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Campaign
Brochure
Yesterday ::
First Presbyterian
Church of Prattville was founded on June 21, 1846 with a membership
of 13 people. Descendents of some of these members still attend
our church today. In the 160 years since that beginning, buildings
have come and gone, but God's church has persevered through all
challenges set before it. Our second home, built at our current
location in 1896, was completely destroyed by fire in January
1941 as members were returning home from a prayer meeting. However,
even as the threat of a Second World War loomed, a new building
was constructed within a year's time. This building was dedicated
in October 1943 and we still worship in that sanctuary today.
Another major
challenge was faced in 1973. Due to doctrinal differences and
after much prayer and soul searching, we separated from the Presbyterian
Church U.S.A. to become one of the founding congregations of the
Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The resulting financial
burdens were overcome through God's grace and our church was able
to continue to be "faithful to the Scriptures and true to
our reformed theological distinctive."
Our history is a testament to God's faithfulness to His church.
He has used the saints of the past and present to ensure that
His glory is proclaimed to following generations.
Today ::
Our Lord has
given us many blessings through the years and He is still guiding
us today. We seek His leadership through the scriptures and continual
prayer. The mission of First Presbyterian Church is to glorify
God by making and building up disciples of Jesus Christ, equipped
to fulfill their God-given ministries and to reach the lost in
Prattville and beyond for Christ. We serve our Lord through worship,
music ministry, mercy, outreach, and Christian education. An exciting
opportunity to enhance these ministries is now before us.
Structural
evaluation of our building revealed that the foundation of the
sanctuary is no longer adequate. Temporary measures have made
it safe for present use, but the sanctuary will need to be replaced
in the near future. We now have an opportunity to enlarge our
worship space, create a better seating arrangement, incorporate
modern audiovisual systems, and improve our restroom facilities.
Also, with the addition of a new elevator in our education building,
we will be able to provide accessibility for those with limited
mobility. The result will be a facility where we and future generations
can continue the service of God Almighty and proclaim His glory.
Tomorrow
::
Obviously,
God is not finished with First Presbyterian Church. In fact, these
are exciting times not just in our church but for the whole city
of Prattville and its surrounding communities. Shopping centers,
businesses, and subdivisions are springing up all around us. Opportunities
abound for a church willing to see God use it to proclaim His
glory. Certainly, FPC is on the threshold of a renewed purpose
and thrilling potential for new growth. The question we need to
ask ourselves is how this new growth will happen beyond the construction
of a new sanctuary.
What it
will take ::
Church renewal
is a function of hearts and lives dedicated to the service of
Almighty God. His Spirit works in our spirits granting us greater
gifts of faith and the knowledge of the One we serve. That faith
and renewed knowledge of our Savior is exhibited in the sacrificial
giving of our time, talents, and monies. It spells involvement;
but involvement not just in writing a check or attending a service,
but in making ourselves to available to God for His glory at all
times. This is not about our ability to produce something for
God - it is about our availability to see Him work through us
to produce His glory! 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 makes the point -
"And He
said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is
made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather
boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in
needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For
when I am weak, then I am strong."
As we approach
this capital stewardship campaign, and more importantly, as we
approach renewed life and ministry at FPC, may we be 'weak' enough
for His strength to shine through and fulfill His will through
us for His glory!
A word from
Ray ::
Dear Friends,
Less than four
years after its founding in 1846, First Presbyterian dedicated
its first facility with the following entry in the Session minutes
dated June 21, 1850: "This day also our new church edifice
was dedicated to the service of Almighty God." Almost 156
years after that dedication we are embarking on a new and exciting
project also dedicated to the service of Almighty God! As a congregation
God is challenging us with building a new sanctuary. As I have
watched so many pour time and energy into preparing for this project
I am humbled to know that God is moving among us with renewed
energy and focus. Even as we reflect on the past vision of the
people of God who founded this work 160 years ago, it is my prayer
for each member and friend of our congregation to catch a renewed
vision for future generations dedicated to the service of Almighty
God. Numbers 14:21 reminds us why we are here…
"but
truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory
of the LORD!"
Numbers 14:21
As you prayerfully consider your part in this important project,
may God bless you with His riches both spiritual and material
- for His glory!
To the service
of Almighty God,
Pastor Ray
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