Are you a Bible based church?

In a word - Yes!

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 Do you offer childcare during worship services? 

Yes!  We have a dedicated group of Christian educators who provide childcare and Christian education for children ages 3 to 12. Children are welcome to either stay for the full worship service, or are invited to "play and pray" with our teachers after the children's sermon. 

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Do you have Bible Study?

Yes! We offer Bible Study twice a day on Wednesdays - both at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm.  Lately we have studied the books of Job and Jonah as well as  Paul's letters to Philemon and to the Ephesians.  We also compared the Nativity scenarios of Matthew and Luke during Advent.  During certain Friday evenings in Lent we share food, fellowship and have a discussion centering on Lenten Scriptures. 

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What does it mean that Presbyterians are "Reformed?"

The prominent theological themes of the Reformed Church are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers.  Presbyterians seek to be active inside and outside the walls of church; we believe that neither the Church as the body of Christ, nor Christians as individuals, can be neutral or indifferent toward evil in the world.  

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 Are you active in mission in the community?

Yes, we have an active Women's Association; Mission Committee; Fellowship Committee and Deacons.  Their work includes assembling School Kits for Church World Service; an annual "Souper Bowl of Caring" food drive to help supply local food pantries such as "Neighbors being Human" in Yaphank and "Branches L.I." in Middle Island. We also hold "Friendship Soup" sales and an annual Yard Sale to support "Kits of the "Heart;' and an annual "Giving Tree" at Christmas for needy families at Ridge Elementary.  We also provide space for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and sponsor a local Cub scout Troop.  We are always looking for new ways to serve!

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What Sacraments do Presbyterians celebrate?

Baptism and The Lord's Supper are the two Sacraments in the Presbyterian church. 

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What type of music to you have? 

We have a small but talented instrumental praise band with two vocalists and we also sing traditional hymns.  More musicians are always welcome!  Our organist enjoys improvisation on both piano and organ, and our band includes guitar, drums, and the occasional saxophone. 

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  How do I become a member?

Our Book of Order states that: "A congregation shall welcome all persons who trust in God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the fellowship and ministry of his Church. No person shall be denied membership for any reason not related to profession of faith."  It is required that a person be baptized and that they either give a profession of faith before the congregation or have a letter of transfer from another Christian church.  Typically the minister will meet on several occasions with the prospective member and they go before the Session for a brief discussion of faith.

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 What is the Book of Confessions?

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) states its faith and bears witness to God’s grace in Jesus Christ in the creeds and confessions in the Book of Confessions. In these statements the church declares to its members and to the world who and what it is, what it believes, and what it resolves to do. These statements identify the church as a community of people known by its convictions as well as by its actions. They guide the church in its study and interpretation of the Scriptures; they summarize the essence of Reformed Christian tradition; they direct the church in maintaining sound doctrines; they equip the church for its work of proclamation. They serve to strengthen personal commitment and the life and witness of the community of believers.

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 Can I be married at this church?

A couple requesting a service of Christian marriage shall receive instruction from the minister of the Word and Sacrament, who may agree to the couple’s request only if, in the judgment of the minister, the couple demonstrate sufficient understanding of the nature of the marriage covenant and commitment to living their lives together according to its values. In making this decision, the minister of the Word and Sacrament may seek the counsel of the Session, which has authority to permit or deny the use of church property for a marriage service.

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 Can my child be baptized at the church?

When a young child is presented for Baptism at least one parent (or person exercising parental responsibility) should be an active member of a Christian church, normally the congregation in which the baptism takes place. Candidates for Baptism or their parents shall renounce evil and profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Those who are being baptized upon profession of faith declare their intent to participate actively and responsibly in the church’s worship and mission.

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Who can receive pastoral care? 

All members are called to take part in the ministry of pastoral care, visiting the sick, supporting the weak, and comforting those who mourn. Ruling elders, deacons, and ministers of the Word and Sacrament have particular responsibility for the exercise of pastoral care within the community of faith. Persons who are not members of, or who may have ceased active participation in, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are welcome and may participate in the life and worship of this church and receive its pastoral care and instruction.