A Sunday Morning at 510 North Broadway
First Presbyterian Church sits on North Broadway in Crookston, Minnesota, where the congregation has gathered for Sunday worship at 10:45 am for as long as anyone now coming through the door can remember. The service is followed at 11:45 am by a coffee fellowship time of treats and conversation, the kind of unhurried hour that gives newcomers a chance to meet people face to face. Communion is shared on the first Sunday of each month.
The church describes itself as a small but spirited community that is open to newcomers. The phrase that frames the welcome comes from Psalm 34:8: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." Visitors can expect a warm greeting, a traditional order of worship, and a congregation that values both quiet devotion and lively fellowship.
Music Ministry and the Bell Choir
Music is central to the life of First Presbyterian. Sandy Perkins serves as Music Director, leading the congregation in singing and directing the church's handbell choir. The handbell ensemble performs regularly, and a December bell choir concert has become one of the church's signature seasonal offerings, recorded and shared through the church's Vimeo archive.
The music program runs under CCLI License #725205 and One License #A-722248, which allows the choir and congregation to use a broad range of choral and congregational music. Anyone with an interest in singing or playing an instrument is invited to step forward; Sandy welcomes new participants warmly. Special music is a regular part of the Sunday service, and the music ministry reaches beyond the sanctuary into the wider community through occasional concerts and seasonal programs.
Presbyterian Women and the Wider Work of the Church
The Presbyterian Women's group is one of the most active organizations in the church. Following the purpose statement of the national organization, the women of First Presbyterian commit themselves to nurture their faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom.
Circle meetings are held monthly, and all are welcome. The women also form work groups that spring into action whenever there is a need: serving food for funerals, providing hospitality for weddings, and gathering for special occasions throughout the year. Their gatherings, like much of the church's life, are organized by members of the congregation for members of the congregation.
Christian Education for Every Age
First Presbyterian is intentional about Christian education. Adult Bible study and Christian education opportunities are offered throughout the year, and the church is open to expanding its offerings to fit the needs of families. The children's ministry invites parents and children to participate in the life of the church and welcomes anyone interested in helping shape programming for younger members.
The church's vision statement makes the educational mission explicit: "Presenting opportunities for every person to encounter Jesus Christ through prayer, spirituality, Bible study, Christian education, mission and participation." That vision, written and adopted by the congregation, guides everything from Sunday morning gatherings to small group studies.
Marriage Preparation with Pastor Kevin
Pastor Kevin provides pre-marital counseling for couples preparing for marriage at First Presbyterian. Couples who are interested in strengthening a current marriage, or who want to lay a strong foundation before a wedding, are invited to be in touch. Weddings and funerals are both celebrated in the church, with Presbyterian Women typically providing hospitality and food for receptions and gatherings tied to these milestones.
Streaming, Bulletins, and Weekly Updates
First Presbyterian has maintained a continuous video archive of its services since the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Sunday worship recordings stretching back to December 2020. The full archive is available through the church's Vimeo channel, and a dedicated page on the church's site links to each recording along with the corresponding bulletin. Music for the streamed services is covered by the church's CCLI and One License agreements.
In addition to the video archive, the church sends out weekly emails that keep the congregation informed of upcoming events, prayer concerns, and ministry opportunities. A monthly newsletter supplements the weekly updates, and printable bulletins are made available for each Sunday's worship.
Governance and Staff
First Presbyterian is led by a team of elected elders that forms the Session, the church's council, alongside a dedicated group of deacons. Each member of these bodies is committed to making worship and ministry as meaningful as possible. Sandy Perkins serves as Music Director, bringing years of musical experience and a welcoming presence to every rehearsal and service. The church office is staffed by Anne Kopecky, who can be reached between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm at the office and is the first point of contact for visitors and members alike.
Visiting First Presbyterian
First Presbyterian is located at 510 N Broadway in Crookston, with the church office reachable at (218) 281-4853. The office is shared with Trinity Lutheran, an arrangement that brings the two congregations into regular contact. Sunday worship begins at 10:45 am, with coffee fellowship following at 11:45 am. Visitors are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early, introduce themselves, and stay for the treats and conversation that follow the service. Anyone with questions about the music program, Christian education, Presbyterian Women, or marriage preparation is invited to reach out to the office.