Visitor Information
VISITORS EXPECTED

 

 

 
 Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NRSV)

 

Welcome. We've been expecting you.

The fact that you are on this page suggests you are at least interested in checking us out personally. We hope what follows will be useful in helping you find your way here and preparing you for what to expect when you get here.

 General Information
This church is part of the Reformed theological tradition and that theology is evident in our worship and witness. If that doesn't mean anything to you, know that Presbyterians place a lot of emphasis on the power and love and sovereign grace of God. Grasping the reality and implications of such an emphasis is important to us. Knowing this in the heart is key. When you get here you will find that the emphasis in this church is on the disposition of the heart. This means that the outward, superficial things of life take a back seat to the inward, spiritual realities. This church emphasizes growing into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

On a typical Sunday morning you will find that .

  • ANONYMITY is protected. You will be greeted and welcomed, but you will not be singled out to stand or sign anything or in any way be targeted. When you are ready to make yourself known, we'll be ready for you.

  • ATTENDANCE is recorded as a group, not by name. No attendance pads going down the pews. No phone calls harassing you if you miss church. When you are ready for a visit or call, let us know and we'll be there.

  • The ATTIRE is relaxed. What you wear is not a big deal. What's important is being present to God in body and spirit. Again, it's about the heart. You'll find a lot of people in their Sunday best and a lot of others in casual clothing.

  • The ATTITUDE is positive and forward thinking. Our message is filled with hope and joy. We hope any guilt you may feel is the good kind-the kind that God uses to bring good perspective or changes in a person's life. Also, we come out of a grand theological tradition to which we freely and joyfully adhere. But we are not stuck in the past. We seek to speak out and practice the faith in ways that advance God's causes.

  • ACTION is expected. We will let you sit in the pews for a little while, but after that, expect to be asked to get involved in a ministry focused within or outside of the church. It is part of authentic Christian living.

  • The AMBITION is to glorify God and enjoy God always. This is what we are created to do. We take this seriously. Glorifying God is our first order of business. Our main purpose in life is not to win heaven or avoid hell; rather, it is to glorify God and enjoy God forever.

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 Worship Times
We invite you to come and worship with us. Worship is at the heart of what we do as people of God. The regular rhythm of gathered worship is what God expects of us.

Sunday morning worship        11:00 AM        Traditional (choir, robes, organ)
       Typically lasts about an hour

Sunday evening worship         7:00 PM         Contemporary (drums, keyboards)
       Once per month on last Sunday of the month
       Typically lasts about an hour

Special worship services include
        Community wide Thanksgiving Service---Rotates churches in Covington
        Christmas Eve---Ends with candlelight and singing Silent Night on the front steps
        Holy Week services---Held at different church during Holy Week
        Maundy Thursday---Powerful service held on Thursday before Easter
        Easter Sunrise service---Community service held at high school football stadium

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 Church School
When you come to worship, come early and go to class. Church school is part of our ministry of making disciples.

Nursery - 3 year olds       First floor, educational building      
4 & 5 year olds       First floor, educational building      
1st & 2nd grades       First floor, educational building      
3rd & 4th grades       Second floor, educational building      
5th & 6th grades       Third floor behind choir loft      
7th & 8th grades       Jr. High room, second floor, educational building      

9th - 12th grades

Sr. High room, second floor, educational building

Faith Mates

Young couples, room behind balcony

Discovery Class

Mixed ages, second floor, educational building

Journey Class       Mixed ages, second floor across from Ricky's office      
Shelton-McNeely       Older adults, Shelton McNeely room      
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 Church Nursery
A church nursery is available during the church school and worship hour, as well as during monthly contemporary worship services and other services. The nursery is well equipped with safe and sanitary cribs, sinks, changing tables, and a soft carpet. To provide maximum safety and care, we normally have two workers in the nursery at all times. One of the workers is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Parents or guardians dropping off a child are asked to sign the child in with all relevant instructions for care as well as identifying who is authorized to pick up the child afterwards. Beepers are provided for parents who want to be paged when needed.

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 Driving Directions
FROM THE SOUTH. Take Highway 51 north into Covington. Turn right onto West Church Street. Go .25 mile to the corner of West Church Street and South Main Street. Take a right onto South Main Street and an immediate left into the church parking lot.

FROM THE NORTH. Take Highway 51 south into Covington. Turn left onto West Church Street. Go .25 mile to the corner of West Church Street and South Main Street. Take a right onto South Main Street and an immediate left into the church parking lot.

FROM THE WEST. Take Highway 59 into Covington. Highway 59 is West Liberty as you approach Covington. Take a right on Highway 51. Take the third road on your left which is West Church Street. Go .25 mile to the corner of West Church Street and South Main Street. Take a right onto South Main Street and an immediate left into the church parking lot.

FROM THE EAST. Take Highway 54 into Covington. Highway 54 is East Liberty as you approach Covington. Take left onto South Maple Street just before you get to the square in Covington. Go .17 miles on South Maple to East Church Street. Turn right on East Church Street Take a left onto South Main Street and an immediate left into the church parking lot.

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First Presbyterian Church  . 403 South Main Street . Covington, Tennessee  38019 . USA
Phone No 901.476.2434 . Fax No 901.476.1463

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