About Us
Worship
Sunday worship services are at 9:00 am in the Evans Chapel and at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary.
Child Care
We offer nursery and toddler care during all regular worship services and also for many of our special programs and activities throughout the church year.
Pastoral Leadership & Care
The Rev. Dr. Thomas F. Rice, Pastor, and Rev. Matt Nickel, Associate Pastor, lead a dedicated staff, including our Minister of Music, Director of Christian Education, Director of Youth Ministries, Parish Visitors, and many others serving God and God’s people here.
We provide pastoral care for those who are homebound, hospitalized, in nursing homes, or assisted-living facilities. Our trained Stephen Ministers provide confidential Christian care to members who request it. We also provide transportation for those who need help getting to church.
Sharing in God’s love at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak is reflected
in how we care for each other and the world.
Fellowship Activities
Family Fellowship - Enjoy light refreshments and wonderful conversations for the whole family, following the 9:00 and 10:30 am. Sunday worship services each week.
5th Sunday Potluck - Each 5th Sunday features a family potluck lunch or other special activity. These events provide a time for fellowship among all members.
Family Camping - Members may join in a great July family camping weekend at Groveland Oaks, an Oakland County park. Because it is close-by, others may come out to share in the fun at any time during the weekend.
Mission Opportunities
Our church has always been committed to Christian outreach. In addition to church financial support of mission programs, members may individually participate in hands-on mission opportunities.
Habitat for Humanity - Pastor Tom Rice and church members have again participated in the “Blitzbuild”—building a Habitat house in two weeks! We also have worked with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans for three years now. We provide regular opportunities to “swing a hammer” and help build a home for a family in need.
Gleaners Community Food Bank - Volunteers go to the Gleaners warehouse to help package foods for non-profit agencies and charities that feed the poor and hungry.
South Oakland Shelter (SOS) - Members actively support this important program to assist the homeless in our area. Each year we host a weeklong shelter here at our church.
World Medical Relief - Volunteers help package medical supplies for use around the world.
Community Lunch Programs - Members participate in serving lunch to those in need.
We become the instruments of God’s love when we reach out to others.
Music Ministry
Making a joyful noise unto the Lord is a big part of the life of First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. Under the leadership of our Minister of Music, Donald Daniels, there are many opportunities to share God’s message through the beauty of music.
Carol Choir - Children in Kindergarten through the 2nd grade meet on Wednesdays at 4:30pm.
Celebration Choir - Children in the 3rd to 5th grades meet on Wednesdays at 5:15pm.
Carol & Celebration Choirs sing together at our worship services several times during the year. In addition, they present a musical production each year.
Circle of Friends Youth Choir - Our middle and high school teens practice on Wednesdays beginning at 6:45pm. They sing together in worship services and join with the Chancel Choir for special choral events. They also perform their own musical production each year.
Chancel Choir - The adult mixed choir sings regularly at our 10:30am Sunday worship and special holiday worship services. The choir presents major works annually during Christmas and Easter seasons. They rehearse Thursdays at 7:30 pm.
Jubilate Bell Choir - This bell choir is for our experienced ringers, but always welcomes new participants. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The bell choir plays at worship services and other programs throughout the year.
Grace Notes (our women’s choir) and King’s Men (our men’s choir) rehearse at 8:00pm, generally on alternating Wednesdays. Check the church calendar for current schedule. They periodically sing at worship services and participate in community outreach activities such as nursing and retirement home performances.
CONCERT SERIES: Frances Luttrell Fine Arts Series - Our church offers an outstanding musical concert series with annual performances in October, December, February, and May. From jazz to opera, to world-renowned pianists, the series offers an exciting variety of entertainment.
Wednesday Night Live
Our Wednesday evenings are alive with activity! The action starts at 4:30 pm with the KIC (Kids in Christ) Club, when children from K to 5th grades start with a snack and participate in activities and choir rehearsals. At the same time, a variety of adult activities are also available, including computer classes and knitting. Child care is available for toddlers.
Dinner Fellowship begins at 6:00pm. Delicious family dinners are coordinated by our Chef and Food Consultant, Randy Jarman.
Adult Bible Study begins after dinner, at 7:00pm.
Circle of Friends youth choir rehearses at 6:45pm, and the Grace Notes and King’s Men meet from 8:00 to 9:00 pm.
Fellowship Groups
We have fellowship opportunities for people of all ages and interests:
KIC Club - Children from K through 5th grade enjoy a snack, activities, and choir practice from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. each Wednesday.
Mid-High Gathering (6th - 8th grades) - Meet weekly on Sundays from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Please click here for the youth ministry pages.
High School Fellowship (9th - 12th grades) - Wednesday gatherings from 7:45 to 9:00 pm. Both groups enjoy many fun recreational activities, Christian formation, retreats, summer mission and work trips.
TGIF (This Group in Faith) - This adult group meets on the first Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. for fellowship, Christian education, and outreach programs. From bowling to movie night to pool parties, this is a great way to meet others in our Church family.
Presbys - Fellowship for older adults who meet on the third Friday of each month at 6:00 pm. for dinner and a program.
Presbyterian Women’s Ministries - “Circles” meet for fellowship, mission, and study. Dinner and programs on the second Thursday of October, March, and May, and the third Thursday of December.
5 F’s Small Groups (Faith, Fun, Food, Fellowship, and Friends) - Groups schedule their own time and meeting place for fellowship and Bible study. Groups meet for a limited period and then new groups are formed so that members may develop new friendships with the congregation.
Lunch Bunch - For adults 55 years and older. Share a potluck lunch, fellowship, singing, and Bible study from 12 noon until 2:00 pm. on the first Thursday of each month.
Book Discussion Groups - Small groups that choose books to read and discuss together. We have both an afternoon group and an evening group.
Bible Studies
Joyful Journeys - K - 5th grade children attend our Joyful Journeys Sunday School program during the 10:30 am worship service.
Mid-Highs (6th - 8th) have a Bible study during the Sunday 10:30 am service.
High School (9th - 12th) have a Bible study during the Sunday 10:30 am service.
Adults - opportunities for Bible study are available throughout the year:
Sunday from 9:00 - 10:00 am
“Wednesday Night Live” from 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Inquirers’ Classes take place throughout the year. Individuals meet to learn about our church, the history of the Presbyterian faith, and the meaning and process of becoming a member here.
Teens interested in becoming members attend a Confirmation class on Sundays at 8:00pm.
You will find detailed brochures about specific programs in our church lobby.