• IN-PERSON WORSHIP

• FACEBOOK WORSHIP

In-Person Worship
In-Person Worship is held every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Worship usually lasts 55 to 60 minutes. We celebrate Communion on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month!

Facebook Worship
Facebook Worship is every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. This is a live feed of our in-person worship, and it can be found on our Facebook page here.

New Home of the Community Cupboard and Emergency Housing for Advocacy Outreach of Elgin

Posted on November 15, 2022

The photos in this post include:

1) A drawing of the new building

2) Members of First Presbyterian Church standing in the footprint of the new building.

A formal agreement has been signed between First Presbyterian Church of Elgin and Bastrop County for grant funding to build a new building on the Church’s property located near the Elgin Public Library, adjacent to the Church’s historic sanctuary. This grant is part of the federal funds received by Bastrop County as part of the American Recovery Plan Act specifically for use in support of non-profit organizations negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic.

First Presbyterian Church of Elgin is one of seven Bastrop County organizations to receive funds through this unique funding source. These funds are to be used exclusively by the congregation for the construction of a new building on church property which will house Elgin’s Community Cupboard (Elgin’s largest and oldest food source for our food insecure neighbors), and emergency housing for the use by Advocacy Outreach of Elgin (Our community’s most active organization currently serving people experiencing homelessness).

The project, which will include outdoor spaces that will be used by those receiving the building’s services as well as members of the greater Elgin community, will be named The Neighborhood Gathering Place.

It is the church’s plan to also build an all-ability playground and pickleball courts on the property with funds that have not yet been secured.

Pastor Amy Meyer, who has been pastor of First Presbyterian for over 12 years, says, “Service to our neighbors is a biblical command that makes the use of our church property for this special purpose a natural response of this congregation. Our membership has long been involved in serving our neighbors as a response of gratitude for the grace that we ourselves have been extended. This funding is making it possible for partnerships with area non-profit organizations to care for our neighbors, gathering people in a new and powerful way.”

The heart of The Neighborhood Gathering Place will be a 6,000 square foot, two story structure that will house the Community Cupboard on the ground floor and have four emergency housing areas upstairs above the Cupboard. The project is the result of an extensive study done by the congregation about the needs of the citizens of Elgin, families who struggle to secure housing and nutrition. During that study process, the concept of The Neighborhood Gathering Place was born.

First Presbyterian Church of Elgin wishes to thank County Commissioner Donna Snowden for her support of this project and the entire Bastrop County Commissioners’ Court for their support of such visionary uses of these federal funds. While Covid did many terrible things to our society, through these funds, many lasting benefits for Bastrop County’s citizens are coming to fruition.

The church will be calling for bids for the construction project soon and hope to break ground in the next few months.

Our podcast is called “Passing the Peace,” and we hope you will find it to be a meaningful expression of worship during this time.

While you definitely can sit and listen to a podcast, you can also listen while driving, doing housework, gardening, walking/jogging/exercising, etc. It's really up to you to decide how and when you will listen.

HOW TO LISTEN
You can listen on Spotify, on Anchor, or on Apple Podcasts.

CLICK HERE for the link to Passing the Peace on Apple Podcasts

CLICK HERE for the link to Passing the Peace on Anchor.

We are called to oversee what God has created.
- Genesis 1

First Presbyterian Church of Elgin is a certified Earth Care Congregation.

Each year we are re-certified through a continued commitment to care for the earth.

We strive to make our buildings, operations, worship services, education, and outreach respectful of the glory of God’s creation.

As an Earth Care Congregation we commit:
- to work for earth care and eco-justice
- to focus on earth care through education, worship, liturgy, public witness, and congregational service
- to celebrate God’s grace and glory in creation
- to support each other in keeping and healing the creation

Here are some examples of what makes us an Earth Care Congregation: recycle bins, fair trade coffee, VBS and classes offered on God’s Creation, re-use of decorations and supplies, reduced paper size for bulletins, several paperless worship services per year, carpooling to meetings and events, double-sided printing of reports, energy-efficient window coverings, solar screens, smart thermostats, and more!

The name “Matthew 25” is a reference to a bible passage that focuses on the story of the sheep and the goats:
"I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me."

Matthew 25:31–46 calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. Convicted by this passage, we strive to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned, or poor.

Matthew 25 Churches agree to work for:
- Congregational Vitality
- Eradicating Systemic Poverty
- Dismantling Structural Racism

You can find out more information from the Matthew 25 website here.

Clothes. Any kind of clothes.

(Scroll down to see some pics!)

Come worship with us weekly
at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
All are welcome.
We mean it.
Yes we do!
 

SUNDAY WORSHIP
We describe worship at FPC as creatively traditional and contemporary. We often follow a traditional Presbyterian order of worship, but sometimes we mix things up for a change. 

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
Children are welcome to attend worship. On Sundays, a Children's Message (the Time with the Youngest Disciples) is offered. After the Time with the Youngest Disciples, children ages second grade and younger may either stay in worship or go to the nursery. Our nursery room is complete with toys, a changing table, and Pack ’n Play cribs that can be set up when needed. 

COMMUNION
We celebrate Communion on the second and fourth Sundays of the month as well as on some special days, like World Communion Sunday, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and Easter. We welcome everyone to our Communion table. 

MUSIC
Our church has both a baby grand piano, a guitar, a drum set, and a tambourine from time to time. We use the new Presbyterian hymnals (the Glory to God hymnals), and we sing a mix of traditional hymns and praise music. 

CHOIR
The choir is open to all who love to sing! They practice before and after worship on Sunday mornings. 

Little Helpers provides volunteer opportunities for families with young children. Teach your children to give back to the community!

To see recent activities as well as upcoming events, 
visit the Little Helpers Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/LittleHelpersElgin/

It's exactly what it sounds like: We drink beer, sing hymns together, and raise money for local charities. Whether you sing the hymnal every week or just want to tap into the nostalgia of your childhood, all are welcome! It's just a fun event for anyone who would enjoy a spirited sing-along with your friends and neighbors!

Since Beer & Hymns is all about community, we gather at local pubs. It's not about the beer, of course, it's about the experience, so if alcohol isn't for you, please feel free to order water/soda/etc instead. If you do partake, please use a designated driver or ride-sharing service if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DO YOU SING? We sing a mixture of things, mostly hymns that are over 100 years old. 

WHAT’S THE COST? There’s no pressure to spend money or to drink. We ask that you bring enough money to cover whatever beverages you plan to purchase. You may also bring money to tip musicians and bartenders as well as money to contribute to the selected charity (which will vary per event).

WHO CAN COME? Everyone! Thick, thin, tall, short, old, young, gay, straight, all are welcome. If you’re an every Sunday churchgoer, if you have a nostalgic interest in old hymns, or if you just like to participate in local community events, come sing with us! Whatever your story may be, you are welcome.

Facebook:
To see upcoming events, please visit the Beer and Hymns Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElginBeerandHymns/

At FPC we focus more on what we do in response to the universal love of Jesus Christ and less on what we believe in black-and-white terms.

We strive to explore spirituality more deeply. We grapple with the difficult texts of the Bible. And we seek to transform lives through inspirational worship, mindful study, and loving service. 

FPC is a place to learn and grow because we take theology seriously, we ask hard questions, and we appreciate science.

Not only is everyone welcome at our church, everyone is wanted: short or tall, thick or thin, questioning or sure, seeking or certain, young or old, gay or straight, rich or poor, new to the faith or baptized from birth. Everyone is valued here as we celebrate and gather strength from our diversity as a community.

Our church celebrated its 135th anniversary in 2016 and marked its 100th year in the current building in 2009. We are one of the oldest churches in Elgin, but we thrive by serving and supporting our growing community with a contemporary message of inclusivity and love.

First Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Synod of the Sun, and Mission Presbytery. Our mission is to be a Christian community that welcomes all, worships God, and witnesses to God’s grace: locally, nationally, and globally.

Ministries
We have a long and distinguished history of leadership in the Elgin community.  We support many local ministries and offer various outreach opportunities throughout the year.

Local
    •    Ash Wednesday Services
    •    Maundy Thursday Taize Services
    •    Mission Projects
    •    Community Workshops
    •    CROP Walk for Hunger
    •    Community Cupboard
    •    Drive-a-Senior Program
    •    Elgin Ministerial Alliance
    •    Vacation Bible School
    •    Blessing of the Animals
    •    Girls Scouts
    •    Exercise Group
    •    College Scholarship Program

Community Involvement
Our members are active in the community.
    •      Main Street Board
    •      Envision Elgin
    •      Elgin Library
    •      Community Cupboard
    •      Advocacy Outreach
    •      City of Elgin
    •      Elgin Chamber
    •      Drive A Senior
    •      Meals on Wheels

Children & Youth
    •    Youth Group
    •    Worship Party (toddlers through 5th grade)
    •    Souper Bowl of Caring
    •    CROP Walk for Hunger
    •    Mo Ranch Mid Winters Retreat
    •    Yearly Service Opportunities
    •    Children & Youth-Led Worship Service
    •    Children & Youth Christmas Pageant
    •    Vacation Bible School
    •    Blessing of the Animals
    •    Children's Sunday School
    •    Confirmation Classes
    •    MOMS Club
    •    Little Helpers
    •    Adopt a School (Neidig Elementary)

Presbyterian Women
    •    Birthday Offering
    •    Blanket Project
    •    Living Waters for the World
    •    Presbyterian Children's Home

Connections
    •    Peacemaking Offering
    •    One Great Hour of Sharing
    •    Pentecost Offering
    •    Christmas Joy Offering
    •    Living Waters for the World
    •    Heifer Project
   •    CROP Walk for Hunger

Our Educational Ministries provide a place where you can deepen your faith in a variety of ways.

WORSHIP PARTY (young families)
Worship Party provides an opportunity for families to worship and play together. The Worship Party ministry is dedicated to providing a nurturing, faith-based environment for families with toddlers through 5th graders. Worship Party involves songs and a storytelling method that encourages wonder while modeling a rhythm of worship. Through this experience, our young ones learn that we love God through worship. Of course, it wouldn’t be a “party” without bouncy houses and dinner too!

YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES
Our youth enjoy "pop up" activities scheduled throughout the year. These activities include a variety of Bible Studies, service activities, fellowship and special events which help them to engage the hard questions of life and faith. 

VBS - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 
Our VBS program is for all ages! Every summer we offer a VBS program with a different theme. Classes are available for preschoolers, kids, youth, and adults!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Our Education Committee is always looking for fun and exciting “pop up” opportunities for people to grow. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of short-term classes that can nurture our faith.

Past opportunities have included:
- Marriage Enrichment (a 6 week course)
- Protestant Prayer Beads (a 4 week course)
- Gone With the Wind (a 4 week course)
- God and Family for Boy Scouts (a 6-week course)
- History of the King James Bible (a 5-week course)
- Dealing with Election Anxiety ( a 4-week course)
- Book Studies
- Museum Trips

Our youth enjoy a variety of "pop up" activities, such as: bible studies, service activities, fellowship, and special events which help them to engage the hard questions of life and faith.   

Here are some of the things that keep our youth busy:
    •    Souper Bowl of Caring
    •    CROP Walk for Hunger
    •    Mo Ranch Mid Winters Retreat
    •    Yearly Service Opportunities
    •    Children & Youth-Led Worship Service
    •    Children & Youth Christmas Pageant
    •    Vacation Bible School
    •    Blessing of the Animals
    •    Confirmation Classes
    •    Little Helpers
   •    Adopt a School (Neidig Elementary)

Pastor Amy
The Rev. Amy Meyer (she/her) holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary where she won the Chalice Press Book Award in Partnership with the Oreon E. Scott Foundation for Outstanding Seminarian.
Pastor Amy is an ordained minister in Mission Presbytery and has used her training in both church settings and as a chaplain for Hospice Austin. Before her seminary training, Pastor Amy held positions as a youth director for the Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis and as a graphic designer for a division of Trader Publishing.
Pastor Amy has been with our church since October of 2010 and is excited to continue our ministry of love locally, nationally, and globally. Pastor Amy and her husband, Chris, have two children.

Parish Associate
The Rev. Nancy McCranie

The Session
Larry Williams (2024-2026)
Cody Stout (2024-2026)
Mary Ann Clark (2023-2024)
Judy Matetzschk-Campbell (2022-2024)
Dick Miller (2023-2025)

The Deacons
Juanita Casanova (2024-2026)
Ernie Bogart (2024-2026)
Barbara Bogart (2024-2026)
Frank Campbell (2022-2024)
Diann Irvin (2022-2024)
Kay Queen (2023-2025)

Musicians
Barry Nunnelee
Sarah Homerstad

Worship Party provides an opportunity for families to worship and play together. The Worship Party ministry is dedicated to providing a nurturing, faith-based environment for families with toddlers through 5th graders. Worship Party involves songs and a storytelling method that encourages wonder while modeling a rhythm of worship. Through this experience, our young ones learn that we love God through worship. Of course, it wouldn’t be a “party” without bouncy houses!

Worship Party is designed to help you and your children develop your relationship with God and with one another. It’s specifically created to meet the needs of young families. Traditional Christian education (and some traditional forms of worship) separate families by putting the kids in one room and the adults in another. This traditional model works well for its purpose and allows parents the time they need to worship and learn. But Worship Party provides a chance for the family to worship as a whole, giving the family a shared experience and a common vocabulary. 

Religion and Politics video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dJVS-Hx5cA

Parking Lot Santa video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVqS52A1gFk

Halloween Clown video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT46b8CHG4Q

Church & More video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lmhivSzf54

What Is a Presbyterian? video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbbPR76VEN4

In 1872, after the railroad line was extended, the town of Elgin was established along the line. Businesses, buildings, and homes began going up where once the wild beasts roamed and Mother Earth was covered with cactus, mesquite, and grand old oaks.

During this time, churches were being organized. There was a Cumberland Presbyterian Church northeast of town in Pleasant Grove, and some of the members there helped to organize the Cumberland Church in Elgin in 1881. There were eleven charter members.

They started out meeting in various churches and grade school buildings in town and had part-time pastors. The salary for a part-time pastor at that time was 87 dollars and 25 cents per month.

In 1886, just 5 years after the church was founded, the current property was purchased. In addition to a small house that was already on the property, a little white frame church was built. 

In 1908, the first full-time pastor, the Rev. Comer, was hired. He and his family moved into the little house on the property, and he served the church for 3 years. 

During that 3 years, they tore down the little white church and began work on a new building in the same location. The new church building was completed in 1909 and is still here today.

The women of the church raised money to pay for the pews by selling ice cream and cake on Saturdays, conducting a bazaar, and serving dinner at the red brick hotel.

The Cumberland Presbyterians were among the first of the reformed churches to ordain women, and in 1932, we ordained the first female elder in Elgin. Her name was Mrs. Sadie McCullough.

In 1941, the church switched from Cumberland and joined the Presbyterian Church, U.S. so that they could have students from the Austin Seminary come to supply the pulpit, and it wasn’t until much later that any other women were ordained here in Elgin.

In 1951, the Session decided to call a full-time pastor named Jack Harrison. The Rev. Harrison was only here for 3 years, and after that, they went back to seminary students providing pulpit supply.

In 1956, the congregation voted to build a new manse and educational building, so the little house that was used as the old educational building was sold and moved off the lot. From that time on, the congregation has had full-time pastors.

In 1982, our church was yoked with the Presbyterian Church in Giddings, and the Rev. John Camp was hired to preach at both churches. The organization of the two churches was called the Rolling Hills Parish. 

In 1988, Ethel Munroe was hired as the church custodian, and she faithfully cleaned the church and kept things in order for nearly 3 decades. 

Also in 1988, the fellowship hall was expanded, adding 1500 more square feet of space. 

Due to church growth and increasing programs, the Rolling Hills Parish disbanded in 1990, and John Camp became the full-time pastor. He resigned in 1997.

In 1998, The Rev. Nan Jenkins was called as the first female pastor, and in 2001, the Rev. Nancy McCranie became the Parish Associate. 

In 2003, the baby grand piano and the electric organ were donated by the Foehner estate. 

2006 marked the beginning of the plans to add the porch off of the church narthex, relocate the bell, and renovate the steeple. The large porch that connects the fellowship hall to the sanctuary was planned as well. Construction was completed in 2010.

Nan Jenkins retired in 2008, and the Rev. Amy Meyer was called in 2010.

The latest renovation in 2013 restored the sanctuary interior, windows, floor, ceiling structure, and foundation. In addition, the chancel window was uncovered and replaced with the stained glass window. 

In 2014, a new worship service called “Worship Party” was added on the first Sunday evening of every month. The church purchased bouncy houses, and Nancy Lou Webster carved little wooden figures so that Pastor Amy could use them to tell Bible stories to the children. 

Thus, for well over a century, the First Presbyterian Church has been a light glowing in Elgin, and we continue to strive for a life filled with as deep a faith as the small group of sincere believers that started it all so long ago. 

This is a video of Pastor Amy preaching at a Presbytery Meeting. The sermon begins at the 26 minute mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tFoQurKhyM

The following two sermons are from a sermon series Pastor Amy did about the 2016 General Assembly.

Sermon on Luke 8:26-39:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkLYdF5EawQ&t=23s

Sermon on the book of Esther:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr7oTDmPYcE&t=10s

This sermon is from Earth Sunday 2018.
Sermon on Luke 24:36-43
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8RVEbdPweY&t=537s

We don’t normally use a bulletin. However, there are times when we need people to look at something in order to enhance their worship experience. This space is used for that purpose.
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