WELCOME TO THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CAPE.

THRIVING BY FAITH, VISION AND PASSION.
Our church began only 42 years after the founding of Cape Girardeau. In 1835, eight people promised to work and worship together as Presbyterians. Today, we invite you to join us in the continued growth of our community at our 10:45 a.m. Sunday service. Whether you are a faith veteran or a first time visitor, you are welcome here!
FAITH
We accept and acknowledge the need of faith in our lives.
PRAYER
We believe in the divine power of prayer.
TRUTH
We know we can only grow and prosper by seeking truth.
COMMUNITY
We are dedicated to the needs of others and education of children.
SERVING
We accept the responsibility to preach the Gospel and administer the sacraments.

FAQs

What time does worship begin? 
Every Sunday, we offer coffee in the Atrium followed by worship at 10:45 a.m. Join us as we devote ourselves to the study of God's word.

Where can I park? 
 Parking is available along Broadway Street, Lorimier Street, and in the parking lot across Lorimier from The Church.

Do you offer childcare? 
 Elementary Sunday School for children 1st - 6th grade is held during Sunday worship. Our Nursery and Sunday School are also open during worship services for children infant through Kindergarten.

What is the Presbyterian Church? 
The Presbyterian denomination is a form of Christianity. The Presbyterian Church is governed by Ruling Elders elected from the congregation. Anyone who can be a Christian can be a Presbyterian! 

What do Presbyterians believe? 
- Like other Christians, Presbyterians believe in:
- God, the Creator of the Universe
- Christ, the incarnation of God on Earth
- The Holy Spirit, the presence of God in the world and in the believer
- The Church, a universal community of Christ's followers
- Forgiveness of sin made possible by the crucifixion of Jesus
- Life everlasting as shown by the resurrection of Jesus
- The Bible, the inspired Word of God

Do you do communion?
First Presbyterian offers open communion on the first Sunday of each month, and on other religious holidays throughout the year. The Lord's Table is open to all who wish to participate and who have expressed faith in Jesus Christ and have been baptized. The baptism need not be in a Presbyterian Church.

What does it mean to be a member?
Active members in the First Presbyterian Church of Cape are those who have made a profession of faith in Christ, have been baptized, have been received into membership of the church, have voluntarily submitted to the government of this church, and who participate in the church’s work and worship.

We hope to inspire and equip each person to go out and to let God's love overflow from us to others.

- Rev. Ellen Gurnon

STAFF

Below is a small part of our team, a group that dedicates their time, talents and passion to the growth of our community.
Rev. Ellen Gurnon
Pastor
Jonathan Patterson
Office Manager, Music Director, Organist

LEADERSHIP

Moderator of the Session and the Elders on the Session, the governing board of the church.

The session of a particular church consists of the pastor, the associate pastors and the elders in active service. All members of the session, including the pastor, are entitled to vote. The session is responsible for the mission and government of the church.
Moderator, Reverend Ellen Gurnon
Nancy Bray
Ron Johnson
Charles Wiles
Dave Bengtson
Sarah Holt
Harvey Hecht
Sarah Ross
Ann Ritter
Joanna Shaver

HISTORY

A celebration of changes, The First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau has survived and thrived through faith, vision and passion of our members and community.
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