New to FCPC

Have you ever put together a complex puzzle only to find that one piece is missing? First Central Presbyterian is always missing a piece or two of the puzzle. Maybe that puzzle piece is you! We invite you to explore this website to see where you might fit in.

“FCPC” is a group of followers of Jesus who knows that we travel better together. We need each other. None of us is a whole, independent, self-sufficient, super capable, all powerful hotshot….

Here is a verse of scripture describing what we aim to do together:

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13 NLT)

New to FPC

First Central Presbyterian is located in the downtown area of Abilene. Our church is the oldest in town. In fact, we were organized on February 27, 1881 as not only the first Abilene church but the first organization! Our first “building” was a tent down by the railroad tracks. Now we have a beautiful spacious facility located at 400 Orange Street.

If you are a first-time visitor, we suggest you try either the 8:30 am or 11 am services each Sunday.

Our Church School program is for all ages. We welcome visitors, of course. If you are between the ages of 0 and 150 we have a great class for you. There are seven adult choices plus senior high and middle school classes. Our young children enjoy a variety of educational opportunities.

WELCOMING

We pray that God sends people just like you into our lives. And just as God has done with us, we seek to take people wherever they are in their walk with God. Often, we ask our members why they united with our church – and the most common answer is that we are “welcoming.” Walk through the church doors and see how many people smile and say hello.

ENCOURAGING

We need each other in the church. We are convinced that everyone has a part to play in the Body of Christ. The encouragement of others in the church helps give us the courage to step out in faith. We don’t want you to run the race alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is FCPC’s sanctuary?

FCPC’s regular sanctuary is currently under construction. We are adding a new organ, updating the chancel, and building a new choral suite! While we are waiting for construction to conclude, we are worshiping in the Fellowship Hall, which was the original worship space for FCPC. The Fellowship Hall is located on the second floor. For those that need assistance, an elevator can be found in the foyer. Wheelchairs and wheelchair operators are stationed next to the second floor elevator door for any who request assistance. The location of the elevator and the Fellowship Hall can be seen on our facilities map.

Where is FCPC located?

Set that GPS to 400 Orange Street, Abilene, Texas 79601

We are easy to find, and if you want help finding us – give us a call at 325-677-3501.

Where do I park? Where do I go for different church activities?

A parking and building map of FCPC can be viewed here. During normal office hours (Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM), one of our staff members is available at the church office window to direct you where you need to go. On Sunday mornings, we have volunteers waiting at an information desk outside of sanctuary in the foyer to greet you and answer any questions you might have.

What time do services start?

We have two worship services on Sunday morning: one at 8:30 AM and another at 11 AM. Church School is held between services and begins at 9:45 AM.

Do you offer childcare on Sunday mornings?

Children are welcome in our worship services. However, childcare is available for children 4 years and under. A worship opportunity, called Godly Play, begins after the “Time for Young Disciples” during the 11 AM worship service. Godly Play is reserved for kindergarten and 1^st grade students.

What about Sunday School?

Around here, we call it “Church School.” The Church School hour is held between when our first service ends at around 9:45 AM until 11 AM worship service begins. Our Church School program is for all ages. We welcome visitors, of course. If you are between the ages of 0 and 150 we have a great class for you. There are seven adult choices plus high school and middle school classes. Our young children enjoy a variety of educational opportunities depending on their age rage.

What is the dress code?

We do not have a dress code; we want everyone to feel welcome regardless of what they have to wear.

What are your worship services like?

Our worship style is “traditional” in format and “alive” in spirit! We have a full choir, an organ with a wonderful organist, a handbell choir, and several scholarshiped vocal performance university students we utilize for offertory meditation music. We also tap our congregants with musical abilities, like guitarists, flautists, and violinists, to assist us in worship on a regular basis.

Do I have to give an offering?

No, not unless God has so impressed you. We believe that the church is supported by the tithes and offerings of its members. As a visitor, you are not expected to participate in giving.

Do you have activities for the whole family?

YES. COME! C is for children. O is for older adults. M is for those in the middle. And E is for everyone else! Visit our “connect” page for more details.

Do you have a separate service for children?

Yes. Though we LOVE it when our parents choose to keep their children with them in the worship service, we do provide a special worship opportunity for our Kindergarten and 1^st grade students called Godly Play. Godly Play begins immediately after the “Time for Young Disciples” in the 11:00 am worship service. Participants are invited to explore their faith through stories, wonder, imagination and (of course) play. Visit this page for more details.

Are there opportunities for me to serve?

Two thirds of God is “go!” A priority of our church is our mission out into the world. We have plenty of opportunities for service that makes a difference. Come get your hands dirty in our community garden where we give our produce away. Be a part of the Presbyterian Food Pantry which gives food for 30 to 60 families every week. Get us real early on Thursday morning and serve at Breakfast on Beech Street where we provide a hot meal for anyone who shows up. And there there is the Presbyterian Medical Care Mission that is staffed daily by many of our members. The list goes on. We “GO” as far away as newest mission to the Massai in Africa, and our long-standing mission to orphans in Romania. Check out the “serve” section to explore more service opportunities.

How do I join FCPC?

An invitation to join FCPC is offered at the end of every worship service on every Sunday morning. Remember, the FCPC puzzle is not complete without YOU!