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The Reformed Church in America, a mainline Protestant denomination, traces its history through the Netherlands and the 15th century Protestant Reformation in Europe (especially the Swiss Reformation and the Reformed theologian, John Calvin.)
Sunday Worship Service
The First Church in Albany conducts a conservative style service with a contemporary message. A bulletin is given with the entire service listed. A star next to an item means that we stand up. Just look around you and stand and sit as the regulars do.
A typical service starts with announcements. After that we are silent for about a minute to quiet down our hearts. This is followed by a simple hymn.
Then we confess our sins together (from the bulletin) and hear that we are forgiven. Usually another hymn and after that we greet each other while leaving the pews.
We sing another hymn before the two readings from the Bible, a hymn by the choir and often a short children’s sermon. Often the kids leave for their own service after the congregation blesses them. The sermon is followed by a hymn, a collection while the choir sings, then prayers and another hymn. All the singing is accompanied by organ music (Mary Bon is a great organist.)
Most worship services last between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes.
The First Church in Albany conducts a conservative style service with a contemporary message. A bulletin is given with the entire service listed. A star next to an item means that we stand up. Just look around you and stand and sit as the regulars do.
A typical service starts with announcements. After that we are silent for about a minute to quiet down our hearts. This is followed by a simple hymn.
Then we confess our sins together (from the bulletin) and hear that we are forgiven. Usually another hymn and after that we greet each other while leaving the pews.
We sing another hymn before the two readings from the Bible, a hymn by the choir and often a short children’s sermon. Often the kids leave for their own service after the congregation blesses them. The sermon is followed by a hymn, a collection while the choir sings, then prayers and another hymn. All the singing is accompanied by organ music (Mary Bon is a great organist.)
Most worship services last between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes.
Holy Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month. Everyone who believes in God is invited to join.
Maybe when you visit we are not following the outline above at all. Just enjoy it; variety is the spice of life.
Coffee, tea and cookies are served in Zimmerman Hall following the service. It is a good time and place to meet the regulars and find out if you and FCA will be a good fit, or if you are visiting from out-of-town, to meet local people from all walks of life.
Maybe when you visit we are not following the outline above at all. Just enjoy it; variety is the spice of life.
Coffee, tea and cookies are served in Zimmerman Hall following the service. It is a good time and place to meet the regulars and find out if you and FCA will be a good fit, or if you are visiting from out-of-town, to meet local people from all walks of life.
Inquirers Class:
At least once a year First Church conducts a series of lunch meetings for people seeking full membership at The First Church in Albany. Background information is given and questions can be asked about both protestant religion in general and First Church in particular. These sessions are also open to established church members and to seekers not yet ready to commit to membership. Please call the First Church Office to find out more: 518-463-4449
At least once a year First Church conducts a series of lunch meetings for people seeking full membership at The First Church in Albany. Background information is given and questions can be asked about both protestant religion in general and First Church in particular. These sessions are also open to established church members and to seekers not yet ready to commit to membership. Please call the First Church Office to find out more: 518-463-4449