Welcome to First Presbyterian!
You're always invited to worship with us! A place to belong! Where faith is nurtured, curiosity is encouraged, diversity is welcomed, and all are loved. Everyone is welcome!Overview
First Presbyterian Church is the first Protestant congregation established in Davenport in 1838. It has worshiped and served in the restored Victorian building at Kirkwood Boulevard and Iowa Street since 1899. This congregation of about 700 people, is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA, the largest of the mainline Presbyterian bodies in the U.S., and is a part of the Synod of the Lakes and Prairies and the Presbytery of East Iowa.
Sunday Worship Services
- Traditional Sunday worship services are scheduled year round.
- 9:30 am Traditional Morning Worship Service
Summer Worship Schedule
- Beginning in June through August
- 9:30 am service is outside every third Sunday (west lawn); indoors for bad weather
Special Sundays for the Summer
- Blessing of the Animals at the outdoor service
- Bix Jazz Service in the Sanctuary
Childcare is available for all services and is hosted in the Nursery on the third floor of the Christian Education Building.
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Foundation of FPC
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F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are children welcome in worship?
Yes, children are welcome in worship. If you prefer, you are welcome to use our nursery for any or all of your Sunday morning with us. During our 9:30 AM worship service, children are invited to come to the front of the sanctuary for the Children’s Time early in the service. It is noted in our bulletin. The children will return to sit with you after the Children’s Time.
Children Worship Bags are available in the Sanctuary. An order of service, blank paper, crayons, and other material are included to support children’s involvement in worship at an age appropriate level. You can ask a worship host (usher) about getting one.
Do you have a nursery for our children?
A nursery and child care, led by professional, certified staff, is available for children birth through age 4. Called Little Saints and Angels, the nursery and child care are available from 8:45 AM until 12:15 PM each Sunday. Little Saints and Angels is also available for some special services. Sign-in and sign-out procedures are required of parents to ensure child safety, and a beeper is given to the parent so he/she can be reached while in the building. The Little Saints and Angels 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 can take you there. You can learn more here (Children’s Christian Education page)
Will I be singled out as a visitor?
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 those sitting with you in the pew.
Communion
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 and Christmas Eve.
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 may participate at the parent’s discretion.
The bread and juice used in communion are usually distributed to the pews. On some occasions people are asked to come forward to receive communion. For those unable to come forward, the bread and juice will be brought to you. Gluten free bread is available.
Do you have coffee?
Yes! Coffee is available in Fellowship Hall between services and in Von Maur Hall where Adult Christian Education classes are held.
Where should I park and enter the building?
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 entrance 7W on the map.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 5E on the map. 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 elevator, use entrance 8W on the map.
- For Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, use Entrance 1S.
All entrances are generally locked during the week except during special services or public events.
What shall I wear to worship?
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.
What should I expect in worship?
Our 9:30 AM Sunday morning service is “traditional.” The service generally last an hour. The service includes prayers, hymns, 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 home page. More can be found here. (link)
In the summer months, we have an outdoor service at 8:30 AM on the Kirkwood Blvd parking lot. It is moved inside for bad weather. A 10 AM service is held in the air-conditioned sanctuary.
How will I know what to do in the service?
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.
Will I be required to stand during the service?
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 you are unable to do this, communion will be brought to you at your seat.
What is the music like in your worship services?
Music is a significant part of our worship. The congregation sings several 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.
Do you have Sunday School classes?
Christian education is available for all ages between services 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 can learn about these classes at these links. Adult Children
Is there time to meet members of the congregation?
You are welcome to join us in Fellowship Hall (downstairs from the Sanctuary) for coffee between services on Sunday morning. This will be an opportunity to meet members of the congregation. You are also welcome to join the Adult Christian Education class.
On certain Sundays, we offer a breakfast all morning long. We call it Manna and More. Volunteers from the church offer breakfast from 8:15 AM to 10:30 AM in Fellowship Hall. The cost is $3 for members, $1 for kids, and free for visitors. You are welcome to join us before or after services for breakfast and fellowship.
Do you have help if I have trouble hearing or reading 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.
Where are the restrooms?
In the sanctuary part of the building, handicapped accessible bathrooms with changing tables are located on the lower level.
In the Education building, handicapped accessible bathrooms are available on each of the three floors.
Family restrooms are in both buildings.