We worship at 10 am every Sunday. Musical vespers service every Sunday at 5 pm.

About Our Church

Commitment   THE COVENANT OF OUR CONGREGATION                              Adopted by the Congregation in 1962 We do hereby set forth the principles of the Christian faith as commonly held among us, believing that no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. It shall be our aim to bring joy to little children, instruction and high ideals to youth, inspiration to men and women in the midst of life, and comfort to those in life's later years; and to labor together for the betterment of humankind. Our fellowship shall not be dependent upon identity of theological opinion, or of outward circumstance, or of denominational concern, but shall grow from a common loyalty to Jesus, a common commitment to serve the world we touch, and a common purpose to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. Our ideal is a church of the open mind, the warm heart, the hopeful spirit, and the social vision which ever seeks to express, in all walks of life, the mind of Jesus.        Basics Parking  to street parking, there are four areas set aside for your use when attending events and worship.  You may use all the lots within sight of the church for events here. Office Our office is open from 7 am to 3 pm weekdays all year long.   The library, the sanctuary, and church facilities are open for your use during these times.  Community groups and individuals may book space at the church by contacting the church office. Membership Membership in the First Reformed Church is open to all.  Classes are held on a regular basis to help orient people to the building, the leadership, and the programs of the church.  Call 377-2201 for more info. Education Childcare is provided through our Kinderwyk program staffed by professionals and members located on the first floor of the house next to the church at 10 North Church Street.  Care is offered from 9 to noon every Sunday morning. Church School Children through Junior High are invited to leave worship after the children’s message and go to church school until 11:20 on Sundays of the school year.  From 11:20 to noon, activities are offered so that parents might attend the Sunday Forum. Confirmation These classes prepare youth for entry into adulthood and membership in the church. Adult Education Offerings include Sunday morning studies, Kerygma Bible study Wednesday mornings, and the Adult Forum that meets after worship most Sundays. Worship Our worship is open to all. Sunday Morning Worship We worship every Sunday morning at 10 am, but you may wish to come a few minutes early for our inspiring organ prelude that begins at 9:40. Vespers Every Sunday at 5 pm you are welcome to a reflective service of mostly music featuring professional musicians and some readings.  1st and 3rd Sundays have a Jazz focus, 2nd Sundays are Classical, and 4th Sundays are Celtic music. Wednesday Evening Worship Wednesday evenings we gather for a reflective liturgical service in the sanctuary. Weddings and Funerals Members and non-members are welcome to have their religious ceremonies in our worship spaces.   Denomination The First Reformed Church is a member of the Reformed Church in America.  We are an historic protestant denomination that traces its roots to the Netherlands.  Our denomination is a representative democracy, with elected church leaders making decisions with clergy at every level. In the broadest possible terms, our denomination believes that a benevolent God is in charge.  This God is revealed in Jesus Christ.  This revelation rescues us.

Activities

Activities at First Reformed: Church School  Youth Fellowships  Community Dinners  Adult Classes  International Mission  Concerts  Environmental Activism  Wednesday Forums   Monday Newsgroup  Adult Choir  Youth Choir  Bell Choirs  Youth Orchestra  Vacation Bible School  Local Mission Opportunities  Fair Trade Sales  Bookstore  Library  Historical Archives  Tuesday Moms  Kerygma  Sunday Morning Worship  Sunday Evening Vespers

Church History

History  The First Reformed Church is Schenectady’s oldest congregation. Founded by Dutch settlers, Schenectady’s first colonists, the Church has long enjoyed an ethnically and ecumenically diverse membership drawn from the city, its suburbs and surrounding rural areas. The church has kept records since 1680. The records include ministries to the Mohawk Indians, Gen. George Washington’s presence at a worship service during the Revolution, printing money, the change from Dutch to English to American, and the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. George R. Lunn, who left the pulpit to became Schenectady’s Socialist mayor in the early 1900’s. The first church building, located near the present bus station on State Street, was destroyed in the 1690 Schenectady Massacre. An expanding congregation outgrew its second and third buildings, replacing them with larger structures. The fourth was lost in Schenectady’s Great Fire of 1861. The present church building, an architectural landmark, designed by the highly regarded Victorian-gothic architect Edward Tuckerman Potter, was gutted by fire Feb. 1, 1948. The congregation, with generous assistance from the Schenectady community, restored the priceless edifice to its present form. First Reformed Church has always played an important positive role in Schenectady, offering spiritual nurture to early colonists, rebuilding after the massacre, supporting the American cause in the Revolutionary War, and founding Union College. During W.W.II, our minister, the Rev. Clark V. Poling, sacrificed his life at the sinking of the troop transport Dorchester. He was one of the Four Chaplains who gave up their life jackets so soldiers would survive. We continue our heritage of mission and ministry today. Church members serve as board members of service agencies throughout the community. First Reformed Church is an active member and supporter of Schenectady Inner City Ministry. Many of our members give their time and talents to show God’s love through the Community Gardens Project, Bethesda House Hospitality Center and other local organizations. In recent years, youth and adult groups have traveled to Honduras, Ecuador, Mexico, Appalachia, New York City, and Florida on mission work projects. In touring our Church, we invite you to visit the sanctuary, chapels, library, Faith Bookshop, Poling House Christian education facilities, columbarium, Kinderwyck child-care center and gardens. Greeters and guides are on hand to tell you about the history of our Church, its stained glass windows, flags, and historical treasures on display. We’d also like to talk about our life together as a congregation today and the many opportunities for people of all ages in our Church School, adult learning, music, youth, fellowship, and mission programs. Thank you for this “virtual visit” to Schenectady’s First Church. We hope to see you soon, in person.