We are delighted you have chosen to visit our website.
Please know that you
are always welcome at any of worship services, education events, and
gatherings. To learn more about First Presbyterian Church and to discover
what you can expect when you visit us, simply follow the links at the
top of
this page.
We know that our building, though beautiful, is also
imposing. However,
inside you will find a group of people of different ages, sizes, and
opinions. We are an historic church but we are not living in the past.
Seeker Gatherings are special events to introduce you
to Presbyterians and
the ministry of our congregation. Seeker Gatherings happen three times
a
year and are open to anyone who wants to begin a journey that may lead
to
membership. Upcoming Seeker Gatherings are scheduled for September,
January, and April. If we have your address you will get a personal
invitation, if not watch our calendar on
the website! You are always
welcome to contact Pastor Matt and speak him about questions, prayers,
membership, or anything.
GLOSSARY
Though we strive to use language that is understood
by everyone we know we have our own lingo we hope this lists helps you
understand what we are talking about.
BAPTISM – Is the Sacrament that unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God's family, the Church. For Presbyterians, Baptism is an initiation into the church community, as ordered by Christ. It is a public confession, not a private one, of faith made in the presence of others and does not guarantee access to heaven (un-baptized people are not categorically denied salvation). Baptism can be performed in any Christian church – there is no need to be re-baptized in a Presbyterian church.
CELEBRATION PRAISE – This is our twice monthly (First and third Sundays at 6:00p.m. in our Fellowship Hall) contemporary worship service. The service is informal, uses multimedia, has a live band, and is discussion driven. This service will be particularly helpful to those who want learn about the basics of the Christian faith.
COMMUNION – also called The Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or The Eucharist is a time to renew faith and strengthen disciples for the duties and privileges of Christian service. Communion is a reenactment of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, where he sealed the promise that sins are forgiven and that life eternal is open to all. For Presbyterians the Bread and Wine are symbols of the spiritual presence of the body and blood of Christ.
DEACON – This is an ordained position open to all active members of First Presbyterian Church. It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith.
DISCIPLE – Literally means “learner.” In the Bible Jesus’ followers were called disciples. Today we use this term to describe any active Christian who strives to live out their faith in all aspects of their life.
ELDER – This is an ordained position open to all active members of First Presbyterian Church. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, elders exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of First Presbyterian Church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session.
FELLOWSHIP HALL – This is the main activity space for the life of First Presbyterian Church. It is located on the ground level directly underneath the sanctuary. It may be entered from the 8th Street handicap accessible entrance or the State Street entrance.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY – This is the national governing body for the PC(USA). It is headquartered in Louisville KY and meets every other year to discern how God is calling the church to witness to and serve the world.
LIFE PATH – This is the name of our Sunday School ministry. Life Path classes are available for preschool – 8th grade. Life Path meets Sunday mornings at 8:45a.m. in the Children’s Chapel after a brief opening children move to their classroom.
PASTOR – The spiritual head of a congregation. For Presbyterians pastors must have a Masters of Divinity degree, and pass 5 national exams before being ordained.
PC(USA) – The Presbyterian Church (USA) is the oldest and largest Presbyterian Denomination in the United States. Comprising over 11,000 congregations we trace our roots back to 16th century Switzerland and Scotland.
PRESBYTERIAN – In the New Testament the Greek word, PRESBUTEROS means "elder", and refers to the custom of choosing leaders and advisors from among the wisest members of the church. Presbyterians are a group of Protestants whose church is founded on this concept of democratic rule under the Word of God. Presbyterians adhere to a collection of beliefs called the “Reformed Tradition” that grew out of the 15th century reformation work of John Calvin.
PRESBYTERY – A local governing body made up of elders and pastors from congregations who oversee the local churches. First Presbyterian Church belongs to Winnebago Presbytery which oversees 49 congregations. The PC(USA) has 173 Presbyteries.
REFORMED TRADITION – This
the general name for the set of belief held in common by Presbyterians.
.......These beliefs include:
.......* The absolute sovereignty of God
.......* The unique saving grace of Jesus
.......* The presence of the Holy Spirit
in the life of believers
.......* That the Bible is the inspire
word of God for creation
SESSION – This is the governing body of each Presbyterian congregation. The Session of First Presbyterian Church is comprised of 15 elders and the pastor. The Session oversees the day-to-day work of the church, supervises the ministry of deacons, and discerns the vision that Jesus has cast for our ministry in Manitowoc.
SYNOD – A regional governing body that oversees a collection of presbyteries. First Presbyterian Church belong the Synod of Lakes and Prairies that oversees Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The PC(USA) has 17 synods
LEADERS
Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations are democratically run by elected
lay-leaders that are called by God, confirmed by congregation and ordained
by the church to coach the congregation in faithful discipleship. There
are two official ordained officers of congregation; Elders and Deacons.
Elders are ordained to three year terms and oversee administrative and spiritual matters of the congregation. Actively serving Elders comprise the governing board the Session. At First Presbyterian Church the Session is comprised of 15 elders in three rotating classes of 5 elders each. The Session is organized into five Ministry Groups (Glorify, Serve, Support, Educate, and Reach) that correspond to the purpose statement of First Presbyterian Church. Through the five Ministry Groups Jesus’ vision for our congregation is discerned and plans are made for Ministry Teams comprised of church members to implement the vision.
Deacons are ordained to three year terms and tend the needy, the poor,
and the sick. Actively serving deacons are organized into the Board
of Deacons. At First Presbyterian Church the Board of Deacons is comprised
of 15 deacons in three rotating classes of 5 elders each. These Deacons
lead the congregation in completing taks related to care and nurture
of our members.
STAFF
We are proud of our gifted and talented staff
Hey! I’m Matt the pastor here at First Presbyterian Church. Serving this congregation and community is a great joy for me. I am a husband to Meredith, a father to Olivia (and new baby coming in February ’08), and a loyal friend to our dog, Malachi. I love to read American History, I collect coins, I love a good steak, and I am an avid TV watcher. The goal of my ministry is to invite people into a relationship with Jesus and then coach them along that journey. One of my favorite Bible passages is Jesus’ last words in the Matthew’s Gospel “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Pastor – The Rev. Dr. Matthew Sauer
Hi, I am Cathy Wallander, the voice you hear on the phone! I enjoy
working at First Presbyterian because of the friendly people I get to
meet everyday. I live in Manitowoc, with my husband, Greg and a Golden
Retriever, Abby. I enjoy photography, scrapbooking, bicycling and spending
time with my family and friends. My favorite two quotes are by photographer
Ansel Adams: “Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready
to have somebody click the shutter” and “A photograph is
usually looked at - seldom looked into.” I’m always here
to serve and help you in any way that I can.
Office Manager – Cathy
Wallander
Hi! I'm Ann M. Herrmann and I've been the Chancel Choir Director at
First Pres since 1998. Out of all the staff at First Pres, I have the
best job because I get to work with the best choir in the world. This
congregation is truly blessed to have such a dedicated group of musicians.
When not directing the choir, I work at Manitowoc Public Library in
the Children's Department. My favorite hymn is "Here I Am, Lord"
by Daniel L. Schutte and my favorite Bible verse comes from the book
of Psalms. Ps. 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
Choir Director – Ann
Herrmann
I am Ann S. Gold, and a lifelong church musician, I am married to Gary
and we are parents to two wonderful adults Sarah and Andrew. The exciting
part of the work I do for First Presbyterian is discovering the hidden
musical talents of the members and enabling them to use those talents
in praise to God. I enjoy finding gourmet recipes and preparing them
for family and friends. Psalm 121 and Galatians 6 offer me inspiration
and comfort.
Bell Choir Director – Ann
Gold
I am Peter J. Klein; I live in Two rivers and own a small tax and accounting
office. After working with ledgers and numbers during the week playing
the organ helps me relax. I see myself as quiet and thorough. I have
traveled to Europe three times and enjoy traveling. My greatest hope
is that my playing is some small way, can create an atmosphere of reverence
in which people can feel a closer relationship with God, and worship
him in a better way.
Organist – Peter
Klein
My name is Laurel Hooper and I get the privilege of caring for your
children in the Church Nursery. I am a mother and grandmother and have
cared for children in my home for years. My hobbies include sewing,
reading, and cake decorating. I have recently taken up cooking decorating
– some of which have made it into the Church Nursery! One of my
motto’s is “happiness isn’t something you experience
it is something you remember.” What I like most about working
at First Presbyterian Church is the great smiles on all the children.
Nursery Supervisor – Laurel
Hooper
Organist – Ann
Gold
Christian Education Coordinator – Diane
Wick
Praise Band – Tim
Maatman and Phyllis
Schippers
Cooperative Preschool Director/Teacher – Debbie
Lehman
Cooperative Preschool Aide – Anne
Custodian – David Mrotek
HISTORY OVERVIEW OF PRESBYTERIANS
The Presbyterian church, like all Christian churches, traces its roots
back to the early church in Jerusalem. Modern Presbyterianism is considered
by many to be a rebirth of the early church of the New Testament.
The Protestant Reformation moved forward in 1517 when Martin Luther
nailed his 95 Theses to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany. Luther
fought against the pretensions of authority by the Pope and called for
direct authority from God. John Calvin, called the father of Presbyterianism,
converted to Protestantism in 1533. He interpreted the Bible as the
revelation of God, emphasizing theology, worship, education, thrift,
ethical behavior and representative government for his followers. From
his home city, Geneva, Calvin's ideas spread throughout Europe.
The Scottish Protestant, John Knox, fled persecution in his homeland
and studied with Calvin in Geneva. He returned in 1559 and established
Presbyterianism in Scotland. In England the "Westminster Assembly"
of 151 Presbyterians worked steadily between 1643 and 1649 to write
the doctrinal guides which Presbyterians now recognize as some of their
basic texts.
Presbyterians escaped persecution in Europe and settled in America.
Presbyterianism was so prevalent in America that some British called
the American Revolution the "Presbyterian Revolt." At least
14 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Presbyterians (including
clergyman John Witherspoon). The first presbytery in America was established
in Philadelphia in 1706. During the 1800s, disagreement over slavery
and Evangelism broke the church into northern and southern branches.
The two branches reunited in 1983 to form the Presbyterian Church (USA).
First Presbyterian Church in Manitowoc was organized in 1851. We respect
our history but are forward looking. We seek to discern how God is calling
us to be faithful in the 21st century. Our goals are to be relevant
to our community and members.
THE PURPOSE OF THE PC(USA)
6 Great ends of being the Church (G-1.0200)
* The proclamation of the Gospel for the salvation of humankind;
*The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God;
*The maintenance of divine worship;
* The preservation of the truth;
* The promotion of social righteousness; and
* The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.
THE PURPOSE OF CPC
4 Components to being a faithful congregation
* Glorifying God through vibrant, relevant worship and praise in all
areas of life;
* Nurturing disciples of all ages through education, relationships,
and prayer;
* Sharing the Gospel of joyful salvation with our community and beyond;
* Serving the world in the name of Jesus.
MAKING CHRIST-CENTERED DECISIONS
7 Questions for discerning Christ’s will when
making decisions
* Does it fulfill the intent of the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17),
The Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-31), and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19)?
* Does it glorify God or the institutional church?
* Does it serve the spiritual, physical, and mental needs of God’s
people?
* Does it help all creation, neighbors, and family live a quality life
of discipleship?
* Does it answer the question “What Would Jesus Do?”
* Is it being decided in the midst of humble, prayerful discernment;
* Is the answer easily understood by and shared with the body of Christ;
INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE WITHIN THE PRESBYTERIAN
TRADITION
7 Guidelines to Interpreting Scripture
* Jesus Christ is the lens in which all scripture is viewed
* Pray for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit
* Pay attention to the cultural, historical, and sociological context
* Be guided by the “rule of faith” as expressed though Church
history
* Be in accord with the “rule of love” -- loving God and
loving neighbor.
* Engage in earnest exploration not simply confirmation
* Let Scripture interpret Scripture
We Believe. . .
* In God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. God’s
sovereignty, power, holiness, and love creates, sustains, rules and
redeems the world.
* In Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior - Immanuel, "God with us." Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God on earth, the Head of the Church and lord of the conscience of each member.
* In the Holy Spirit, "God within us," the continuing power and presence of God in the world and in the believer.
* In the Bible as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative witness to God as revealed in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit guides our understanding of scripture. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the written word in scripture becomes the living Word of God.
* In the priesthood of all believers (which means, simply put, that all Christians, and not just the ordained clergy, have connections with God) and in the continuing reformation of the Church. God calls us to serve others through active engagement with the world in which we live. God calls us to love one another, to pray for one another, and to bear one another's burdens.
* In justification by grace through faith. In short, this means that God, by grace and not as a result of any merit or thing we have done on our own, "sanctifies" and "saves us" from the penalty of sin. We accept this gift of grace by faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son and the Savior of the world. Hence, we are justified (made right) with God by grace (God's grace) through faith in Jesus Christ.
For more detailed explanation of our belief please check-out these
web-sites:
* www.pcusa.org/101/ An ongoing
series articles from the award winning magazine Presbyterians Today
that explore the Biblical and theological foundations of "what
Presbyterians believe." The authors have given permission for these
articles to be reproduced.
* www.pcusa.org/today/believe/believe A general guide to facts about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that appear on the our denominational web-site.