OVERVIEW

Welcome to:
First Presbyterian
Church of Elmira

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." 
John 14:6-7

ABOUT OUR CHURCH
First Pres was founded in 1795. Its mission and ministry have had a profound and positive impact both in Elmira as well as throughout the world. In the course of its history, six other churches here in Chemung County were founded by members of First Pres. The founding of Elmira College can also be traced back to members of First Pres. Missionary activities have included the sending of Sarah Smith to Sapporo, Japan, where in 1887, she founded Hokusei Girls’ School, which today is part of a Christian institution serving 7,000 students.
We have enjoyed a glorious history, strongly believing that God is leading us to live and serve vibrantly in the present. Our mission is to teach, preach and reach out to all persons that they may walk with God each day and serve Jesus in all ways.

ABOUT OUR STAFF
REV. DR.  BETSEY CRIMMINS has been Pastor and Head of Staff here at FPC since August of 1992. A native of Sauquoit, NY, she has completed degrees from St. Lawrence University and Andover Newton Theological School , Newton Centre, MA and McComi Theological Semmary.. She has served Churches in Bergen, Co., NJ and West Orange, NJ. Her family includes her husband, Michael and three daughters.


ABOUT PRESBYTERIANS
This congregation is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), which is the largest and the oldest Presbyterian denomination in the United States. We are one of 62 churches in Geneva Presbytery. Presbyterians trace their roots to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century, particularly to John Calvin of Geneva and John Knox of Scotland.
Presbyterians believe in the Trinity of God (God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit), in salvation by grace and in the Bible as God’s unique and authoritative witness. Our distinctiveness as a congregation includes our true joy in the Lord and the precious opportunity to be a church together, our emphasis on education and commitment to children and youth, our high regard for music and relevant preaching in worship, and our commitment to local and international mission.

BECOMING A MEMBER OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
We welcome and encourage everyone who believes in Jesus as the Christ to become a member of our church family. If you are interested in joining, please speak with Rev. Crimmins.
We offer classes for New Members and Newcomers on Sunday mornings three times a year. The purpose of these classes is to give those considering membership an opportunity to learn more about this church, the Presbyterian Church (USA) and their faith and to have their questions addressed. Please speak to the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Crimmins, to learn more about these classes.

WORSHIP & COMMUNION
Our worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday (second Sunday in September through third Sunday in June) in the Sanctuary. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month throughout the year. During the summer months (4th Sunday in June through Labor Day) we worship at 9:30 a.m. in the air-conditioned Hoffman Great Room.

BAPTISM
Presbyterians practice both infant and adult baptism. No matter how young or old the person is, baptism unites the person with Jesus, bestows the gift of the Holy Spirit, is the sign and seal of the forgiveness of sins, and initiates the person into the family of faith which is the church. For children baptism also encourages future faith which is and promotes spiritual growth. Please speak to either of our pastors if you would like to consider Baptism for yourself and/or your child(ren).

MUSIC MINISTRY
The Chancel Choir is the adult choir. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 in the Sanctuary and Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:15 in the Betschen Choir Room and the Sanctuary. Ruth Bruning is the director. (732-7143)
The Chapel Choir is for students in grades 5 through high school A multi-generational music and craft ministreymeets Sundays 9:30-10 am in the Hoffman great room. This is open to all ages of youth and adults. The First Pres Band welcomes musicians in grade 6 through adults who play brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 9:30 in the Sanctuary. Scott Kelley is the director (734-5766).
The Praise Band welcomes musicians who play guitar, keyboard, bass and percussion as well as vocalists. Rehearsals are selected Sunday mornings after church in the Sanctuary. Jan Miller is the director.

PRAYER CHAIN
Our prayer chain is a large group of individuals who have committed themselves to pray as requested. If you have a prayer, concern or celebration that you would like included or if you would like to join the prayer chain, please call Jane Tucker (732-6608) or email her at jctpreselm@firstpreselmira.org. Prayer requests are communicated to the chain participants by email or phone.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sunday School classes for three year olds through adults happen each Sunday (Sept. through June) from 9:15 am - 10:30 am.
ADULT EDUCATION: Adults meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings to participate in ongoing Christian Education. Topics vary according to the interests of the group. Also, the Adult Education Committee sponsors a monthly book review (check Pres Clippings and Upcoming Events for date and time).

NURSERY CARE
Child care for infants and preschoolers is available every Sunday from 9:00 am through 12:00 pm in Room 2.

CHRISTCARE®
Our small group ministry is Stephen Ministries' ChristCare Group Ministry. ChristCare groups are groups of 3 to 12 persons who meet regularly for Bible Study, prayer and worship, fellowship and missional service. Each group has at least one trained leader If you would like to join a group or learn more about them, please speak to our Pastor.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Junior and Senior High youth participate in a varied program. Please speak to Youth in Action Committee Chair Robert Stanley for more information.

IONA PILGRIMS
Every two or three years we send our Senior High Students, ages 16 and older, on a religious pilgrimage to the Abbey at Iona, Scotland. The next group is scheduled to go in the summer of 2008.

ADULT ACTIVITIES
Young at Heart is our adult fellowship group for anyone over the age of 21. It meets periodically for games, trips, etc

COMMUNITY MINISTRY
Every day we open our doors to Happy House Nursery School. Wednesday Morning Club meets the first and third Wednesday at 10:30 am, October through April. Other various groups also use our facility which is open to all non-profit groups and organizations for meetings and special gatherings. In addition, the building may be used by families for birthday parties, graduation parties, wedding receptions, etc.
Building usage is granted upon written request. Call the church office for details and forms (734-1614).
Additionally, we collect food for the pantry at North Presbyterian Church where we also sponsor two apartments. The "Sheep Cart" in the narthex is the collection point. We provide leadership for the Elmira/Hokusei Schools Exchange Program.
We support in many ways, many groups that serve the needs of others.

SUMMER YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAM
As a part of its larger mission in partnership with the Presbytery of Geneva, the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira reaches out to youth in the local area. One of the Youth in Action Committee's many programs, the Summer Youth Recreation Program offers a wide range of activities for youth (and their families) in our church and community. Following are some of what we have done to promote Christian hospitality and community building:
• Christian music concerts
• Dance-a-thon to raise money to fight cancer
• Street hockey
• 3-on-3 basketball tournament @ Coach USA center
• Volleyball
• 'Soccer picnic
• Trip to Yankees game
• Ice skating @ Coach USA Center
• Camping on the Lake
• Pioneers Baseball Night
• Bowling Night
• Kingdom Bound/Six Flags @ Darien Lake
• Floor hockey