| THE FIRST SPANISH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MIAMI |
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The First Spanish Presbyterian Church and its Day Care were founded by Rev. Ernesto Sosa in 1958. Rev. Sosa was the pastor from 1958 to 1962. After Sosa, Rev. Martin N. Añorga was pastor from January 1964 to January 1992.
Under Añorga’s advice, La Progresiva Presbyterian School was founded. Along with the school, the kitchen, cafeteria, and Social Hall were built. Also, a second story was erected to accommodate the library and both school and church offices. In addition, two houses, a Duplex, and an additional parking lot were acquired. Rev. Añorga retired in 1992.
Rev. Mardoqueo Muñoz is the pastor of The First Spanish Presbyterian Church of Miami since January 13, 1993 to the present.
The First Spanish Presbyterian Church of Miami is located in an entirely low income Hispanic community. The church’s membership comprises of 435 active members, 46 inactive, and 131 baptized members to date. The church has representation from almost all Latin American countries with its majority of members from Cuba; people from 19 countries worship at our church including two families from Brazil.
Our church celebrates two Sunday worship services: a traditional service at 8:45 a.m. and a contemporary service at 11:00 a.m. At 8:45 a.m., the attendance fluctuates from 70 to 100 people, and at the 11:00 a.m. service, the attendance is from 200 to 250 people. Our Sunday school is at 10:00 a.m. for children, youth, and adults.
Our church has 23 ministries including:
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- Deacons: Among their activities, on the second Thursday of every month, the Deacons have their Outreach program. They deliver food to neighbors and share with them the Gospel.
- The Youth Ministry: The youth has a discipleship program under the direction of youth director, Walfrido Fraticelli.
- Women’s Association: They have prayer gatherings, home worship services, and a visitation ministry every Monday.
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- Music: It includes a traditional Chancel Choir and a contemporary Praise Band. Recently interactive computer audiovisual was introduced projecting our order of worship on a screen.
- The Oasis: This is a family program held every Wednesday. It offers a fellowship dinner from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and a Bible Study and other activities starting at 7:30 p.m.
- Other Ministries: Presbyterian Men, Christian Education, Support Group, and many others.
The Session: It is organized in such a way that while the Elders carry out their ministries, they also learn the constitution of the Presbyterian church, including The Book of Order, The Book of Confessions, and the Parliamentary Rules. Our church’s main goals are: |
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Our goal is to study the Bible in a comprehensive manner, book by book, and verse by verse, with a contemporary emphasis. |
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Our prayer focus is especially for the sick, anointment and laying of hands once a month, and a call to the altar once a week. |
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Our particular focus of praise consists of teaching the church and our readers how to praise the Lord in both a traditional and contemporary manner. This area has been particularly challenging for our congregation due to its diversified multicultural parishioners who have many different ways of worship. A lot of understanding and wisdom has been required to undertake this shift of worship, with our ultimately goal of welcoming new people of all ages.
To this day, The First Spanish Presbyterian Church of Miami is one of the largest Hispanic churches and it’s self supported.
Unfortunately, this past summer, our AC system had to be replaced at a cost of $28,600, and recently, last week, our Sanctuary was broken into. Our entire sound system was stolen, including speakers, keyboard, microphones, etc. We are in need of immediate replacement of our sound system, and once again with God on our side, our church has to face this difficulty. Please be in prayer for our church. |
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