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“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that God loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; yet, if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7-12 |
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.)
Church is all about Love, and in worship, we uniquely come to know the God who is Love—the God who has shown us love in Jesus Christ. And in response to God’s love, we are moved to love God back, and to love others, as ourselves.
We love God and love others by learning more about God and what God is up to in our world through bible study, books about justice, praying together; by being a community together who celebrates each other’s joys, and who cries with one another when we need to cry; by working our food pantry, visiting the sick, or protesting for racial justice. We believe that all these acts of love start in worship — so come join us! We’d love to worship with you. What’s First Church’s “Feel”? First Church is a nationally historic congregation as it is one of the oldest churches in the United States. We turned 380 in 2022! Largely because of our history combined with the ethos of First Church, some like to describe our Sunday worship services as classical yet liberating. We usually worship in a classical way. We sing hymns, say prayers together, and listen to a 15–20-minute sermon. However, we proudly profess liberating theology and contemporary values. We are all dressed differently, we are inclusive, and we are justice oriented. |
Sunday Worship Service 10am
Church life at The First Church in Albany is built around worship. We are a member of the Reformed Church in America and per the RCA website, Reformed worship services historically have a particular flow that reflects our encounters with God: approaching God, receiving the Word of God, and responding to God. The particulars of the service are flexible, but the foundation remains the same. (www.rca.org/about/worship)
The First Church in Albany provides a conservative style service with a contemporary message. Greeters will offer a bulletin that leads you through the service including scripture, prayers and song. Throughout the service, there are times you will be asked to rise and stand in body or in spirit. The first Sunday of each month is our Communion Sunday Service. Additional information will be available in the bulletin on Communion Sunday. Everyone who believes in God is invited to join us.
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 FCIA will be a good fit, or if you are visiting from out-of-town, to meet local people from all walks of life.
Church life at The First Church in Albany is built around worship. We are a member of the Reformed Church in America and per the RCA website, Reformed worship services historically have a particular flow that reflects our encounters with God: approaching God, receiving the Word of God, and responding to God. The particulars of the service are flexible, but the foundation remains the same. (www.rca.org/about/worship)
The First Church in Albany provides a conservative style service with a contemporary message. Greeters will offer a bulletin that leads you through the service including scripture, prayers and song. Throughout the service, there are times you will be asked to rise and stand in body or in spirit. The first Sunday of each month is our Communion Sunday Service. Additional information will be available in the bulletin on Communion Sunday. Everyone who believes in God is invited to join us.
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 FCIA will be a good fit, or if you are visiting from out-of-town, to meet local people from all walks of life.
For those who cannot join us in person, you can join us on Zoom at 10am. The link for the Zoom stream is on the homepage. There you will also find a link to a pdf version of the bulletin you can open on your computer or phone.
Most worship services last between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes.
Most worship services last between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes.
A Night of Worship Service 7pm
The first Thursday of each month, we have a smaller, contemporary service in our Stephen James Chapel. This evening gathering begins with a potluck at 6pm in our Parlor next to the Chapel. Worship begins at 7pm. This service is relaxed and interactive. All are welcome to join in the fellowship.
The first Thursday of each month, we have a smaller, contemporary service in our Stephen James Chapel. This evening gathering begins with a potluck at 6pm in our Parlor next to the Chapel. Worship begins at 7pm. This service is relaxed and interactive. All are welcome to join in the fellowship.
Sunday Drive-in Worship Service 10am
In the summer months, we hold our worship service in the parking lot. We have an FM station for you to tune into on your car radio so you can hear everything that is happening. After the parking lot service, we have a Lemonade Lull in Clee Park. Everyone is welcome.
In the summer months, we hold our worship service in the parking lot. We have an FM station for you to tune into on your car radio so you can hear everything that is happening. After the parking lot service, we have a Lemonade Lull in Clee Park. Everyone is welcome.
