“To live by Faith, to be known by Love, and to be a voice of Hope.”
Get to Know Us- what we believe
Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
Calvin did much of his writing from Geneva, Switzerland. From there, the Reformed movement spread to other parts of Europe and the British Isles.
Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706. The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Rev. John Witherspoon, one of the few ordained ministers to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Rose Window
Rose Window
Our Rose Window in the back of the sanctuary is adorned with symbols that have been incorporated into its design.
The rose is considered a symbol of the Messianic promise. The form of this window was incorporated into cathedral design about the thirteenth century. There are eight major symbols. Beginning at the top with the Holy Bible they are in clock-wise order as follows:
The Crown, the symbol of security and hope, WAS freely used in the catacombs and is based in Hebrews 6:18, 19, "the hope set before us; which we have as an anchor of the soul."
The stack of wheat symbolizes the "Bread of Life" and is, along with the cluster of grapes, symbolic of Holy Communion.
The Greek Cross, with its arms of equal strength, symbolizes the perfection of Christ's atonement.
The Chalice is a symbol of the cup of the "new covenant"; Luke 20:22, I Corinthians 11:25.
The cluster of grapes symbolize the sacrament of Holy Communion.
The lamp and Holy Bible are symbols of the Word of God. Its origin is probably drawn from Psalm 119:105.
Above each of the major symbols there is a lily. It is a symbol of the resurrection. I is as if all the other symbols are to be understood in light of the resurrection,
The brilliant colors are part of the symbolism of this beautiful work of art. The red reminds us of the blood of Christ. The blues and purples reflect the Kingship of christ. The greens are for the life and growth and hope. The golds are symbols of the purity and preciousness of the faith given to us by God.
OUR VISION
“TO LIVE BY FAITH, TO BE KNOWN BY LOVE, AND TO BE A VOICE OF HOPE.”
Greetings from the faith community known as First Presbyterian Church of Sanford, North Carolina. Our church is a large inclusive family and our relationships with others are extremely important. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we desire to be shaped by God’s word in scripture. We seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit as we offer support for one another along the journey of faith. Our goal is to be a church where people can see God’s Word in action and feel that same spirit which gives us new life.
When you visit First Presbyterian, be assured we would like to know you by name and to have the opportunity to affirm God’s unique gifts in your life. The adventure of faith which we share has two major priorities: we want to grow in our love and appreciation for what God has done for us, especially through Jesus Christ, and to love one another responsibly, faithfully and joyfully. Our desire is that all who come to First Presbyterian Church of Sanford, North Carolina will experience this love of God and neighbor. Members, staff and clergy share a passion for pastoral care and visitation, as well as an emphasis on Christian Education for all ages. As we combine worship and music, study and devotion, service and mission, we open ourselves to God’s intention for creation.
We hope even the youngest member will experience a sense of belonging and affirmation within the family of God. We hope new and long time members will experience the security and peace of God in our midst. For every age, from infant to our most senior member, we would like to live out God’s concern, interest and affection for every person.
First Presbyterian is governed by its Session consisting of the pastor and the elders in active service. Deacons are also elected to serve in their respective capacities of congregational care. Much of the church work is done by the committees of the church, supported by various staff resources.
We are part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the largest denomination of Presbyterians in the nation, one which has roots that are traced to the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Our heritage and much of what we believe began with John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
Like other Presbyterian congregations, we seek to be faithful to the tradition of our forebears by offering meaningful worship that engages the entire person — heart, mind, body and soul. We also seek to respond to the calling of our Lord to love our neighbors and to share the gospel of Jesus’ redeeming love with the world.