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Paxton Presbyterian Church is a community of Christians proud to be in the Body of Christ. Founded in 1732, we feel deeply connected with our church’s history and our surrounding community. You will find an inviting and “down-to-earth” feel with our congregation who welcomes all to join us in the spiritual growth towards understanding God’s Word.

The Incarnate Word: “In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.” (John 1:1,14) Jesus Christ is supremely the Word of God. Having been separated by sin, the Word of God in Christ brings God and humanity together.

Scripture is how God communicates to us. It is scripture that tells us what God’s attitude toward sinful humanity is, and what God’s purpose is for us. Scripture, as the Word of God, is a source of the creative and redemptive power of God, which draws humanity into relationship with God. All the various acts of worship receive their significance as they relate to what God has done, is doing, and will do in Jesus Christ. In worship, therefore, it is essential for believers to hear the scriptures in order that they may near and obey Christ. As the scripture is read and heard, it not only recounts God’s gracious love for humanity, but also is a means by which God communicates and conveys gracious love to reader and hearer. Thus, the written Word points to the incarnate Word, and shows forth the presence of Jesus Christ in redemptive power.

The preaching of the Word is for the salvation of persons. The pastor is the instrument through whom the Word of God, incarnate in Jesus Christ, may be heard in the life of the church and in the lives of all present. Proclamation through the sermon is an act of worship through which Jesus Christ is manifested anew to the people of God, both in the promises the gospel makes to them and in the demands it lays upon them. The worshipers have a duty in preaching to become a means whereby God reconciles people, unites them more firmly in the body of Christ, builds them up in faith, and guides them in the Christian life, it must be rightly heard. As the pastor has obligations in sermon preparation, so the hearer must also prepare to listen responsibly.

The Book of Confessions makes up Part I of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  Included are the following:

• The Nicene Creed
• The Apostles’ Creed
• The Scots Confession, 1560, Scotland
• The Heidelburg Catechism, 1563, Germany
• The Second Helvetic Confession, 1500’s, Switzerland
• The Westminster Confession of Faith, 1647, England
• The Shorter Catechism

The Larger Catechism

• The Theological Declaration of Barmen, 1934, Germany
• The Confession of 1967, U.S.A.
• A Brief Statement of Faith – Presbyterian Church, USA

Paxton provides more than just a worship service. We offer an outstanding music program and opportunities for members to share their talents with the congregation. Our Christian Education Ministry coordinates adult and youth church school as well as programs for children of all ages. Session Ministries and church groups plan seasonal events for the congregation and the community including Prayers in the Woods, summer concerts in the grove, a fall festival and Christmas events and activities. Paxton is a place for all ages and walks of life to join in fellowship while learning more about God and his Word.

Come dressed as you are. You will find our members attend comfortably dressing from shorts to coat and tie. Our worship service provides a structured experience where God is experienced through our talented musicians, singers, teachers, and servants. We offer both on premise services as well as virtual services through our movement of modernization.

As a Presbyterian church, there are two sacraments that we follow:

• Baptism for which Paxton performs the baptism of infants, reminding us of the Covenant, or an adult’s profession of faith.
• Holy Communion which is celebrated at the beginning of each church season, about 9 times each year.

Large print bulletins and hymnals, and personal listening devices to assist during the worship service are available through a request to an usher.

There is an ADA compliant ramp from the parking lot into the main entrance.  Inside the main entrance, there is an elevator that provides access to each level of the building. A portable ADA compliant ramp is also available at the porch side of the sanctuary as needed.