Welcome!

 

I’m glad you’ve chosen to spend a few minutes looking around, learning more about our church family. When I describe First Pres to people, I like to say that our church is “different…in a good way.”

Sure, we do all the things you would expect at a church: we worship Jesus every Sunday with joy, gather on Wednesdays to share a meal and study the Bible together, and have programs for children and youth. But the experience of these things is just…different here…in such a good way.

 

  We’re not a tiny church, but we’re small enough that you can really know people and have deep relationships that strengthen your faith. Our members are from all over Albany (and all over the world!), all different educational and social backgrounds, life experiences, and ideologies…and yet we love each other and love being together! And we love our city and believe God has put us in this place for a reason, and so we are passionate about loving and serving others in Downtown Albany.

The reason our church is this way is because we’re all about compassion: the compassion of Jesus Christ working through us. We recognize that we wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Christ loving us and coming into our lives right where we are, and so that’s what we’re committed to do for each other and the world. So our mission is to encourage, equip, and empower people with the compassion of Jesus to renew our church and community.

While you browse this site, you’ll get a glimpse of who we are, but just a glimpse. To get the full experience of this church that’s different…in a really good way, come to a worship service or Wednesday night program or a Samaritan Saturday Mission meal to feel the hospitality, care, and love we share in Christ. We can’t wait to welcome you and get to know you.

 

-Joshua Bower (pastor)

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