Other Special Services

Special services are offered periodically through the year for specific observances. Check Upcoming Events for the latest schedule.

Healing & Wholeness

Offered on the first Sunday of every month, at 4:00 PM in Price Chapel, this service focuses specifically on emotional and spiritual wellness. The service includes the Sacrament of Holy Communion and, for those who desire it, anointing with oil.

Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan

Each January our church sets aside one Sunday morning to commemorate the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church with a dramatic service that includes bagpipes and drums, Scottish clothing and rituals, and the procession of clan tartans. This ceremony, dating back hundreds of years in the Church of Scotland, was popularized among American Presbyterians by Dr. Peter Marshall in the 1940’s.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent in the Christian year. It falls 6½ weeks prior to Palm Sunday. This 7:00 PM service emphasizes spiritual growth and rededication; it features music by the Chancel Choir and a message by one of the pastors.

Maundy Thursday

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is served on this night during Holy Week when Jesus originally celebrated the Passover meal just prior to His Passion and gave this sacred symbol to His church. The service is at 7:00 PM and features the Chancel Choir and a brief message by one of the Pastors.

Good Friday

First Church offers two worshipful opportunities for individuals to mark the day of our Lord’s death on the cross. At noon a guided time of personal meditation and prayer is provided in Price Chapel, and people are free to come and leave as they wish. Later that afternoon a full-length feature film of the Christian message (such as The Passion of the Christ or The Gospel of John) is shown in the Sanctuary.

Community Servants Recognition

On the second Sunday of September each year First Church honors those in our community and beyond who serve and protect us. Representatives of local fire departments, police departments and emergency medical services are invited to attend our morning worship service, in uniform, and are publicly honored. This day, the Sunday closest to the national observance of the anniversary of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks, is a unique way to recognize those who serve us.

All Saints Day

November 1 has historically been celebrated by Christian churches as the day to remember and honor those believers in Christ who have died. Our celebration, typically at 10:00 AM, consists of a brief memorial service in Price Chapel and our Resurrection Garden, giving special recognition to all who are interred in our columbarium.

Thanksgiving Eve

First Church hosts an annual Community Thanksgiving Eve service for all the Protestant churches of the Bonita Springs area. Pastors and musicians from various congregations are invited to participate.

Christmas Eve

Christmas celebrations at First Church typically include a family-oriented service early in the evening and an adult-oriented traditional candlelight service later in the evening. Check the bulletin and other portions of this website for the specific details and schedule for this year.