While PC(USA) theology is deep and complex, here's the bullet points of who we are!

• We are saved by God's grace through faith alone, not by works.

• The Bible is our authority, and we read it with reverence, scholastic study, reason, and through the lens of the church's confessions.

• Leadership is shared. Elders are elected by the congregation, as are all levels of church leadership. We do not stand alone, nor do we have bishops or regional leaders of that nature. 

• We practice open communion. Everyone is welcome at the Lord's table. Nobody is turned away. 

• Women and LGBTQIA+ people are allowed to be ordained and are celebrated here. 

The word “Presbyterian” comes from the Greek word for elder, “presbos” and the related word “presbyter.” The Presbyterian Church reflects its unique structure among Protestant churches in its name, as lay leaders, called elders or presbyters, partner with ordained ministers to govern congregations and the larger church body. 

The Presbyterian Church traces its roots to the 16th-century Reformation theologian John Calvin, and the work of John Knox, a Scotsman who studied with Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland. Knox brought Reformed teachings to Scotland, and by 1592, a Presbyterian system was adopted by the Scottish church. 

Scotch-Irish immigrants would carry this faith to America nearly two hundred years later where Earlier arrivals, such as the Puritans, were already adopting the Presbyterian form of faith and government.

It means we follow a shared liturgy and include worship elements such as pastors wearing vestments (not all the time, though, some pastors prefer not to!), candles, and a strong sense of reverence and continuity with ancient Christian practice. 

Our service format follows the liturgy set out in the Book of Common Worship, which includes a specific way we prepare our services. This particular form of service has a deep history of the church, and the format of it tells a story! If you'd like to know more about why we do what we do, please feel free to ask!

Our services include Bible readings, Psalms, music, a sermon, collective confession, and other elements from the ancient church and allow us to share in the wisdom, beauty, and study of Christ together as a collective body.