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Third Presbyterian Church, which was founded in downtown Springfield in 1849, moved to the north side of Springfield in 1873, and has been at its present location at Seventh and Bergen Streets since 1890.

“… God first loved us.”
1 John 4-19

VISION STATEMENT

As a body of believers, pastoral care and discipleship ministry should be the first priority for the spiritual needs and interests of our congregation. We seek to grow in our spiritual relationship and daily commitment to Jesus Christ. We exist to enrich the Christian life of our congregation. We call upon God's grace and help for the fulfillment of this vision.

We are the people of the Third Presbyterian Church, which was founded February 7, 1849 and we are very proud of our existence as a Christ centered church. Our church is located at the north end of the City of Springfield, which is the Capital of the State of Illinois. We are located near two major hospitals, and the newly opened Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, in the new Downstate Medical District. This new medical addition may offer opportunities for ministry.

Third church has an outstanding building complex with ample parking. Due to a fire five years ago, we now have a beautiful new sanctuary. We also have a three story Sunday School Building, an Administration Building and a Fellowship Building with a fully equipped kitchen.

Our church is involved in many community outreach programs which include: CIVS (Caregivers Interfaith Volunteer Services); Inner City Mission; Salvation Army; Kumler Neighborhood Food Pantry Ministry; M.E.R.C.Y. (Mentors, Empowerment, and Resources for Change in Young families) among others. We have just committed to being a partner to build a house in the summer of 2005 with Habitat For Humanity. Our youth will also be involved in a separate Youth United Build for 2005. We are also partnering with Chatham Presbyterian Church in a youth work camp 2006 program to renovate homes in the Springfield area. We are reaching out to other area churches to promote coop activities and/or events which could provide additional ministry for all ages. Through this expansion of communication and cooperation, we and others could continue to grow in our relationship and commitment to Jesus Christ. Our faith in God is strong and we still endeavor to glorify God.

We must always remember:

GOD is FIRST

OTHERS are SECOND and

WE are THIRD

MISSION STATEMENT

As a Christ-centered church seeking to glorify God, our mission is to know Christ through a personal relationship with Him, to grow in knowledge of Christ through worship, to share Christ with others, and to show Christ's love by serving one another.

Because God first loved us, He is calling Third Presbyterian Church to follow Him into a new mission that emphasizes pastoral care and discipleship. God is leading us to minister to the unique needs and interests of our congregation while being sensitive to others. Worship that is Christ-centered welcomes others and allows Third Church to respond to the unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness of God. Our worship is affirming and uplifting. Our worship and programs are Bible-based to encourage growing, knowing, sharing, and showing His love. We believe Jesus Christ to be the embodiment of God's love. We believe that we are saved by the grace of God, which we know through our faith in Jesus Christ. We gather to hear the Word of God proclaimed and to receive God's love in the sacraments of Baptism and Communion. Communion celebrated monthly, is a deeply rooted tradition at Third Church.

To use the gifts we have received from Christ, we explore projects to minister to people outside the church. We invite members of the community to take part in programs and opportunities intended for special groups within our congregation. These evangelism and mission projects allow us to become aware of people's basic needs and concerns. We network with other churches, agencies, and organizations in our community to help provide adequate food, clothing, and shelter for our neighborhood. Public relations and communication within and outside the church will be improved to provide information about ministries at Third Church.

As believers we are called to be faithful to God's commission to proclaim the Gospel and to attest to the authority of the Scriptures. Faithfulness is committing ourselves to be true followers of the triune God and doing that which is necessary to fulfill His teachings.