FIRST PRES 2025 WRAPPED
2025 has been a year of God’s remarkable faithfulness at First Pres! As we reflect on the countless ways He has moved among us, we stand in awe of hearts transformed, lives renewed, and a community strengthened in His love. This year, the spirit of generosity, service, and belonging within our congregation has flourished in extraordinary ways. From worship to missions, from children’s ministries to college outreach, God’s work through His people has been visible in every corner of our church. Each moment, each act of service, and each life touched tells the story of His relentless love.
In 2025, we celebrated 136 New Covenant Partners, bringing our church family to 3,253. Each story represents someone belonging in God’s presence, among His people, and in the places He calls us. Our faithful volunteers continue to embody the hands and feet of Jesus, serving both quietly and boldly across ministries, and growing the number of consistent volunteers to 264.
Our impact through partnerships and Missions reached far beyond Orlando. We joined with 38 mission organizations and 34 missionaries to share the hope of Christ. Through the generosity of our congregation, First Pres contributed $456,705 toward missions this year, not including Good Samaritan funds. Through giving, praying, and serving, the Gospel transformed countless lives.
Students experienced meaningful spiritual growth through discipleship and community. 95 children attended Camp Twain, alongside 161 Middle and High School Weekend campers, supported by 33 volunteers. Over 2,800 slices of pizza fueled fellowship and fun throughout the year.
Our children’s SHINE ministry thrived, with 292 children participating on Sundays, 130 kids in summer Deep Dive, and 25 new Confirmands joining our Church Family. 26 (and counting) precious babies were born into our community, and 4,160 worship bags were lovingly prepared to enrich Sunday worship for children. These numbers tell the story of energy, joy, and faith being cultivated in our youngest disciples.
College students were deeply engaged, with 89 participating in small groups and 59 attending conferences and retreats. Twenty volunteers dedicated 314 hours to mentoring and discipleship. Students shared 97 songs, poems, and testimonies, made 278 trips to campus, and participated in over 25 campus prayer walks.
The Orlando Fellows program celebrated 94 Fellows over nine years, continuing to shape young leaders through spiritual growth, community service, and vocational development.
Our senior adults also flourished, with 8 volunteers supporting an average of 39 participants at monthly Young at Heart luncheons. Faithful service, lots of fun and fellowship are key to our legacy-keepers’ thriving.
Discipleship grew stronger throughout the church. Women’s and Men’s Retreats hosted 58 and 55 participants, while 66 members participated in book studies. Small groups numbered over 400 participants across 38 groups, supported by 72 volunteers. Collectively, the congregation donated over 3,800 breakfast items to students at CrossTown 119 School, showing a heart for service as well as spiritual growth.
Congregational Care remained vital. Prayer vigils totaled 150 minutes, 14 Stephen Ministers served care receivers, 26 counseling scholarships were offered, and 38 Good Samaritan payouts were made. 34 support group participants received loving care from 18 volunteers, demonstrating the compassion that defines our Church Family.
Our Weekday School continued providing a Christ-centered foundation for 135 young learners, and The Christ School upheld its commitment to excellence and faith formation for 561 students on our campus.
We celebrated 47 baptisms, enjoyed LifeFest, and many other family-focused seminars, guest speakers and gatherings. Volunteers helped families grow in faith together, fostering a spirit of belonging across generations.
Worship Arts soared with 177 hymns sung and 85 choir members leading worship. These faithful musicians and vocalists supported rehearsals and services, enhancing the beauty and richness of our worship experiences week after week.
Our Hospitality Team shined bright — lighting 4,500 Christmas Eve candles! We served 108 loaves of communion bread and 1,152 ounces of juice, and shared 8,612 cups of coffee alongside 4,050 cups of hot chocolate and lemonade. 2,915 joined us for Easter services, and 80+ volunteers ensured that every Sunday was welcoming and worshipful.
Our Creative/Tech Team proclaimed the Good News around the globe to 43,985 homes worshiping online, and our website received 105,000 unique views.
Other milestones included 21 new Elders and Deacons, and 2,300 new Sunday morning visitors, and the passionate dedication of our staff whose experience and dedication underpin everything we do.
As we step into our 150th year of 2026, may the victories, stories, and blessings of the past inspire us to lean even more fully into God’s calling. Every life touched, each act of service, and every moment of worship is a testament to His transformative power. Together, we will carry forward our legacy — drawing closer to God and one another, and living boldly as a church whose faith, generosity, and joy illuminate the world for His glory! Here’s to an epic year of miracles, ministry, and abundant life in Christ!
Thank you, and Happy New Year!
#WeAreFirstPres
God is calling YOU to be a part His victories through First Pres in 2026!
Contact our Connect Team to explore formation opportunities, groups of belonging, ways to serve, and ways to give.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Number 6:24-26
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4