help for her daughter. Could such a person teach the Messiah anything? Come and see.”

Pastor David

Join us in-person or via zoom for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!

1. Zoom click on: https://zoom.us/j/8144246357
Meeting ID: 814 424 6357 (if necessary)
Password 475210

2. Landline or phone that is not a smart phone:
1 (312) 626-6799.
Meeting ID: 814 424 6357 (if necessary)
Password 475210

The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery.

Welcome Back from Summer Ice Cream Social: Sunday, August 30 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Bring your favorite topping to share.

Fall Bounty Exchange! Sunday, September 13 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Gardeners, bring in produce to share! All are invited, whether you have produce to share or not. Bring your own bag, basket, etc. Make sure the produce is clean and bug free and please take home what is left. We will also collect cash donations and non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for the new FPCU Little Free Pantry (please see the next announcement for detailed guidelines).

Christian Spirituality Study: Pastor David will lead a multi-week study of Christian spirituality on Sunday evenings beginning in September. We will begin with a broad overview of spirituality, then move on to talk about Benedictine spirituality (yes, there are Protestants who practice it), and Celtic spirituality (both Irish and Scottish), and Reformed spirituality. We’ll round out the survey with a session on pilgrimage. If you want to be part of this series, please let Pastor David or the office know. We will set a beginning date once we have heard from those who are interested. Background readings will be provided (no purchase necessary for materials). But if participants want to bring treats to share, they will be gladly welcomed.

A Little Food Pantry will be going up outside on the east side of Twice Is Nice which will be stocked with ready to eat food items and personal toiletries. As food costs have increased it has become harder for some people to meet their needs. We want to help. There will be a basket in the meeting room where donations will be collected to stock the pantry. Please refer to the list provided for appropriate items to donate. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. You can also join our team to keep the pantry stocked which currently includes Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. Contact any of us if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.

Food & More Program Item of the Month: For August the item is Laundry Detergent. Please place donations in the box near the church office.

Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop: We’ve cleared the way for things needed to furnish an apartment/dorm room since the students are arriving this next week. Thank you to all the folks who’ve been bringing in donations. It gives us something new to put out every day. If you are cleaning out a closet we need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS, Spring Skirts, Sleeveless Shirts, Aprons, Home Décor, Jewelry, and Purses. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!

08/07/2026

Sunday, August 9, 2026

The image is “Disciples See Christ Walking on the Water,” by Henry Ossawa Tanner, in the Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa.

“Reading the Bible literally will get you into trouble, at least sometimes. When the Psalmist, for example, declares that “God is our rock,” is the writer really saying that God is a rock? Of course not. When the Gospels present Jesus walking on the water, is it not natural for us to wonder, “How did he do that?” Did he bob up and down with the waves, and if so, how did he keep his balance? Or was it more like walking along shallow water with the waves breaking over his feet and lower legs and he only bobbed a little? One could easily get lost in the physics of such questions. What we learn as we grow in faith is that the writers of the Gospels wanted to be clear that the miraculous nature of scenes such as walking on water are not the point. They are signs that point to something else. Join us on Sunday as we celebrate the renewal of our sanctuary and discover together to what the sign points.”

Pastor David

Join us in-person or via zoom for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!

1. Zoom click on: https://zoom.us/j/8144246357
Meeting ID: 814 424 6357 (if necessary)
Password 475210

2. Landline or phone that is not a smart phone:
1 (312) 626-6799.
Meeting ID: 814 424 6357 (if necessary)
Password 475210

The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle works from home on Thursdays, working for the Presbytery.

Wisdom Group: Our next meeting will be Sunday, August 9 at 10:45 a.m. in the Library. We begin with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley ([email protected] or 217-369-4304).

Welcome Back from Summer Ice Cream Social: Sunday, August 30 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Bring your favorite topping to share.

Something new is coming to First Pres. Urbana and you can be a part of it. A Little Food Pantry will be going up outside on the east side of Twice Is Nice which will be stocked with ready to eat food items and personal toiletries. As food costs have increased it has become harder for some people to meet their needs. We want to help. There will be a basket in the meeting room where donations will be collected to stock the pantry. Please refer to the list provided for appropriate items to donate. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. You can also join our team to keep the pantry stocked which currently includes Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. Contact any of us if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.

Food & More Program Item of the Month: For August the item is Laundry Detergent. Please place donations in the box near the church office.

Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop: Gardening items on the front porch are discounted to finish the season. We’re clearing the way for things needed to furnish an apartment/dorm room. Thank you to all the folks who’ve been bringing in donations. It gives us something new to put out every day. If you are cleaning out a closet we need: BATH TOWELS & WASH CLOTHS, Spring Skirts, Sleeveless Shirts, Aprons, Home Décor, Jewelry, and Purses. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!

07/31/2026

Sunday, August 2, 2026

The image is “Loaves and Fishes,” by John August Swanson.

“When the Apostle Paul was writing the first Letter to Timothy, he did not write that money is the root of all evil. No, he wrote that “the love of money is the root of all evil. The early Church leaders understood that some would have really good years. What those early Church leaders taught is that when a really good year comes your way, you have an obligation to share with others who have had a really bad year so that everyone has enough. Join us on Sunday when we will once again hear fascinating passages of scripture, which, in the case of Jacob, reveal the cost of reconciliation, and in the case of the hungry multitude, reveal Jesus’ care that everyone have enough.” “From each according to their ability; to each according to their need,” so wrote a certain philosopher.

Pastor David

Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion: We celebrate an open communion believing that Jesus Christ has invited not only members of this congregation, but all others who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of faith. All are welcome to partake of this sacrament of grace.

Join us in-person for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.!

The Church Office is usually open Monday – Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tracy Weddle is on vacation through August 3, so the Office will be CLOSED on Monday, August 4. The next Open Door will go out on August 12 and the deadline for submissions is August 6.

Sanctuary Renewal and Worship in the Fellowship Hall: Our sanctuary renewal began the last week of May. By the end of July, we will have new flooring, new seating, and a much-needed upgrade to our audio equipment. Please join us for Sunday worship in the Fellowship Hall through June and July. Please note, we will not have projections during worship and the service will not be streamed on Zoom. Please pray for all of us—that God’s kindness will be especially present with us this summer. Prayer for all of us to embody extra patience. Pray that the work in the sanctuary goes well.

Wisdom Group: Our next meeting will be Sunday, August 9 at 10:45 a.m. in the Library. We begin with an opening prayer, followed by checking in with each other. After our discussion of the hymn for the day, we close with prayer. Anyone is welcome to come on a one-time basis, with no commitment. If you have any questions, contact Don Greeley ([email protected] or 217-369-4304).

Welcome Back from Summer Ice Cream Social: Sunday, August 30 in the Fellowship Hall after worship. Bring your favorite topping to share.

Something new is coming to First Pres. Urbana and you can be a part of it. A Little Food Pantry will be going up outside on the east side of Twice Is Nice which will be stocked with ready to eat food items and personal toiletries. As food costs have increased it has become harder for some people to meet their needs. We want to help. There will be a basket in the meeting room where donations will be collected to stock the pantry. Please refer to the list provided for appropriate items to donate. You can also provide financial donations to the church noting the donation is designated to the Little Food Pantry. You can also join our team to keep the pantry stocked which currently includes Karen Badger, Cindy Fraser, and Susan Silver. Contact any of us if you have questions or want to be involved in stocking the pantry. Suggested food donations: pop top cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, and meat; peanut butter; jelly; shelf stable boxed meals; cereal; oatmeal; granola bars; macaroni and cheese (premade); tuna pouches; crackers; pop top ravioli or other pasta in sauce; and dry milk. All food items must be non-perishable, not expired, and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, dental floss, deodorant, and hand sanitizer are also needed.

Food & More Program Item of the Month: For August the item is Laundry Detergent. Please place donations in the box near the church office.

Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop: We’ve got lots of new items on display on the front porch and inside, including more Tools, Sporting Goods, Toys. Thank you to all the folks who’ve been bringing in donations from various estate and garage sales. It gives us something new to put out every day. If you are cleaning out a closet we need: Spring Skirts, Aprons, Home Décor, Jewelry, and Purses. We are open our usual hours (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00). Thanks for your support!

First Presbyterian Church of Urbana

09/11/2026

09/04/2026

08/28/2026

08/21/2026

08/14/2026

08/07/2026

07/31/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request