First Presbyterian Church of Northport is a welcoming community that invites all people to learn about and respond to the Word of God as found in the Old and New Testaments. Our mission is to be shaped by, proclaim, and live out the good news of Jesus Christ. We are committed to supporting the spiritual development of our congregation by feeding the spiritually and physically hungry, caring for the sick and lonely, nurturing children, and reaching out to those in need in our local and global communities.
-Founded 1785

First Presbyterian Church of Northport is one of over 11,000 congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The denomination, with 2.4 million members, is a Christian community centered around six Great Ends of the Church:

  • Proclamation of the Gospel
  • Building up the Christian Community
  • Worship of God
  • Theology Matters in the World
  • Promotion of Social Justice
  • Demonstrating Our Faith

    BAPTISM

    Baptism signifies the certainty of God’s covenant love and faithfulness and initiates entrance into the community of faith.  At First Presbyterian Church, as in all Presbyterian churches, we baptize the children of church members as well as adults upon their profession of faith in Jesus Christ.  Infants are baptized as a sign of God’s love and as recognition of their welcome into the church family.  As children grow into young people they are better equipped to make a personal decision to follow Christ.  We invite them to confirm their baptism following a confirmation program during their teen years.

    Baptism is celebrated when the community gathers for corporate worship.  Because baptism is an act of the community welcoming the child or the adult into God’s family, we do not hold private family baptisms.  FPC guidelines include:

    • Baptism is authorized by the session and administered by a minister of the Word and Sacrament.
    • Ordinarily, at least one of the infant or child’s parents shall be an active member of FPC.  On occasion, member grandparents may sponsor a grandchild’s baptism provided that the child’s parents are active members in another church.
    • Before each infant baptism, parents meet with a pastor to discuss the meaning of baptism and parental obligations of raising a baptized child. Baptism conversations with the pastor are held at the church the week prior to the baptism.
    • Adult baptism generally occurs at the conclusion of the Student Confirmation class or the New Member Class.

    To inquire about Baptism at First Presbyterian Church, call the church office (631-261-6434) to ask for a “Request for Baptism” form.

    LORD’S SUPPER

    Holy Communion (or the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper) is the Sacrament that celebrates the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus often shared meals with his followers as a sign of community and acceptance.  In his last meal before his death, Jesus took and shared with his disciples the bread and wine, speaking of them as his body and blood, signs of a new relationship, urging all who would follow to regularly share in this meal.  As we partake of the bread and the cup we commemorate and participate in union with God and fellowship with one another.  As well, we are strengthened to love and serve God, one another and our neighbors near and far.

    The invitation to the Lord’s Supper is not limited to any particular tradition or denomination but is offered to all who trust and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Access to the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love.  In preparing to receive Christ in this Sacrament, we confess our sin and brokenness, seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and renewal.  Even those who doubt or whose trust wavers may come to the Table in order to be assured of God’s love and grace in Jesus Christ.  Children who have been baptized are invited to share in the Supper of our Lord regardless of age or understanding, as one does not have to understand the mysteries of God in order to receive them.

    At First Presbyterian Church we celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month and at other special worship services throughout the year.