Outreach

Everyone feels better after a shower, a close shave, and a comb through their hair. However many in our community can't afford those luxuries and often forgo many of the hygiene products we use every day. Going too long without basic necessities like these can not only lead to health issues, but can also lead to extremely low self-esteem and a feeling of hopelessness. First Congregational Church wants to do our part to help our community. During the month of February, we're asking for you to assemble Health and Personal Care kits to be distributed to those in need.

With current pandemic conditions causing us to think creatively, we're asking for you to assemble the following items at your home in a quart sized Ziploc Bag:

Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Hairbrush / Comb
Shampoo
Small Bar of Soap
Wash Cloth
Disposable Razors
Shaving Cream
Tissues
Hand Sanitizer

Please bring your kits to church or you can contact us for "no-contact pick up" at your home.

Together we can make sure that everyone in the Capital District stays safe and healthy. Thank you.

With a mission focused on generosity and compassion, our church community lends its time, talents, and resources to a variety of other missions in our community.

First Congregational works actively with the South End Community Outreach Center on programs to improve the quality of life for those living in Albany’s South End. Our ongoing “Coat Drive” has helped thousands of residents keep warm during the cold winter months while our weekly “white goods” donations have provided residents with toiletries not covered by public assistance. Our “Adopt a Community” program and "Mitten Tree" continue to provide glad tidings for all at Christmas, and our "Run Back to Church" initiative has helped dozens of children remain active and vital in our city.

Other missions we support include:

NNORC (Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) • The South End Community Outreach Center • Capital District Latinos • Adult Children of Alcoholics • Alan Kerr Medical Mission (Dominican Republic) • Capital Area Council of Churches • Capital City Rescue Mission • Capital Region Theological Center • Church World Service • CROP Walk •Capital Region Food Pantries • Habitat for Humanity • Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless • Mercy House • Our Church's Wider Mission • Protestant Campus Ministry at SUNY • Souper Bowl Sunday • Support Ministries for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS • Northeast Regional Food Bank • STRIDE

Our Partner Churches

First Congregational Church believes in partnership and fellowship with other churches in our community. Significant partnerships include First Israel AME Church as well as our fellow churches in the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC).

A History of Social Justice

Throughout its history, the Congregational denomination and members of First Congregational Church have responded to situations of injustice, human suffering, and need through works of justice and mercy. We have advocated, organized, and provided ministry in response to human rights abuses, oppression, injustice, and discrimination on a local, national, and global level:

Civil Rights

First Congregational Church believes in being a multiracial and multicultural church, accessible to all, in which all people can feel at home. The Congregational denomination has historically been an active participant in the civil rights movement, affirming the ministry of gay and lesbian people and establishing itself as an "open and affirming" denomination. After the Civil War, the Congregational Church also founded the American Missionary Association to establish large numbers of African American and Native American schools and churches.

Health Care

First Congregational Church has continued a tradition of caring for the sick and promoting wellness through programs including those to prevent and combat AIDS, HIV, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

Prison Ministry

First Congregational Church partners with other churches in providing ministries to prisoners. In addition to visitation and fellowship, we've partnered to provide educational opportunities, and help recently released prisoners adjust to their new situation. One historic case of this ministry is exemplified by the Congregational Church’s support of the Mende (African) people imprisoned after rising up on board the slave ship, Amistad in 1838.