First Presbyterian Church of Fenton has gathered on South Leroy Street for generations, drawing worshipers from across the Fenton, Michigan community each Sunday morning for prayer, singing, and preaching rooted in the Reformed tradition.
Sunday Worship at 10 AM, In Person and Online
Sunday worship begins at 10:00 AM, both in the sanctuary and online through a YouTube livestream. Each service follows a familiar rhythm: praying, singing, hearing God's Word read and preached, and encouraging one another in faith. Recordings of recent services are available on YouTube, and a sermon archive stretches back through years of series on Acts, Advent, Lent, Philippians, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sermon on the Mount.
Two Pastors, One Pulpit
Two co-pastors, Pastor Robbie Carnes and Pastor Lindsey Carnes, share the work of ministry at Fenton First, and both preach regularly. Supply preachers and ruling elders, including Jennifer Maclean, Jon Wenzel, Larry Zimbler, and Mike Vanderlip, have also filled the pulpit from time to time.
A Presbyterian Identity
The church belongs to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the denomination formed in 1983 when branches that had separated around the Civil War reunited. The congregation sits in the Reformed Christian tradition shaped by teachers such as John Calvin, with its characteristic emphasis on the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and governance by elders and deacons. A board of deacons supports congregational care, and committees guide worship, education, missions, and outreach.
Generations of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and Sunday school classrooms have filled the building over the years. That long memory shapes a present-day focus on helping people know Jesus Christ and live out His love.
Education for Every Age
Education is woven into the weekly life of the church. A women's Bible study on "Angels" by Melissa Spoelstra meets Wednesday mornings from 10:00 AM to noon, with a parallel Thursday evening session held over Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Adult studies, women's studies, and a youth ministry round out the program. The youth group's mission statement, summed up in three words - Allow, Meet, and Go - is to "create space for youth to ask questions, encounter God, and learn to live as disciples of Christ."
Walking Through Hard Seasons
The church also walks with people through life's harder seasons. GriefShare, a weekly support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one, meets after worship with coffee and treats, facilitated by Hannah Hall, with materials provided. A Care Group gathers midweek, and Helping Hands and Home Meal sign-ups offer practical support when neighbors face illness or hardship. A knitting group meets weekly, and a Boy Scout troop uses the building for Monday evening meetings.
Refugee Welcome Partnership
Outreach extends beyond the town. The Refugee Welcome Team partners with Samaritas, a refugee resettlement agency, helping incoming families settle into new homes. The team maintains an Amazon registry for needed items and asks volunteers to help deliver donations.
Music, Giving, and Staying Connected
Music is a longstanding part of worship here, with both an adult music ministry and youth choirs contributing to services. Sermon highlights, full worship recordings, and the weekly livestream all live on the church's YouTube channel. Online giving, including one-time donations and stewardship commitments, is available through ffpc.org/donate.
Sunday worship begins at 10:00 AM at 503 South Leroy Street and is livestreamed for those watching from home.