The worship of God is our primary reason for being, and is at the very center of our life together as a community. Sunday morning worship services at First Baptist Church are characterized by a sense of reverence and dignity befitting the glory of God. But they also offer a sense of personal warmth and intimacy. Our approach to worship is enriched by the liturgical tradition of the larger Christian Church, and is rooted in the ancient patterns of the Church Year. We observe the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. Our worship services are carefully planned, so that we can offer to God our very best gifts.

Proclamation of the Word of God is an important part of worship. Our preaching follows the Revised Common Lectionary, which is now used by most Christian denominations. We value preaching that is thoughtful, imaginative, and challenging, that invites us into the Scriptures, and that helps us to understand our stories in light of God's Story.

We customarily celebrate Communion on the first Sunday of the month, and welcome all of God's people to the Table. Those who are new to the Christian faith are baptized by immersion, in keeping with historic Baptist practice. However, as an "open membership" congregation, we gladly welcome those who transfer their membership from other Christian churches regardless of denomination, and honor baptisms celebrated in traditions other than our own.

Throughout the year, there are other special opportunities for worship. A beautiful candlelight service on Christmas Eve. A solemn Ash Wednesday service, featuring the imposition of ashes. A meal and table communion on Maundy Thursday. A haunting Service of Tenebrae (Latin for “shadows”) on Good Friday. An ecumenical worship service in City Park with other local churches. Periodic services of contemplative prayer and healing.