Who We are

First Presbyterian Church Stroudsburg is a community of faith in the middle of Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA. We worship together, serve together and emphasize building strong relationships with one another and our community.

We believe that no matter who you are, or what you believe—you belong. Our identity is rooted in the love of a radically inclusive God who calls us into friendship, into community, and an uninhibited love for all people, including those historically marginalized by the church and society.

If you value community which wants to change today’s world with the value and practice of love (defined as concrete actions that benefit the welfare of the other), and if you are committed to doing the joyful but challenging work of building and staying in community with those like you and those not like you, this is a place for you—whether you have a life-long faith or doubt God even exists.

If you have been hurt by a church, this is a safe place for you. We are not perfect, but we are focused on grace and inclusion, on welcoming others as we have been welcomed by the God of infinite grace and expansive love.

What We Believe

 We are part of the larger PC(USA) denomination. You can read more about the denomination here.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is a connectional church, meaning we are related to all other PC(USA) congregations through covenant relationship. We govern from the bottom up—an equality of clergy and members. We are transparent about finances, salaries, and we have accountability systems set up to prevent and address any kind of abuse or misconduct.

The PC(USA) has committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (and is actively working to change policies and habits) and to dismantling structural racism within our organization.

OUR FPCS STATEMENT REGARDING STRUCTURAL RACISM
AND OUR MOVE TOWARD STRUCTURAL LOVE

Where We Are Going

 As the world changes, so do we. As a denomination which understands itself as reformed and always being reformed, we are living into the rapid change all around us. This is not your grandmother’s church. Every new member brings new ideas, new gifts, and new energy. We are called to respond and grow in our faith and our practice.

We wonder where Christ’s church would be if all the people who saw hypocrisy or bad practices had stayed with the church and demanded change toward the faithful following of Jesus. That “following” is our highest call, and the one which keeps us from fighting over preferences and favorites.

We are going toward an increasingly faithful group of people following the ways of Jesus. We are not much concerned about heaven and hell, we are reaching out to love and serve. We’ll leave the judgment to God.