Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Manning, Iowa

On this page:

• Brief History
• Worship Schedule
• Higher Governing Bodies
• Reference for Beliefs
• Code of Ethics
• Accessibility
• Choral Program
• Service Work
• Prayer Quilts
• Governing Board
• Smorgasbord
• Address and Phone

First Presbyterian Church was organized in 1882, and the present building, at the corner of Second and Ann Streets (two blocks east of Main Street and four blocks north of State Highway 141), was dedicated in 1883. The church has continued to serve the Manning area and presently has 170 active members.

The church regularly worships on Sunday mornings, with the service beginning at 10:00 from September through May. During June, July and August the worship service begins at 9:00 a.m. The worship services are regularly broadcast on local cable channel 10 on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Special services are held on Christmas Eve at 10:00 p.m. The church also leads a worship service at the Plaza, the nursing home of the Manning Regional Healthcare Center, on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church is proud to be a part of the connectional system of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Our church is regularly represented at meetings of the Presbytery of Prospect Hill, the regional group of churches mostly in northwestern Iowa. We support the mission projects, not only of the presbytery, but also of the Synod of the Lakes and Prairies, and the General Assembly. One way that our church supports the denomination and the denomination serves our church is through investments in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation. The church responds quickly to emergencies and disasters through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

The news magazine of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Presbyterians Today , has periodically published articles about "What Presbyterians Believe." All of the articles are now available online at their Web site. Other publications of interest are The Presbyterian Outlook , "an independent weekly serving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)"; and Horizons , "Published by Presbyterian Women for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)."

Believing that a Christian's actions reflect not only upon the individual, but also on the person's church and the whole Body of Christ, the church has adopted the Code of Ethics that was developed for the General Assembly. Obviously this Code of Ethics does not supplant the Bible, the Book of Order, or The Book of Confessions, but rather uses them as its source.

The church strives to minister to all persons, without exception. Both levels of the church building are accessible by gently sloping ramps and a wheelchair lift (elevator), with space provided in the sanctuary for wheelchairs. The acoustics in the sanctuary are excellent, and a sound system is used regularly. Large-print hymnals and bulletins are available.

First Presbyterian Church has a proud history of an active choral program, providing music for the worship services. The Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7:00 and welcomes singers of all ages.

In addition to the worship and study life of the congregation, the members are active in a variety of service work. The Presbyterian Women of First Church are very active, meeting on the first Friday of every month, September through June, at 2:00 p.m. Three circles are presently active: Esther Circle and Ruth Circle meet on the third Friday of each month, also at 2:00 p.m., and Martha Circle meets on the third Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. A special event of Presbyterian Women is the May Breakfast, held on the first Saturday of May. Presbyterian Women also sponsor a Pie Stand during the community's celebration of Weihnachtsfest.

One ministry which has distinguished First Presbyterian Church is the making and giving of Prayer Quilts. Individuals for whom prayer is an urgent need are presented with hand-made quilts which are tied together as people offer silent prayers for the recipient. The quilts not only provide warmth, but also a reminder of God's love and the concern of God's people.

As is customary in Presbyterian churches, this church is governed by a Session, consisting of nine elders elected from the congregation, together with the pastor. The Session meets on the fourth Thursday evening of the month at the church.

A special event in the life of the church is the annual Presbyterian Smorgasbord. This is held on the third Sunday of October, serving from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Marshall Brown, Pastor

• Church Office -- (712)655-3395
• Church Basement -- (712)655-2744
• Manse -- (712)655-2494

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life--this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us--we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. --1 John 1:1-3 (NRSV)