We are linked to each other by stories. Our own sacred narratives, together with the great Biblical stories, are woven into the fabric of our faith. At First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, we believe in the big umbrella of grace and we welcome all who wish to join us.
— Rev. Dr. Clifford J. Hayes

News and Events

We extend a special welcome to visitors attending the annual meetings of the Abraham Lincoln Association.


Lincoln's Birthday Worship Celebration
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Featured guest speaker — Dr. Stewart Winger,
Associate Professor of History, Illinois State University

Program and Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. | in Cook Lounge

Worship Celebration
10:30 a.m. | in the Sanctuary

Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr and Historian Mark Noll have both claimed that of all the religious voices who attempted to come to terms with the cataclysmic American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln’s was by far the deepest and the most theologically profound, in spite of the fact that Lincoln was not, by the standards of the day, an orthodox, conventional, “technical” Christian. Why? Both Niebuhr and Noll struggled to explain this paradox. But could it be that because Lincoln did not read the Bible literally, he was for that very reason more open to its power? Perhaps we can learn from Lincoln. As Christians, we should consider whether our literal-mindedness just might prevent us from finding a richer and deeper involvement with our tradition.

Christianizing Lincoln:
Historical Memory and
the Religious Views of Abraham Lincoln
Thursday, February 16, 2012 | 5:30 p.m.
—in the Sanctuary
free and open to the public

Following Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, religion proved to be one of the most contentious battlegrounds in the war over his memory. One side claimed Lincoln was a man of deep Christian faith, while others argued he was a scoffer and free-thinker, even an atheist.

Dr. Samuel P. Wheeler, Sangamon County Historical Society Executive Coordinator and a researcher with the Papers of Abraham Lincoln, will examine these vastly different interpretations and reconstruct the religious views of the sixteenth president.

— Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and The Sangamon County Historical Society. Reception follows.

Celebrating 2011 - Anticipating 2012:
Annual Congregational Meeting
Luncheon and Mission Fair
Sunday, February 19, 2012
-in the Sanctuary with lunch in Commons

On this Sunday we will celebrate the good things that are happening in our ministries and missions. Participants will have opportunities to peruse ministries through the Mission Fair booths, all providing opportunities to deepen one's faith.

Annual Reports will be available Sunday, February 12. Members are invited to be prepared to ask questions, vote on the budget, terms of call of the pastor, and elect members to serve on the 2012 Nominating Committee.

At the luncheon we will celebrate our life together as the Body of Christ doing God’s work in the world. No reservations needed. Donations will be accepted for the meal.

Mission Trip to Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
May 18 - 28, 2012
—If you are interested in this trip, please call Chris Wheal in the church office (217.528.4311)—

Did you know that in Cuba there are . . .
— 49 Presbyterian churches but only 32 ministers.
— 70 partnerships between American Presbyterian Churches and Cuban Presbyterian Churches, Presbyteries, and/or Synods.
— church members in the Centro Presbytery (of which our sister church, Sancti Spiritus, is a part) that go out into the community to individual homes to assist with prayer services, food assistance, and house work.

Annual Lenten
Brown Bag Concert Series
Wednesdays, February 29 - April 4
lunchtime: 12:15 -12:45 p.m.
—in the Sanctuary
The audience is invited to enjoy lunch during these free concerts: brown bag lunches may be purchased at the door for $5, or you may bring your own.

February 29: Mária Horváth - piano
March 7, Rochester High School Choral Group
March 14, Devin Kemp - soprano
March 21, Rudolf Zuiderveld, organ: A Bach Birthday Bash. Celebrate Spring with delightful virtuosic music from Sebastian's Pen: a Vivaldi Concerto, a Trio Sonata, and a Prelude & Fugue
March 28, Kamen Petkov - violin
April 4, Capital Chamber Singers

You can hear Jim Taylor's message —"O Death, Where is Thy Sting" —by going to the "Stay Connected" Section (above right green box that slides open when you place your cursor over it). Click on the "podcasts" icon. You may access the audio file here at any time.