Worship
This Week
Sunday service bulletin
(posted Thursday afternoon)
We are now providing worship services via our YouTube channel, available on Sunday mornings for whenever you choose to watch.
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Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving! ~Psalm 95
At least once a year (often for the annual church picnic), we gather for worship at the original First Presbyterian Church building, now located on the banks of the Brandywine River.
Would you like to join?To learn more about joining as a member or friend, click here.
Services are at 11:00 a.m.
Church services are provided on our YouTube channel, but we hope that you will choose to experience worship in person.
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For everyone’s safety, masks and social distancing are not required but are encouraged. Please be mindful of your own health concerns and the concerns of others as we gather for worship and fellowship. Follow the recommendations of your health care advisors with regard to vaccinations and safety protocols.
"Preach the Gospel always
and when necessary, use words."
Saint Francis of Assisi
​​Worship most of the year begins at 11:00 a.m. with Christian Education at 9:30, with childcare available throughout the morning. For summertime worship at 10:00 a.m., children should sit with their families. There is no Christian Education program during summer.
Our informational cover pages on the attendance registers (white binders in each pew) will walk you through the service and help you feel at home. (Note: we are not using these during the pandemic; visitors are encouraged to seek out the registers at the entrances to the sanctuary and provide us contact information.)
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Note that services are being recorded for later broadcast or for livestreaming. Cameras are pointed only at the front of the church. If you do not wish to be seen during the service, sit behind the camera positions (or in the balcony).
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Worship services follow a traditional and familiar format, but you'll find that the experience is refreshingly new. Expect thought-provoking sermons, a joyous "passing of the peace," time for prayer and contemplation, and vibrant music (including robust singing of hymns). Stay through the organ postlude and join us for fellowship at the front of the sanctuary. And if you come early, adults, children, and youths can join in Christian formation.
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Children & Youth are welcome during worship. If you or your young child needs a break, professional child care staff are available for ages 0-5 years in the nursery from 9:15 am-12:15 pm. From the sanctuary, use the door on the left (by the pulpit) and head to the nursery at the end of the hall.
Parking is available on Sunday morning in the Wilmington Club lot located on Orange Street between 11th and 12th Streets. Park as others park, but not along the guardrail on the side nearest the church. Overflow parking is in the "DuPont B" lot on Orange St.
Enter through one of four doors. The Market Street doors give you the grand entrance to the sanctuary. From 11th Street you may use the main side entrance or go through our little garden past the Chapel entrance to the accessible side door. Or use our new covered entrance (at the church's back corner) adjacent to the parking lot above; the sanctuary will be down the hallway on your left. Handicap access is available on 11th Street either using the main side entrance (elevator) or ramp outdoors.
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Wear what is comfortable to you! You will find everything from flip flops and jeans to suits and dresses. All are welcome as we gather to worship God.
Communion, which is served once a month and on special occasions, is open to all who love God. We generally take Communion by intinction. Row by row, worshippers come forward to receive a piece of bread. You may then dip the bread in the cup of grape juice (symbolizing wine) before eating it. Those unable to come forward may be served while seated in pews by taking a piece of bread and a small cup of juice. Gluten-free crackers are available.
Fellowship & Cookies takes place immediately following the service. Come to the front of the sanctuary for a cookie, a cup of coffee and conversation with others in the church. This is just one of many fellowship opportunities at First & Central.