First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck
First Presbyterian Church
is a Community called to love God through Worship and Prayer, receiving and serving our neighbors with the compassion of Christ, open to new beginnings and the spiritual growth of children, youth and adults.
First Presbyterian Church
214 E. Thayer Ave. Bismarck, ND
Phone: (701) 223-6091
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Email: firstpresbyterian@fpcbismarck.com
Here and now
We welcome you all to come worship
You can visit us at 214 E Thayer Ave. or
tune in at 10:00am every Sunday to our Live Feed on Facebook
If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 contact the North Dakota Department of Health:
https://www.health.nd.gov/
(701) 328-2372
Together, we will continue to make progress and come out strong.
Pastor Leanne's Message for the month of December, 2023:
A Year of Music
“I hear the real, though far-off tune that hails the new creation.”
How Can I Keep from Singing?
The Book of Revelation, often used manipulatively to scare people, was actually written to give comfort and confidence to those who were suffering a world crisis. As a feature of this comfort, the tragedies of the book are interrupted by frequent interludes of songs – specifically, the songs of heaven which declare the definitive and unstoppable victory of God over all the world.
I have thought about this a lot this last year, as our 150th anniversary unfolded in song – the amazing concert prepared for us by Debi and the churches of Mandan and St George, the beautiful string quartet, our choir’s regular gift in song - our talented musicians, St. Andrews Day Bag-piper, the Jamestown choir, the amazing and always up-lifting Westminster Chimes. Even as I write this, I am happily anticipating Christmas worship, on December 10th, with the Chancel Choir and the Westminster Chimes. A service which is my standard happy starting signal to Christmas, when “Joyous Music” is on the bulletin. In an uncertain world, music is a gift from God, sent at interludes, to offer us comfort and peace!
Typically, Advent starts with songs in minor keys… the purpose of which is to help the celebrant to experience the longing for redemption that one sees in “O Come, Oh Come Emmanuel.” I love those hymns, but I admit, there is so much good theology in Christmas carols like “O Holy Night” (truly he taught us to love one another; his law is love and his gospel is peace” and “Joy to the World” (He comes to make his blessings known far as the curse is found) – that I am not against sneaking a few of them into the Advent season… the Christmas holiday is simply not long enough to reacquaint oneself with all their beauty. Christmas hymns celebrate the joy and hope of all things good – the happiness promised in Christ Jesus. With their coming, the longing of advent is fulfilled as “Christ the Lord is Born Today!”
That is why, as the Advent season comes, I want to encourage you to sing – sing every Christmas tune you know, and even if you forget a line, or verse here and there, belt it out! Let the songs of childhood celebrations stir in your hearts, let them stir up memories and feelings, let their words preach to you the old, old story of an on-going deep rich love.
Go Christmas caroling if you can, come to worship, sing, and hear singing, listen to carols on the radio. Laugh at yourself when you miss a note – fake it when you don’t know the second verse. Purposely immerse yourselves in the songs of the season… and let them help you enter into a spirit of true celebration and worship.
Because, even the angels sang with the coming of Christ, promising a day of peace for the people of the world. Sing, then. Sing with the angels even if you don’t sound like an angel. Let your heart be glad, for Christ has come and will come again with salvation in his wings.
Merry Christmas, Y’all!
Leanne
CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES/SERVICES
2023 SCHOLARSHIPS
The Scholarship Committee of First Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce the availability of a limited number of scholarships for our church community. To be eligible for consideration to receive a scholarship, a student must be an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck or must have been an active participant in the life of First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck for at least three years. The awards are given for students at any level of study beyond high school. Four years is the maximum for receiving scholarships: these need not be consecutive years. Graduate students may apply for scholarships, providing they are within the four year maximum.
The deadline to apply is May 12, 2023
SECURE METHOD TO DONATE Now Available!!
Click on the button below and donate!
DO YOU HAVE A NEED?
ARE YOU WILLING TO HELP?
We encourage you to continue to love your neighbor well at this time. Hebrews 13:16 challenges us to“dowhat is good and to share, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”Thank you for being the Church.
Are you in need of assistance that you can not get help? Email firstpresbyterian@fpcbismarck or call 701-223-6091 and let us know how we can help.
WAYS TO GIVE:
For those who are unable to worship with us in church, here are a few ways that you can continue to give:
1. Online bill pay with your banking institution.
2. Click on the "Give Now" button above to donate today.
3. Mail checks to First Presbyterian Church, 214 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501.
Copyright 2013. First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck. All rights reserved.