Our MISSION & BELIEFS

Mission Statement

Connecting in Christ, Transforming Lives.

We come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Jesus Christ brings us together to worship, learn, grow, and support each other. Our own lives are transformed here within the church community, and then we go out into the world and participate in God’s work of transforming lives in mission.

We believe all people are created in the image of God, and God’s love and grace extend to all. We welcome, affirm, and embrace all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, faith history, age, family structure, physical or mental ability, economic circumstances, education levels, or any other labels placed on humanity. Come just as you are and join us as we seek to follow Jesus as creators of justice, joy, compassion, and peace. You have a place set at the table, and we await you with joy!

Welcome Statement

Description of Congregation

First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, Minnesota is a community of over 300 Christian believers who celebrate and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Coming from diverse social, economic and geographic backgrounds, we are united in the Presbyterian tradition. We embody a rich heritage of worship, prayer, music, study and spiritual growth as we seek new ways to love God, expressed by our outreach to local, regional, national and global communities.

PCUSA, Presbytery & Synod Info

First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA). We are a member of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities in the Synod of Lakes and Prairies..

As a Presbyterian Church, we are part of the Reformed theological tradition that we trace back to John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland and to John Knox in Scotland. Our theological motto is “Ecclesia Reformata, Semper Reformanda,” which means “The Church Reformed, always being reformed.” In other words, we never believe that we have gotten it right. God is always leading us to acknowledge past mistakes and improve ourselves and our church to better fit God’s vision for our lives and for the world.

Our beliefs center around God’s transforming grace given to us through Jesus Christ. Our whole lives should be a grateful response to God’s incredible love for us. Out of our gratitude, we live in ways that would please God: sharing God’s love, taking care of our neighbors, loving ourselves, embracing the marginalized, welcoming children, showing hospitality to strangers and immigrants, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, working for justice and peace, and caring for the Earth.

VISION + MISSION

Connecting in Christ, Transforming Lives.