You are invited to our Spring 2026 FPC Kids’ Night! On Friday, April 10 from 5-8 PM, kids are welcome to join us at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia for pizza, snacks, crafts, games, and a movie. While the kids hang out with us, their grown-ups are able to have a night to themselves. (On-street parking will be available with placard!)

Here’s the info for the event:

• The event is for children 2 years old and up.

• There will be a maximum of 20 children at the event.

• We will have 3-4 certified adults leading the event, including Pastor Laura.

• This event is free for FPC members and regular attendees.

If you’re interested in having your child/children attend the Kids Night event, please register!

All are invited to a panel discussion between author Courtney McKinney-Whitaker, Don Mullen, and David Latimer, moderated by Stephen McKinney-Whitaker at Carpenters’ Hall (320 Chestnut Street). The panel will discuss McKinney-Whitaker's new book, Charles Thomson: Irish Emigrant, American Founder and the historic connection between Ireland and the United States.

Founding Father Charles Thomson was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia; he was elected secretary of the First Continental Congress in 1774, a position he held until George Washington was elected as President in 1789.

The evening will feature appetizers and refreshments, a short historical scene featuring Founding Father Charles Thomson and artifacts on display from Charles Thomson's estate courtesy of Harriton House. This event is presented in partnership with the Irish American Business Chamber & Network, The Harriton Association, and the Government of Ireland.

The T&Ts are joining the Christian Association at UPenn (118 S. 37th Street) for dinner on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM. We’ll be having Thai food take-out and spending time in conversation with UPenn students and with the wonderful Rev. Megan LeCluyse. Everyone is welcome!! Please RSVP to Laura so we know how much food to order.

First Presbyterian will join with Salt & Light Church on Wednesday, April 8, at 12 noon to lead a peaceful prayer vigil in support of immigrant respect and safety in front of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Philadelphia Field Office at 114 N. 8th Street (on the corner of 8th & Cherry Streets). This is part of a 40-week series of prayer vigils initiated by the New Sanctuary Movement (NSM) of Philadelphia and sponsored by various Philadelphia faith communities. NSM builds community across faith, ethnicity, and class in their work to end injustices against immigrants regardless of immigration status and to express radical welcome for all.

This vigil will be led jointly by clergy from First Presbyterian Church and Salt & Light Church, and will include words of inspiration taken from Scripture, song, and prayer. It will last approximately 45 minutes.

Our T&T Book Club has returned in 2026! From March 1 through April 12, we’ll meet every other Sunday after 11 am worship to discuss the book Jesus and the Disinherited by Black minister, theologian, and Civil Rights leader, Howard Thurman.

On March 29, we’ll be discussing Chapter 3, “Deception.”

If you’d like to join us and are in need of a copy of the book, please let us know at youngadults@fpcphila.org!

Please join fellow First Presbyterians for the No Kings Day of nonviolent action on Saturday, March 28 at noon. We'll gather at 11:45 am on the northwest corner of 16th & JFK. For more information please contact Diane Rogers at peace-justice@fpcphila.org.

Our midweek Lenten study explores the biblical book of Revelation. Join us on Wednesdays through March 25 on Zoom at 12:15 as we spend this season passing through heaven’s open door into a world of wonder and possibility. This study is led by our seminary intern Dr. Kristofer Stinson and is open to all regardless of familiarity with Revelation or the Bible. Please register to receive the Zoom link! 

Join First Church T&Ts for our regular brunch outing on Sunday, March 22 at 12:45 PM. We’ll gather in Old Buttonwood following the 11 am service and walk together to dine at El Rey at 2013 Chestnut Street. If you’d like to join us, please RSVP to Laura so we can include you on a reservation!

Join us for Bach Birthday Philadelphia, an immersive celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach featuring acclaimed performers and historic instruments. The afternoon showcases organ masterworks, chamber music for traverso and harpsichord, and culminates with a complete performance of the Goldberg Variations.

Performed on the 1783 Eben Organ, our large sanctuary organ, and period instruments, this event offers a rare opportunity to hear Bach’s music as it was meant to sound—rich, expressive, and deeply human.

Click below to view the complete afternoon schedule and to purchase tickets. Tickets are $20 for the entire afternoon; you may come and go for any portion of the program.

On-street parking is available with placard.

Cantata BWV 150 (free admission)

Sunday, March 22, 2026 – 11:00 AM Worship Service
Cantata BWV 150 Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich
Performed by the First Presbyterian Choir & Period Orchestra
Conducted by Bálint Karosi

Join us for a fun and engaging morning for the whole family featuring a reading and musical performance of Peep the Piper, the beloved children’s exploration of the pipe organ by Swiss organist and composer Guy Bovet. Through story and music, this charming multi-media presentation introduces young listeners to the history and unique character of the pipe organ, making it a wonderful way to spark curiosity about this magnificent instrument.

Our Director of Music, Dr. Bálint Karosi will be on hand to answer questions, demonstrate how the organ works, and offer an up-close look at the impressive pipe organ at First Presbyterian Church. This interactive experience is perfect for young learners and families alike.

Admission is free. Please register!

The Women of Wit and Wisdom will gather on Thursday, March 19 at noon in the MacColl Room for lunch and conversation. We’ll be able to connect over how the winter has treated us, books we have enjoyed and might suggest, favorite TV and streaming series, thoughts on the universe, aging (well, who really wants to talk about that!), and more.

Please join us! RSVP to Diane Rogers at so we can order lunch for you. We look forward to being in community with you.

Our midweek Lenten study will explore the biblical book of Revelation. Join us on Wednesdays through March 25 on Zoom at 12:15 as we spend this season passing through heaven’s open door into a world of wonder and possibility. This study will be led by our seminary intern Dr. Kristofer Stinson and is open to all regardless of familiarity with Revelation or the Bible. Please register to receive the Zoom link! 

Our T&T Book Club has returned in 2026! From March 1 through April 12, we’ll meet every other Sunday after 11 am worship to discuss the book Jesus and the Disinherited by Black minister, theologian, and Civil Rights leader, Howard Thurman.

On March 15, we’ll be discussing Chapter 2, “Fear.”

If you’d like to join us and are in need of a copy of the book, please let us know at youngadults@fpcphila.org!

Our midweek Lenten study will explore the biblical book of Revelation. Join us on Wednesdays through March 25 on Zoom at 12:15 as we spend this season passing through heaven’s open door into a world of wonder and possibility. This study will be led by our seminary intern Dr. Kristofer Stinson and is open to all regardless of familiarity with Revelation or the Bible. Please register to receive the Zoom link! 

First Church will be hosting a dinner to welcome students from Howard University on March 8 at 5 PM in Old Buttonwood Hall. The Howard University students are traveling from Washington, D.C. to spend their spring break engaged in volunteer work around the city of Philadelphia. All are welcome to join us!

If you would like to come for dinner to meet the students, please RSVP by March 1; email or call the church office (215-567-0532).

Parents will gather in the MacColl Room after the Celebration! service to find community, engage in meaningful discussion, and form connections with other parents here at First Church. Come to share, learn, and spend time with other parents while the children are cared for at Sunday School or in the nursery.

Young families, both caregivers and children, are invited to join us for a Family Movie Night at First Church on Saturday, March 7th, starting at 4 pm. This month, we will be watching the 2005 movie The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe together. Inspired by the character Edmund selling out his family for some “Turkish delight,” First Church families are invited to bring their favorite dessert to share!  In addition to desserts, we’ll have pizza, popcorn, and drinks for the whole family in Old Buttonwood. Come spend time with other families and children at First Church! Please let Laura know if you’re interested in joining.

Our midweek Lenten study will explore the biblical book of Revelation. Join us on Wednesdays through March 25 on Zoom at 12:15 as we spend this season passing through heaven’s open door into a world of wonder and possibility. This study will be led by our seminary intern Dr. Kristofer Stinson and is open to all regardless of familiarity with Revelation or the Bible. Please register to receive the Zoom link! 

Our T&T Book Club has returned in 2026! From March 1 through April 12, we’ll meet every other week after 11 am worship to discuss the book Jesus and the Disinherited by Black minister, theologian, and Civil Rights leader, Howard Thurman. If you’d like to join us and are in need of a copy of the book, please let us know at youngadults@fpcphila.org!

Join the Band of Boomers for an afternoon at the The Arden Theater Company (40 N. 2nd Street) on Saturday, February 28 @ 2 PM to see Good Bones, the Philadelphia premiere of the newest play by James Ijames, 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of Fat Ham, about community, change, and the soul of our cities.

Synopsis
A new sports stadium is being built in the middle of a neighborhood. Aisha returns to her hometown to help the developers revitalize the place she grew up in and starts working with a local contractor who has a different vision for its future. 

Special ticket pricing: $17.50
Only 20 tickets are available so please RSVP to boomers@fpcphila.org!

Our midweek Lenten study will explore the biblical book of Revelation. Join us on Wednesdays through March 25 on Zoom at 12:15 as we spend this season passing through heaven’s open door into a world of wonder and possibility. This study will be led by our seminary intern Dr. Kristofer Stinson and is open to all regardless of familiarity with Revelation or the Bible. Please register to receive the Zoom link! 

Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, Dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, is a nationally recognized scholar on African American preaching. He will be guest preaching at First Church on Sunday, February 22, and all are invited after fellowship hour to join Dr. Gilbert in a conversation in the MacColl Room, moderated by Delores Brisbon, ranging from Black preaching and theological education to civil rights and social justice.

T&Ts are heading to Reading Terminal Market on Saturday, February 21st at 10:45 AM, first for a 45-minute tour led by City Food Tours, and then for time to share food together. If you are interested in meeting us at RTM that day, please let us know at youngadults@fpcphila.org, so we can reserve you a spot on the tour!

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent.  First Church will hold services with imposition of ashes at 12 noon and 7:00 PM.  The evening service will be live streamed.

On street parking is available with placard.

FPC T&Ts and GenXers will gather together on Tuesday, February 17th at 6:30 PM at Ocean City Restaurant in Chinatown (234 N. 9th St), where we will enjoy dinner together. We’d love to have you join us! If you’re interested in being part of our dinner, please RSVP to Laura Colee.

Our congregation has been invited to visit Mother Bethel AME Church and tour the Richard Allen Museum in its lower level. Richard Allen founded the AME denomination and, in 1791, purchased the land on which Mother Bethel sits, making it the oldest continuously owned parcel of land held by Black people in the United States and sacred not only to the AME church but as a part of Black history in the United States. In November 2025, Reverend Carolyn C. Cavaness made history when she was appointed as the first woman pastor in the 237 years of the church. Please join us to meet our neighbors and recognize the legacy and ongoing importance of Mother Bethel. Please register to let us know if you’re coming!  

A few important notes about logistics:

• Mother Bethel AME Church is at 419 S. 6th Street; to arrive promptly by 12:30 pm, please plan to leave for Mother Bethel directly after the 11 am worship service. Mother Bethel will serve refreshments, so there will not be a traditional fellowship hour at First Church on this date.

• If you drive to First Church, please be on the lookout for those needing a ride!  A signup sheet for drivers and those in need of a ride to coordinate among themselves will be posted near the office – please fill your car!

• If you prefer to take public transportation, you can use (among other options) SEPTA Bus 12 from Locust & 21st Streets to Pine & 7th Streets or SEPTA Bus 9, 21, or 42 from 21st & Chestnut Streets to 6th & Chestnut Streets. Regular fare is $2.90, which can be paid in various ways, including by tapping a credit card or mobile payment app.

Parents will gather in the MacColl Room after the Celebration! service to find community, engage in meaningful discussion, and form connections with other parents here at First Church. Come to share, learn, and spend time with other parents while the children are cared for at Sunday School or in the nursery.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening where music, wine, and history intertwine. Journey through Northern Italy’s rich Baroque heritage with a curated wine and cheese pairing inspired by the region’s culinary treasures, set to live music on a magnificent historic Italian pipe organ from Verona (1750).

Featuring works by Northern Italian Baroque masters—including Frescobaldi, Fontana, Vivaldi, Tartini, and Corelli—this immersive concert highlights the expressive beauty of the era. Performers include Bálint Karosi, on the historic Italian pipe organ, and Isabella Seula Lee, Baroque violin.

🎶 Authentic 18th-century Italian organ from Verona ca. 1750
🍷 Wine & cheese included with admission
💘 A perfect Valentine’s Day experience

Limited to 60 guests.
Tickets: $50 per person (includes wine and cheese)
($40 for FPC Members with promocode “FPCMEMBER”)

The event will be held in Old Buttonwood Hall; please enter on 21st Street. On-street parking is available with placard.

Join us for an intimate evening celebrating love, music, and the timeless flavors of Northern Italy!

Join our seminary intern Dr. Kristofer Stinson for a two-week series on the faith and wonder of J.R.R. Tolkien. The study will take place on two Sundays, February 1 and February 8 at 12:40 pm in the MacColl room. This series will explore Tolkien’s own faith as well as the faith found within Middle-Earth. We will be asking two important questions: 1) What did faith mean for J.R.R. Tolkien? and 2) What did J.R.R. Tolkien mean for faith? In the process, we will cover such topics as joy and hard hope, courage and despair, pity, power, and Providence. While no previous knowledge is required or expected for this class, there will be plenty of hobbits, dwarves, elves, and dragons for fans of all ages!

Our T&T Book Club has returned in 2026! We are planning to meet after 11 am worship on Sunday, February 8 to begin discussing the book Jesus and the Disinherited by Black minister, theologian, and Civil Rights leader, Howard Thurman. If you’d like to join us and are in need of a copy of the book, please let us know at youngadults@fpcphila.org!