Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, a church where EVERYONE is welcome. On behalf of the entire First Pres family, we want you to know that we are so glad you’re here. We are a proud congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), where We Choose WELCOME!
We welcome followers of Jesus who are solid in their faith, and we welcome questioning believers seeking deeper meaning in their life. We welcome those who come from different faith backgrounds, such as Methodists, Lutherans, and Catholics, and those with no faith background at all; for we are all one in Christ Jesus. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here!
We hope you experience the warmth and friendliness of our congregation. Many have called this church their spiritual home for generations. Others have found in us a new beginning—a place of healing, belonging, and purpose. It is a place where everyone is invited to find safe and sacred space for themselves and their families.
As I share during the announcement time every Sunday morning, no matter who you are, or what you've done in life, or what life has done to you, you are loved by God!
Childcare is available for birth-kindergarten
FAQs
Absolutely—children are not only welcome, they are cherished members of our worshiping community! We invite children to sit in the Prayground, a special space in the sanctuary designed just for them.
The Prayground is a kid-friendly area located near the front of the worship space, where young children can engage in quiet, age-appropriate activities that help them participate in worship in their own way. It includes soft seating, books, coloring materials, and simple toys—all intended to help children experience God's presence while remaining a part of the gathered congregation.
During our 9:30 AM worship service, children are invited to come to the front of the sanctuary for the Children’s Message early in the service. It is noted in our bulletin. After the Children's Message, those who are in first through fifth grades are welcome to exit to attend Kirkwood Choir (our children's choir). Others are welcome to return to the Prayground, or they may sit with their adults.
We believe worship is for all ages, and the sounds and movement of children are a joyful reminder of God's abundant life among us.
A nursery, led by professional, certified staff, is available for children birth through kindergarten. The nursery is available from 8:15 AM until 11:30 AM each Sunday. The nursery may also be available for some special services and events. Please check with the Co-Directors of Christian Education for availability at special services and events.
Sign-in and sign-out procedures are required of grownups to ensure child safety, and providing the grownups cell phone is important so that you can be reached while in the building. The nursery is located on the third floor of the Christian Education building. On your first visit, you can ask a worship host (usher) in the sanctuary about the nursery and someone would be happy to take you there.
Christian Education and Spiritual Growth opportunities are available for all ages after the service from September through May. Classes are held in the Education Building. Feel free to ask for assistance in finding the correct room for your child, teen, or yourself.
You may wear whatever is comfortable for you. You will find people in blue jeans, business-casual wear, and some in sport coats and dresses. In the summer, particularly at the outdoor service, people dress in shorts and sandals.
Our 9:30 AM Sunday morning service is “traditional.” Our services generally last between an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. Our service includes prayers, hymns, special music from our choirs, sharing the peace (mutual greeting), scripture reading, a Children’s Time, and a sermon.
Maybe the best way to get to know about our services is to watch a recent Sunday service video. One can be found on our website under the worship section.
In the summer months, we often have one outdoor service per month, also at 9:30 AM, in the Kirkwood Blvd parking lot. It is moved inside for bad weather.
A worship bulletin is provided to everyone. The bulletin provides the order of the service that is easy to follow. Additional directions may come from the worship leaders. Congregational prayers and readings are printed in the bulletin.
Hearing devices that can accommodate a T-switch on a hearing aid, or can be fitted with a personal earpiece, are available in the sanctuary. Large print bulletins are available for our worship services. Please make your needs known to the worship hosts (ushers) when you enter the sanctuary.
For those that are able, we stand to sing, for prayers and liturgy, and to greet one another. If you prefer to remain seated at these times, you may do so.
On occasion, the congregation is asked to come forward for communion. If it is more comfortable for you to remain seated, communion will be brought to you at your seat.
Some like to meet lots of people when visiting a church. Others like to attend a church the first time without much notice. We try to strike a nice balance. You should expect to be greeted warmly. You will not be asked to identify yourself as a visitor by standing up or wearing a ribbon. We do ask people to sign an attendance register. If you have questions about our church, please ask the worship hosts (ushers) or stop at the Welcome Center before or after the service. You may also ask those sitting with you in the pew. No church is perfect, but we try to be a very welcoming congregation.
Music is a significant part of our worship; as such, First Pres has one of the most vibrant church music ministries in the Midwest. The congregation sings hymns and responses. We have a variety of vocal choirs, a bell choir, vocal soloists, and instrumentalists that might be participating on any given Sunday. Our church organ is a 61-rank organ built by Casavant Frères Limitée of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Opus 3455. You can find more information about our music ministry here. New members to our choirs are always welcome.
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday during alternating months (beginning with February). It is also celebrated at other special services such as Maundy Thursday.
All are welcome to participate in the Lord ’s Supper. You do not need to be a Presbyterian or a member of any church. If you are seeking to learn more about Jesus as your Savior, you are welcome to join with us. Children are welcome to participate at the parent’s discretion.
The bread and juice used in communion are usually distributed at stations near the front of our worship space. After the minister gives the invitation and prayer, people are asked to come forward to receive communion. For those unable to come forward, the bread and juice will be brought to you. We use a gluten free, nut free, vegan-friendly cracker and grape juice so that all might feel welcome at Christ's table.
You are welcome to join us in Fellowship Hall (downstairs from the Sanctuary) for coffee after the service on Sunday morning. This will be an opportunity to meet members of the congregation. You are also welcome to join the Adult Sunday School class.
On certain Sundays, we offer a breakfast and intergenerational program after the service. We call it Manna and More. The cost is $4 for members, $1 for kids, and free for visitors. You are welcome to join us after services for breakfast and fellowship.
We have parking in two separate parking lots next to our building. These are available throughout the week.
- Kirkwood Blvd Parking Lot – (Sanctuary, Sunday School, Von Maur Hall, Parlor, Library, Choir, Offices)
- Handicapped parking and building access — There are 10 spaces in the row closest to the building.
- Enter using the entrance down the brick sidewalk. This entrance is generally locked during the week. You can buzz the office from the doorway or call the office. The door will be unlocked for you.
- Iowa Street Parking Lot – (Sunday School, Von Maur Hall, Parlor, Library, Gym, Choir, Offices)
- Enter using entrance closest to the parking lot on Iowa Street. This entrance is generally locked during the week. You can buzz the office from the doorway or call the office. The door will be unlocked for you.
Other entrances from the Kirkwood parking lot that are available for services and special events are the following:
- For Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, you may enter using the doors under the portico on Kirkwood Blvd.
- For the Sanctuary elevator, use the entrance off the parking lot near Kirkwood Blvd.
All entrances are generally locked during the week except during special services or public events.
In the sanctuary part of the building, handicapped accessible bathrooms with changing tables are located on the lower level. You may use stairs or an elevator to get to the lower level.
In the Education building, accessible bathrooms are available on each of the three floors.
Family restrooms are in both buildings.