I'm Curious, Tell Me More

We Welcome Visitors from Christ Clarion Church.

What kind of church is First Presbyterian.

We have a 200+ year history in Pittsford.  Our strengths are our Christian Education program, our Music program and our hands-on Mission work.  We are also a “purple” church who welcomes people from all personal beliefs from liberal to conservative


What’s the service like?

  • Traditional in format, vibrant and relevant in content, centered on God’s Holy Word, proclaiming God’s word for us today through thoughtful, accessible, prophetic preaching;  and a vibrant music program that includes congregational hymn singing and choral anthems that span the centuries and the globe.

  • CLICK HERE to watch a previous service.

  • CLICK HERE to learn more about our worship services.

  • CLICK HERE to learn more about our music program.


Will there be anybody like me at First Presbyterian?

  • All kinds of people attend from near and far: Curious, skeptical, life-long church goers, and folks who have never been to church before will all be there on any given Sunday.

  • Plenty of folks from all over the country and some international folks as well.

  • People of all ages, stages of life, and spiritual development are drawn to First Presbyterian. There are children, but you may not see them when you enter the Sanctuary because they are too short to be seen above the pew backs.

How do I get to First Presbyterian, and how do I find my way around?

  • It’s easy to find. We are nestled in the heart of Pittsford Village with entrances off 21 Church Street (wheel chair lift) and Locust Street (ramp).

  • CLICK HERE for directions, parking suggestions, and a floor plan for our church.


How should I dress?

  • Clothing styles vary. Some folks dress up in jackets and dresses. Others dress more casually.

  • Wear what you like. There is no real dress code. Unless you’re in the choir: they wear robes. But, you probably won’t see that many blue jeans or flip flops.


What happens when I get there?

  • You are encouraged to make and wear a visitor name tag. Many church members will have their own name tags.

  • You will be greeted by a Greeter in the hallway and then by another Greeter who will hand you a bulletin that guides everyone through the order of worship. The Sanctuary is large and will feel “comfortably full.”

  • If needed, there are large print bulletins available. Also, a hearing loop is available with good seating for the hearing impaired.

  • Worship begins with organ music prelude before the hour to help you get centered and prepared to worship God.  Sometimes you will hear hand bells, and other instruments during the prelude.

  • Also just before the service are announcements by the Presiding Elder for that day.


What about children in worship?

  • We welcome them and believe their presence in worship is vital to our community. We provide Children’s Worship Bags for our younger worshippers. We offer nursery care for infants and very young children (please CLICK HERE see our floorplan of our church).  Early in the service there is a “Church Mouse” report where the children are welcomed to come to the front of the Sanctuary. Following that the children are dismissed to go to their various Sunday School classes, guided by their “shepherds”. See the “About” and “Sunday School” tab for full description of the age-specific classes offered. Parents are also welcome to move to the Narthex, just off the back of the Sanctuary, where they can see and hear and have room for toddlers to roam. Please CLICK HERE to learn more about our Christian Eduction program and CLICK HERE to see a summary of how we value famiilies.

  • How long does the service last?

  • Usually about an hour.  Sometimes a little longer on special occasions. Most people stay to hear the concluding voluntary played by our organist.  Coffee time happens in Fellowship Hall, directly after worship where everyone has an opportunity to converse informally.


Am I required to do anything during the service?

  • You are encouraged to participate as fully in our worship as you feel comfortable.

  • The congregation is invited to stand several times for singing hymns, certain prayers, and readings. 

  • A voluntary offering is collected every Sunday after the sermon, to express our gratitude and to help God’s work get accomplished here in the community and around the world.

  • Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is served the first Sunday of each month and is open to all Christian believers. The elements are served in your pew and taken individually.


Who can become a member?

  • We welcome all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of First Presbyterian.

  • No persons shall be denied membership because of race, ethnic origin, or any other reason not related to profession of faith.   We extend the fellowship of Christ to all persons. Failure to do so constitutes a rejection of Christ himself.

  • To learn more, or to take the next step toward becoming a member CLICK HERE or contact the church office at (585) 586-5688 or email connect@pittsfordpres.org


What does First Presbyterian believe?

CLICK HERE to read about our core values and our mission statement.

If you want to learn more about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) check out "What We Believe" Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

How is First Presbyterian Organized?

First Presbyterian is organized in the same manner as other Presbyterian churches. There are three governing boards of the church: Session, Deacons and Trustees. Each board consists of people who were elected by their fellow members; and these three boards actually rule the church.  The Pastor is called by the congregation to lead worship, moderate the Session, and support the congregation in the disciplines of the faith.

Does First Presbyterian have a presence on social media ?

Click one of the icons at the bottom of this page to be taken to our Facebook or Instagram page or our YouTube channel where previous services are available.

Does First Presbyterian have accommodations for those who need them?

Yes, CLICK HERE to learn more our accommodations.