About Us
 The First Presbyterian Church
of Paulding, Ohio

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Evangelical Presbyterian Church: Essentials of Faith
The Bible, uniquely and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit, is the supreme & final authority on all matters on which it speaks. On this sure foundation we affirm these additional Essentials of our Faith:

  • We believe in one God, the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To Him be all honor, glory and praise forever!
  • We believe that Jesus Christ, the living Word, became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His virgin birth. He who is true God became true man united in one Person forever. He died on the cross, as a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. On the third day He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He now is our High Priest and Mediator who will come again to the earth (personally, visibly, and bodily) to judge the living and the dead, and to consummate history and the eternal plan of God.
  • We believe that the Holy Spirit has come to glorify Christ and to apply the saving work of Christ to our hearts. He convicts us of sin and draws us to the Savior. Indwelling our hearts, He gives new life to us, empowers and imparts gifts to us for service. He instructs and guides us into all truth and seals us for the day of redemption.
  • We believe that when we are estranged from God and condemned by our sinfulness, our salvation is wholly dependent upon the work of God's free grace. God credits His righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation, thereby justifying them in His sight. Only those born of the Holy Spirit and who receive Jesus Christ become children of God and heirs of eternal life.
  • We believe that the true Church is composed of all persons who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, are united together in the body of Christ. The Church finds her visible, yet imperfect, expression in local congregations where the Word of God is preached in its purity and the sacraments are administered in their integrity, where scriptural discipline is practiced, and where loving fellowship is maintained. For her perfecting, she awaits the return of her Lord.
  • We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ commands all believers to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world and make disciples of all nations. Obedience to the Great Commission requires total commitment to "Him who loved us and gave Himself for us". He calls us to a life of self-denying love and service.
 

Our Congregation
We are a close congregation of around 100 members who are committed to loving and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Our faith is in Jesus Christ and the authority and truth of scripture. We seek to uphold Christ's teaching. We believe that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is essential to be saved. Through study, prayer, fellowship and serving, the Holy Spirit enables us to be more like Christ.

History
The church was founded in 1875 by six original members who loved the Lord and pursued God's vision. In 1899, the main church building was erected. Later, in 1916, a wonderful pipe organ was added and it still blesses our services today. In 1993 a fellowship hall was added to the main building that has allowed us to not only enjoy meals with each other, but to be used by our community for various meetings and services.

Our current pastor was called in 1991 and continues to serve us today. Pastor Dave came to us from Thousand Oaks, California and attended Fuller Theological Seminary. He is married to his wife Patty and has three children, Allie, a student at Huntington College, Huntington, Indiana and Jack and Matthew who are students at Paulding Exempted Village Schools.

Nursery
Our church nursery has a room full of toys and games to occupy your little one during church services if the need arises. Student volunteers are available to assist you.

Children's Church
Children, ages pre-school through third grade, are dismissed the last half of worship for children's church. Children are taught a brief message and participate in a fun activity to reinforce the lesson.

Sunday School
Sunday school classes are available for participants ages three through adult. The younger children's lessons are taught from The Great Commission Press. A variety of other resources are used in other classes. A biblically based teaching is offered by gifted, dedicated and experienced instructors.

Youth
The church as a youth lounge specifically set apart for youth study and activities. Solid Rock youth group is held every Wednesday evening from 7:00-8:00 p.m. where students learn practical ways to be modern day disciples. There is a Bible study immediately following youth fellowship for those students who want more of an in depth study of the Word. This fellowship is open to all teens regardless of church affiliation. Various trips and outings are planned throughout the year.

Adults
There are two adult Sunday School classes available. Two different styles of teaching are presented which offers variety to our congregation.

Women
The women provide a variety of services for the church. They coordinate funeral dinners, host the mother-daughter tea and the annual woman's retreat in the fall, as well as various other meals and programs.

The Women's Bible Study meets most months on Monday evening from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Child care is provided. All women are invited to attend.

Wednesday Worship
The first Wednesday of every month a contemporary service is held. This gathering serves to renew us during the week and encourages us to be a witness for our Lord Jesus Christ. The services is designed and conducted by lay ministers, such as Mike Pennington.