Worship

Sunday morning worship, with its challenging preaching and inspiring music, is the high point of First & Central's church week. The service is usually based on the lectionary and is traditional Presbyterian, but with significant changes toward variety and informality. For example, the congregation returns the pastor's "Good Morning", sermons are sometimes delivered at pew level, and worshippers are invited to express concerns or joys before the intercessory prayer. The focus of our worship is preaching the Word with emphasis on spiritual and intellectual growth within, and love, service and justice in the world. CD recordings of the service and printed transcripts of the sermons are available by contacting the church office (302-654-5371).
Music during worship is highly professional and varied, from majestic anthems to spirituals, accompanied by our Gabriel Kney Organ or the Steinway B grand piano, with occasional extra instrumentalists. One of the Bible readings is normally led by a lay person, sometimes a youth. Communion is served traditionally or by intinction, using grape juice, and bread is often baked by a member.
Children have a place in our worship services. Older youth participate through reading a Bible lesson, and serving as acolytes or ushers. Every service includes a Children's Greeting and children ages 4 yrs - 3rd grade are invited to attend Enrichment class for the balance of the worship service. Infants through 3 years old are invited to the nursery.
We are open to change and periodically add new elements to the service such as dialogue sermons, Taize music, Good Friday and All Saints' Day Labyrinth walks, and healing and wholeness services on Sunday mornings. There are special services around religious holidays: The Baptism of Christ, Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve (an 11 pm candlelight service with musical prelude at 10:30 pm), and First & Central is home to Interfaith Services for World AIDS Day and the Habitat for Humanity Unity Build Dedication.
All of the worship styles at First & Central are enriched by our dynamic music ministry under the direction of David Schelat, our Minister of Music. The Chancel Choir is comprised of 20 to 24 singers, of whom six are contracted professionals (most are students at the University of Delaware) who additionally serve as soloists. Instrumental soloists frequently enhance the worship service. The congregation clearly responds to music with enthusiastic hymn singing.