Visiting
Welcome to First Presbyterian Church (First Pres), where people of all ages and walks of life are invited to participate in our activities, programs, and ministries. Whether you’re a regular churchgoer, have been away from the church, or are newly exploring Christianity, there’s a place for you here.
Worship with us
Meet in person Sunday mornings:
- 9:30 am: Worship Service—Sanctuary (2nd floor—staircase or elevator)
- 10:30 am: Conversation and Informal Coffee—Westminster Hall (ground floor)
- 10:30 am: Easy English Fellowship (adult education for new English speakers)
- 10:45 am: Sunday School (Children & Youth)
- 10:45 am: Adult Spiritual Formation (Adult Ed)
- Childcare 9:30-11:30 am
Or join us online:
Download a bulletin (program) to refer to during the service.
Saturday evening French-speaking service:
- 6 pm: Francophone Bethesda Fellowship in the chapel of the Christian Education Building (the building south of the church)
Getting here
First Pres is located at 301 W. Hill St. just northwest of downtown Champaign and north of Westside Park. Parking Info:
- Church parking lot: West of the church building (enter from Hill Street)
- On-street parking: Church and Hill Streets (free on Sundays)
- Hill Street Garage: One block east of church at Hill and Randolph streets (accessible, free on Sundays)
Bus info:
The nearest bus stop is at the northwest corner of Hill and State streets. See the CU-MTD website for bus routes and schedules at this stop.
Entering the church
Our historic church is beautiful, but you may feel as though you need a map and compass to navigate it! Fortunately, our welcoming congregation is always ready to assist you.Our worship space is located on the second floor which may seem like an unusual design choice. Yet, upon stepping inside and experiencing the bright, airy space, the reasoning becomes clear.
The main entrance on State Street provides the easiest access. If you use another door just continue bearing in that direction–and don’t worry, we have greeters at each door to steer you along.
A. Northwest entrance — accessible
B. Northeast entrance — accessible
C. East entrance — stairs
D. South entrance — stairs
E. Entrance for separate building housing church offices and ELL
What to expect
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive, so please come as you are. You can expect a warm welcome, a reverent yet relaxed service, and a community seeking God together.
DRESS
You will see everything from dresses and suits to jeans—but mostly somewhere in between. You may even see shorts in the warmer months. Dress in a way that you feel comfortable and know that you will fit in just fine.
Service
Our services typically last about an hour and feature responsive readings, music, a children’s sermon, a pastoral sermon, and a passing of the peace (greeting those around us). We observe Communion on the first Sunday of each month–open to all who feel called by Christ, regardless of denomination or church membership. View a bulletin to see what a typical service consists or watch a video recording of a recent service.
OFFERING
During the service, ushers will pass a collection plate to accept monetary donations to be used to support church missions and the church itself. Visitors should not feel obligated to add money to the plate. Many church members and regular attenders donate weekly online.
Pastors
First Pres has two pastors, a head of staff and an associate pastor:
- Joe Lundy, Associate Pastor/Acting Head of Staff
- Head of Staff, search has begun
Music
Our worship features diverse music. Our accomplished Chancel Choir performs most Sundays, and our congregational hymns vary from contemplative to lively. Thanks to our location near the University of Illinois, we enjoy the talents of highly skilled musicians. We love to share the gift of music with those who visit.
For more information about our Music Ministry, contact Music Director, Sam Stephenson (sam@firstpres.church).
Childcare
The comfort and safety of your little ones is our top priority. Childcare takes place in the Infant and Toddler Rooms on the first floor of our secure Education Building on Sundays. Little ones are also welcome to be part of the worship service. We have activity packets and a Children’s Message during the service. There is also a casual livestream on the first floor.
