OrganistCharles became an organist-choirmaster as a high-school junior, pursued formal study at Baylor, Florida State, and The University of Alabama, and participated in master classes with world-class organists. He taught college and university systems in Alabama before retiring to Mississippi. He has served as organist for churches in Arkansas, Texas, Florida, and Alabama, has overseen installation of two church organs, and has built one pipe organ and renovated another himself.

Prior Series Include:• Pocket Change: The Way We View Wealth, Generosity and Life • Orthodoxy: The Faith of the Ages • Family Life Series• The Cross Road- Lent 2011• Hebrews: Dust on the Throne• Great Expectations- Advent 2010• The Devil is Real (and he doesn't like you)• The "I Ams" of Jesus• Haggai: A Prophet

Current Sermon SeriesIf you are interested in listening to sermons...[ Click Here ]Previous Sermons can also be checked out on CD at the church office.

Contact UsFirst Presbyterian Church is located in historic Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Whether you are looking for a church home on the Gulf Coast or just visiting with us for a while, please join us as we seek to know Christ and make him known together. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop us a message, and we would love to talk with you. Thanks!

JOIN US FOR Christmas CantataDecember 18 @ 5 pm Family Night Supper FollowsNo Sunday Night Classes

Children's Christmas ProgramDecember 11 @5 p.m."One Silent Night"Supper by Youth follows

Advent Sermon Series"CHRIST, OUR LIGHT"Christmas Eve Worship 6 & 8 p.m.

Choir Director

Contemporary Worship LeaderReggie and his wife Kay have been members of First Pres for 14 years and he has served as Contemporary Worship Leader for the last 8 years. They have 3 children, Clay, Loren and Kristina. Reggie majored in Broadcast journalism at Oklahoma State and has been in broadcasting for over 35 years. A musician since the age of 9 and an active song leader in 4-H Clubs through college, Reggie has served as a resource in recreation and song leading.

Congregational CounselorDr. Joye is a Clinical Psychologist with a Ph. D. from USM. She and her husband, Marc, are longtime residents of Ocean Springs and members of First Pres. They have 4 children and 4 grandchildren. Dr. Joye returned to school in 1975 with a strong sense of call to Christian Counseling. She has been ministering to individuals and families in the community since 1985.

Office AdministratorMonica has worked in a church office environment for over 15 years holding a variety of office and management positions from secretary to child care director. She was born and reared on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is active in her church. She has been married for 30 years to Mike, a retired USAF Chief and they have 5 children, Christina, Jeffrey, Jessica, Adam, & Amanda and 4 grandchildren, Ashton, Ava, Gracie & Faith.

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Sermon ArchiveMedia Player Under Construction...If you would like to listen to sermons in any of our prior series, contact the church office and we can get you a copy.

BeliefsOur Core Commitments…We are committed to: Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We believe that nothing matters more in life than to know Him, love Him, trust Him, and serve Him. He is the Son of God from heaven, the only Savior of the world, and the Lord of the Church. (John 3:16, 17:3; I Peter 1:8 & 9; Revelation 3:20 & 21) The Bible is the Word of God and the conviction that the truth about Jesus Christ, whom we serve, is plainly and authoritatively set forth there. We believe the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be "the only infallible rule of faith and practice." We want everything we are and do as individuals and as a people to be grounded in the Scripture. (I Timothy 6:3, II Timothy 3:14-17) Prayer and the conviction that it is only by the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit that God's work is done. (Acts 4:23-31; I Corinthians 3:6 & 7; Ephesians 6:18; I Timothy 2:8) Worship and the conviction that "the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." (Acts 2:42, 46 & 47; Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:16) Fellowship. We are called to love and support one another within the fellowship of the church, as adults and children, married and single, male and female. We are to bear one another's burdens, encourage each other, pray for each other, serve each other, correct and teach each other, and care for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ who have a special family responsibility for each other. (John 13:34 & 35; Acts 2:44-46; Galatians 6:1-2; Ephesians 4:1-16; I Thessalonians 4:9 & 10) Life-long discipleship. Every Christian has a life-long calling to be a pupil ("disciple") of Jesus Christ and a student of His Word. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 17:11)We are committed to the conviction that we are each given gifts of ministry for building up the body of Christ. We believe that our life as a church is the sum of our various God-given gifts as individuals and that those gifts are given by and exercised through the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:4-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; I Peter 2:9 & 10) Evangelism. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), the opportunity to share God's great news about His son Jesus, is the primary task we have been given by our Lord to carry out in the world. We believe that we all have a responsibility to share the gospel with others within the community in which we live and among our friends, neighbors, and co-workers. (Luke 15:3-7; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 5:14-21; I Peter 3:15) Service and the conviction that we, like Jesus, are called not to be served but to serve in this world, to love and help those in need as He did, to care about justice and freedom for those about us, and to be the salt of the earth in our community, our nation, and our world. Furthermore, we believe that every kind of employment should be understood as a vocation, a calling to serve others in Jesus' Name. (Matthew 5:43, Matthew 5:13-16; Mark 10:45; Galatians 6:7-10; Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 6:5-9) World-wide mission of Jesus Christ and to the spread of the gospel of His love and redemption throughout the world. We believe that we must be "world Christians" in the sense that we must be concerned not only for the spread of the gospel in our community but "to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8; Genesis 12:3)About God, humanity, and the Church… There is one God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — each having all the attributes of God. God created humans to have fellowship with Him, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way. As a result, we need God's saving grace to end our alienation from Him. Salvation comes only through God's saving grace — not human effort — and must be received personally by repentance and faith. Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. This accomplishes salvation for all who receive grace by trusting In Him alone. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between God and humanity. (John 1:1-3,John 3:16, and John 5:8; 1 Peter 1:8-19, Revelation 3:20-21)The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Christ and equips believers for personal growth and service to the church. (1 Corithians 12:13, John 6:37-39); in dwelling, sanctifying, instructing, and empowering them for service. (John 16:8-15, Romans 8:9-16). The church is the worldwide community of those who place their faith in Jesus Christ. The church's role is to glorify God and serve those in need. At the end, everyone will experience bodily resurrection and the judgment. Those forgiven through Christ will enjoy eternal fellowship with God.

Welcome!First Presbyterian Church in Ocean Springs is a growing family of faith committed to “Knowing Christ and to Making Christ Known together.” We are located in the heart of Ocean Springs on the corner of Washington and Ocean Ave. When you come to visit us you will discover genuine worship, relevant Biblical preaching, and a loving community of every generation. God is doing great things here at First Pres and we would love for you to be a part of it. Browse the website and discover more of what God is doing in our midst. Hope to see you Sunday!

Vision Statement“To know Christ and to make Christ known together” is not a slogan at First Pres. It’s a mission. Why is that our mission? Because scriptures teach us that Jesus called needy people to follow Him. He sent them out into the world to share Him and He equipped them to do it together as the church.

WorshipSunday Worship Services8:45 AM Contemporary Service 10:00 AM Sunday School and Adult Education11:00 AM Traditional Service Nursery and Children's Church Provided Scripture teaches that human beings were uniquely designed for worship. Therefore, our church confessions teach us that the purpose of our existence is to glorify God. Worship is central to who God is redeeming us to be. Worship is not about us. Genuine worship has its beginning and end in who God is and what God has done. At FPCOS we are committed to genuine worship. Genuine worship is about God’s glory not our experience.When you come to worship at FPOS…-You will hear and sing music of all styles that centers on who God is and what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. • You will have opportunities to pray for our world, our community, those in need, as well as personal prayers. • You will hear relevant preaching from the Bible. • We celebrate Communion or the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of the month and at other specially designated services.• Your children will find a lesson just for them and be provided with bulletins that help them to follow along throughout the service.• You will meet all sorts of people, who like you, are seeking for and being found by their Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.

Weddings Marriage is central to God’s design for humanity. Weddings are a worshipful celebration of God’s work in bringing a man and woman together. If you are interested in getting married at the one of the most beautiful churches on the gulf coast we would be happy for you to look at our wedding policy and fill out an application. FPCOS has a wedding coordinator who would be happy to discuss with you any questions you may have regarding your wedding.Click here to view our wedding policy

Ministries We SupportAccion MexicoFriends of Accion, Inc., is a North Carolina non-profit Corporation that supports the education of Mayan children through Accion Ministries as a Presbyterian ministry in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Many Mayan people live in small rural villages across the Peninsula where education usually ends at the fourth grade level, or sometimes up to Junior High. Two special projects of Accion are The Shelter (for boys and young men in Merida to be housed and fed while attending school in the city, including higher education) and the Mayan children's Village (VIM - housing and feeding village children while attending state sponsored schools at Ignacio Gracia.) Campus Crusade for ChristThe goal of Campus Crusade for Christ is to help fulfil the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit by winning people to faith in Jesus Christ, building them in their faith and sending them to win and build others; and helping the body of Christ do evangelism and discipleship. Our church specifically helps to support David and Jenni Williams, who met in the field in Central Asia while they were both serving with Campus Crusade for Christ. They kept in touch during their separate ministries in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan; returned to the States; got married; continued their ministry and training; and now have 4 daughters. The family moved to the Mideast in 2006. David and Jenni are trusting God to help raise up local believers to begin movements and churches that can reach the rest of the nation. They plan to remain there in this ministry long-term, unti the Lord moves them elsewhere. Cursillo of MississippiPresbyterian Cursillo is a three-day spiritual event designed to rekindle, deepen, and strengthen your desire to live the Christian life. Led by lay members and clergy of the Presbyterian Church, its purpose is to inspire and equip disciples for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. At Cursillo you will have an opportunity to listen and learn, to relax free from the distractions of the world, and to reflect on and pray about your relationship with God. You may register online at mspresbyteriancursillo.com There is no charge for attending. FPC Support BenevolenceThe budget for this benevolence is used for our own church members who may need help with an unexpected and otherwise seemingly unsurmountable financial burden. Such problems may arise from a fire, flood, or hurricane or perhaps a medical problem due to injury or illness. The identities of members who are helped are kept confidential. If any member needs such help, contact our pastor. Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity International has a goal of eliminating poverty housing from the face of the earth by partnering with God's people in need to provide decent homes in decent communities so they may become all that God intends for them. Habitat for Humanity selects familities based on their need for housing, their ability to purchase their home and their willingness to partner with Habitat for the construction of their home. Each model home is built with mostly volunteer labor and many donated materials. A typical Habitat home is a three bedroom, one bath house of 1000 square feet. A Habitat Family Partner remains in contact with the family after they move into their new home to provide them with guidance and counseling for home maintenance, budgeting, and community support to ensure a successful family home. Your generous contributions of time and money are gratefully appreciated by all the folks at Habitat for Humanity of Jackson County, and especially by the families who are blessed by these homes.OCEAN SPRINGS SAMARITAN MINISTRIES To meet the needs of individuals in the area needing emergency funds to tide them over for a day or tow until they could make other arrangements, various Protestant churches in Ocean Springs banded together. The Lutheran Church on Highway 90 is the home of Samaritan Ministries and a case worker is on site each day from 9-11 a.m. that is experienced in determining which supplicants have an actual need; and which are perhaps not entirely truthful in their pleas. Therefore, each year the participating churches provide a part of their aid worker and to help the need folks. In addition, the federal government, through a program called 12 baskets, provides 1/2 of the cost of food for these folks. The churches provide the other 1/2 and feed the folks at Christus Victor through their Food Pantry program. If any church member would like additional details on this benevolence, please contact Bill Majure.THE LORD IS MY HELP This organization is located in Ocean Springs, a block north of Government Street. They provide free meals Monday through Friday to folks who have insufficient income to provide for themselves. These include adults and children who have no homes, or jobs, or are otherwise down on their luck. The kitchen is entirely supported by donations from private citizens, companies, some restaurants, churches, and other organizations. Paid employees include the cook and the manager of the facility. Volunteers serve meals at the kitchen and deliver approximately 240 meals to shut-ins and others who are physically unable to come to the facility. Our church takes turns quarterly with other organizations helping out at the kitchen and delivering meals for a week at a time. For any questions concerning this activity, please contact Dolly Schultz.FRENCH CAMP AND CHAMBERLAIN HUNT ACADEMIES French Camp Academy is a Christian oriented coed home and school for children needing an extra measure of love, care and guidance. Some elect to live at French Camp until they graduate from high school. It is an accredited educational institution for elementary through seconday school age students. FCA is located on the Natchez Trace, about halfway between Jackson and Starkville. French Camp Academy administers another Christian oriented home and school, Chamberlain-Hunt Academy, located in Port Gibson, Mississippi. CHA coed students are introduced to military discipline and must wear uniforms during many of their activities. Students are accepted in grades 7 through 12. INTERVARSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP The purpose of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship is to establish and advance, at colleges and universities, witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord; growing in love for God, God's Word, God's people of every ethnicity and culture, and God's purposes in the world. Today this organization ministers to more than 35,000 college students on over 560 campuses across the country.OUTREACH FOUNDATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Outreach Foundation, with headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, supports mission work in the U.S. (about 10%) and abroad (about 90%). With a headquarters staff of 8, plus 3 consultants on an as needed basis, and 30 missionaries around the world, they administer about 100 projects in 40 countries, including Mexico, Mozambique, East Africa, Russia, Belarus, and Brazil.PALMER HOME FOR CHILDREN This is an individual and church supported home for orphans and battered children, normally ranging in age from birth to 18. If any go on to college, the Home supports them until graduation. They are located in Columbus and Hernando, MS. The children are encourage by the staff to develop their self-confidence and entrepreneurial spirit by selling the seasonal flowers they grow, usually poinsettias and Easter lilies.WYCLIFF MISSION The Bible has been translated in thousands of languages, however, there are still some groups of people scattered throughout the world who have not heard God's word. Wycliff Mission translates the Bible into the languages used by those people. Our church's specific contribution to this organization is designated to support the work of one particular person, Nita Flanagan, employed therein. Wycliff has recently modernized its efforts by developing computer programs to help accomplish translations.Gulf Coast Women's ShelterThis organization maintains and staffs a building in Harrison County, which serves as a shelter for battered wives and children. Its exaxt location is kept secret for obvious reasons. Professional counselors minister to the mental and psychological needs of the residents. Since the shelter receives some financial assistance from the federal government, the counselors are not allowed to directly address spiritual needs; but will arrange visits from clergy, if requested.Home of GraceThe Home of Grace is a Faith Based Recovery Program with over 40 years of experience in helping men and women find freedom from addiction. Recovery must occur in three areas: Physical, Emotional and Spiritual. This cost efficient program is designed to offer Christ centered help to people in addictive lifestyles. This three month program offers one of the finest success rates for alcohol and drug treatment anywhere in the US. The Home of Grace for men is located in Vancleave and The Home of Grace for women is located in Gautier.Presbyterian Frontier FellowshipPFF invites Presbyterian congregations to get involved in the exciting things God is doing in the world today. Our staff helps congregations develop the vision, prayer support and financial support that will give a Christian option to people in ethnic groups who would not otherwise have access to the Gospel message. PFF works with US congregations and worldwide church partners to accomplish the PFF vision - "For every people, an indigenous church; "For every church, a mission vision."

Helping HandsHelping Hands is a ministry designed to bless those who seek out FPCOS in times of difficulty. Our goal is not only to offer financial assistance to those in need but to address spiritual, emotional, and relational needs as well. The Process:Helping Hands is designed to meet the needs of people in Ocean Springs. There is a detailed application that you will need to fill out so that we can assess your needs. This application will include pertinent financial information such as income, debt, and expenses. All seeking assistance through Helping Hands will be required to come to at least one worship service with a member of the ministry team. We do encourage the whole family to be a part of that worship service if at all possible. After the applicant has worshipped with us they will meet with one of the pastors and the ministry team as we discern how best to help. If you or someone you know is need of help don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with the Helping Hands Ministry Team. Call the church office for more details about this exciting ministry. [ CLICK HERE ] to view an application. If any church member would like to participate in any way with Helping Hands either through a designated gift or volunteering with the ministry team, contact the church office to learn more about how you can help!

Church Life ClassThe Church Life Class is a 4 week class designed for those who are interested in learning more about FPCOS. This class, taught by pastor Scott, is offered at different times throughout the year. Some of the topics covered in this interactive class are:• What it means to be the church through a look at the very first Christian community in Acts 2.• 2,000 years of church history in an hour. • A look at Presbyterian theology and polity.• A discussion of what it means to be the body of Christ.To Register for Upcoming Classes: [ CLICK HERE ]If you have any questions about the Church Life Class contact the office.

The Children's HouseMontessori School The Children’s house is a highly regarded Pre-K through Kindergarten program. It provides a 3-year Montessori education in an environment that fosters creative learning and that values what the Bible teaches about God and God’s world. For more information and to place your child on the waiting list, call The Children’s House at (228) 875-2443.

Family Ministry First Pres is a church of every generation. We create programs and ministries that meet the needs of the whole family. We plan our worship services with the family in mind as well. God designed the family; therefore we strive to create a family environment in all facets of our life together.

Small Groups A small group is a group that gathers regularly for fellowship, prayer, study, and mission. Small groups put a premium on relationships and are more people focused than program focused. Small groups are vital to the ministry at First Presbyterian Church. There are many small group opportunities that currently exist at First Pres. However, this is also an area of ministry where we are excited to be growing. If you are interested in becoming apart of a small group, don’t hesitate to let our Associate Pastor of Family Ministry know! Pastor Jon is working hard to create and facilitate new small groups. For a sample of the study material,[ CLICK HERE ]

Children's Ministry“The Children’s Ministry at FPCOS is the church equipping our children and their families to know, grow, and go as disciples of Jesus Christ.” NurseryChildren under age 3 should be brought to the nursery by their parents. Parents sign in and take a beeper so they can be reached during Sunday School or the Worship Service. Children must be picked up by their parent.

Youth Ministry“In your Hearts set Christ apart as Lord…” -1 Peter 3:15a To find out more of what we're up to... Follow FPCOS Youth on FacebookVision & Prayer 1. The center and focus of the youth ministry must at all times be emphasized on Jesus Christ. The youth ministry is never about one person, one leader, or a group of people...at all times the focus remains on our Lord and Savior.2. May we (the leaders, parents, students & church family) always strive to bring the Lord glory in our attitudes, fellowship, relationships with one another, worship, conversation, witness, service and work involving His youth ministry.3. To first and foremost live to serve the Lord and by serving the Lord...through His grace and mercy serve the teenagers of First Presbyterian Church by striving to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.4. To work with families to build God's Kingdom. Living a Godly life and a life that brings glory to Him will be the heart and mindset of not only the teens but their families as well, to aim to live for God in this way together...not only on Sunday's ...but each and every day. To live for real relationships with Jesus.5. God's Word is the guide and compass for all that we live and grow on. The Bible, His word to us, is always respected and taken as the truth of our lives as a body of believers.

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Associate Pastor of Family MinistriesJon earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at Calvin College. After working as a youth director and teaching middle school in Brownsville, Tx, Jon heard God’s call into full-time ordained ministry. Jon completed his Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jon and Emily were married in 2009 and Jon received his call to First Pres in March 2011. Jon has a passion for working with families.

Senior Pastor Pastor Scott is a third generation Presbyterian pastor. He and his wife Rebecca have 3 children. Scott Received his Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies from Belhaven University. After 4 years in full time youth ministry Scott attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL and Princeton Theological Seminary where he received his Masters of Divinity. Pastor Scott has been the pastor of FPCOS since April of 2009.You can follow Scott on his blog. [CLICK HERE]

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WORSHIP SERVICES - Contemporary 8:45 am Traditional 11:00 amAddress: 921 Ocean Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564|Phone: 228-875-5326|Fax: 228-872-0401 For Directions [ CLICK HERE ]