Baptism is a visible sign of an invisible grace. Through baptism, we recognize a God who claims us, loves us, and walks with us throughout our lives. The Sacrament of baptism reminds us that we are not our own, we are God’s dearly beloved children. Presbyterians describe baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace made by God through Jesus and extended to us. In baptism, God claims us as beloved children and members of Christ’s body, the church, washing us clean from sin as we renounce the power of evil and seek the will and way of God.

Though we administer baptisms to anyone and at any age, Presbyterians commonly practice infant baptism. Infant baptism reflects our belief in a God who proactively initiates a relationship with us from the very beginning; a God who’s love and acceptance has no conditions. “We love because God first loved us.” (I John 4:19).

If you are interested in planning a baptism for your child or yourself, please contact the church office HERE.

For more information about what Presbyterians believe about Baptism CLICK HERE.

Marriage is a gift from God given for the well-being of the entire human family. For Christians, marriage is a covenant through which two people are called to live out, in the presence of God, their discipleship to Jesus Christ and their devotion to one another. In the service of Christian marriage, a lifelong commitment is made to each other which is witnessed and acknowledged by the gathered community of faith.

Contact us to learn more about the process of celebrating this commitment at First Presbyterian Church.

Download our “Wedding Handbook”

The promise of our faith is that nothing—not life and not death—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38)

Losing someone can be a time of grief and pain. We want to be a comfort and prayerful presence for you in the midst of what can be a difficult season. Please contact the church immediately when a death occurs at 803-773-3814 or by email at swood@fpcsumter.org

We will help you plan a memorial service or funeral for your loved one. We offer a special ministry to families who have lost loved ones called “Mary and Martha”. Mary Martha is a ministry that provides a meal to families who are grieving. Many times this is a lunch or dinner for the family before or after the funeral/memorial service.